Kurt Warner and Rich Gannon: Similar Storyline but Different Paths

Watching this season as it unfolds has had some interesting storylines.

Being a Raider fan, and watching Kurt Warner enjoying his golden years, you can't help but think back to when Rich Gannon had his heyday in Oakland.

Before you scoff, think about this:

Both are 37-years old when they're having their best possible year.

Both are castoffs from their original teams.

Both are putting up numbers that you don't normally see unless they are in their prime.

And both powered their teams like none other.

Gannon's path does turn when you consider the team that was built around him. Names like Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Rod Woodson, Trace Armstrong, and others made the Raiders into the Bay Area Retirement Home. And for Gannon and the Raiders, the stunt almost worked.

For Kurt Warner, it took him taking over a team that was supposed to be sitting pretty with the QB of the future doing good things. Instead, the QB developed issues, and given the chance, Kurt thrived. Warner also had the advantage of a healthy draft, with several world class players at wide receiver, and a steady stream of RBs to keep it balanced.

Gannon's talents netted him several Pro Bowl appearances, and after flirting with the record for yards in a season, he did get a MVP award in 2002, but was denied the ring.

Right now, Warner has the Cards focused, on task, and won't take any slack. If I was the coach of the Cards, I wouldn't change a thing. And let Warner do it all over again...first with the Rams, and a second run with the Cards.

It would make for a good closing to his career...if he's ready that is.