Quarterback Kurt Warner was named NFC offensive player of the week Tuesday for his performance against the Dolphins.
Kurt Warner had a perfect passing rating Sunday against Miami.
When you can't play any better as a quarterback, it's probably no surprise such a performance would earn NFC offensive player of the week honors, either.
That happened Tuesday, when Warner was given the award after posting his 158.3 rating. Warner completed 19-of-24 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns in the Cards' 31-10 win over Miami. It was the third time in his career Warner had a perfect rating in a game, tying the Colts' Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history.
The last time Warner had a perfect rating in a game was 2000. Eight years later, Warner clearly felt satisfaction that he can still light up an opposing defense, even after having to fight for the starting job in training camp.
"I think it's special for me at this point, this time in my career, to have a perfect game," Warner said. "There's a lot that goes into it. I don't by any means say this is about me because there's so many other factors in that.
"It's always nice to justify yourself in any way, shape or form by having games like this and letting people know, no matter what's happening and what the scenario is, I can still play at a high level."
Through two games, Warner's passing rating is 128.5, second in the NFL to Ben Roethlisberger's 136.3. Warner leads the NFL with 10.3 yards per attempt, and perhaps most importantly, has not thrown an interception or fumbled the ball.
"One of the things we have done is tailor the offense to the best fit for his strengths," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "One thing I compliment Kurt on is he has changed some of the things he has done in the past, and that's not always easy to do.
"I think there has been a lot of good give and take"
Warner has 12 300-yard passing games as a Cardinal, tying Charley Johnson for third-most in franchise history. He has 42 such games in his career.
Warner has earned player of the week honors seven times in his career and three times with the Cards, having done so after a Week 1 win over San Francisco in 2006 and a win in St. Louis in 2005.
"I'm humbled to be in Peyton's class," Warner said. "Let's hope there's a few more in the barrel, too."
Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 9/16/08.
