"The Cardinals players voice a clear preference for which quarterback they want to start the regular season: the guy coach Ken Whisenhunt chooses.

Players declined to weigh in on the Derek Anderson vs. Matt Leinart debate, repeating the same message enough that it almost sounded like they were reading from a script.

"I'm not going to comment on that; that's a no-win situation for me to be in," said receiver Larry Fitzgerald. "We all trust in Coach Whisenhunt's philosophy and expertise. He's led us to two straight playoff seasons . . . so why wouldn't we believe in what he's going to do?"

Fitzgerald said he has not given his input into the matter.

"I'm just a hired hand, man," he said. "I'm just a pawn on the chess board."

Running back Tim Hightower said the quarterback situation is not a distraction."