Codeofhammurabi
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Bidwill's team is still bad, but he's not a bad guy
Sports Columnist Bernie Miklasz
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The Cardinals of Arizona were supposed to take off and zoom into a prosperous new era this season. They opened a spectacular, new, $455 million stadium, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Peter Eisenman. Free agent Edgerrin James was paid a load of cash to run the Cardinals to higher ground. And the Cardinals claimed slick USC quarterback Matt Leinart when he dropped to 10th on the NFL draft board.
The changes have been dramatic.
Except for the won-loss record.
The Cardinals drag a 2-9 mark and another losing season into the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday, wishing to make owner Bill Bidwill's bow tie spin by upsetting the Rams. Given Dennis Green's 11-30 record, distemper, questionable personnel decisions and shaky game management, it appears that the Bidwills soon will be searching for a new coach.
I'm baffled by the Cardinals' failure to move up in the world. I know what you are thinking: It's no mystery, because Bidwill owns the team. There is sufficient evidence to back that theory. The Cardinals failed to make the playoffs in 25 of their 28 seasons in St. Louis, and have 17 losing records in 19 years since relocating to Arizona in 1988.
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But there is a difference: The man is trying to win, and the franchise has established some positive momentum. Bidwill's son, Michael Bidwill, has provided fresh and dynamic leadership. A former federal prosecutor in Phoenix, Bidwill, 41, used his political skills, outgoing personality and optimism to finesse the new stadium project through considerable opposition, and to fruition. The increase in stadium-related revenue prompted a spending wave that pulled in James, among other free agents.
Even with a weak O-line, any team that has Leinart throwing to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald and handing off to The Edge should be closer to 9-2 than 2-9. Some fans in the Valley have pointed out that the Cardinals remain $10 million under the salary cap, and wonder about Bidwill's real commitment. But Arizona has put up huge money in front-loading some of the larger deals, making it easier to lessen the cap damage if players are released before those contracts expire.
If Green is sacked after the season, the Cardinals may also restructure their front office, which should help. With the skill players on offense, a quick turnaround is possible under new football leadership.
I hope the Cardinals can find a way to success, because a Rams-Cardinals rivalry would be great fun if both teams are winning and competing head-to-head for first place in the NFC West, or for an NFC wild-card spot.
Many football Cardinals fans here will never forgive Bidwill for moving his team. It's understandable. I've written some harsh words about Bidwill. But I appreciate the generosity he continues to show St. Louis in other ways.
Bidwill recently purchased $10,000 worth of new winter coats from Columbia Sportswear to donate to Kurt Warner's Winter Warm Up coat drive. Many of those jackets will be distributed to needy St. Louisans.
And for Thanksgiving, Bidwill donated 700 turkeys to the food pantries of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis.
Bidwill hasn't forgotten his former St. Louis players, either. St. Louis Cardinals Pro Football Hall of Famers Larry Wilson and Dan Dierdorf were honored by Bidwill earlier this season, with their names placed in the Ring of Honor at the new stadium.
For Sunday's game at the Dome, Bidwill will be joined in his suite by a long list of St. Louis alums, including Carl Allen, Mark Arneson, Irv Goode, Mel Gray, Jim Hanifan, Willard Harrell, Jerry Holloway, Tim Kearney, Terry Miller, Eddie Moss, Jim Otis, Bob Rowe, Mike Sensibaugh, Jackie Smith, Larry Stallings, Herschel Turner, Chuck Walker, Roger Wehrli, Eric Williams, Wilson and Keith Wortman.
It's another nice gesture. Bidwill is bad at building a winning football team, but that doesn't make him a bad guy.
By Bernie Miklasz
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/03/2006ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
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Sports Columnist Bernie Miklasz
[More columns]
The Cardinals of Arizona were supposed to take off and zoom into a prosperous new era this season. They opened a spectacular, new, $455 million stadium, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Peter Eisenman. Free agent Edgerrin James was paid a load of cash to run the Cardinals to higher ground. And the Cardinals claimed slick USC quarterback Matt Leinart when he dropped to 10th on the NFL draft board.
The changes have been dramatic.
Except for the won-loss record.
The Cardinals drag a 2-9 mark and another losing season into the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday, wishing to make owner Bill Bidwill's bow tie spin by upsetting the Rams. Given Dennis Green's 11-30 record, distemper, questionable personnel decisions and shaky game management, it appears that the Bidwills soon will be searching for a new coach.
You must be registered for see images
I'm baffled by the Cardinals' failure to move up in the world. I know what you are thinking: It's no mystery, because Bidwill owns the team. There is sufficient evidence to back that theory. The Cardinals failed to make the playoffs in 25 of their 28 seasons in St. Louis, and have 17 losing records in 19 years since relocating to Arizona in 1988.
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Sound Off in Cards Talk
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But there is a difference: The man is trying to win, and the franchise has established some positive momentum. Bidwill's son, Michael Bidwill, has provided fresh and dynamic leadership. A former federal prosecutor in Phoenix, Bidwill, 41, used his political skills, outgoing personality and optimism to finesse the new stadium project through considerable opposition, and to fruition. The increase in stadium-related revenue prompted a spending wave that pulled in James, among other free agents.
Even with a weak O-line, any team that has Leinart throwing to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald and handing off to The Edge should be closer to 9-2 than 2-9. Some fans in the Valley have pointed out that the Cardinals remain $10 million under the salary cap, and wonder about Bidwill's real commitment. But Arizona has put up huge money in front-loading some of the larger deals, making it easier to lessen the cap damage if players are released before those contracts expire.
If Green is sacked after the season, the Cardinals may also restructure their front office, which should help. With the skill players on offense, a quick turnaround is possible under new football leadership.
I hope the Cardinals can find a way to success, because a Rams-Cardinals rivalry would be great fun if both teams are winning and competing head-to-head for first place in the NFC West, or for an NFC wild-card spot.
Many football Cardinals fans here will never forgive Bidwill for moving his team. It's understandable. I've written some harsh words about Bidwill. But I appreciate the generosity he continues to show St. Louis in other ways.
Bidwill recently purchased $10,000 worth of new winter coats from Columbia Sportswear to donate to Kurt Warner's Winter Warm Up coat drive. Many of those jackets will be distributed to needy St. Louisans.
And for Thanksgiving, Bidwill donated 700 turkeys to the food pantries of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis.
Bidwill hasn't forgotten his former St. Louis players, either. St. Louis Cardinals Pro Football Hall of Famers Larry Wilson and Dan Dierdorf were honored by Bidwill earlier this season, with their names placed in the Ring of Honor at the new stadium.
For Sunday's game at the Dome, Bidwill will be joined in his suite by a long list of St. Louis alums, including Carl Allen, Mark Arneson, Irv Goode, Mel Gray, Jim Hanifan, Willard Harrell, Jerry Holloway, Tim Kearney, Terry Miller, Eddie Moss, Jim Otis, Bob Rowe, Mike Sensibaugh, Jackie Smith, Larry Stallings, Herschel Turner, Chuck Walker, Roger Wehrli, Eric Williams, Wilson and Keith Wortman.
It's another nice gesture. Bidwill is bad at building a winning football team, but that doesn't make him a bad guy.
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