Cards to hire real GM

[General Chaos]

Pro Football Weekly


Dec. 4, 2006



The way we hear it, the Cardinals have finally begun taking steps to replace the current regime in its entirety and have started contacting specific candidates for the team’s top personnel job. Sources tell us that, despite his close relationship with owner Bill Bidwill, vice president of football opera*tions/pseudo-GM Rod Graves, who has been working without a contract since May, is almost certain to be given his walking papers, and that a whole new staff, headed by a new GM type, will be hired and then given the responsibility of hiring a new head coach to replace Dennis Green. As for the likelihood of USC head coach Pete Carroll taking over for Green, we hear that admittedly fascinating prospect is lessened by the amount of money and power Carroll would probably need to have guaranteed for him to return to the pro ranks. There’s no denying that Carroll, who coached Cardinals QB Matt Leinart at USC, would generate a very positive buzz that would offset what has been an extremely disappointing season in the desert. But we hear the revamping process that is beginning to materialize would appear to make a different plan of attack much more likely.

 

[CardShark]

A total rebuild would most likely mean another 2 or 3 years of frustration. What happened in New Orleans is not the norm.

 

[football karma]

Rebuilding the front office doesnt necessarily mean rebuilding the team

 

[CardShark]

Rebuilding the front office doesnt necessarily mean rebuilding the team

The talk is of front office and coaching staff. Coaching staff usually takes years to take hold.

 

[MrY]

Maybe they hire a GM and leave it up to him/her to decide Greens' fate

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

A total rebuild would most likely mean another 2 or 3 years of frustration. What happened in New Orleans is not the norm.

So you'd rather have us keep investing time and money into something that has been proven to be unsuccessful? What we have now (the M.Bidwill/Graves/Green triumvirate) is simply not working and has only regressed since the experiment began around five years ago. It's time to cut bait and move on.

 

[PDXChris]

The talk is of front office and coaching staff. Coaching staff usually takes years to take hold.

Lovie Smith had his team in the playoffs in year 2, marvin Lewis showed great improvment in his first year, Magini(sp?) and the Jets are playing above thier heads, Nolan took one of the worst teams in histroy and has them completing for the playoffs in his second year.

 

[CardShark]

So you'd rather have us keep investing time and money into something that has been proven to be unsuccessful? What we have now (the M.Bidwill/Graves/Green triumvirate) is simply not working and has only regressed since the experiment began around five years ago. It's time to cut bait and move on.

I for one want to see how the year plays out. If this team has finally turned the corner, then it would amount to scuttling the ship as it pulls in to port. Maybe it took longer for the ship to come in than everyone wanted or expected it too, but if it's come in, get on board. Don't sink it. If the the way they played against the Rams can be what we can expect from here on out, then let Green finish out his contract. I'm not a fan of Green. I think this team needs a coach that communicates to them more during the game and in practice. Seeing Pendy and Kruzcek on the sidelines, being involved, is what I want. I'm just saying let's see how the year plays out.

 

[Faithful]

I for one want to see how the year plays out. If this team has finally turned the corner, then it would amount to scuttling the ship as it pulls in to port. Maybe it took longer for the ship to come in than everyone wanted or expected it too, but if it's come in, get on board. Don't sink it. If the the way they played against the Rams can be what we can expect from here on out, then let Green finish out his contract. I'm not a fan of Green. I think this team needs a coach that communicates to them more during the game and in practice. Seeing Pendy and Kruzcek on the sidelines, being involved, is what I want. I'm just saying let's see how the year plays out.

In total agreement with what you said!

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I for one want to see how the year plays out. If this team has finally turned the corner, then it would amount to scuttling the ship as it pulls in to port. Maybe it took longer for the ship to come in than everyone wanted or expected it too, but if it's come in, get on board. Don't sink it. If the the way they played against the Rams can be what we can expect from here on out, then let Green finish out his contract. I'm not a fan of Green. I think this team needs a coach that communicates to them more during the game and in practice. Seeing Pendy and Kruzcek on the sidelines, being involved, is what I want. I'm just saying let's see how the year plays out.

Of course we're going to have to wait until January since we have no other choice in the matter. For better or worse, Denny's coaching out the year so there's nothing left to discuss on that end.

Fact remains that I'm not going to get too excited about beating a below average Rams team that had lost five of six coming into the game (the only win being a close home victory over a no-talent Niners squad) and say things are turning around. We're a bad team that beat another bad team. Plain and simple.

 

[Ryanwb]

Was Bob Ferguson the last real GM this team had?

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Was Bob Ferguson the real last GM this team had?

Some people consider Rod Graves a real GM. Glorified yes-man brought in to deflect blame would be my take on his job description.
But yes, Ferguson was our last GM. How much power he had is still up for debate.

 

[SunCityCarl]

Thanks General for posting that. Nothing personal on Rod or Denny but neither have proven in they're time here that they know how to create a winner or winning attitude. Lets see how the season plays out, but I hope the Bidwill's will move quickly on a GM & that said GM will move quickly on Dennis Green's future either in or out of Arizona.

 

[CardShark]

Lovie Smith had his team in the playoffs in year 2, marvin Lewis showed great improvment in his first year, Magini(sp?) and the Jets are playing above thier heads, Nolan took one of the worst teams in histroy and has them completing for the playoffs in his second year.

The Bears will not go far in the playoffs as their QB sucks and I do believe that same Bears defense put them in the playoffs 2 seasons before Smith got there. The same defense that lived off turnovers. He may have the defense paying better but he's not done anything for the offense.

I haven't paid any attention to the Jets.

As for Nolan, he's established some discipline and belief in his program, but they have had a very good o-line and now they have some weapons in Gore and VD. Smith playing better has been key for them. In the end, I see them improved but not playoff caliber and they'll fade as the season goes on. They'll be contenders either next year or the following year if they stay the course.

Now if the Cards play well the rest of the season against playoff caliber teams like the Seahawks, Broncos and Chargers, how could you dismiss the turnaround made by this team in the 3 years Green has been here from what was truly the worst franchise in all of sports? If they win in those games, wouldn't that bode well for the future? Enough to peek your curiosity for 1 more year? Remember the risk you run in bringing in yet another coaching staff. More of the same for another 3 years until you get tired of that and bring in yet another. You might get lucky and find someone who could take it to the next level or you could end up with another Buddy Ryan fiasco. I want to see if this team has turned the corner first.

 

[RON_IN_OC]

The Bears will not go far in the playoffs as their QB sucks and I do believe that same Bears defense put them in the playoffs 2 seasons before Smith got there. The same defense that lived off turnovers. He may have the defense paying better but he's not done anything for the offense.

I haven't paid any attention to the Jets.

As for Nolan, he's established some discipline and belief in his program, but they have had a very good o-line and now they have some weapons in Gore and VD. Smith playing better has been key for them. In the end, I see them improved but not playoff caliber and they'll fade as the season goes on. They'll be contenders either next year or the following year if they stay the course.

Now if the Cards play well the rest of the season against playoff caliber teams like the Seahawks, Broncos and Chargers, how could you dismiss the turnaround made by this team in the 3 years Green has been here from what was truly the worst franchise in all of sports? If they win in those games, wouldn't that bode well for the future? Enough to peek your curiosity for 1 more year? Remember the risk you run in bringing in yet another coaching staff. More of the same for another 3 years until you get tired of that and bring in yet another. You might get lucky and find someone who could take it to the next level or you could end up with another Buddy Ryan fiasco. I want to see if this team has turned the corner first.

 

[seesred]

I think Green and Graves know how to creat a winner , they just don't know what to do with thier creation !

GBR
40

 

[ajcardfan]

I hope this is true. But, all the rumors have been about head coaching candidates, not GMs. They would surely hire a GM first, and, with a month to go in the season, they'd better get busy.

 

[lobo]

Pro Football Weekly


Dec. 4, 2006



and that a whole new staff, headed by a new GM type, quote]


here is the part of the quote i really don't like...."what do they mean by a GM type...that is what we have had forever..that is why ferguson is gone...he figured out a gm type ain't a gm!!

 

[joeshmo]

here is the part of the quote i really don't like...."what do they mean by a GM type...that is what we have had forever..that is why ferguson is gone...he figured out a gm type ain't a gm!!

I noticed that as well.

I know it isnt a direct quote from the team so it may not mean anything but I still fear the Cards may look for a Yes man or another guy who doesnt really have all that much control rather then a real GM.

We shall see.

 

[vinnymac]

i am going to give norv turner a lot of credit for the 49ers success on offense. as far as this rumor, i believe it when i see it. people can speculate all they want to. something has to happen first before i will believe it.

 

[Covert Rain]

The only way this will work is if they hire a REAL GM. Meaing he can't be a BB yes man. If the guy is a well known GM known for doing things his own way, then you can say it's legit. If they hire some GM you never heard of, chances are he some family cousin twice removed.

 

[General Chaos]

I doubt they would bring in another BB yes man. If thats all they wanted they would just keep Graves.

 

[Ohio Cards Fan]

Maybe they hire a GM and leave it up to him/her to decide Greens' fate

My personal take on this scenario is as follows. Coming in as a new GM (with the power deciding Green's fate), you have nothing to gain by firing the existing HC as your first line of business, especially when said coach only has one more year on his contract. You do your best to fill voids via FA and the draft and see what you have in Green. Anyone that watches the one-dimensional coaching efforts week after week, and consistently watches the opposing coaching staffs make adjustments against the Cardinals, know that Green is a fraud that has lucked his way into stardom. I do believe we need a more impactful GM, however I also believe that firing Green needs to come from Michael Bidwill himself minutes after the final game of the season. This season is inexcusable with the talent we have on this team.

 

[CtCardinals78]

you could end up with another Buddy Ryan fiasco. I want to see if this team has turned the corner first.

If this doesn't qualify as a Buddy Ryan fiasco I don't know what does. He ruined this team three years ago by screwing with the O-line and kicking Pete Kendall out because he didn't like him. The only reason he left the O-line alone is because he knows he's out and doesn't give a crap. At least that's the reason I hope, I would hate to think this football mind takes three years to figure out his Oline.
Now if they win their last four big deal. Seattle will be a big win, yes. Denver pretty much gave up hope on their season and started a rookie QB in the middle of a playoff hunt. We all saw the adjustments Matt made and still is making. So that should be a win for us. We should beat the niners and we will be playing a Charger team that most certainly will be playing their second and third stringers. We should go 3-1, against three very beatable teams. If we do this by no way should this justify Green staying for another year.

 

[Redheart]

The O-Line we are starting now is not even close to what we started this year with.