Chillar signs with...

[40yearfan]

Graves addressed the missed opportunity to sign free-agent linebacker Brandon Chillar, who signed with Green Bay Wednesday. Graves said while the Cards needed cap room to bring in Chillar, it wasn’t the reason Chillar ended up with the Packers.

Chillar told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that since the Cards had some “in-house issues” trying to fix the Fitzgerald contract, “once Green Bay offered this kind of contract, I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity.”

Graves had ongoing discussions with Chillar’s agent, trying to ascertain Chillar’s value. The two sides didn’t agree on numbers, especially when the Cardinals were unsure if Chillar would eventually win a starting role.

“The cap situation didn’t really affect (the outcome),” Graves said. …

You're wasting your time CC. If it is preceived to be a bad situation by some on here, it is obviously Graves fault. He has not been able to make one right move since he's been here and he's the reason why we have such a lack of talent on this team. None of our players would have a chance of even making another NFL team and as soon as they leave here, they are out of football. We can't get FA's to sign here because no one wants to play for the Cards. The Bidwills are cheap and refuse to pay for good talent and they let all our top talent go to other teams.

Just because these arguments are 5 years old means nothing. When all other arguments fail, point to the won and lost record as being the final say so, but don't count last year because we had such an easy schedule and we will never be able to even come close to that again.

I think that about covers it. I'm sure if I forgot something, someone will bring it to your attention.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

What's Graves going to say..."We missed out on Chillar because I didn't have the foresight to recognize the complications with the Fitzgerald contract. I'm sorry but in my opinion the front office dropped the ball on this off season and if it continues good luck trying to keep quality people in the coaching ranks. This team is probably going to end up having 20 million per year wrapped up in WR's and a paper thin defense. Chillar was one of only 2 linebackers that they brought in so obviously Whiz and co. saw something that they didn't see in any other free agents. I'm not saying that Chillar is great but if the coach wanted this guy mgt should have went out and got him.

Quote:

Graves had ongoing discussions with Chillar’s agent, trying to ascertain Chillar’s value. The two sides didn’t agree on numbers, especially when the Cardinals were unsure if Chillar would eventually win a starting role.

 

[red desert]

ATTENTION MODS (cough cough nidan) -

This thread has deteriorated. Close it down.

 

[cardsfanmd]

ATTENTION MODS (cough cough nidan) -

This thread has deteriorated. Close it down.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

You're wasting your time CC. If it is preceived to be a bad situation by some on here, it is obviously Graves fault. He has not been able to make one right move since he's been here and he's the reason why we have such a lack of talent on this team. None of our players would have a chance of even making another NFL team and as soon as they leave here, they are out of football. We can't get FA's to sign here because no one wants to play for the Cards. The Bidwills are cheap and refuse to pay for good talent and they let all our top talent go to other teams.

Just because these arguments are 5 years old means nothing. When all other arguments fail, point to the won and lost record as being the final say so, but don't count last year because we had such an easy schedule and we will never be able to even come close to that again.

I think that about covers it. I'm sure if I forgot something, someone will bring it to your attention.

I limit my interjections having learned a lesson or two when K-9 was on this board: "Don't argue with self-appointed experts as they'll wear you down and beat you with experience."

 

[bg7brd]

You're wasting your time CC. If it is preceived to be a bad situation by some on here, it is obviously Graves fault. He has not been able to make one right move since he's been here and he's the reason why we have such a lack of talent on this team. None of our players would have a chance of even making another NFL team and as soon as they leave here, they are out of football. We can't get FA's to sign here because no one wants to play for the Cards. The Bidwills are cheap and refuse to pay for good talent and they let all our top talent go to other teams.

Just because these arguments are 5 years old means nothing. When all other arguments fail, point to the won and lost record as being the final say so, but don't count last year because we had such an easy schedule and we will never be able to even come close to that again.

I think that about covers it. I'm sure if I forgot something, someone will bring it to your attention.

I said the front office dropped the ball on THIS off season. I don't hate Graves but I think most would agree that the talent on this team is due more to Dennis Green than Rod. It seems to me the front office got caught standing flat footed on the whole Fitzgerld contract and now we have to resort to cutting decent players to stay under the cap. Well run organizations avoid these things. It's hard to break the cycle of failure but I think we're close. A lot of the pieces are in place but the front office needs to do a better job.

 

[cardsfanmd]

I said the front office dropped the ball on THIS off season. I don't hate Graves but I think most would agree that the talent on this team is due more to Dennis Green than Rod. It seems to me the front office got caught standing flat footed on the whole Fitzgerld contract and now we have to resort to cutting decent players to stay under the cap. Well run organizations avoid these things. It's hard to break the cycle of failure but I think we're close. A lot of the pieces are in place but the front office needs to do a better job.

I thought Graves did a great job last offseason, but this year was just horrible IMO. It makes me wonder how much impact Whiz had on last year's FA class.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I said the front office dropped the ball on THIS off season. I don't hate Graves but I think most would agree that the talent on this team is due more to Dennis Green than Rod. It seems to me the front office got caught standing flat footed on the whole Fitzgerld contract and now we have to resort to cutting decent players to stay under the cap. Well run organizations avoid these things. It's hard to break the cycle of failure but I think we're close. A lot of the pieces are in place but the front office needs to do a better job.

I always wonder where Green found the time to visit a 101 campus'; review all the tape; set the draft board... and make all those critical decisions on draft day.

If in fact he did all that, he would have looked like a guy in need of a meal, and we ALL know that not to be true.

The Cards scouting staff, which reported to Graves did the leg work; they attended the college season; the end of season bowls; the combine an pro days. And, it's they - and the position coaches who did the initial review of tape and made the recommendations for the draft board.

No doubt, Green took a closer look at some of the prospects brought to his attention, and offered his views. But, the suggestion that Green had some final word, which could completely discount the work and views of Graves' scouting staff is, to put it midly - laughable.

Drafting is a collaboration between scouts, GM, Head Coach, Coordinators and position coaches. Every anticipated scenario is worked on prior to the draft... and hopefully acted on.

What I appreciated from Green was his BPA philosophy.

Personal relationship aside, it got us Fitz.

 

[bg7brd]

Wow, another Denny is fat joke. I don't think it's laughable to think Dennis Green had a lot to do with the level of talent brought in here during his tenure.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Wow, another Denny is fat joke. I don't think it's laughable to think Dennis Green had a lot to do with the level of talent brought in here during his tenure.

Well, if that's all you got out of my post; so be it.

 

[PJ1]

You're wasting your time CC. If it is preceived to be a bad situation by some on here, it is obviously Graves fault. He has not been able to make one right move since he's been here and he's the reason why we have such a lack of talent on this team. None of our players would have a chance of even making another NFL team and as soon as they leave here, they are out of football. We can't get FA's to sign here because no one wants to play for the Cards. The Bidwills are cheap and refuse to pay for good talent and they let all our top talent go to other teams.

Just because these arguments are 5 years old means nothing. When all other arguments fail, point to the won and lost record as being the final say so, but don't count last year because we had such an easy schedule and we will never be able to even come close to that again.

I think that about covers it. I'm sure if I forgot something, someone will bring it to your attention.

So the win loss record is not the ultimate measurement for a GM?

What is then?

 

[bg7brd]

Well, if that's all you got out of my post; so be it.

CC,
I'm not trying to start an argument. What is it that I've said in this thread that you disagree with?

 

[cardsfanmd]

You're wasting your time CC. If it is preceived to be a bad situation by some on here, it is obviously Graves fault. He has not been able to make one right move since he's been here and he's the reason why we have such a lack of talent on this team. None of our players would have a chance of even making another NFL team and as soon as they leave here, they are out of football. We can't get FA's to sign here because no one wants to play for the Cards. The Bidwills are cheap and refuse to pay for good talent and they let all our top talent go to other teams.

Just because these arguments are 5 years old means nothing. When all other arguments fail, point to the won and lost record as being the final say so, but don't count last year because we had such an easy schedule and we will never be able to even come close to that again.

I think that about covers it. I'm sure if I forgot something, someone will bring it to your attention.

Is there a smiley for going over the edge??

 

[red desert]

I limit my interjections having learned a lesson or two when K-9 was on this board: "Don't argue with self-appointed experts as they'll wear you down and beat you with experience."

I hear you, bro. Nidan, Rugby Muffin, and 40 year old are driving me crazy. J/K.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

CC,
I'm not trying to start an argument. What is it that I've said in this thread that you disagree with?

I think you might want to pay a bit more attention to the decision-making process.

I don't dismiss Denny's role, but merely try to place it in perspective.

And, if you'd care to check our draft's with Denny you might come away a little less enamoured by his abilities... unless of course, one credits him with the good choices, and Graves and Co., with the rest...

 

[40yearfan]

So the win loss record is not the ultimate measurement for a GM?

What is then?

If that is your criteria, can you than admit that RG got us to 8 and 8 last year? If you are going to blame him for the loses, he should get the credit for the wins also.

The Cards are improving and have been doing so for the last 4 years. They have changed their entire way of doing things since M. Bidwill and R. Graves took over. This is not your father's Cardinals anymore.

Graves is not perfect, but he has got this team going in the right direction. If he and M. Bidwill can get us to the playoffs and beyond, he will have my undying gratitude. I think his plan is working and I think he will stick to that plan come hell or high water.

 

[40yearfan]

I hear you, bro. Nidan, Rugby Muffin, and 40 year old are driving me crazy. J/K.

Man, don't I wish.

 

[PJ1]

If that is your criteria, can you than admit that RG got us to 8 and 8 last year? If you are going to blame him for the loses, he should get the credit for the wins also.

The Cards are improving and have been doing so for the last 4 years. They have changed their entire way of doing things since M. Bidwill and R. Graves took over. This is not your father's Cardinals anymore.

Graves is not perfect, but he has got this team going in the right direction. If he and M. Bidwill can get us to the playoffs and beyond, he will have my undying gratitude. I think his plan is working and I think he will stick to that plan come hell or high water.

I believe it is really the only criteria. I give him full credit for the 8-8 season, however, please forgive me for not getiing choked up over the fact that he has one non losing season since he has been here.

The Bidwill's have changed and the Cards are at a critical point right now. Do what it takes to improve this team and make them a contender or regress once again.

I have followed them since 1967 so no chance of me not rooting like hell for them to get it right. I do so with open eyes though as I am still not convinced that Graves is the right person to get us there.

I hope I am wrong and we go 10-6 next year.

 

[Stout]

If that is your criteria, can you than admit that RG got us to 8 and 8 last year? If you are going to blame him for the loses, he should get the credit for the wins also.

The Cards are improving and have been doing so for the last 4 years. They have changed their entire way of doing things since M. Bidwill and R. Graves took over. This is not your father's Cardinals anymore.

Graves is not perfect, but he has got this team going in the right direction. If he and M. Bidwill can get us to the playoffs and beyond, he will have my undying gratitude. I think his plan is working and I think he will stick to that plan come hell or high water.

40, I wish you'd stop using this as an actual selling point FOR Rod Graves. A non-winning record and failing to make the playoffs isn't a shiny trophy to polish and set up on the mantle, bro.

 

[40yearfan]

40, I wish you'd stop using this as an actual selling point FOR Rod Graves. A non-winning record and failing to make the playoffs isn't a shiny trophy to polish and set up on the mantle, bro.

It is when you've only had one other season better than that in the past gazillion years. This team is going in the right direction and that started happening about 4 years ago. I credit M. Bidwill and R. Graves for that and I plan on giving them my full support.

I could care less about other NFL teams that have done it faster. Nobody is the Cardinals and no other NFL team has had the trials and tribulations this team has had. Until they got the new stadium, they were always someone's red headed step child.

They are now acting like a professional NFL team and it is starting to pay off. They aren't building for one year. They are looking for consistancy and a program that will ensure a winning team. Mark my words - everyone will one day remember 2007 as the year the Cards turned the corner and entered the elite of the NFL. The Whis shall lead us to the promised land. It is God's will------uhhhh, scratch those last 2 sentences. I gotta quit watching the Ten Commandants.

 

[40yearfan]

I believe it is really the only criteria. I give him full credit for the 8-8 season, however, please forgive me for not getiing choked up over the fact that he has one non losing season since he has been here.

The Bidwill's have changed and the Cards are at a critical point right now. Do what it takes to improve this team and make them a contender or regress once again.

I have followed them since 1967 so no chance of me not rooting like hell for them to get it right. I do so with open eyes though as I am still not convinced that Graves is the right person to get us there.

I hope I am wrong and we go 10-6 next year.

Yeah, well I hope I'm right and we go 11 - 5 next year.

 

[mojorizen7]

Chillar is a real liability in the passing game. Good tackler but his reads are slow and like i said,his range is poor.
The Cards can get one of those for much cheaper in the middle of the draft IMO.

 

[Stout]

It is when you've only had one other season better than that in the past gazillion years. This team is going in the right direction and that started happening about 4 years ago. I credit M. Bidwill and R. Graves for that and I plan on giving them my full support.

I could care less about other NFL teams that have done it faster. Nobody is the Cardinals and no other NFL team has had the trials and tribulations this team has had. Until they got the new stadium, they were always someone's red headed step child.

They are now acting like a professional NFL team and it is starting to pay off. They aren't building for one year. They are looking for consistancy and a program that will ensure a winning team. Mark my words - everyone will one day remember 2007 as the year the Cards turned the corner and entered the elite of the NFL. The Whis shall lead us to the promised land. It is God's will------uhhhh, scratch those last 2 sentences. I gotta quit watching the Ten Commandants.

I didn't want to start arguing, but I gotta. I figured you'd claim 8-8 was great because of how bad the past years are. I won't be happy that, after years of futility, we actually manage to squeak out 8-8. Now, if we had turned it around to 10-6 and added a playoff run, like another perennial loser did in 2006, then I would have been impressed. Do I think the team is headed in the right direction? Yes, but I'm not sold that we've done nearly enough to improve it this offseason yet. YOU might care less that other teams have done it faster, but the fact is that the benchmark for turnarounds has been that they happen quickly in the NFL. Why? In the salary cap era, it's difficult to keep a good team together for a long time, and even more difficult to slowly build a winner. We're finding that out with all the contract difficulties we have faced and will shortly face. Sure, I'm glad we're getting better, but we need to turn it around completely RIGHT NOW, or else we'll have to do it without some of our key players. That, my friend, is a fact, and that is why I've never been a proponent of building at the speed of molasses.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

All 11 of our starters on Off. are returning.

On Def... if we consider the return of Cheke, Berry, Green, Wilson, will have 10 of the projected (4-3 / 3-4) starters at the beginning of last season. We've added Laboy, as a response to the loss of Pace and moved Rolle to FS.

We still have the draft to look forward to, and if one checks the free agent tracker at the NFL site there are still alot of backups looking for jobs.

All-in-all... I tend towards optimism at this point.

 

[40yearfan]

I didn't want to start arguing, but I gotta. I figured you'd claim 8-8 was great because of how bad the past years are. I won't be happy that, after years of futility, we actually manage to squeak out 8-8. Now, if we had turned it around to 10-6 and added a playoff run, like another perennial loser did in 2006, then I would have been impressed. Do I think the team is headed in the right direction? Yes, but I'm not sold that we've done nearly enough to improve it this offseason yet. YOU might care less that other teams have done it faster, but the fact is that the benchmark for turnarounds has been that they happen quickly in the NFL. Why? In the salary cap era, it's difficult to keep a good team together for a long time, and even more difficult to slowly build a winner. We're finding that out with all the contract difficulties we have faced and will shortly face. Sure, I'm glad we're getting better, but we need to turn it around completely RIGHT NOW, or else we'll have to do it without some of our key players. That, my friend, is a fact, and that is why I've never been a proponent of building at the speed of molasses.

Yes and those teams that turned it around quickly, how many were good for more than one year? We are building long term, not instant gratification.