I've finally decided

[JeffGollin]

I still can't decide. Hate the thought of a new staff and the inevitable excuses that a new system takes time after we start out 0-3. On the other hand I believe we have too much talent to be where we are. What happens when the games mean something again? Do we go back to choking and losing?

Just hard to say. Good points both ways.

Nice, thoughtful post.

Here's what bothers me: This season, most NFL teams have experienced ups and downs; agonizing wins and heartbreaking defeats; major league screwups and huge plays; brilliant moves and really dumb decisions. Or, in some cases, long injury lists.

In some cases, the team bounced back (the Titans started out 0- & 5 but now have a shot at the playoffs. The Eagles were written off early also). In other cases, a team that got all the early breaks imploded; for example, this year's Giants).The ball just bounced better at times for some teams than others. But I'm not all that positive that what caused those problems or created the successes necessarily falls on the shoulders of the coaches.

Sure, you can make the case that a team screwed up under a particular coach's watch and, therefore - based on outcomes alone - he should be canned. It might feel good to draw a little blood, but would it be in the best interests of the team?

If it were that easy, every coaching change would result in future successful seasons, but it doesn't always work that way. (Sure, sometimes a team will get lucky and wind up with a Bill Walsh or Vince Lomardi. But just as many wind up with a Ray Handley or Rich Kotite. Most of the time, the coaches were pretty decent - it was just that "bleep happened." But is that a smart reason to whack a HC?)

I'm just not sure at all that a coaching change at this time would have a positive impact on the Cardinals.

 

[ItsInTheCards]

In some cases, the team bounced back (the Titans started out 0- & 5 but now have a shot at the playoffs. The Eagles were written off early also). In other cases, a team that got all the early breaks imploded; for example, this year's Giants).The ball just bounced better at times for some teams than others. But I'm not all that positive that what caused those problems or created the successes necessarily falls on the shoulders of the coaches.

AZ also started 1-8, and was already out of the playoffs at that time. They also beat the likes of the Lions, SF, STL, and SEA, unlike the Eagles and Titans who actually beat some real playoff contenders. AZ then went out and laid an egg against Denver getting blown out at home.

The Titans and Eagles turned the corner, and without a doubt, AZ didnt

 

[New Mexico]

The ONLY stat that matters is... 16-31
DG is awesome...

Hungh? I think what matters most is what he's done this year. 5-10 isn't good, but the last six weeks, the team is playing good football. Four wins in six games. The offensive line is much improved. James is hitting his stride. Leinart looks good. Offensive play calling is varied, and less conservative. I wouldn't be disappointed if we upgrade a few positions, and bring Green back for another year, but I don't see it happening.

 

[ItsInTheCards]

Hungh? I think what matters most is what he's done this year. 5-10 isn't good, but the last six weeks, the team is playing good football. Four wins in six games. The offensive line is much improved. James is hitting his stride. Leinart looks good. Offensive play calling is varied, and less conservative. I wouldn't be disappointed if we upgrade a few positions, and bring Green back for another year, but I don't see it happening.

then how do you explain the Denver debacle? playing good football doesn't include beating subpar teams. they won against opponents with a collective 23-37 record....thats nothing to be excited about, especially considering that in that stretch, they also lost to the Vikings and got killed by the Broncos

 

[Totally_Red]

AZ also started 1-8, and was already out of the playoffs at that time. They also beat the likes of the Lions, SF, STL, and SEA, unlike the Eagles and Titans who actually beat some real playoff contenders. AZ then went out and laid an egg against Denver getting blown out at home.

The Titans and Eagles turned the corner, and without a doubt, AZ didnt

That's a good point. Arizona has not beaten a single quality opponent, unless you count the home victory versus Seattle. Our strength of schedule is one of the weakest in the NFL. This franchise has blown a golden opportunity to get to the post-season and retaining the existing coaching staff, with the possible exception of Loney and Clancy Pendergast, would be a serious mistake IMO. Losing the Ram, Chief, and Bear games was inexcusable. And conservative offense late was a primary factor in at least two of three.