Lomax to Green 84
Hall of Famer
This is just a hunch. I am not basing this on any definitive proof, but a few interview statements have lead me to believe that their may be a bit of a tug of war going on over who we take at #6. I really think both guys are genuinely trying to improve this franchise and all indications are that both guys work well together, so this is not some conspiracy post claiming that Mac and Graves are at odds and not working together.
Why I think Suggs is Mac's guy:
1. Mac and Dirk Cutter (probably mispelled the last name) ASU head coach seem to be best buds and I suspect Cutter went to Mac back in November/December to get Mac's opinion on Suggs and his draft status and Cards interest.
2. Mac and the "Plan"-I don't know if I totally buy the "Plan" that Mac constantly preaches because I suspect the Kyle VanDenbosch was a big part of the "Plan" and now he will be replaced with Terrell Suggs. However, I do see Mac being pretty systematic in how he is trying to build this club: strong on the offensive line, good running game, fast in the secondary (cover 2 capabilities ala Tampa) and now a speed rusher to force the quarterback to throw to early.
3. He must win now. Suggs gives him the opportunity to win now.
Why I think Leftwich is Graves guy:
1. Graves quote-"This thing is going to take longer than a year to get turned around". I take that as Graves has a long term plan for success, not necessarily the win now philosophy of Mac.
2. Graves and Micheal Bidwill are best buds-This one is stretching it just a bit, but Micheal Bidwill has been working tirelessly to get the stadium built and now it appears it will get done by 2006. What better way to get started in a new stadium than to have a franchise type quarterback going into his 4th season and ready to make a run at a championship.
3. Graves looked more exasperated than elated at the signing of Emmitt Smith. There were lots of rumors that Emmitt Smith was not a unanimous choice in the Cards front office. I found it interesting that it was Mac and Bidwill introducing Emmitt and not Graves considering that Graves put in all the work.
4. Graves interview after the combine-Graves was asked about a number of prospects and he did the proper thing and spoke well of each prospect, but when he was asked about Leftwich he paused and said something along the lines of "we like him very much". It wasn't so much in the words but more in the approach which led me to think that this was a guy they really were impressed with and maybe didn't want to talk to highly about to tip their hand.
There you have it. Alot of air and very little substance, but at least something to chew on a bit.
Why I think Suggs is Mac's guy:
1. Mac and Dirk Cutter (probably mispelled the last name) ASU head coach seem to be best buds and I suspect Cutter went to Mac back in November/December to get Mac's opinion on Suggs and his draft status and Cards interest.
2. Mac and the "Plan"-I don't know if I totally buy the "Plan" that Mac constantly preaches because I suspect the Kyle VanDenbosch was a big part of the "Plan" and now he will be replaced with Terrell Suggs. However, I do see Mac being pretty systematic in how he is trying to build this club: strong on the offensive line, good running game, fast in the secondary (cover 2 capabilities ala Tampa) and now a speed rusher to force the quarterback to throw to early.
3. He must win now. Suggs gives him the opportunity to win now.
Why I think Leftwich is Graves guy:
1. Graves quote-"This thing is going to take longer than a year to get turned around". I take that as Graves has a long term plan for success, not necessarily the win now philosophy of Mac.
2. Graves and Micheal Bidwill are best buds-This one is stretching it just a bit, but Micheal Bidwill has been working tirelessly to get the stadium built and now it appears it will get done by 2006. What better way to get started in a new stadium than to have a franchise type quarterback going into his 4th season and ready to make a run at a championship.
3. Graves looked more exasperated than elated at the signing of Emmitt Smith. There were lots of rumors that Emmitt Smith was not a unanimous choice in the Cards front office. I found it interesting that it was Mac and Bidwill introducing Emmitt and not Graves considering that Graves put in all the work.
4. Graves interview after the combine-Graves was asked about a number of prospects and he did the proper thing and spoke well of each prospect, but when he was asked about Leftwich he paused and said something along the lines of "we like him very much". It wasn't so much in the words but more in the approach which led me to think that this was a guy they really were impressed with and maybe didn't want to talk to highly about to tip their hand.
There you have it. Alot of air and very little substance, but at least something to chew on a bit.
