Talk with Rod Graves and Rod Newhouse

[Skkorpion]

Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

On Wednesday, Ian and Jo Sparkes and my wife and I had long talks with Rodd Newhouse and Rod Graves.

Rodd Newhouse, who calls himself the "Director of Miscellaneous", works in the front office and does a lot of scouting our opponents and all other NFL teams, constantly evaluating personnel.

He is the son of former Cowboy Robert Newhouse.

He shared a lot of cool info on the scouting process with us and we'll share it with you as we get into the free agency period. Rodd is a very kind and gregarious man and extremely sharp.

For those of you who think you have demanding jobs, Rodd Newhouse has had two days off since mid-July and slept in his own bed twice in that time. He's always on the road.

And, as usual, Rod Graves was astonishingly open with us and we'll discuss those things as they unfold in the next two weeks, after moves have been made.

I bring all this up for one reason only - to tell all of you again that the Cardinals have already made the major decisions and have a plan in place to execute them.

And no, I don't know what those plans are but you should know things will happen quickly next week, so keep checking here.

The local rags keep mocking the Cards, suggesting strongly the team is a front office mess. Don't believe it. You'll see.

Rod Graves did say one intriguing thing when he told us that some will not like what is in the plans. It sure got my attention but I know nothing more than you do.

One other thing, Rod specifically asked Jo and Ian to tell him what the fans were thinking and they did so. Of course, I jumped in too. So Rod got an ear full of ASFN posters' opinions.

Things will happen fast after Sunday. If there is a press conference, we'll try to be there to cover it.

 

[Jim O]

Newhouse spells his first name with two "D's".

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Rodd Newhouse
Pro Personnel Assistant
College: Rice
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Cardinal Season: 5th
NFL Season: 6th

Rodd Newhouse begins his fifth season with the Cardinals as the club’s pro personnel assistant, responsible for overseeing the team’s evaluation of professional players, providing input into the club’s personnel evaluation and decision-making process, handling matters involving the waiver procedure and free agent signings, and advance scouting of future opponents.

Following his collegiate football career as a running back at Rice University where he earned degrees in economics, managerial studies, and sports management, Newhouse signed briefly as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 1998.

In the spring and fall of 1998, he worked for the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant to his father, Robert Newhouse, the Cowboys’ player programs director, who played for Dallas from 1972–83 and was a member of three Super Bowl teams. The younger Newhouse facilitated various player community programs and monitored career development opportunities.

In the fall of 1998, Newhouse worked with the National Football League Management Council, NFL Properties (the league’s marketing arm), and NFL Security.

As a member of the Management Council staff, Newhouse worked in the area of player programs and labor relations where he helped develop programs in continuing education and financial and career advancement for NFL players, spouses, and their families. He also helped monitor the league’s salary cap reconciliation through analysis of contract negotiations and legalities as it pertained to the collective bargaining agreement, and was responsible for preparation of the data base for players obtained by the new Cleveland Browns’ franchise via the expansion draft.

As a collegian at Rice, Newhouse gained 484 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns on 95 carries in 44 games (14 starts). He also caught five passes for 135 yards, including a career-long 62-yarder against Ohio State as a junior, and returned seven kickoffs for 114 yards.

Born May 21, 1975 in Dallas, Newhouse, who was selected to the under-16 U.S. National regional soccer team as a teenager, attended Lake Highlands High School in Dallas. His father, Robert, a former standout running back for the Dallas Cowboys, currently serves the Cowboys as director of player programs. His brother, Reggie, Baylor’s career receiving leader, signed with the Cardinals as a free agent following the 2003 NFL Draft.

He resides in Chandler, Arizona.

 

[imaCafan]

Man, Skkorp, you can be such a tease!!! :smile: Hope all of you have a merry Christmas!!!

 

[jmr667]

Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by Skkorpion



Rod Graves did say one intriguing thing when he told us that some will not like what is in the plans.

Well, if the plan involves firing anyone the ones fired will not like the plan.
After consecutive season's like the last two though, there are bound to be some tough decisions made. Changes HAVE to happen this off-season.

 

[DieHardFromMO]

Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by Skkorpion


Rod Graves did say one intriguing thing when he told us that some will not like what is in the plans. It sure got my attention but I know nothing more than you do.

Well, those lumps of coal in our stocking better not consist of McGinnis sticking around any longer than December 29, 2003 and announcing no intentions of drafting Roethlisberger or Manning and trading down.

I will definitely be an unhappy fan under these circumstances.

 

[Duckjake]

Re: Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by jmr667
Well, if the plan involves firing anyone the ones fired will not like the plan.
After consecutive season's like the last two though, there are bound to be some tough decisions made. Changes HAVE to happen this off-season.

The first move the Cardinals need to make is to change the very culture of the team.

I have come to the conclusion that what the Bidwills do wrong is allow an atmoshpere to exist that allows less than 100% effort to be acceptable. That is why the best players leave because they do not want to play for an organization that accepts less than the best. And why they have such success with lower round draft picks and UDFAs. Those guys play hard because they have something to prove.

It has nothing to do with being cheap. It has nothing to do with not being able to identify talent. It has everything to do with accepting half a** effort.

It is where the Bidwills get the rap that they do not want to win. It is not because Bill and Michael do not want to win championships it is because players do not suffer the consequences of not learning or of repeating mistakes or of taking plays off. Instead they are allowed to stay on the team until their contract expires or they get contract extensions or if they have made some noise about the organization not demanding more they get a non renewal notice at the end of their contract. The Bidwills just like their players and staff too much.

It is why no coach for the last 25 years other than Ryan has been a real disciplinarian. Just "nice" guys like Tobin and Bugel and Stallings and McGinnis.

Until the Bidwills change the corporate culture from one of a nice little Cardinal family to one of a predator organization whose #1 goal is to win the Super Bowl they will never be able to field a winning team no matter who they hire.

 

[CardsRep03]

I like that they have a plan and that they will begin implementing the plan in the next two weeks...but that whole, "some will not like what is in the plans" deal scares the crap out of me. Talk about a teaser. I wish he'd have said the fans will love what's going to happen. I guess Rod's just given us our Christmas present and that's the maddening part: we don't know if it's a new Corvette or a fruit cake. ( I've never had fruit cake, they may be good)

 

[bratwurst]

As long as they shake things up and make a full effort to get things moving in the right direction, I think I will be happy. I just want to see a full 100% attempt to make things work with this team. They think that some of it may be unpopular, thats fine - this team has regressed so far that I dont' care if it is popular or not - if we need to take some unconventional steps and/or gambles to make this thing work, I am all for it.

The only thing that I really must insist on is the dismissal of the entire coaching staff and a complete clean start. Don't bring in someone from the same line of coaches we have had since the Tobin regime, lets go a complete new direction with a complete new outlook on how this thing needs to be run.

Happy Holidays to everyone - Skkorp many thanks for this site! Also thanks to all you others that help run it and bring the top notch content. We may have one of the worst teams, but we are probably the luckiest fans in the league with what this site brings us in terms of being close to the team. Skkorp's post in this thread and its immediate follow by a team rep sure shows that.

 

[EndZone]

That scares the HELL out of me! Hopefully it means letting go of McGinnis..Maybe he is talking about the Fans that think he is a good Coach.

But I have a feeling it means Josh is the future.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Didn't Graves have a plan for this past off season? Look how that turned out.Having a plan and having a good plan are two different things.All i'm going by is what he aksed and am judging him by the team he has put on the field.

 

[AZCB34]

I think no matter what happens, this is going to be one helluva time for the Cards organization. I think this offseason is going to see alot of things happen...maybe not all the things we hope...but big nonetheless.

Personally, I think Mac should be gone. I think this organization needs to flush out the bad that has been dogging it for so long and start fresh. Skkorp giving us the "may not be happy" thing is unnerving depending on what he actually means.

No matter though. Let's beat the Vikes and end this season on a "high" note and ruin their playoff chances. The rest will happen in good time and we can, as usual, analyze it to death.

 

[artp]

I like the idea that Graves has a game plan. I think the Cardinals have made themselves a better football team because of him this season. Certainly not in wins and losses, but in how the team does business. A lot of people criticize his FA and Draft, but I am willing to wait until after next season to judge that. Graves did straighten out the rookie injury settlement mess and signed some FA's to longer contracts. Thats a step up for Cardinal football. I think obviously his next move is to get a new HC.

 

[Harpo]

Wow, the Cardinals have a plan!!!!!! That is great news. The problem is that the Cardinals had a plan last offseason too, remember? That was the plan where we were going to clean up when everyone cut their star players at the end of camp and we pick them up for nothing. Or the plan that we pick up a vet WR (what was the name of Sully's Lions reject we picked up) Remember how that one worked? I'm pretty sure that the Cards have had a "plan" in place to win every game this season, but either the plan stunk, or they couldn't execute it or both (most likely). This has been an extremely frustrating season for the whole team. There were very few brightspots (Q) and lots of negatives. Then again, RG did ink Gilmore to a deal at midseason, beating the onslaught of teams who wanted to throw money at the worst starting WR in the entire NFL. This team has gotten worse every year Mac has been here, and RG's first season brought little hope for the future. If we are banking on the fact that RG got our picks into camp on time as a major accomplishment, that truly wraps up just how sad an organization this is. Sorry guys, the koolaid is gone, and Santa didn't bring me any.

 

[CardinalChris]

Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Rod Graves did say one intriguing thing when he told us that some will not like what is in the plans. It sure got my attention but I know nothing more than you do.



I wonder if that simply means firing MCGinnis. Remember, he still is a good guy who we all like. Perhaps Graves thinks some fans will not like letting go of the "Good guy"

 

[FarAwayFanatic]

Re: Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by CardinalChris
I wonder if that simply means firing MCGinnis. Remember, he still is a good guy who we all like. Perhaps Graves thinks some fans will not like letting go of the "Good guy"

We can only hope. I can't imagine if it means anything else that I would be happy about it.

 

[daytripper]

Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

And, as usual, Rod Graves was astonishingly open with us and we'll discuss those things as they unfold in the next two weeks, after moves have been made.

I bring all this up for one reason only - to tell all of you again that the Cardinals have already made the major decisions and have a plan in place to execute them.

And no, I don't know what those plans are but you should know things will happen quickly next week, so keep checking here.

The local rags keep mocking the Cards, suggesting strongly the team is a front office mess. Don't believe it. You'll see.

Rod Graves did say one intriguing thing when he told us that some will not like what is in the plans. It sure got my attention but I know nothing more than you do.

One other thing, Rod specifically asked Jo and Ian to tell him what the fans were thinking and they did so. Of course, I jumped in too. So Rod got an ear full of ASFN posters' opinions.

Things will happen fast after Sunday. If there is a press conference, we'll try to be there to cover it. [/B][/QUOTE]

Skorp
Thanks for the report.
This is going to be the most telling offseason in my twelve years as a fan. I predicted in a thread entitled Synergy a while back that moves would be made that will surprise some and disappoint many here.
My hope is that they implement their plan regards of cost and outside pressure, and do what ever it takes to see it through. Even if that means making unpopular decisions regarding staff and players.
The important thing is that the plan, obdviuosly, is well thought out and has the full support of ownership including delegation of authority and financing to complete it.

Koolaid? Make mine a double!!

Happy Holidays

GBR:

 

[Pariah]

There are two things fans seem to be clammoring for:
1. Mac's head
2. A new QB with the first pick in the draft

If the front office is implying we, on the whole, won't like the plan, then one or two of these things won't happen.

And, since things are going to happen fast next week, my guess is they fire mac, but elect to go with McCown as the starter next year.



...that said, I guess they could announce that they're keeping Mac, too. I guess it'll be another interesting off-season.

 

[arthurracoon]

Thanks Skkorp, Skkorp's wife, Nidan, and Brighteyes.

And thanks to Mr. Graves and Mr. Newhouse.

 

[BuckeyeCardinal]

Guessing

Originally posted by Pariah
There are two things fans seem to be clammoring for:
1. Mac's head
2. A new QB with the first pick in the draft

If the front office is implying we, on the whole, won't like the plan, then one or two of these things won't happen.

And, since things are going to happen fast next week, my guess is they fire mac, but elect to go with McCown as the starter next year.



...that said, I guess they could announce that they're keeping Mac, too. I guess it'll be another interesting off-season.

My guess would be akin to yours Pariah.....I really can't see them doing both (keeping Mac and Josh).....with that said keeping Mac is not much of a change so that would be the sure thing for them to do. If Josh bombs on Sunday then maybe they'll reconsider....if he does well and that was part of their plan anyways then he's our QB for the future (how long depends on whether or not he can help us win).

If we pass on Big Ben and Eli then the person we draft better be able to come in and contibute to make the team better now....I'd rather draft the QB who can take us to the playoffs in a year or two....but if we pass on the QB then we'd better get instant return....not a project......the only players who fit that bill may be on the defensive line (Wilfork or Harris) or Wide Receiver (Williams or Fitzgerald).....I don't see any body else besides those players (and of course the QB's ) who would be worthy of a first round pick....but of course we could always trade down.....yuck.

 

[DeAnna]

Re: Re: Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by Duckjake
The first move the Cardinals need to make is to change the very culture of the team.

I have come to the conclusion that what the Bidwills do wrong is allow an atmoshpere to exist that allows less than 100% effort to be acceptable. Until the Bidwills change the corporate culture from one of a nice little Cardinal family to one of a predator organization whose #1 goal is to win the Super Bowl they will never be able to field a winning team no matter who they hire.

In general, I totally agree, DuckJake. It starts at the top. As for a predator -- isn't that where Michael Bidwill would come in?

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

thanks for the report skkorp!

this scares the bejezus outta me.

if "Plan A" brought us 3-13 (i'm praying we lose this weekend), i cringe at what graves' "Plan B" is gonna bring us . . .

if we retain coach mac, i fear it may be last y'all see of me on this board.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Originally posted by Ouchie-Z-Clown
thanks for the report skkorp!

this scares the bejezus outta me.

if "Plan A" brought us 3-13 (i'm praying we lose this weekend), i cringe at what graves' "Plan B" is gonna bring us . . .

if we retain coach mac, i fear it may be last y'all see of me on this board.

the report scares the hell out of me also - thanks for the news Skkorp - I wait with baited breath - but man if there is any possibility that Mac is coming back or that they;ve already made the decision not to draft a QB then the bad Cheese might be coming back and if that's the case - I will probably last a matter of minutes here before I am rightfully banned forever.

Happy Holidays!

 

[conraddobler]

Originally posted by Ouchie-Z-Clown
thanks for the report skkorp!

this scares the bejezus outta me.

if "Plan A" brought us 3-13 (i'm praying we lose this weekend), i cringe at what graves' "Plan B" is gonna bring us . . .

if we retain coach mac, i fear it may be last y'all see of me on this board.

Don't threaten us with a good time Ouchie....

JK...

I am a bit puzzled at his choice of words and after waiting so long to open my presents now I have to wait for this.....

It better not be a pair of socks or I am gonna be ticked.

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by Ouchie-Z-Clown
if "Plan A" brought us 3-13 (i'm praying we lose this weekend), i cringe at what graves' "Plan B" is gonna bring us . . .

if we retain coach mac, i fear it may be last y'all see of me on this board.

So this suggests that you thought that RG could fix years of neglect and mismanagement in one season ???

He has fixed a lot of things but more than anything he didn't try to paper over the cracks. What I mean by that is that he didn't give in to the temptation to sign aging/questionable players who might have hepled a little this year but would handicap us for several years to come. That took some guts.

Also your implication is that the 3-13 result (or maybe 4-12) is purely a result of Rods management. I think we all know that there is some coaching culpability there as well as you seem to agree with.

As to your last comment, I look forward to sparing with you for years to come.

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by cheesebeef
they;ve already made the decision not to draft a QB then

I am absolutly sure that none of us will know that until the give the card to Paul T.