Talk with Rod Graves and Rod Newhouse

[bratwurst]

From what we know of the team and how things have been working the last couple weeks as far as Mac being told to play McCown over Blake, I really doubt he is going to be back. The front office is making calls for him - he's lost his power. They can't be bringing him back, they have already cut the head from the rooster. The body will follow soon.

I can see some things as being "unpopular" to the fans as making moves coming up on the draft like:

1) Trading McKinnon (or someone else on the defensive of value, albeit small value) for a pick or two in the upcoming draft.
2) Trading down AGAIN in the draft for more picks and going with McCown and Blake again. Blake is under contract for 2 more years don't forget.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Originally posted by conraddobler

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

I got six pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear as one of my gifts. I was actually pretty stoked.

College students don't want to buy underwear and socks with their own money, so when my mother buys them for me, I can throw away the underwear/socks that have holes in them.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Originally posted by nidan
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.

c'mon nidan, you know that i think coaching is bad. flat out bad. but, obviously graves thought the team, as composed, and that INCLUDES the coaches, could win this year. he has stated that he thought it a talented team. that goes a long way in support of the belief that graves thought his plan would put a better product on the field. that means, in essence, at least this year,
"Plan A" failed.

do i think he could turn it around in one year? not with mcginnis i didn't. can he do it in two years? some others have. i just don't have much faith left in anything this organization does.

i hope i am coming back to spar with ya, 'cuz otherwise i gotta start rooting for who . . . the chargers?

 

[JeffGollin]

1. Rod has a plan.

2. He's not divulging specifics of the plan - i.e.

a. Whether it involves a coaching change (& what that might be)

b. Whether it involves a change in management structure and/or a shift in power (and what that might be).

c. How it will affect players on our current roster.

d. How it might address bringing in veteran FA's players outside the organization.

e. What our draft strategy may or may not be.

f. Whether there will be changes in over all offensive and defensive approaches.

g. What the time-line is.

In short, we know nothing - except that Rod has a plan.

Yet there are guys ready to tear up their season tickets based on what they think "might" happen. The only thing less useful than speculating is to then form radical conclusions based on that speculation.

Suggest we all take a deep breath and play it as it lays.

 

[Skkorpion]

The decision to change or not to change coaches rests with Bill Bidwill, not Rod Graves, not Michael Bidwill. Rod has told me that clearly several times.

So, am I aprehensive? Hell yes. Michael Bidwill could have a smooth coaching change all ready to go, but the old man might not go for it.

I do think Bill has already given his blessing or made the necessary choice(s) already. How else would Rod Graves already know that some won't like the decision(s)?

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Originally posted by JeffGollin
1. Rod has a plan.

2. He's not divulging specifics of the plan - i.e.

a. Whether it involves a coaching change (& what that might be)

b. Whether it involves a change in management structure and/or a shift in power (and what that might be).

c. How it will affect players on our current roster.

d. How it might address bringing in veteran FA's players outside the organization.

e. What our draft strategy may or may not be.

f. Whether there will be changes in over all offensive and defensive approaches.

g. What the time-line is.

In short, we know nothing - except that Rod has a plan.

Yet there are guys ready to tear up their season tickets based on what they think "might" happen. The only thing less useful than speculating is to then form radical conclusions based on that speculation.

Suggest we all take a deep breath and play it as it lays.

the wait and see approach is all well and good. what the darksiders (and here we go again) are doing is this:

rod said it may be an unhappy plan (or some part thereof may make some peeps unhappy)

rod's track record thus far ("judge me come camp" or some such drivel) is less than stellar (3-12 thus far)

something that would make me unhappy is bringing mac back.

i'm just putting all those three things together and thinkin', hmm, what COULD happen? sorry, the cards just have a way of turning you into an eternal pessimist. until they do something to prove me wrong, my pessism remains intact, nay, fortified, by the organization's actions.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Originally posted by Skkorpion
The decision to change or not to change coaches rests with Bill Bidwill, not Rod Graves, not Michael Bidwill. Rod has told me that clearly several times.

So, am I aprehensive? Hell yes. Michael Bidwill could have a smooth coaching change all ready to go, but the old man might not go for it.

I do think Bill has already given his blessing or made the necessary choice(s) already. How else would Rod Graves already know that some won't like the decision(s)?

so with all our bickering about rod graves and how much he's done to change things at the cards front office, how much power does he really have? or, is he actually howdy doody? can't have it both ways, can he? every good thing is b/c of him, but everything that blows up is 'cuz he don't have the authority?

 

[ChandlerCard]

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.

If they fire Mac, I would think that the starting QB decision would be up to the new head coach. I think they will move, with publicly-displayed reluctance, to let Mac go ASAP and then surprise us all with the new head coach choice.

 

[Skkorpion]

Originally posted by Ouchie-Z-Clown
so with all our bickering about rod graves and how much he's done to change things at the cards front office, how much power does he really have? or, is he actually howdy doody? can't have it both ways, can he? every good thing is b/c of him, but everything that blows up is 'cuz he don't have the authority?

I know it sounds like excuse making but that's the situation we have. Rod has more power than any previous non-Bidwill GM other than Buddy Ryan, but less than most GMs have.

The old man still makes the final decisions. So, frankly, Bill Bidwill deserves the credit for getting our draft picks signed and our free agent keepers wrapped up.

I've been open about my admiration for Rod Graves. He has an impossible job but brings about more good than bad.

So, I'll take the shots that come with taking a stand on someone.

 

[SunCityCarl]

Ouchie brings up some really good points for us local "ticket holders". I was a 6-10 guy the beginning of the season & 3-13 is just unacceptable & like him or not (& I do like him) this falls on Mac's shoulders! I am not going to base any decisions on renewal on one or two things. But Graves plan has to include 1 important ingredient, getting this team over .500 once or twice in a row. I will also mention that being a VP of Football Operations means making "unpopular" decisions at times, but with a season ticket base of around 20K you need to be a little careful to not alienate us by trying to baffle us with B.S. As old Al Davis would say: "JUST WIN BABY!"

 

[DeAnna]

I noticed that Mac has booked his flites for Mobile in January. On the other hand, I also noticed it was a fully refundable ticket.

So, it still doesn't tell us much.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

well, i appreciate your frankness skkorp. probably explains the sitch as well as possible. i just think that the sitch makes rod into the teflon man. how do we know when something is his screw up or not? i guess from now on i'll just have to complain about the organization's moves rather than complaining about rod or the old man 'cuz i don't know where one stops and the other begins. maybe from now on i have to judge "bidaves" or "gridwill."

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by Ouchie-Z-Clown
so with all our bickering about rod graves and how much he's done to change things at the cards front office, how much power does he really have? or, is he actually howdy doody? can't have it both ways, can he? every good thing is b/c of him, but everything that blows up is 'cuz he don't have the authority?

Ouchie, what I'm trying to say is that Rod does sounds like somebody who has real power. He is a very polite and amicable person but he also comes across as very much in control.

 

[john h]

Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by Skkorpion
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.

If he suggest something the fans will not like it is either (1) Retain the coaching staff (2) Not draft a QB or both.

 

[john h]

Originally posted by 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.

As I remember Graves plan and it ended when he said "Do not judge us until after June". Ok rod it is after June and almost the end of December and we are the worst team in the NFL so what ever this plan of yours is better have some bite in it.

 

[DevonCardsFan]

Originally posted by 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.

Great Post, really people do not say this enough. Graves said he had a plan last offseason and we see the net result.The Cards have took a major step back not forwards. I don't like Graves a bit!!!!!

 

[artp]

Graves has said that some people will not like the plan. I don't think that would have to do with next yrs QB. I don't think you ever tip your hand at who you may draft.
I think it has to do with the HC. And, I think Graves' unpopular plan is firing Coach Mac, not re-hiring him. Almost all dedicated Cardinal fans feel thet Coach Mac should be let go. But, I have never read anything that suggests that Coach Mac is not well liked...by the players or by the media. Everyone knows that Coach Mac is a good man. I think the "unpopular" decision that the Cardinals will make is firing a good, well liked man like Coach Mac.

 

[KingofCards]

Originally posted by Krangthebrain
I got six pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear as one of my gifts. I was actually pretty stoked.

College students don't want to buy underwear and socks with their own money, so when my mother buys them for me, I can throw away the underwear/socks that have holes in them.

I am 31 years old and I still get that as one of my presents.

 

[wierwolf]

I think that has to be what they mean. Cause they also say that things are gonna happen real fast next week. So I think the y have been doing some under the table stuff in firing and hiring of the HC. PLus I wouldn't be suprised if they bring a Kurt Warner or Brunell in too. That WOULD be an unpopular move on this board.

 

[imaCafan]

Well, whatever happens "real fast" next week, I hope it truely is real fast. I remember waiting for Wadsworth to get signed. I spent so much time on the internet watching for his signing I nearly got fired for goofing off too much!!!
At home AND at work!!!

 

[john h]

Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by Skkorpion
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.

Graves scares the hell out of me when he says some will not like what is in the plans. Good lord man we are the worst team in football. This is no time to do something stupid or borderline stupid. Maybe they will extend Mac for 5 years. That is a possibility. Passing on a QB really would be bad in my opinion as that is the one position that is a difference maker (look at Atlanta with and without Vick). Those are the only two big things that are constantly being talked about so it must be one or the other. Why would you keep Mac? Yes he is a nice guy but his record as a head coach is horrible. Perhaps we save a little money by keeping him? The Bidwills are into saving money. Obviously they are not going to fire Graves with him talking like that but he helped put this mess together and promised us things he cannot deliver on. Next week will sure tell us if we are to travel the road "less traveled".

 

[red desert]

Re: Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by john h
Graves scares the hell out of me when he says some will not like what is in the plans. Good lord man we are the worst team in football. This is no time to do something stupid or borderline stupid. Maybe they will extend Mac for 5 years. That is a possibility. Passing on a QB really would be bad in my opinion as that is the one position that is a difference maker (look at Atlanta with and without Vick). Those are the only two big things that are constantly being talked about so it must be one or the other. Why would you keep Mac? Yes he is a nice guy but his record as a head coach is horrible. Perhaps we save a little money by keeping him? The Bidwills are into saving money. Obviously they are not going to fire Graves with him talking like that but he helped put this mess together and promised us things he cannot deliver on. Next week will sure tell us if we are to travel the road "less traveled".

I have a scary feeling that maybe Mac will be back. I shudder at the thought. And then I start to get pissed.

 

[red desert]

Re: Re: Talk with Rod Graves and Rodd Newhouse

Originally posted by john h
Graves scares the hell out of me when he says some will not like what is in the plans. Good lord man we are the worst team in football. This is no time to do something stupid or borderline stupid. Maybe they will extend Mac for 5 years. That is a possibility. Passing on a QB really would be bad in my opinion as that is the one position that is a difference maker (look at Atlanta with and without Vick). Those are the only two big things that are constantly being talked about so it must be one or the other. Why would you keep Mac? Yes he is a nice guy but his record as a head coach is horrible. Perhaps we save a little money by keeping him? The Bidwills are into saving money. Obviously they are not going to fire Graves with him talking like that but he helped put this mess together and promised us things he cannot deliver on. Next week will sure tell us if we are to travel the road "less traveled".

I'm wondering if Kurt Warner is in the Cards' plans?

 

[Stout]

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

Originally posted by red desert
I have a scary feeling that maybe Mac will be back. I shudder at the thought. And then I start to get pissed.

If he is, Bidwill will have proven once and for all he knows jack about football, will not be influenced positively by football people, and doesn't deserve to own an NFL franchise. The guy can't coach. It's right there in front of Bidwill's face, just like it is for everyone else. I predict I will be banned for life for things I will say if Mac is retained. It'll be either sheer stupidity, or sheer greed, if we keep him, and I'm tired of the first and will not stand for the last.

 

[Espo]

has anyone thought that maybe the thing that he is doing that people wont like is firing mac? i mean the media is riding the mac banwagon so maybe it's that they are firing mac and he feels that some people may not like or agree with that decision.