Will the Cards step up

[Cbus cardsfan]

All the hype surrounding Green and Fassel is nice but when it comes down to it will the Cards step and pay for a quality head coach? Mac and his staff were at the bottom of the pay scale for coaches in the NFL and rightfully so.Green and Fassel are going to command a salary near the top.I think this will be a good indicator as to if the Cards are really serious about stepping up or are they just going to be used as pawns like they are with so many free agents to get a better deal elsewhere.If the Cards let Green go with Oakland and Fassel with Washington then we'll know it's the same old Cardinals.Johnson and Crennel may be turn out to be good head coaches but they are not the what the Cards need at ths particular point in time.

 

[Second Deck]

I don't know why any reputable HC would want to put up with the owners of the Deadskins and Faders. I hope the Cards have a good read on who they want and get the job done.

 

[BuckeyeCardinal]

Hope So

In the Denny Green presser it SOUNDED like they would.....that sort of question was asked at least once.

If we get Green or Fassel I'll be happy because we've not only landed a decent coach...we've broke that Cardinal stigma of choosing assistants or playing to the cheap.....or as Green asked Michael and Rod..."Are you dedicated to winning?"

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by Rowland Price
I don't know why any reputable HC would want to put up with the owners of the Deadskins and Faders. I hope the Cards have a good read on who they want and get the job done.

That same statement could be made for Bidwill as well!

I agree with Cbus though. I think we will end up with a no name coach who will be willing to accept about 1 million a year!

 

[BuckeyeCardinal]

Well

Originally posted by Shane H
That same statement could be made for Bidwill as well!

I agree with Cbus though. I think we will end up with a no name coach who will be willing to accept about 1 million a year!

If he's a no name sucky coach.... then drink up Shriners.

 

[ajcardfan]

This is a defining moment for the Bidwills to start to prove everyone wrong about the "they don't want to win" tag they have. I agree if they don't land Fassel or Green, no matter who the new coach is, the reaction will be "same old Cardinals."

 

[Cardiac]

This is about the 100th post on "Will the Cards step up".

In no particular order they were:

Will the Cards sign any FA's?

Will the Cards get their #1 picks in camp on time?

Will the Cards spend the excess cap money before years end?

Will the Cards fire Mac if they have another poor season?

Will the Cards even interview any top HC candidates?

Will the Cards spend money on a coaching staff?

Well the answer to all of these has been YES!!! The last question of course is still up in the air but once again the Cards past history is forcing many fans to think the worst.

The last year has shown us that with the new stadium deal done that Bidwill is changing his ways. I have been a very vocal critic of Bill Bidwill for many years so if I can see the positives just about anyone should be able to see them.

I predicted that the Cards would spend most of the excess cap money this year. I stated that if this didn't happen I would post that I was and idiot and that koolaide had been very very bad to me. I will make the same promise now. The Cards will pay good money (league avg. or better) for the new coaching staff.

We may not get Fassel or Green, ton of competition for them league wide, but the Cards will not penny pinch whoever they do hire. The Bidwill's just have too much riding on a new stadium that will look much better with fans is the stands.

The revenue streams are only going to be strong if this team puts a competitive team on the field, another 4-12 season with multiple blow out losses won't get it done.

The bidwill's realize they are fighting a huge PR battle and have to convince potential fans that they do want to win. Look how many die hard Cards fans still think these owners don't care about winning.

Even Bill Bidwill has to realize that he has to change the perception about this team to attract fans.

Even Bill Bidwill has to understand that going cheap on a coaching staff will undo all of the positives the front office has accomplished recently.

Even if Bill Bidwill doesn't fully understand all of this Michael does and he will make sure the PR process doesn't regress.

Never thought I would go on record as supporting the Bidwill's but they have earned some support and trust with their recent moves.

 

[Tangodnzr]

Fassel is due 2.7 million next year by the Giants on his contract.

If he signs a new one, I'm sure that will invalidate that. That is just standard contract procedure.

Like I stated on another thread. I have put a lot of time in the last couple of days "doing homework" on this.

Everything points to the Cards indeed have a plan in place, and so far things would appear to be falling as well as could be expected.

I think its going to take at least 3 million to get Fassel, or any top coaching candidate.
There has been nothing, absolutely nothing, to indicate the Cards are not prepared and willing to do that.

Here's some food for thought for those of you who don't seem to have the time or inclination to substantiate your comments:

The Cards have been the most pro-active team in doing something to get a new coach quickly in place.

Fassel will be here tomorrow, with 2 full days so far specifically dedicated to meeting with him.

Take a look at the time allocations of the interviews given, and scheduled so far. Fassel is last on the list. Originally their published itinerary was for Bill, Mike and Graves to fly to Philly yesterday to interview Johnson, then to continue on to New England to interview Crennel today, before coming back to meet with Fassel tomorrow and Sunday.

From the interesting little tidbit that Deanna has provided us with, most are now saying that both Johnson and Crennel were probably interviewed yesterday, and that they will be in Dallas today. We have no confirmation of that one way or the other yet. But even assuming its true, that shows that they are not giving the priority to them that they are to Fassel.

They have made it very obvious with their actions so far, it seems, that he is their first priority.

Joe Bugel has stated someone (most say un-named, some say it was Fassel) has contacted him about coming to Arizona as part of his staff.

After doing my homework, I'm willing to say that almost has to be Fassel. Bugel and Green really have little in common. Fassel, Bugel and the Cards do. Fassel was the QB coach in San Diego in 1995 when Bugel was Asst Head Coach/ Offense under Mike White. Fassel then left the Chargers to be the Cards OC in '96.

There is nothing in their history to indicate that Green would be contacting Bugel to make that kind of offer.

As to Fassel wanting to come here. I think the indicators are, that he is indeed.

So far here's how I would break down what would seem to be Fassel's priority list:

Cards - Good fit, all the way around. He and the Bidwills do have a mutual respect for each other and a positive history. The Cards do seem to have some nice opportunities to offer.
He is familiar with what's going on here.
For all his shortcomings, Mac ...and Graves have established a good continuity here. While there may be some talent lacking, there is a good solid nucleus of generally high character, young players to work with.
David Barrett, and Grammatica?? are the only unsigned free agents.
Quan!!!
The number 3 pick in the draft.
Cap money to spend on free agents.
The choice of either going with McCown, or drafting Eli or Ben as far as future QB direction.

I would think Buffalo might be the next possible suitable suitor.
I haven't substantiated it, but didn't someone earlier post something about him saying Buffalo was high on his list?
I just don't see Buffalo being able to offer quite as much upside for him right now, as the Cards do. My guess: If a "Bill" is in his future it will be the one in Arizona.

Washington: Forget it. Fassel and Dan Snyder are oil and water.
Snyder can throw all the money he wants to at him, I don't see Fassel going for it.

Oakland: Who would want to inherit that mess right now?

Chicago: What could the Bears possibly offer him that would make them preferable to Arizona or Buffalo.

The Cards want Fassel. So far, all indications are that he is interested too. I think Fassel would not only work well for the Bidwills but also with Graves. Nice combination. There has been nothing to indicate the interest isn't mutual.

If you look at his agents statement last night, I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that as long as he gets a reasonable offer presented tomorrow, he will jump on it.

All the groundwork seems to have been laid, by both parties.

 

[Tangodnzr]

PS....I'm still intrigued by the report that Mac said, in response to a media question....."I'm cleaning out Jim Fassel's desk."

Did he really, actually say that?

If he did, I think that may just speak volumes.

Not only that Fassel's coming here is a good possibility, but by making that statement....Mac in a round-about way is giving his blessing to it. And I would think that would carry a lot of weight as to contributing to the player's acceptace of Fassel as his replacement.

Remember, for better or worse, these guys love Mac.

 

[brews]

Originally posted by Tangodnzr
Fassel is due 2.7 million next year by the Giants on his contract.

If he signs a new one, I'm sure that will invalidate that. That is just standard contract procedure.

Actually, I think the way it works in the NFL is that the GIants pay him the difference between the Cards' offer and the $2.7mil. Gives the Cards a little more operating room, when compared to Green.

 

[Tangodnzr]

bump

 

[b8rtm8nn]

I am in total agreement with Cardiac.

Many things have changed with Rod and Mike B stepping up. I feel certain that it is between Fassel and Green and wouldn't be surprised if we traded to take the number 1 for Eli.

I've always had low expectations for the six years I've been following them, but now they are high. Maybe I'm drunk on KoolAid...

 

[DevonCardsFan]

Originally posted by Cardiac
This is about the 100th post on "Will the Cards step up".

In no particular order they were:

Will the Cards sign any FA's?

Will the Cards get their #1 picks in camp on time?

Will the Cards spend the excess cap money before years end?

Will the Cards fire Mac if they have another poor season?

Will the Cards even interview any top HC candidates?

Will the Cards spend money on a coaching staff?

Well the answer to all of these has been YES!!!

Good post, you definetely smell a change coming from the Cards, Its Graves and Mike running things now, even though I don't like alot of Graves decisions, The Cards are trying something new out. They actually are trying to make a change.

 

[Capital Card]

Michael Bidwill said in the press conference stating coach Mac was fired that the anticipated revenue streams from the new stadium have allowed the Cardinals to change their business model.

We've seen lots of actions so far that support this claim. Restructuring contracts, getting players in camp on time, paying players their draft slotted value, introducing bells and whistles into player contracts, and extending contracts before the end of the season so we don't have half the team entering free agency.

IMO, Michael and Rod have earned a bit of slack. I understand others aren't ready to give it to them yet. There is still a ways to go, but I have more faith in the organization today than I have in quite some time.

Go Cards!!!

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by Shane H
That same statement could be made for Bidwill as well!

I agree with Cbus though. I think we will end up with a no name coach who will be willing to accept about 1 million a year!

Do you honestly believe that somebody with as rep like Green and people lining up to interview him, would come here if he didn't believe that both camps were were in the same financial ballpark.

 

[Sandan]

Originally posted by Capital Card
We've seen lots of actions so far that support this claim. Restructuring contracts, getting players in camp on time, paying players their draft slotted value, introducing bells and whistles into player contracts, and extending contracts before the end of the season so we don't have half the team entering free agency.

Don't go messing with a good bit of negativity, you imagined these things.

 

[Shane]

Originally posted by nidan
Do you honestly believe that somebody with as rep like Green and people lining up to interview him, would come here if he didn't believe that both camps were were in the same financial ballpark.

Yea I do. Im quite certain that financial perameters wouldnt be discussed via telephone.

In fact I believe they wouldnt be discussed at all until an offer is made for the job.

Call me crazy!

 

[KingofCards]

Originally posted by Shane H
Yea I do. Im quite certain that financial perameters wouldnt be discussed via telephone.

In fact I believe they wouldnt be discussed at all until an offer is made for the job.

Call me crazy!

Yeah and while looking for a new job, you take any interview to hone up on interviewing, and this case press conference skills.

I'd take Green in a heartbeat; I am just skeptical.

 

[jon_nyaz]

I think the Cards are ready to step up to get their guy, which is quite refreshing but until we sign a big name coach, I will believe all of them are using us as a shill to get what they want from other teams.

 

[KingofCards]

I hate when the guys come here 1st, like Green.

He seemed to nail that here. But what'd we expect him to say at the press conference, we suck? The Bidwills suck and he just used us? Of course not, he did his research like any good prospective employee but again I am skeptical.


This year seems like a sellers market.

The prospective employees have the upper hand. 1/3 of the league is looking for a coach.

Unfortunately, I think we are going to end up on the short end of this stick.

I hope Snyder does not end up setting the market or the Bears cast off will be ours. Dick Jauron.

 

[Harry]

Paying the difference between two contracts is not part of any coaches deal. If Fassel does anything but take an NFL job, he gets the $2.7 mil. If he takes an NFL coaching job, he gets zilch, unless the the contract is poorly written by the club.

As to all those "yes" answers, I don't see it that way. They have brought in some big coaching candidates, but let's see what they end up hiring. It's certainly not a "yes" yet.

As to spending virtually all the cap money, of course they did since the NFLPA contract calls for big-time penalties for not spending it. They get no points for that.

As to big money free agents, they did sign some decent dollar free agents, but certainly not big money players like quarterbacks, defensive ends, premier receivers or running backs. They usually have signed one or two midrange players annually while losing more through free agency. They did sign Jackson last year, but let Plummer and Boston go without compensation. You may not like Plummer and Boston, but you can't call that a sign they are playing for the big dollars in free agency.

Getting their first round picks in for rookie camp did not happen last season. If I recall the Cards were too cheap to buy the top rung of insurance.

You don't change a reputation built with 50 years of incompetence by a few moderate gestures. You either throw out the old style or go with some sort of compromised program. The Cards appear to me to have chosen the latter path. You may have answered the questions a hundred times, but obviously the Cards haven't answered them to the fans' satisfaction or they wouldn't keep being asked.

 

[Cardiac]

Originally posted by Harry
Paying the difference between two contracts is not part of any coaches deal. If Fassel does anything but take an NFL job, he gets the $2.7 mil. If he takes an NFL coaching job, he gets zilch, unless the the contract is poorly written by the club.

As to all those "yes" answers, I don't see it that way. They have brought in some big coaching candidates, but let's see what they end up hiring. It's certainly not a "yes" yet.

That's why I said I would state that koolaide has been very very bad to me. I also stated that they won't penny pinch their choice at coach. Mac getting 800,000 was being cheap.

As to spending virtually all the cap money, of course they did since the NFLPA contract calls for big-time penalties for not spending it. They get no points for that.

But many on this board were sure we wouldn't spend the money. Plus the Cards didn't have to spend as much as they did to avoid the penalty. Of course most teams do this but this is new for the Cards and that's why I see it as a positive.

As to big money free agents, they did sign some decent dollar free agents, but certainly not big money players like quarterbacks, defensive ends, premier receivers or running backs. They usually have signed one or two midrange players annually while losing more through free agency. They did sign Jackson last year, but let Plummer and Boston go without compensation. You may not like Plummer and Boston, but you can't call that a sign they are playing for the big dollars in free agency.

This is an old debate at this point. The Cards made top $ offers to Colvin and Holliday. Years of mis-management by Bill Bidwill has created a huge negative perception about this team. Honestly I give these 2 players for signing with teams that obviously had a better chance of going to the playoffs. I believe the Cards are now trying to change their perception around the league and that's another reason I think they will do everything they can to sign a respected top notch HC.


Getting their first round picks in for rookie camp did not happen last season. If I recall the Cards were too cheap to buy the top rung of insurance.

Here is the rare occasion where you have your facts wrong. Graves did upgrade this policy and both picks were at the mini camps and signed the 1st week of training camp.


You don't change a reputation built with 50 years of incompetence by a few moderate gestures. You either throw out the old style or go with some sort of compromised program. The Cards appear to me to have chosen the latter path. You may have answered the questions a hundred times, but obviously the Cards haven't answered them to the fans' satisfaction or they wouldn't keep being asked.


Which I guess is the point of my post. Many on this board see these improvements as no big deal. The negative perception continues even though all of these strides have been made. With many fans it's all about the W/L record before they will admit to or see any positives. Every team has fans that bash the team even if that team is successful. Just because some fans of this team think the worst doesn't mean it's going to happen. They do have Cards history on their side but that's why I listed all of those "yes's".

 

[Capital Card]

Originally posted by Harry
Paying the difference between two contracts is not part of any coaches deal. If Fassel does anything but take an NFL job, he gets the $2.7 mil. If he takes an NFL coaching job, he gets zilch, unless the the contract is poorly written by the club.

Per the Washington Post, "He (Shottenheimer) is owed $7.5 million over the next three seasons by the Redskins, who fired him after he refused to surrender authority over player personnel matters.

Schottenheimer reportedly will be paid about $4.5 million over the first three years of the deal by the Chargers, with the Redskins owing him about $3 million."

As to spending virtually all the cap money, of course they did since the NFLPA contract calls for big-time penalties for not spending it. They get no points for that.

This is a myth. The NFL CBA does establish an MTS (minimum team salary). The current minimum salary level set forth through the year 2007 is 56% of the salary cap. Even though the Cards entered last season 12 million under the cap, they were well above the minimum salary level called for in the CBA.

As for penalties, any amount needed to bring a team up to the 56% floor is to be equally devided amoung the players on the team.

As to big money free agents, they did sign some decent dollar free agents, but certainly not big money players like quarterbacks, defensive ends, premier receivers or running backs. They usually have signed one or two midrange players annually while losing more through free agency. They did sign Jackson last year, but let Plummer and Boston go without compensation. You may not like Plummer and Boston, but you can't call that a sign they are playing for the big dollars in free agency.

Starks, Kendall, Jackson, Freddie Jones were all big money free agents. Emmit Smith technically falls into this category as well. Rosie Colvin would have been one as well, but he ended up taking less money to go elsewhere. I cant exactly hold that decision against the Cards. I believe others have done so as well. As for bringing in a big money QB, we were still committed to Jake two years ago, and there wasn't much QB talent available last year, certainly no one that would have commanded "big money".

Getting their first round picks in for rookie camp did not happen last season. If I recall the Cards were too cheap to buy the top rung of insurance.

That was two years ago with Wendell Bryant. Last year they acknowledged the flaw in their standard contract and corrected it. Both Pace and Johnson participated in the rookie camps and were signed in the first week of camp.

You don't change a reputation built with 50 years of incompetence by a few moderate gestures. You either throw out the old style or go with some sort of compromised program. The Cards appear to me to have chosen the latter path. You may have answered the questions a hundred times, but obviously the Cards haven't answered them to the fans' satisfaction or they wouldn't keep being asked.

I hope you are wrong here; but I acknowledge you may not be. I agree that one year of changed practices may be nothing more than an aborration. However, I suspect (hope) that Michael Bidwill was blessed with a lot more common sense than we have seen from his father. It seems to me that Michael has firmly grabbed the reins of the organization. There is no greater news that could come from Cardinal land, other than an outright sale of the team, which I do not believe will EVER happen, so not much point in discussing it.

I firmly enjoy reading your player analysis write-ups. I dont pretend to be able to know which college player will be successful in the NFL. Over the last 4 years I've come to greatly respect your opinions. I also understand that 50 years of Cardinal incompetance have left all of us disenfranchised. That said, I feel this team has finally taken real steps to join the modern NFL. Maybe a championship in my lifetime isn't so far fetched.

Go Cards!!!

 

[Cardiac]

Originally posted by Capital Card
I hope you are wrong here; but I acknowledge you may not be. I agree that one year of changed practices may be nothing more than an aborration. However, I suspect (hope) that Michael Bidwill was blessed with a lot more common sense than we have seen from his father. It seems to me that Michael has firmly grabbed the reins of the organization. There is no greater news that could come from Cardinal land, other than an outright sale of the team, which I do not believe will EVER happen, so not much point in discussing it.

I firmly enjoy reading your player analysis write-ups. I dont pretend to be able to know which college player will be successful in the NFL. Over the last 4 years I've come to greatly respect your opinions. I also understand that 50 years of Cardinal incompetance have left all of us disenfranchised. That said, I feel this team has finally taken real steps to join the modern NFL. Maybe a championship in my lifetime isn't so far fetched.

Go Cards!!!

Mostly what I was trying to say but obviously done better.

 

[Tangodnzr]

Harry,

You may copy my current "thought for the day" in my signature if you'd like.

It has appeared for quite some time now, that daily meditations on it, might do you some good.