Jan. 18, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; From left Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill , head coach Bruce Arians , Christine Arians and general manager Steve Keim pose for a photo during a press conference at the Arizona Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
As an avid Arizona Cardinals fan, I strongly believe we all need to stop for a minute and give it up to Michael Bidwill, new GM Steve Keim and the rest of the upper management. We need to start acknowledging their efforts and dedication they’ve been giving to try to put a terrific product on the field.
As a long time Cardinal fan, I do recognize that we have all (at least most of us) been a little skeptical or should I say a bit critical of the efforts of upper management to put a superior product on the field over the years. Perhaps it has been a bit justified in the past, but not now. However, we do not dare say that or think that now. As they have been masterful in their efforts in attempting to build a winner; especially in recent times.
We need to give it up to Michael Bidwill (along with his father in the background) for seemingly making terrific moves in all phases. As we are now seeing great moves in between the lines and outside the lines in all facets.
In the last decade we have seen a new stadium built, consecutive sellout crowds (since the new stadium has been built), two NFC West division winners and a representative in the Super Bowl.
Currently, we are continuing to see a relentless pursuit to build a winner. We are seeing a new practice (bubble) facility being built in Tempe, recently a new weight room built and now we have seen drastic changes in the front office and a brand new coaching staff. All this is being done because of the Bidwills (and his front office) relentless attempt (pursuit) to build a consistent winner.
Having said that, I am not sure what kind of year the Cardinals will have this year, however all of the fans need to start truly appreciating their incredible efforts. As they definitely deserve an A for their efforts.
Because of their efforts in the last decade, they are now becoming a respected franchise; once a franchise (frowned upon) that no one wanted to play for or be a part of. To a team that has become well-respected and a franchise that (great) players are starting to want to play for. For instance, we saw that last year with Peyton Manning’s flirtation with the Redbirds.
We are seeing it this year with the recent signing of quarterback Carson Palmer and other terrific recent signings this off-season. We are also seeing it with the additional scouts added to their current scouting staff and more coaches added to their current coaching staff. As there are now more scouts on their staff today than there were with former GM Rod Graves and there are also more coaches on the current coaching staff than there was with former coach Kenny Whisenhunt. These are all signs of their desires to build a consistent winner or should I say an elite franchise.
For instance, we also just saw another brilliant move on paper a few days ago when the front office signed two new much-needed free agent acquisitions in defensive end/outside linebacker John Abraham and right tackle Eric Winston. In fact they made this move on the same day we learned about the unfortunate news about the recent sixth round draft pick Ryan Swope, who was forced into early retirement because of the lingering and unfortunate concussion problems he cannot and could not seem to shake.
In the past, this would have looked to the fans as just another horrific move (draft pick) by the Cardinals front office. Instead, the front office seemingly covered up a negative (Ryan Swope) with (a positive) two brilliant moves in Abraham and Winston. I am not sure if this was by happen stance or deliberate but never the less it shows the masterful job Michael Bidwill and the front office is now doing.
The Arizona Cardinals are truly building a resume and on their way to becoming a terrific franchise in the NFL; for that matter in all of sports. Once a very cautious and conservative franchise that was afraid to spend money. To a risk taking franchise that is now attempting (at all costs)to build a winner and trying everything in their power to reach the elite status that every franchise dreams about.
To further prove my point, we recently saw this when Michael Bidwill fired former GM Rod Graves. We must not forget the job Graves had done to get the Redbirds where the franchise is today. However, Michael Bidwill still was not satisfied. After three subpart years after their Super Bowl run, Michael decided to strike again and make a change to the present GM Steve Keim.
So far, new GM Keim has seemingly done a masterful job, or should I say, at least so far on paper (this off-season). His aggressive approach has really been something to see. This aggressive approach also seems to be just a reflection of Michael Bidwill and his Arizona Cardinals. A reflection of shall we say the changing of the guard. Or should I say, out with the old and in with the new. From Bill Bidwill to his son Michael Bidwill. This aggressive approach has been truly something to behold and fun to watch.
The mighty Redbirds are slowly becoming the pride of Arizona right before our eyes. I am really not sure what kind of product our beloved Redbirds will have on the field this year. But rest assured Michael Bidwill, new GM Steve Keim and the rest of the upper management are doing everything in their power to bring us a winner to the desert. It is really time for all of us to start appreciating the glorious job they are now doing. So let’s all give it up to the Arizona Cardinals franchise.