As a Cardinal fan of fifty years who's experienced a few highs and many lows of the franchise under Bidwill ownership, it's hard to ignore the fan criticism (fairly or unfairly) leveled at the Bidwills. (It's bound to happen when you lose a lot).
It's hard, therefore, not to draw comparisons between the Bidwills (as perceived by the fans) and Atlanta owner, Arthur Blank (as perceived by me from my distant vantage point in NJ).
By all appearances, Mr. Blank is "one of the good guys"—an owner who treats his people well, treats his fans well, and who isn't afraid to surround himself with good football people while still being there for his players and staff when the occasion dictates.
A revealing example of Arthur's ownership style is happening even as we speak—he apparently arrived at the decision that Pres/GM Rich McKay wasn't getting the job done as Falcons GM. He didn't let grass grow under his feet, but instead, is said to have relieved McKay of his GM reponsibilities. However instead of throwing Rich into the street, he's allowed him to retain his post as President if he elects to do that.
So what has being a good guy gotten Arthur?
-He was foresaken by head coach Jim Mora
-His star QB, Michael Vick, is now in jail.
-His new Head Coach, Bobby Petrino, deserted the Falcons before his first season was over.
-Bill Parcells agreed to terms in the morning and jilted the Falcons for the Dolphins by day's end.
In the midst of molding the Falcons into a winner, head coach Jim Mora let's it be known that he'd rather be coaching in the state of Washington (and apparently had "been looking"). Because it's difficult for a Head Coach casting his eyes elsewhere to retain the loyalty of his players, it was decided that Mora's rein in Atlanta was over.
Vick—who, according to Arthur, was "like a son"—didn't level with the owner in a timely manner about his difficulties, and is now serving a jail term for (of all things) "promoting and profiting from dog fighting." (Note: losing your QB is one thing. Losing your QBOF is even tougher. And when your QBOF is also a home-run hitting rushing threat your entire offense is built around, you've got a heap of hurt to deal with).
Bobby Petrino was hired as the new Head Coach. He was most recently HC at the University of Louisville. Whenever a college coach comes in to lead an NFL team, there typically are going to be major changes—in coaching style, X's & O's, personnel policy etc. The transition usually isn't a cakewalk.
Vick's departure had thrown a monkey-wrench into Petrino's plans and, at the very least, proved to be a distraction to the team. After a devastating loss to a (stabilized and very good) Saints outfit, the Falcons were 3-10. Petrino decided to cut his losses and escape to the University of Arkansas. (Our understanding is that in a meeting the evening before, he had told Blank that he was staying and then double-crossed him the next day).
1 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Ben Gunby about 1 year ago
Excellent piece, and it's nice to hear an outsiders unbiased take on things.
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