Arizona Cardinals Podcasts

Ep. 438 - Starting a pair of young inside linebackers is a risk, but it’s a risk the Cardinals believe is worth taking given the respective skillsets of Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins. They are much too talented to keep off the field. Plus, as Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss, the two will have plenty of experience surrounding them on the football field. Simmons and Collins will be asked to do a lot, yet not asked to do everything. But what about the depth behind the two first-round draft picks? And where does Jordan Hicks fit in? All very good questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Paul Calvisi on vacation, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard line up a very special podcast with a What If edition. Among the topics: What if Kyler finds that consistency in the intermediate passing game? What if every team stays healthy in the NFC West? What if Chandler Jones returns to 2019 form? What if James Conner has more rushing yards than Chase Edmonds? What if the Cardinals start 5-2 again? And, of course, what if Larry Fitzgerald plays in regular-season games this year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cardinals received an infusion of leadership in the offseason with the acquisitions of players like J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, Rodney Hudson and Malcolm Butler. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry talk about the importance of leaders and how they can have a positive influence in an NFL locker room. Plus, the guys discuss ways to improve the offense and identify the main trait that young cornerbacks need in order to find early success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 514 - The Cardinals report to training camp in less than a month. It's time to head into the archives for the best Big Red Rage interviews of the offseason. In the first of three "Best Of" episodes, Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley are joined by Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, outside linebacker Markus Golden and former Cardinals Frank Sanders and Frostee Rucker. We talk Kyler Murray's upcoming season, the additions of J.J. Watt and A.J. Green, Markus Golden's return and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 437 - On paper, and that’s all anyone has to go on right now, the pairing of DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green at wide receiver looks good. Very good. The addition of Green was among a handful of moves made to upgrade and improve the depth at the position. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all of what happened this offseason, including the hiring of Shawn Jefferson to be the new wide receivers coach. Jefferson is not only a long-time coach but he played the position for 13 seasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Kyle Odegard vacationing – or is he? – Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban have an intimate discussion on Kyler Murray’s place in Steve Keim’s headspace, what it would take to win the NFC West, DeAndre Hopkins’ rank among NFL players, what Chandler Jones might be thinking, the ability to wear alternate helmets, a Scouting combine on the move, and just how difficult it might be for Larry Fitzgerald to end his playing career (whenever it might happen).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyler Murray is heading into his third season and the Cardinals organization has confidence that he will take his game to a new level. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry break down GM Steve Keim's recent comments about Murray. Plus, the guys preview the latest episode of Cardinals Flight Plan and hold discussions about the tight end position and Byron Murphy's potential at cornerback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 436 - Ask Vance Joseph about the cornerback position and he immediately points to Byron Murphy. “He can be one of our better players on defense,” Joseph said during minicamp. Murphy is the veteran in the room, at least in terms of who has worn the Cardinals uniform the longest. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the improvement made by Murphy and the overall depth at the position. Cornerback was addressed—which it needed to be—in both free agency and the draft this offseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 3 - Luis Hernández y Rolando Cantú nos cuentan cómo les fue a los Cardenales en su Mini Camp. Qué impacto ha generado JJ Watt tras su llegada a Arizona? Quién es el jugador que pudiera tener una gran temporada 2021? Qué más le falta al QB Kyler Murray para que su campaña sea exitosa? Y pondremos a prueba a Rolando para saber si ya reconoce los nuevos números de los jerseys de los jugadores.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 435 - Often overlooked, the tight end position may prove to be a valuable cog in the offensive machine this season. A healthy Maxx Williams would certainly help in that matter. Williams is the one tight end currently on the roster who can both catch and block on a consistent basis. So, then does the tight end room need to be addressed before training camp? Yes, according to the decision makers. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the team’s options, internal as well as external. Also, where does Austria’s Bernhard Seikovits fit in? Grialou is a bit more optimistic than his co-host.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 513 - Austrian tight end Bernhard Seikovits, allocated to the Cardinals through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about his NFL dream, absorbing the playbook and adjusting to life in Arizona. Seikovits also teaches Wolfley how to speak German. Plus, Calvisi and Wolfley discuss how the Cardinals focused on physicality and leadership when building the 2021 roster, Dennis Gardeck's knee rehab and depth on the defensive line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vacations are coming, but for now, the power trio of Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard remain in place to talk about the Hail Murray’s ESPY chances, Dennis Gardeck’s rehab, how the defense might (should?) be better than the offense, the left tackles in the NFC West, this week’s Fitz theory, Rondale Moore’s potential and A.J. Green’s impact. And oh yeah, Paul thinks the Cards might have a Super Bowl preview to play in the regular season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cardinals improved the depth on their offensive line during the offseason by adding veteran center Rodney Hudson and guard Brian Winters. The right guard position will be one to watch during training camp as several players battle to become the starter. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry discuss candidates for the job. Plus, the guys talk about Dennis Gardeck's role in 2021, expectations for Christian Kirk and the impact rookie linebacker Victor Dimukeje can potentially make on defense and special teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 434 - Since 2012, no player has had more success sacking the quarterback than Chandler Jones. He’s a top-3, and at worst a top-5 edge rusher in the game today. There is a cloud hovering over Jones, however. How dark that cloud is remains to be seen, though Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki believe there is no reason to worry about Jones’ absence during the recently completed OTAs and minicamp. The Jones storyline is just one of many involving the outside linebacker position: Will Devon Kennard bounce back from a subpar 2020? When might Dennis Gardeck be healthy enough to contribute? Can Victor Dimukeje make an impact as a rookie?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 512 - The Cardinals added a smart, tough and motivated outside linebacker in the sixth round of the draft when they selected Victor Dimukeje out of Duke. Dimukeje joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about learning the defense, being compared to fellow linebacker Markus Golden, his ability to set the edge and willingness to play special teams. Plus, we discuss Byron Murphy's importance to the defense, A.J. Green's potential for a big season and how Zaven Collins will respond to pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 433 - Leadership can take many forms. For most of his career, Budda Baker has chosen to lead by example. Only on occasion has he spoken up. In 2021, you can expect a more vocal Budda Baker. He’s earned that right as Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discussed during their conversation about the safety position. It’s a position with some real questions, at least in terms of how many safeties the team will choose to keep on the 53-man roster. Also, is there anyone out there who can help Zaven Collins buy a house?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No, Kyle Odegard’s middle name isn’t Disagree (or Sebastian), but that doesn’t stop Paul Calvisi or Darren Urban from going after Kyle’s take on Kyler Murray’s need to run the football. Plus, it’s tough not to thinking about the Titans in Week 1 (yes, D-Hop, Julio is a Titan for a second-rounder), Murray’s baseball dreams, the hopes for A.J. Green and Robert Alford, leaning on young inside linebackers, Zach Allen’s needed big year, and Fitz’s waiting game (and middle name.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph recently said that it is his job to "put players first and scheme second." With that in mind, Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry talk about how the Cardinals defense will look with young, athletic linebackers Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins patrolling the middle. Plus, discussions about Kyler Murray's year-three forecast, Robert Alford's return to action and the running game featuring Chase Edmonds and James Conner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 432 - Yes, all eyes will be on Kyler Murray this season. He’s the quarterback. It comes with the territory. But he can’t do his job if the five men in front of him don’t do their job. The offensive line is key. And that’s where Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki begin their position-by-position look in preparation for training camp later this summer. With the addition of Rodney Hudson and the return of D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh plus Kelvin Beachum, the O-line is very good shape. The one big question mark the guys discuss: Who starts at right guard?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 431 - The offseason work is complete. Minicamp is done. So, what did we learn about the 2021 Arizona Cardinals? A lot. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their takeaways, none bigger than the continuing development of Kyler Murray, both on and off the field. Of course, wins and losses is how Murray and the Cardinals will be defined this season. There is reason to be optimistic, however. Besides Murray, the guys discuss the competition at right guard, the depth at cornerback and whether Chandler Jones’ no-show was a big deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 511 - Running backs coach James Saxon joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about the prospects of the Cardinals' run game featuring Chase Edmonds and free agent signee James Conner. Saxon is reunited with Conner after coaching the big runner in Pittsburgh during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Plus, Calvisi and Wolf discuss Kyler Murray's leadership going into his third year, Robert Alford's return from two straight season-ending injuries and the future of Isaiah Simmons as he gets set to play next to rookie linebacker Zaven Collins in the middle of the Cardinals defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 430 - While many believe the Cardinals will be much improved offensively, the same can be expected on defense. J.J. Watt and Malcolm Butler bring experience to the defensive line and cornerback positions, respectively. Zaven Collins, though young, is extremely talented. All of the above excites defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. He’s most excited, however, about those players who are entering their second and third years in the system. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss each level of the defense through the eyes of Joseph.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After some time off, Darren Urban returns just in time for minicamp, so Paul Calvisi and Kyle Odegard bring him back in the fold to talk about the lone time the (nearly) full roster will work in the offseason and what they noticed, the absence of Chandler Jones as Jones goes into the last year of his contract, the decisions that will have to be made at cornerback, Eno in the backfield (and maybe J.J. Watt?), bandwagoning with the Cards, what players should be talked about more, and even seeing Fitz’s face (on the freeway, but still.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the 2021 season approaches, which Cardinals players are currently flying under the radar and deserve more attention? Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry make cases for a few guys who may surprise. Plus, discussions about new cornerback Darqueze Dennard, how Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins could help increase takeaways and first impressions of minicamp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 429 - Actions have consequences, or in this case, inaction. Over the weekend, Zaven Collins literally found himself rolling down a fairway at a local golf course after forgetting to bring J.J. Watt breakfast as Collins had promised. It’s a mistake the rookie won’t make again. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki view Saturday’s viral event as a positive. Also, the guys set the stage for this week’s mandatory minicamp. What do they want to see or hear over the next three days? Remember, these practices are the final time coaches and players will be on the field together until training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 428 - Once again, a lot is going to be expected from Isaiah Simmons as he prepares for his second year in the NFL. He was the defense’s Swiss army knife, playing a half dozen positions. But it is inside linebacker that will be “home base” according to his position coach Bill Davis. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the progress Simmons made last season and what his pairing with Zaven Collins may mean for the defense overall. Also, the guys react to the signing of veteran cornerback Darqueze Dennard. Both had been pushing for more experience at that position, so perhaps someone was listening. Yeah, probably not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 510 - The pairing of young linebackers Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons has been a hot Cardinals topic during the offseason. Linebackers coach Bill Davis joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about his first impressions of Collins, the jump he expects from Isaiah Simmons after learning six positions during his rookie season and the leadership infusion provided by J.J. Watt. Plus, some takeaways from organized team activities along with a preview of Kyler Murray's third season as Cardinals quarterback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a completely virtual offseason in 2020, the Cardinals returned to the field for organized team activities this week. Paul Calvisi and Kyle Odegard discussed J.J. Watt, Kyler Murray and more while Darren Urban took advantage of the OTA session's voluntary nature and chose a vacation. Plus, a breakdown of Budda Baker’s beef with Pro Football Focus, the tight end rumor mill and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 427 - According to Kliff Kingsbury, “a majority” of the team was in attendance for the first organized team activity, or OTA, of the offseason. New faces mixed with the familiar ones; and yes, Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins were spotted on the field together, which may have been the biggest takeaway for both Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki. Remember, the players’ presence is voluntary this week. Also, it was hard not to notice J.J. Watt, who described Wednesday as “kind of like that first day of school.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since J.J. Watt and the Cardinals agreed on a free agent deal this offseason, much of the talk has been about how Watt will pair with linebacker Chandler Jones in Vance Joseph's defensive scheme. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry discuss how the duo can create headaches for opposing offenses. Plus, the guys break down Pete Prisco's Top 100 NFL players list and analyze the Cardinals offensive line and tight ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 2 - Luis Hernández y Rolando Cantú analizan el calendario oficial de la temporada regular 2021 de los Cardenales de Arizona. Cuántos partidos pueden ganar? Cuál es el partido más difícil de la temporada? En nuestro segundo episodio examinaremos minuciosamente las 17 jornadas y Rolando también nos dirá cuál es la mejor comida de la ciudad donde el equipo juege de visitante.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 509 - When you want to know about a linebacker, you ask a fellow linebacker. That's exactly what Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley did on the Big Red Rage when they invited former Cardinals linebacker Rob Fredrickson to chat about rookie Zaven Collins. Fredrickson, a former top pick himself, talks about what Collins can expect from the NFL, lining up next to Isaiah Simmons and the benefit of having linebackers who can play all three downs. Plus, discussions on cornerback depth and the new-look running back room led by Chase Edmonds and James Conner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally face-to-face, there is plenty for Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard to talk about, not the least of which is Chase Edmonds’ willingness to “run through a damn wall” for his starting running back opportunity. But there’s so much more – more Fitz speculation, the big year facing Christian Kirk (again), how much Rondale Moore was needed, Rodney Hudson as the best center in the NFL, Kyler Murray throwing to A.J. Green and how good Green can be, and oh yeah, some tattoo chatter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest name added to the Cardinals roster in the offseason was defensive lineman J.J. Watt. Craig Grailou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry discuss the players who will play alongside Watt in the trenches. Plus, we break down the early reports on rookies Zaven Collins and Rondale Moore and examine how Chase Edmonds and James Conner can work together to fuel the Cardinals running game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 426 - After dreaming about Julio Jones, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki snap back into reality for a discussion about the team’s two young inside linebackers, Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons. Recent comments by director of player personnel Dru Grigson and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph suggest both Collins and Simmons are more than ready for their expected roles in 2021. Collins is taking charge in the huddle, while Simmons is being prepped to be used all over the field. And both, as Grialou and Jurecki mention, will benefit from the veteran leadership around them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 508 - The Cardinals recently conducted a rookie minicamp at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe. What was learned? Director of player personnel Dru Grigson joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to break it all down. Plus, find out when the Cardinals front office knew that Zaven Collins would be considered at No. 16, how Rondale Moore moves around the field and the upside of cornerbacks Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 425 - More and more, we’re seeing players from other countries make it to the NFL. Austrian tight end Bernhard Seikovits is trying to follow the same path as former Cardinals offensive lineman and current broadcaster Rolando Cantu, who joins Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki on today’s show. In addition to discussing his journey, Cantu shares his thoughts on Kyler Murray and the offense plus his new Spanish-language podcast, La Tacleada Cardinals, aka The Cardinals Tackle. Also, the guys discuss the significance of Murray's recent Instagram video showing him throwing a pass to A.J. Green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of rookie minicamp and offseason on-field work for the first time since 2019, Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard discuss Zaven Collins’ doppelgänger and his immediate placement into the starting lineup; how Collins might look alongside fellow tree Isaiah Simmons; the benefit Collins gets with on-field work (and what Simmons might’ve lost last offseason); the cornerback room; Rondale Moore’s drive to play big; how roster building might signal an offensive direction, Larry Fitzgerald’s locker, and what are the keys for a playoff berth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cardinals recently wrapped up their first rookie minicamp since 2019. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry talk about top-pick Zaven Collins and what he will encounter in the NFL, bringing the rookie corners along and who else made a nice first impression at Cards HQ. Plus, a complete breakdown of the 2021 schedule highlighting some of the more intriguing matchups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 424 - It's the expectation of both general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury that linebackers Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons will start Week 1. “Two really fast trees” in the middle of the defense, according to Kingsbury. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki express some pros and cons to the plan, while also acknowledging the tremendous upside of the two young players, especially with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph pulling the strings, so to speak. First though, the guys give their first impressions of the three-day rookie minicamp held over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes, the 2021 schedule is here. Why wouldn’t Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard want to have some deep discussions about whether the Cardinals have enough primetime games, opening at Tennessee (and what it means for the young ILB tandem of Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons), dealing with weather like the heat in Jacksonville and the cold of Chicago, the most intriguing game on the schedule, Patrick Peterson’s return, the return of fans, potentially playing rookie QBs and the best road trips available for fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 423 - The biggest season in the history of the NFL will see the Cardinals play three times on national television, including a matchup on Christmas Day. Three of the team’s first four games and four of the team’s last seven games will be on the road. The home opener is Week 2. The bye occurs in Week 12. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the entire 2021 regular season schedule, providing game-by-game analysis. They pay particular attention to the Kyler Murray vs. Baker Mayfield rematch plus J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins facing their former team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 507 - Cardinals safety Budda Baker joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley at Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe to discuss the 2021 schedule which includes three primetime home games. Plus, find out why Baker made the expensive switch to the No. 3 jersey and what he thinks about new teammates J.J. Watt, Malcolm Butler and Zaven Collins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No, Tim Tebow hasn’t signed with the Cardinals, but that doesn’t mean the discussion doesn’t go all over the place with Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Oedgard. There are single-digit jerseys on players, a tight end with a potential nickname of Psycho, what it will mean for the rookies to actually have some on-field and in-person time during rookie minicamp, Tay Gowan’s confidence, Kyler Murray’s quiet offseason before a crucial third year, Larry Fitzgerald’s limbo, and DeAndre Hopkins’ charitable foray into the breakfast cereal market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a busy week at Cardinals HQ. First, a bunch of players either changed jersey numbers or had their numbers assigned. Second, the 2021 NFL schedule will be released on Wednesday evening. Finally, the Cardinals will hold rookie minicamp this weekend at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry break it all down. Find out what players look for in the game schedule and what the rookies can expect at their first minicamp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 1 - Luis Hernández y Rolando Cantú le dan un vistazo a las seleciones del Draft del 2021 de los Arizona Cardinals de una manera única. Zaven Collins será titular en la semana 1? Cuánto impacto tendrá el receptor Rondale Moore? En este primer episodio hablaremos si el equipo de Arizona está listo para llegar lejos en el 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 422 - This week the rookies—drafted, undrafted and tryout players plus tight end Bernhard Seikovits—are in town for minicamp. It’s their first taste of pro football. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki stress the importance of the camp, especially given the fact that last year’s rookie class did not have one. This week also sees the release of the 2021 regular season schedule. How many primetime games might the Cardinals receive? And for those early season games, it might be a good idea to grab a roster. Uniform numbers have been assigned, and for a handful of players, some number changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 506 - Cornerbacks coach Greg Williams joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about the confidence and ability of rookie corners Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan, the addition of veteran Malcom Butler and what a healthy Robert Alford could mean to the Cardinals defense. Plus, Calvisi and Wolf take a dive into the 2021 Cards Draft class as a whole. How will linebackers Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons fit together? What kind of impact can speedy receiver Rondale Moore make in his rookie year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 421 - From Marco Wilson to James Wiggins plus Zaven Collins and Rondale Moore, the Cardinals drafted themselves some very athletic talent. Of course athleticism doesn’t always equal success. While acknowledging that, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the upside of a player like Wilson as well as fellow cornerback Tay Gowan, who Pro Football Focus called one of their best value picks. Also, it’s time to review; just how well did Jurecki’s big board—his top-50 draft prospects—match up with how the rest of the league thought of this year’s draft class?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cardinals added seven new players to the mix during the 2021 NFL Draft. Most of those players play on the defensive side of the ball including first-round linebacker Zaven Collins. Which players are best equipped to make an immediate impact? Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry analyze each pick and discuss how that player may fit into the 2021 plans and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.