Arizona Cardinals Podcasts

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.

Any easy subject this week for Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard. Sure, Paul first asks about longsnappers, but quickly enough the guys delve into the athleticism of the Cardinals’ draft class, choosing Zaven Collins in the first round and the kind of impact he can make compared to other positions, Rondale Moore as the latest second-round wide receiver and how his skillset can change the offense, how rookies can make an impact, the secondary help on Day 3, the curious case of Marco Wilson, Tay Gowan as steal, Budda Baker’s new number and, of course, a dollop of Fitz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 420 - Somewhere, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is smiling. Five of the team’s seven draft picks were defensive players, so more talent for Joseph to work with. We know linebacker Zaven Collins is expected to play right away. There may be an opportunity for cornerbacks Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan to see the field early as well given the need for depth at that position. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss each of the seven new faces to the roster. Also, the guys explain why Budda Baker is changing his uniform number once again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 419 - With their one and only pick on the second day of the draft, the Cardinals selected a do-it-all wide receiver in Rondale Moore out of Purdue. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the his role within the offense and as a kick returner. Plus, how does the addition of Moore affect the depth chart within the wide receivers room? Pass catcher, by the way, was a popular position on Friday as both the Seahawks and Rams went receiver with their first picks of the draft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 418 - Though not the name most often linked to the Cardinals, linebacker Zaven Collins became the clear choice of general manager Steve Keim once the team was on the clock with the 16th overall pick. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki explain the selection and what Collins adds to the defense, especially when paired with Isaiah Simmons, last year’s pick in the first round. No, linebacker wasn’t necessarily a need, but with the top two cornerbacks and the three best wide receivers off the board, Collins was too good of a talent to pass up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 505 - Cardinals play-by-play voice Dave Pasch joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to preview the 2021 NFL Draft. What will the Cardinals do with the 16th pick? Will they trade up? Will they trade down? What happens if the top cornerbacks and wide receivers are gone when the Cardinals are on the clock? We examine the many ways the draft could unfold. Plus, the guys take their best guess as to who will become the latest first-rounder to land in Arizona.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The draft is here – hopefully, Kyle Shanahan, the world won’t end this weekend – so Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard have a lot to chat about. Who should/will the 49ers take at No. 3 for quarterback, who might the Cardinals take at 16 if all the “hot” names are gone, could the Cards trade down, whether a running back in the first round makes sense, the fears of the Caleb Farley injuries, cornerback as priority and maybe trading up, the Kliff House, spending a pick on a punter, and yes, a little more Fitz speculation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of speculation, the 2021 NFL Draft is finally here and we'll soon know who the Cardinals will select with the No. 16 pick. That is, of course, if there is not a trade. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry discuss all the options including the top prospects at cornerback and receiver. Plus, the guys examine how the rest of the NFC West might approach their selections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 417 - What the Cardinals do with the No. 16 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft will not be known officially until Thursday. Unofficially, a number of different draft prospects have been projected to the Cardinals with that pick. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss—for one final time—many of those names, and they are names that seem to fall into one of two categories: cornerback and wide receiver. Also, on the subject of wide receiver, what’s the latest with Larry Fitzgerald? He did make a public appearance over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 504 - Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about Kyler Murray heading into his third year, the value of proven veterans like J.J. Watt and A.J. Green, how center Rodney Hudson can take pressure off of Murray, the upcoming NFL Draft and more. Find out which way Warner would go with the 16th pick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 416 - There is always a lot of noise ahead of the draft, and this year has been no exception. The good news is it will be a lot quieter this time next week. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki mock the mock drafts before trying to read between the lines in what GM Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury had to say in their annual pre-draft presser. Also, who is No. 1 on Jurecki’s list of the top-50 draft prospects in 2021? No, it’s not a surprise but you may be surprised who lands at No. 2 and No. 3 as he unveils his final 10-player grouping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The time for the NFL draft is near, which means we’re hip-deep in mock drafts and speculation. Little wonder Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Kyle Odegard use that to their advantage, as they talk about oh so many mocks, how desperate is the need for cornerback in the first round, just what is valuable in the first round (is it receiver?), the second round and whether an edge rusher fits (and a story about Denny Green’s draft predictions), the importance of the class overall in future roster-building, trading for a tight end, P2’s goodbye essay and of course, this week’s Fitz theory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 2021 NFL Draft just over a week away, the Cardinals are finalizing their preparations. Craig Grialou, Mike Jurecki and Bertrand Berry talk about what goes on in the draft room including setting the board, resolving debates on different players and conducting mock drafts. Plus, Berry discusses why recently-signed running back James Conner will be a good fit with Chase Edmonds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 415 - What's in a number? Apparently a lot for NFL players. News that the league may ease restrictions on who can wear which uniform numbers has excited some. Markus Golden hinted at a potential number change before saying he’ll stick with No. 44. The uniform number proposal is just one measure expected to be voted on by the owners this week. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what they’d like to see passed. Plus, Mike Jurecki continues his countdown of the top-50 draft prospects. He unveils No. 11-20. Finally, quarterbacks make the list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 414 - This offseason we’ve heard a number of players—from J.J. Watt to A.J. Green and most recently James Conner—say they’re looking forward to a fresh start in Arizona. They’ve hit the reset button on their careers with the decision to sign with the Cardinals. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki like the idea of a change of scenery benefiting the team. Plus, where does Kyler Murray land on the list of MVP candidates for 2021 and Jurecki continues his top-50 countdown of the best draft prospects, focusing in on No. 21-30.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 503 - The 2021 NFL Draft is two weeks away and the Cardinals are making their final preparations. Director of player personnel Dru Grigson joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about scouting during the pandemic, meetings with prospects, covering pro days, building their draft board and more. Grigson also discusses the deepest positions in the draft and what it's like inside the war room. Plus, Wolf and Calvisi speculate on the role of new running back James Conner who signed with the Cardinals on Tuesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.