Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 992 - Happy April Fool’s Day, Bird Gang. That said, neither Craig Grialou nor Dani Sureck are playing the fool on Wednesday’s show. Instead, Craig and Dani continue to react to what Mike LaFleur had to say during his Q&A with reporters at the Annual League Meeting this week; LaFleur likes the experience both Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew bring to the quarterback room, believes Teryl Austin will be “a great asset” for him, Nick Rallis, and the defense overall plus LaFleur is looking forward to having players back in the building next week. Also, Craig and Dani update Paris Johnson Jr.’s rehab, another round of uniform number changes, and because it is April 1st, begin to promote the 2026 Draft Party at State Farm Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 991 - It’s the one topic that’s dominated much of the offseason. Quarterback. Who’s in the room? Who might be in the room? And, yes, who no longer is in the room? Those questions were asked. Those questions were answered by head coach Mike LaFleur over a 30-minute period on Monday morning at the Arizona Biltmore, the site of this year’s Annual League Meeting. Both Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman listened in to what LaFleur had to say about Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew as well as Kyler Murray. Plus, the guys react to what LaFleur had to say about the offense, the offensive line, his coaching staff, Kendrick Bourne, Walter Nolen’s recovery, and the likelihood of joint practices with the Green Bay Packers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 990 – At first glance, he reminds you of Dennis Gardeck, maybe even Pat Tillman (or Kurt Cobain, according to Paul Calvisi.) Watch him play, and yeah, the Gardeck similarities continue. Hear him speak, and you feel like you’re talking to Budda Baker in terms of how he describes his style of play. In other words, new safety Andrew Wingard, before even playing a down of football in a Cardinals uniform, is trending towards being a fan favorite. Recently, Wingard sat down with Calvisi and Craig Grialou to discuss why he chose Arizona after seven seasons in Jacksonville, why going undrafted might’ve been the best thing to happen to him, and why he plays like he plays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 989 - Whether on the field or off the field, and especially off the field, Kendrick Bourne can be counted on to bring one thing: He will bring the energy. Tenfold. “I was born this way” - no pun intended - he recently told Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi. Bourne is among the new additions to the wide receiver room. He speaks with Craig and Paul about the energy he exudes, why relationships are important, his plan to be a mentor to the likes of Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., the special connection he has with head coach Mike LaFleur, and how being an undrafted free agent helped shape him into the player who is going into his 10th season in the league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 988 - Among the many moves made during free agency almost half of the additions have come along the line of scrimmage, which shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone based on last season’s results. The two marquee names signed were Isaac Seumalo and Roy Lopez. Both recently sat down with Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi. For Seumalo, it was a chance to get back on the west coast, fill a need at left guard, team with Paris Johnson Jr., and help build a winner in Arizona. Meanwhile, for Lopez, who is about to become a first-time father, it was a chance to return home, fill a much-needed role inside, and reunite with several teammates as well as defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. Enjoy the conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 987 - It’s what every player wants. An opportunity. And for running back Tyler Allgeier, he believes he’s got a great opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals. Allgeier sat down with Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi to discuss his decision to leave Atlanta for Arizona; joining a room with James Conner, Trey Benson, Bam Knight and Corey Kiner; working with head coach Mike LaFleur, who he’s watched with admiration from afar; his journey from high school to college - and one season playing linebacker - to the NFL; plus, Paul was not afraid to bring up his zero lost fumbles stat. Before that conversation, however, the guys go over the news of the day: the signing of safety Andrew Wingard and the reported signing of wide receiver Devin Duvernay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 986 - Happy New Year, Bird Gang! And on this the first day of the new league year, there is plenty to talk about; a lot of what has been reported is now official. Yes, that includes the future of Kyler Murray. And that’s where Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman begin the show. Murray has been released, while Gardner Minshew will reportedly sign to join holdovers Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis. Who will be QB1? The guys also discuss what has quickly become a loaded running back room, additions along the line of scrimmage including a new starting guard and a familiar face returning to the defensive line, plus seven rounds equals seven draft picks come April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 985 - Marvin Harrison Jr. Michael Wilson. Trey McBride. Three very capable pass catchers, and in the case of McBride, maybe the best at his position. In other words, it should be a quarterback-friendly offense regardless of who might be under center for the Cardinals in 2026, according to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus. He joined Craig Grialou, who is flying solo on today’s show, at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. The two had a really good conversation about Marvin, Michael, and Trey. Also, the guys looked back at the first season of Walter Nolen III, debated pass protect vs. pass rush with the third overall pick, and then Trevor explained the difficulty teams - like the Cardinals - might have finding a trade partner to move in the draft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 984 - Doubling up one more time this week. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck continue to look back at their time in Indianapolis and the 2026 Scouting Combine. It was a busy week which produced a number of great interviews, two of which are featured on today’s show. From ESPN, Dan Graziano and Ben Solak joined Craig and Dani to discuss whether the Cardinals might lean edge rush or offensive line in the first round; they give their thoughts on last year’s draft class which had a handful of players flash and regardless of what happens at quarterback, both agree there is talent on that side of the ball. All this on what is the final Friday of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 983 - Before the debate, there’s news to discuss. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about the future of Kyler Murray, who announced his departure ahead of reports he’ll be released if not traded by the start of the new league year next week, and react to the announcement the Cardinals will play the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game. Then it’s back to Indianapolis, where Craig and Dani spoke with NFL Network Analysts Charles Davis and Cynthia Frelund; their thoughts on the Scouting Combine, whether O-line or D-line is the best option with the third overall pick, how they feel about new head coach Mike LaFleur, the decision to retain Nick Rallis, and the play of Trey McBride.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 982 - Good to be back in studio. More importantly, good to be back in Arizona. The heat is preferred over the cold for both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck. And though the two are happy to have returned to familiar surroundings, it does not mean they are done talking about their time in Indianapolis and the 2026 Scouting Combine. Among the many guests Craig and Dani talked to were ESPN NFL Draft Analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller. Both like the offensive line depth in the draft - by the way, they each recently mocked Miami OT Francis Mauigoa to the Cardinals - and believe good players can be found despite the lack of star power at the quarterback position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 981 - Just. Draft. Good. Football. Players. Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s never that easy. On their last day at the 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck are joined by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, the author of ‘The Beast,’ a must-have draft guide for those who enjoy those three days in April. Brugler gives his thoughts on the options - offensive tackle or edge rusher - for the Cardinals with the third overall pick, what positions he sees are the deepest in this year’s draft class, how unlikely it is to expect a lot of trades early on Day 1, and why so many tight ends have been invited to the combine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 980 - Could the 2026 NFL Draft deliver a surprise at No. 3 overall? According to ESPN’s Field Yates, absolutely, and that surprise could even be a quarterback. Yes, he went there. Yates joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to break down the possibilities. He outlined what Monti Ossenfort might consider if he has “strong conviction” about selecting a quarterback in the first round, including a detailed evaluation of Alabama’s Ty Simpson. The conversation also explored alternative directions at No. 3, such as targeting an offensive lineman or edge rusher, and examined the overall depth of this year’s wide receiver class. And in a lighter moment, Yates shared that he’s hoping to convince his expecting wife to name their child Michael Wilson Yates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 979 - Edge rusher. Offensive lineman. Those two positions have been the positions most linked to the Cardinals and their No. 3 pick. OK, so who then are the players that may be under consideration when the team is on the clock in April? Good question. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the answer. He joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Jeremiah offered his perspective, his insights on the draft class overall plus he gave his thoughts on new head coach Mike LaFleur. Before that conversation, though, Craig and Dani discussed what’s been the buzz so far in Indy, and yes, it revolves around the quarterback position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 978 - Two new coordinators and one familiar face were officially introduced Wednesday, as head coach Mike LaFleur presented his staff: Nathaniel Hackett (offensive coordinator), Nick Rallis (defensive coordinator), and Michael Ghobrial (special teams coordinator). Hackett and Ghobrial are new to the Cardinals, while Rallis will be entering his fourth season in charge of the defense. All three sounded enthusiastic. All three are eager to get to work. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what they heard from each of the coordinators: Hackett is ready to serve as a sounding board for LaFleur, Rallis is grateful to be able to run it back after some self reflection, and Ghobrial believes “special teams is the purest form of football.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 977 - Kyle Shanahan. Sean McVay. Two of the more influential people in the coaching career of Mike LaFleur. How much of what Shanahan does in San Francisco and McVay in Los Angeles be brought to Arizona? Great question. And we’re really not going to get an answer until games begin. But we can take a guess. That’s exactly what Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman did on Wednesday, when they spoke with Jourdan Rodrigue, Senior NFL writer for The Athletic. Rodrigue rejoins the show to discuss Mike as a person, Mike as a coach, and, maybe more importantly, Mike as a playcaller, especially with likes of Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. on his roster. Just incredible insight and information from a near 30-minute conversation with Jourdan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 976 - It’s the first full week for Mike LaFleur as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. And as of Monday, he hadn’t yet hired a staff, at least not officially. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the reported move of Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator and the different names reportedly linked to the defensive coordinator position. Putting a staff together is job one for LaFleur, who outlined what he’s looking for in a staff, in personnel and in a team in separate 1-on-1 conversations with Craig and Dani late last week; both of which are now available on azcardinals.com and the Cardinals YouTube channel. First though, Craig and Dani give their thoughts on Super Bowl Sunday; no the game wasn’t great, but that Seattle Seahawks defense certainly impressed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 975 - So, it was never a matter of if but when, and the when is 2026, his first year of eligibility. Congratulations to Larry Fitzgerald. Well deserved, and maybe more importantly, well earned. Craig Grialou, Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban - who joins the guys from San Francisco; he was at NFL Honors where the announcement was made on Thursday night - react to the news Fitz is a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026; go over his credentials, both on and off the field, and talk about some of their favorite moments over a 17-year career. It’s just the start of what is to be expected the Summer of Fitz, looking back at both the player as well as the person before his induction on Saturday, August 8th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 974 - Yes, it’s Super Bowl week. But here in Arizona, and for Cardinals fans worldwide, it’s Mike LaFleur week. A brand-new era is underway. LaFleur, hired on Sunday, will be officially introduced as head coach at a press conference on Tuesday. So, what do Craig Grialou and Zach Gersham hope to hear from the 38-year-old first-time head coach? (Besides the obvious, of course; coaching staff, quarterback, etc.) Also, Craig and Zach dive further into LaFleur’s background, his biggest influences and what that may or may not mean for Cardinals players already on the roster. The guys then close out the show talking about the Pro Bowl, the Super Bowl, the Waste Management Phoenix Open - a handful of Cardinals are participating in the Pro Am - and Zach’s viral social media post.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 973 – The vacancy sign is no longer illuminated. It was finally turned off on Sunday when the Cardinals announced the hiring of Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. Craig Grialou, Darren Urban, and Zach Gershman — yes, the show goes Cover 3 — react to the breaking news. LaFleur spent the past three seasons as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and previously served as the play-caller for the New York Jets for two years.. As of showtime, no press conference had been announced so Craig, Darren and Zach wonder whether LaFleur will call plays in Arizona. They also discuss his next steps, including assembling a coaching staff and addressing the quarterback position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 972 - As of Monday, the Cardinals are one of four teams still with vacancy signs lit for their head coach position. And as of Sunday, more specifically Sunday night, five names reportedly linked to the job became available to be interviewed with three able to be hired at any time, while the other two must wait until after their team’s participation in the Super Bowl. So, what does it all mean? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck dive into the coaching search, one that appears to be nearing its conclusion as the reported field of candidates has narrowed. Also, Craig and Dani look back at Championship Sunday, look ahead to Super Bowl Sunday, and then, don’t look now, but mock draft season is officially underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 971 - First it was Trey McBride. Now it’s Will Johnson. Both have been honored by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) for their play this past season. Johnson most recently was selected to the All-Rookie Team. That distinction led to a much broader discussion about the Cardinals’ current collection of cornerbacks. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the room, highlighting Johnson and fellow rookie Denzel Burke. Craig and Zach also wonder about the status - the health status - of Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas, and Sean Murphy-Bunting. Plus, the two give their thoughts on Championship Sunday. Of course, that all follows an update on the search for a new head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 970 - Six categories. A 13-member voting panel. The results? Well, in a season that didn’t go as expected, there were still plenty of individuals and moments that shined over 17 games. And with that, Craig Grialou, Zach Gershman and Dani Sureck invite you, the Bird Gang, to the 2025 Cardinals Awards. Together, the three announce and then discuss - maybe even disagree with - the selected winners. Following the awards ceremony, Craig, Zach and Dani update the Cardinals’ coaching search as two new names - Texans DC Matt Burke and Steelers OC Arthur Smith - have reportedly been linked to the job, as of Wednesday; and then they offer their thoughts on the four games this weekend in the Divisional Round.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 969 - The number is 10. Ten reported names the Cardinals have either requested or scheduled an interview with for their vacant head coaching position. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman go over the 10 names - wait, make that 11 names as the name John Harbaugh surfaced mid-show. They detail backgrounds, including previous experience at the head coach level. Is that an important factor? What is important to know is that the search is still in the early stages. Craig and Zach also discuss the players’ reaction to the coaching change, assistant coaches on the move, Trey McBride earning All-Pro status before questioning why his selection wasn’t unanimous, and then the guys dive into Wild Card Weekend; the dominance of the NFC West can be seen as both good and bad news for the Arizona Cardinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 968 - Change is inevitable in the NFL. And the Arizona Cardinals wasted no time in making the first of what his expected to be several changes following a 3-14 season. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi react to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon. The two then discuss what owner Michael Bidwill and GM Monti Ossenfort had to say. The theme of their 23-minute press conference was a pretty simple one: wins and losses matter; and the Cardinals didn’t win enough games in the three seasons under Gannon. So, now what? What’s the next step in the search for a new coach and what might the decision-makers be looking for in a new man in charge. Finally, it is a Monday, and for one last Monday, Paul - with some assistance from Craig - names his Angry Bird Award winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 967 - The number 1,000 carries a lot of significance, especially in the NFL. It’s a number that helps define whether a season was a success or not among skill position players, like wide receivers. On Sunday, Michael Wilson needs 93 receiving yards to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. It would, as he said this week, be a “heck of an achievement” considering how the season started. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman talk about Wilson’s year, his recent run of success and then dive into the matchup against the L.A. Rams; it’s the last opportunity for a lot of players to make one last impression. Plus, for one final time, Craig and Zach head into enemy territory. They speak with Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for therams.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 966 - A true pro. You hear that said a lot about certain players. And it most certainly fits when you talk about Calais Campbell. Even more so, maybe. On this last day of 2025, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about the impact Campbell has made both on and off the field and whether or not there might be a 19th season in his future. Other topics include why the real battle on Sunday in L.A. is between Trey McBride and Puka Nacua; Paris Johnson Jr., who received this year’s Good Guy Award, believes the team is headed in the right direction plus injury updates on Marvin Harrison Jr., Walter Nolen III, and Garrett Williams; the latter two of whom underwent successful surgery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 965 - For the second time in three games, Trey McBride set three different single-season records. Unfortunately, and it’s happened too often this season, McBride wasn’t able to fully enjoy his accomplishments. He’s about winning games more than anything, and the Cardinals just haven’t won enough games in 2025. The latest defeat came Sunday in Cincinnati, 37-14. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi, after a discussion on McBride and a quick word on the season-finale at the Rams, detail what they saw; the offense’s inability to stay on the field, the defense’s inability to get off the field. Plus, what did Cody Simon, who earned Paul’s Angry Bird Award, Will Johnson and Denzel Burke show that may carry over to next season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 964 - In the spirit of Bill Belichick circa 2014, the Arizona Cardinals are on to Cincinnati this week. They play the Bengals, who are coming off maybe their best win of the season. The Cardinals, meanwhile, hope Sunday is the day they put an end to a season-long seven-game losing streak. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the matchup, focus on the challenge Will Johnson and Denzel Burke face trying to slow down the Bengals’ two top wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, plus go over who will and who will not play in Week 18. Also, the guys head into enemy territory. Geoff Hobson joins the show. He’s the senior writer for Bengals.com. It’s the Cardinals first trip to Cincinnati since 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 963 - If you listen to either head coach Jonathan Gannon or defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, they both have been pleased with the season-long play of Darius Robinson. The stats, though, haven’t always been there. Until Sunday. On Sunday, Robinson had arguably his best game of his career. Craig Grialou and Darren Urban - yes, we got @Cardschatter on the show - discuss what they saw, the impact Robinson made, and what that may mean for Robinson heading into next season, especially given the uncertain status of Walter Nolen III. Also, Craig and Darren talk about the challenge this week for cornerbacks Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, provide an update on Budda Baker, and explain maybe why the Cardinals have two kickers on the active roster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 962 - A much better start. A much better run game. But not a much better result. On Sunday, the Cardinals lost their home finale and lost more players to injury. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they saw during the 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. There were some good moments, including scores on the first four offensive possessions, which was a first this season. And then there were some not-so-good moments, specifically Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen III carted off the field with what appeared to be devastating injuries. Through it all, the Cardinals battled and gave themselves a chance to win in the end, but just not enough plays were made to stop what is now a seven-game losing streak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 961 - Sunday marks the end of the 20th season of Arizona Cardinals football at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals won their first home game back in Week 2. Can they win their last home game here in Week 16? Standing in the way: the Atlanta Falcons. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the matchup on Sunday, take a look at the injury report - there’s both good news and not-so-good news - and, of course, head into enemy territory. The great D. Orlando Ledbetter joins the show. He’s the long time Falcons beat writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Falcons are flying high after last week’s win at Tampa. Here’s hoping they get grounded this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 960 - Disruptive. Ask the head coach. Ask the defensive coordinator. Ask his teammates. That’s how they all describe Walter Nolen III, who in a short amount of time has made an impact on the field. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they’ve seen from the rookie defensive tackle and ask what the ceiling may be for him. Nolen is one of a handful of players to keep an eye on over the last three games. Others include offensive lineman Jon Gaines, who has played well at left guard; running back Michael Carter, who may be RB1 for the rest of the regular season; and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who - good news, Bird Gang - returned to practice on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 959 - Historic. That’s how you sum up Trey McBride’s performance on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi go over some of the numbers, Paul details what he saw from the sideline, and both wonder out loud how to best feature McBride, Michael Wilson and, when healthy, Marvin Harrison Jr. Individually, McBride, this week’s Angry Bird Award winner, is having a fantastic season. Collectively, he and his teammates have struggled to find wins. Craig and Paul look back at the 40-20 loss at Houston: from falling behind by two scores before the first offensive snap, not generating enough pressure on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to the mistakes made on special teams. Add it all up and you get a sixth straight loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 958 - Last week, it was the second-ranked defense. This week, it’s the top-ranked defense. In other words, Jacoby Brissett has been and will once again be challenged as he and the Cardinals head to Houston in Week 15. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman preview Sunday’s matchup against the Texans. Their discussion begins with an injury report - spoiler alert: five players, and not just any five players but five starters will not play - and then continues as Craig and Zach venture into enemy territory. John Harris joins the show. He covers the Texans for HoustonTexans-dot-com plus he’s the team’s sideline reporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.