
Cardinals Cover 2
695 episodes — Page 10 of 14

Cardinals Cover 2 - Players Are Back, Offseason Work Begins
Ep. 555 - From James Conner to J.J. Watt, several players returned to the Dignity Healthy Arizona Cardinals Training Center this week for the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program. It’s the next step towards the 2022 regular season. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discussed the turnout. They also acknowledged attendance is voluntary. There were players who did not attend, like Kyler Murray. Still, this is when the work begins. And for the players who were present, last season, and specifically how last season ended, weighs heavily on their minds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Wide Receiver Room Goes Green, Again
Ep. 554 - He’s back. A.J. Green returns on a one-year contract. He put up good numbers last season; just lacked consistency, especially when DeAndre Hopkins was sidelined. The re-signing of Green certainly fills a need, though as Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki both point out, it should not preclude the Cardinals from addressing the wide receiver position early in the draft. Speaking of next week’s draft, it is finally time to unveil Jurecki’s top-10 prospects for 2022; none of whom are expected to be available when the Cardinals are on the clock, but who knows?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Running The Running Back Room
Ep. 553 - With James Conner re-signed and Jonathan Ward signing his one-year tender, the Cardinals would appear set at the running back position. In other words, there is no need to draft a player at that position. Or is there? There may be some difference of opinion between Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki. The 2022 NFL Draft is just two weeks away. And with that in mind, it’s time to unveil another 10 prospects on Jurecki’s top-50 big board. On this episode, the guys countdown Nos. 20-11; a lot more familiar names, though names that may be out of reach for the Cardinals at pick 23.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Flooding The Tight End Position
Ep. 551 - Maybe it’s a sign. Maybe the seven tight ends currently on the roster foreshadows an offensive shift in philosophy. Or maybe it means nothing at all. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki try to make sense of an offseason that, so far, has seen the Cardinals load up on tight ends versus any other position. Also, what’s the latest on reported free-agent visits from running back Darrel Williams and wide receiver Malik Turner plus Jurecki unveils his next 10 players—Nos. 40-31—on his list of top-50 draft prospects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Rondale Moore ‘Ready To Step Up’
Ep. 549 - At the moment, the pecking order at wide receiver is pretty straightforward. There’s DeAndre Hopkins and then Rondale Moore followed by a handful of question marks. Now that’s expected to change, sooner rather than later hopefully. But for the purposes of this show, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki spotlight Moore and ask whether he’s ready for a larger role. His head coach believes he is very ready. Also, the guys discuss the owners approving a change to the overtime rules for the postseason. How much more fair is it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - The Right Guy At Right Guard
Ep. 548 - That is certainly the hope with the signing of four-year veteran offensive lineman Will Hernandez. He does fill a need, and he may just be the missing piece at right guard. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the Hernandez addition and how he fits within the offense. Plus, what does this now mean for Josh Jones? Also, some news coming out of the Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. Are joint practices with another team during training camp in the Cardinals’ future? They are, according to Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Kyler Murray ‘Not Really Too Worried’ About Future
Ep. 547 - Kyler speaks! Yeah, first time since the Pro Bowl. At a community appearance—one of two he made on Thursday—Kyler Murray called Arizona “an adopted home”. He said he wanted to be an Arizona Cardinal “long term”. Of course a contract extension would be needed for that to happen, one that Murray wants. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all of what Murray had to say and whether more needs to be said. Also, the guys have the latest on a couple of players the Cardinals may have their eye on in free agency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - The NFL Quarterback Carousel Spins Again
Ep. 546 - It is not spinning, though, in Arizona. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki react to Matt Ryan being dealt to the Colts; just more talent headed to the AFC and now off the Cardinals’ radar when it comes to this season’s schedule. The Cardinals were to face Ryan in Atlanta. They were also scheduled to face Tyreek Hill at State Farm Stadium, and that’s now not happening after Wednesday’s blockbuster trade. The guys also discuss the return of Colt McCoy—a much needed move—and the addition of inside linebacker Nick Vigil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - A Quiet Start To Free Agency
Ep. 545 - Compared to years past, the Cardinals have played it cool when it comes to free agency. Sure, they’ve re-signed many of their own players—none bigger than Zach Ertz and James Conner—but GM Steve Keim has not been as aggressive as he has been over the past couple of offseasons. At least not yet. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the possible reasons for that plus look at the team’s three major positions of need: edge rusher, cornerback and a No. 2 wide receiver. Also, this is not the best year to be playing the AFC West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Prioritizing Free Agency
Ep. 544 - So far, the Cardinals have just dipped their toes into the free-agent waters. No big splashes. Maybe it’s coming, and maybe it’s not. Re-signing Maxx Williams was the latest move. He joins a returning James Conner, Zach Ertz and Colt McCoy; all four key offensive contributors last season. The Cardinals have prioritized bringing back their own free agents, at least so far. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki like the direction the team is headed, though both acknowledge work remains, i.e. edge rusher, cornerback and a No. 2 wide receiver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Zach Is Back, So Too is King James
Ep. 543 - OK, so maybe it wasn’t the biggest return announced on Sunday. (Thanks, Tom Brady!) But it was a return both Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki had hoped for. Zach Ertz is back. The veteran tight end agreed to terms on a three-year contract. James Conner is also back; and he, too, agreed to terms on a three-year contract—the news of which broke right in the middle of the show. Ertz and Conner played big roles within the offense last season so the guys are very happy both are returning, and not just for 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - An NFC West Without Wilson?
Ep. 542 - If the reports are true, and here’s hoping they are, then the landscape within the division has dramatically changed with the news Russell Wilson is headed to Denver. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki react to the good news and what it means for the Cardinals moving forward. Also, with just days remaining before the start of free agency, the guys look back at what both the general manager and head coach had to say at the Scouting Combine. Are there any dots to connect in how the team plans to approach the offseason?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Scouting The Scouting Combine
Ep. 541 - Whether you watched the coverage or read about it, the main takeaway from the just-completed Scouting Combine was speed. This year’s group of draft prospects is really, really fast. They ran the 40-yard dash faster than any other group since 2003. So what does it mean? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki debate. Plus, the guys give their thoughts—from a Cardinals perspective, of course—on what happened in Indianapolis, including just how relaxed, and tan, Kliff Kingsbury looked during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Stability At The Top
Ep. 540 - Winning 11 games and making the playoffs for the first time in six years earned both the general manager and head coach contract extensions on Wednesday. Steve Keim and Kliff Kingsbury are now signed through the 2027 season. That’s a rather strong message sent by the organization. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts. The timing of the announcement is interesting as well. So with those two under contract, is Kyler Murray next? Is the starting quarterback the next domino to fall? That’s been the big debate in recent days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Grab Your Passports, Or Get One
Ep. 539 - For the second time in franchise history and the first time since 2005, the Cardinals will play a regular season game in Mexico City. The date, opponent and kickoff time is not yet known; though that did not stop Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki from discussing possible opponents. Also, the guys look ahead to this week’s Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. What should Cardinals fans know and want to see and hear in the coming days? This is the next step in the information-gathering process ahead of the draft in April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Might Be Time To Plant The Two Trees
Ep. 538 - Last year it was Zaven Collins. Two years ago it was Isaiah Simmons. Together, GM Steve Keim had a vision of “having two trees in the middle of the field.” Now may be the time for that vision to become a reality. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the Cardinals’ potential plan with the pair of 6-foot-4 inside linebackers and where does Jordan Hicks factor into that plan, if at all. Also, Chandler Jones and his future, it’s the one topic that just won’t go away, though there may be some clarity sooner rather than later as free agency approaches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Help Wanted: A No. 2 Wide Receiver
Ep. 537 - For the second straight offseason, the Cardinals are in need of a playmaker opposite DeAndre Hopkins. A.J. Green filled that role in 2021, and his impact is up for debate. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss Green and the options the team has moving forward at wide receiver. Can Antoine Wesley be that No. 2 receiver? Might Rondale Moore be more involved next season? Does Christian Kirk return? Also, the guys look to the Pacific Northwest and review the coaching changes made by the Seattle Seahawks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - The Best Resides In The NFC West
Ep. 536 - Three NFC West teams made the playoffs. Two teams reached the conference championship game. One team won the Super Bowl. It was quite the post-season run for the division, and maybe Cardinals fans can take some solace in having had their season end at the hands of the eventual champions. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss Super Bowl 56, a 23-20 Rams win over the Bengals. Although neither team ran the ball particularly well, a good ground game is key, as it was for the Cardinals this past season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Improving The Run Defense
Ep. 535 - It is just about here. Super Bowl 56, a matchup between the Bengals and Rams, is on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts. Plus, the Cardinals connection that is really interesting. Defensive tackle Zach Kerr, who joined the Cardinals in November, has a chance to make some rather unique history: beat the team that knocked his team, his former team, out of the playoffs. Also, the guys do a deep-dive on the defensive line position. Stopping the run was hit-and-miss in 2021, and more miss late in the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Kyler Murray Is Trending
Ep. 534 - Five minutes into the Pro Bowl and Kyler Murray was the talk of social media. That’ll happen when you throw the ball to the opponent. Murray, though, did respond well after the pick-6. In fact, he played the best of any of the quarterbacks on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts on the game as well as how the other Cardinals players performed. Also, what was a strength at the start of the season became a liability at the end of the season. The guys tell the story of the 2021 Cardinals defensive backs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Strategy Enters The Pro Bowl
Ep. 533 - If five Cardinals playing in Sunday’s game is not enough incentive to watch, then maybe some not-so-subtle tweaks to how the game will be played will attract your interest. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki explain why there will be no opening or second-half kickoff plus there is an alternative to the onside kick that might come into play. Should be a fun afternoon regardless, especially for D.J. Humphries who is playing in his first Pro Bowl. Speaking of Humphries, the guys examine his position group and where that unit needs an upgrade this offseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Our End-Of-Season Awards
Ep. 532 - From MVP and Offensive Player of the Year to Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, AZCardinals.com’s annual end-of-season awards are out. A total of six different categories were voted upon. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki reveal their choices, with a big difference of opinion on who was the better player on defense in 2021. Also, the guys discuss Championship Sunday plus update what’s going on with Vance Joseph, Zach Allen and D.J. Humphries; the latter of whom now has weekend plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - The Pass Rush Question
Ep. 531 - Actually, it’s more of a Chandler Jones question. Do the Cardinals make an effort to retain one of the game’s better pass rushers? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki debate what to do with Jones, who has more sacks than any other Cardinals player in team history. The options are many, for both sides. Grialou even floated the idea of using the franchise tag. Jones is one of nine unrestricted free agents on defense. Also, the guys look ahead to Championship Sunday, and wonder out loud who should Cardinals fans root for in the NFC: the 49ers or the Rams? Tough call. Very tough call.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Will James Conner Return To AZ In 2022?
Ep. 530 - When looking at the number of unrestricted free agents-to-be on offense, there is one name that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest: running back James Conner. He is a must re-sign according to Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki as the guys discuss the team’s 10 offensive players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in March. Tight end Zach Ertz also made the priority list. Anyone else? First though, how do the guys feel about an all-NFC West NFC Championship Game?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - A Tale Of Two Seasons
Ep. 529 - How should the 2021 season be judged? A success? A failure? Or somewhere in-between? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts as they continue to put Monday night’s playoff loss in the rearview mirror—though, if we’re being honest, it’s been more difficult for Grialou to distance himself from that game. Also, the first roster moves of the offseason have been made and, yes, it is officially mock-draft season. Plus, while the Cardinals postseason run is done, that does not mean we still can’t enjoy the playoff action this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - One And Done
Ep. 528 - It’s one thing to get beat. It’s another thing to get embarrassed. On national television, no less. The word ‘embarrassed’ was used by both Christian Kirk and J.J. Watt following the 34-11 loss at the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The Cardinals had waited six years to get back into the postseason and they did not perform well. The stage looked too big for them. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all the ugliness from the Cardinals brief appearance during Super Wild Card Weekend; an appearance that has left far too many questions than answers heading into the offseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Playoff Football Is Different
Ep. 527 - It’s been a long wait. Six years. The Cardinals are back in the postseason for the first time since 2015. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the wild card matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, the third meeting between the two NFC West rivals. Jurecki has his three keys to victory and the X-factor. The biggest X-factor just may be the location. The game is in L.A., and we know how much better the Cardinals have played on the road this season. Also, the guys preview the five other playoff games—four of which are rematches from the regular season - coming up on Super Wild Card Weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Does Playoff Experience Matter?
Ep. 526 - Neither Kliff Kingsbury nor Kyler Murray have ever coached or played, respectively, in the playoffs. That may mean nothing or that may mean everything. Both, though, are looking forward to their first postseason experience. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss how much playoff experience really matters. Also, it was nothing but good news at practice on Thursday. Several injured players, including Chase Edmonds and Rondale Moore, were working. Plus, J.J. Watt practiced for the first time since late October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Watt He Said
Ep. 525 - J.J. Watt said a lot. He spoke for more than 20 minutes on Wednesday, the first time he’s addressed reporters since suffering a major shoulder injury back in October. Watt will practice this week. The question, though, everyone wants to know is will Watt play. That’s the unknown at this point. The plan, both Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki believe, is for Watt to play. How much of an impact will he have? The guys discuss that as they begin to preview the Cardinals first playoff game in six years. They play at the Los Angeles Rams as part of Super Wild Card Weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Opportunity Lost, New Opportunity Awaits
Ep. 524 - The door was open. There was an opportunity there on Sunday for the Cardinals to win the NFC West, which they last accomplished in 2015. The door, however, was slammed shut after a 38-30 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the regular season finale. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki look back at what went wrong, from the offense’s inability to score touchdowns inside the red zone to the defense’s inability to contain Russell Wilson and company. Of course, as bad as things looked in Week 18, the guys try not to lose sight on what’s ahead, and that’s an appearance in the postseason for the first time in six years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Watt? Already?!
Ep. 523 - Never put anything past J.J. Watt. He’s proven that to be the case before and, apparently, he’s on the verge of doing it once again. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss Watt’s potential return. It won’t be this week, however it very well could be next week when the playoffs begin. Just the presence of No. 99 back on the field would be a boost for the defense and the team overall. Let’s not forget, though, the Cardinals have one more game before postseason play. With that in mind, Jurecki has his three keys to victory in Week 18, a home game against the Seahawks with the potential of winning the NFC West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Be Better At Home
Ep. 522 - It’s been much too long since this Cardinals team last won a home game. You have to go all the way back to Week 7, at the end of October. The good news here is there is an opportunity on Sunday to end what has become a four-game losing streak at State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss why the Cardinals haven’t fared as well at home compared to on the road. Plus, if the losing is going to stop this week, it’s not going to be easy. Despite how the Seahawks have played this season, they do still have Russell Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Health Tops Winning Division
Ep. 521 - Every team’s goal is to make the playoffs. The Cardinals checked that box. Every team wants to win its division. The Cardinals can still do that, but they need help. So, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki debate winning the NFC West versus holding out a handful of players to get them healthy, or healthier, for the playoffs. It’s not a discussion of resting players. It’s a discussion about what to do with players like James Conner or Chase Edmonds who are banged up at the moment. Also, the guys look at the nine different scenarios in which the Cardinals could enter the postseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Big Win In A Big Game In Big D
Ep. 520 - Offense, defense and special teams; all three phases had a hand in Sunday’s 25-22 win in Dallas. And just like that, the Cardinals have appeared to right the ship, get the train back on track or any other cliché that is used when a team ends a three-game losing streak. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all the details—big and small—that led to the Cardinals franchise-best eighth road win of the season. Plus, the team has put themselves, once again, in position to win the NFC West; and that’s anyone could ask for heading into the final week of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Run The Football
Ep. 519 - It sounds simple enough. And it is why the Cardinals were so successful earlier in the season. But this team has gotten away from running the football. Now part of that is because they’ve trailed in games. Hopefully, Chase Edmonds and a returning (fingers crossed) James Conner can help the Cardinals get back on track. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the Week 17 matchup at the Dallas Cowboys with Jurecki giving his three keys to victory. Also, what are the options at left tackle now knowing D.J. Humphries will miss the game on Sunday?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Opportunity Knocks In Dallas
Ep. 518 - All any player wants is an opportunity. And it sounds like several players, whether it be due to injury or COVID-19, will be given an opportunity this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the options at outside linebacker and cornerback plus, potentially, offensive tackle. As everyone has seen, things are very fluid across the league right now. The timing is certainly not great, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys feature a top-ranked offense, averaging more yards (409.5) and more points (30.5) than any other team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Offense’s Security Blanket Is Back
Ep. 517 - Though he was not on the practice field on Wednesday, Rodney Hudson is back with the team. He missed the past two games—two losses—on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what Hudson’s return means for the offense, and in particular Kyler Murray. Obviously, Hudson is not the cure-all for what’s been ailing the offense. Turnovers, penalties and not enough touchdowns scored in the red zone have been some of the other issues. All of which need to be corrected ahead of facing a very, very good Dallas Cowboys defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Playoff Spot Secured With Outside Help
Ep. 516 - Yes, the Cardinals clinched a playoff spot. They did so from their couch on Sunday afternoon. No, they are not playing like a playoff team. In either phase of the game, really. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the good, the bad and the ugly from the 22-16 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts on Christmas night. That’s now three straight losses. Hardly the direction this team wants to be headed as they march towards the postseason. The good news is they have two games to figure things out. Two games to correct their mistakes, otherwise it is going to be a short playoff run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Our One Christmas Wish: A Week 16 Win
Ep. 515 - It’s not too much to ask for, is it? And if the Cardinals do win on Saturday, the gift is threefold. They clinch a playoff spot (which is first and foremost), snap a three-game home losing streak and end a two-game slide in primetime. All good things. Great things, really. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki breakdown the matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, with Jurecki giving his three keys to victory and X-factor. First though, the guys talk about the four players named to the Pro Bowl; each one deserving but it’s hard not to be most happy for James Conner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - ‘The Challenge’ That Is Jonathan Taylor
Ep. 514 - The Cardinals have faced their share of first-class running backs this season. Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook and Christian McCaffrey just to name a few. And now, Jonathan Taylor, who in 2021 may be in a class all his own. Taylor enters Week 16 leading the league in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards from scrimmage and total touchdowns. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the challenge—the word every coach and player used this week—that awaits the defense. Also, it’s time the Cardinals refocus their attention on their own running game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - An ‘Unacceptable’ Loss To Detroit
Ep. 513 - How? How did that happen? How did the team with the best record lose to the team with the worst record? Yes, losses are going to happen. You’re going to get beat sometimes. But. Not. Like. That. Especially this late in the season. The Cardinals are limping towards the finish line. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all the ugliness from Sunday’s 30-12 loss at the Detroit Lions. It was easily the team’s worst performance of the season. There are a lot of questions and, unfortunately, not a whole lot of answers when looking back at Week 15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Road Trip To The Motor City
Ep. 512 - For the fifth straight year, the Cardinals and Lions will play in the regular season; though Sunday will mark the first time since 2017 the game is played in Detroit. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki breakdown the Week 15 contest, with Jurecki providing his three keys to victory. Once again, the Cardinals find themselves in a win-and-you’re-in scenario. Win and they clinch a playoff spot. Some good news for the Cardinals: both running backs James Conner and Chase Edmonds are expected to play. Conner hurt his ankle in the last game, while Edmonds has missed the past four-plus games with an ankle injury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Offense Suffers ‘Big Hit’, Players Still Confident
Ep. 511 - The injury to DeAndre Hopkins is significant. That’s not debatable. Yet players, including A.J. Green, expressed confidence in the other wide receivers on the roster. Hopkins can’t be replaced, but someone will have to fill his role on the field. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the options. And, remember, this is not the first time the offense has been without its top playmaker at the position. Hopkins missed the entire month of November and the Cardinals went 2-1. Games without D-Hop begin again on Sunday against a Lions team that has struggled to score points this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Chase Edmonds Is Needed
Ep. 510 - Now may be the perfect time for Chase Edmonds to return. That is if he’s healthy enough to return. Yes, James Conner has done a great job, but he’s been used a lot in Edmonds’ absence and may be wearing down—nothing that he would admit to, however. It’s just the Edmonds-Conner dynamic worked so well through the first half of the season. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss why Edmonds is needed, and not just to keep Conner fresh. Also, the guys begin to breakdown the Week 15 matchup at the Detroit Lions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Not A Clean Performance In Primetime
Ep. 509 - Penalties. Turnovers. Dropped passes. Missed tackles. There were just too many mistakes to overcome. In other words, the Cardinals did not play a “clean” game as Kliff Kingsbury explained postgame. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki dive into all the ugly details of the 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, the team’s second defeat in primetime and third straight loss at home overall; the latter of which is really concerning. With the loss, the Cardinals’ lead in the NFC West has been reduced to one game, and they dropped to the No. 3 seed in the NFC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Win And You’re In
Ep. 508 - It really is that simple. A win on Monday clinches a playoff spot. The Cardinals have not reached the postseason since 2015. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what it’s going to take to end the six-year drought. Jurecki has his three keys to victory. And it’s not just about the playoffs, though that’s certainly most important. A Cardinals win in primetime would also accomplish the following: a sweep of the regular-season series with the Rams, snap a two-game losing streak at home—playing better at home has been a point of emphasis all week—and show the rest of the nation they do belong in the Super Bowl conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Running (Literally) Towards The Postseason
Ep. 507 - It’s taken three seasons, but people are finally beginning to notice how well the Cardinals run the football. The numbers don’t lie. In fact, they’re quite impressive, especially considering all the very capable pass-catchers on the roster. The Cardinals had their best rushing performance of the season against the Rams in Week 4. The question is can they do it again? Or will the game plan include more of a passing attack? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the challenge of facing the Rams defense. The good news is the Cardinals are getting healthy at just the right time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - A Big-Play Defense
Ep. 506 - Fourth in scoring. Fourth against the pass. Fourth in taking the football away. The Cardinals defense may not get the attention it deserves—at least compared to the offense—and that’s OK. They’re OK with that because the team is winning, and winning a lot because of their side of the ball. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the challenge ahead for Jordan Hicks and company: a rematch with Matthew Stafford, who quarterbacks the fifth-best scoring team in the league. Before that though, the guys shout-out Hicks for being selected NFC Defensive Player of the Week, the first such honor of his career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - Lucky No. 7 On The Road
Ep. 505 - Seven games. Seven Wins. All by double figures. What the Cardinals have done on the road this season has never been done before in the history of the franchise, and only two times previously in the NFL. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the 33-22 win in Chicago. Kyler Murray returned and accounted for four touchdowns. James Conner finished with 111 total yards and one touchdown. The defense forced four turnovers. Still, it wasn’t the most prettiest of victories but a victory nonetheless and, really, that’s all that matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals Cover 2 - NFL’s Oldest Rivalry Renewed
Ep. 504 - The first meeting between the Cardinals and Bears happened more than 100 years ago. By the way, the Cardinals won that game. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the Week 13 matchup in Chicago. What’s the latest weather forecast? More importantly, what’s the latest on the availability of Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins? Plus, Jurecki gives his three keys to victory. The Cardinals go for their 10th victory and seventh road win in seven road games to begin a season; the latter of which would be a first in franchise history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.