Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 475 - Eight straight losses to Sean McVay and the Rams, four straight losses to the NFC West and a four-year run of not having beaten Matthew Stafford. That can, and hopefully will, end this week. Oh yeah, a win would also move the Cardinals into first place in the division all by themselves. Quite a lot on the line. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki look ahead to Sunday’s showdown at SoFi Stadium with Jurecki giving fans his three keys to a victory along with the X-factor. By the way, the Cardinals have not started a season 4-0 since 2012.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 474 - Six different receivers have caught at least 10 passes from Kyler Murray, and all six have better than 110 receiving yards through three games. It’s the most balanced the passing game has looked in Murray’s three NFL seasons. It’s also a sign Murray isn’t settling. “He’s going where his reads take him,” Kliff Kingsbury said. Also, Craig Grialou (please excuse the voice; he really does feel fine) and Mike Jurecki discuss the growth made by Byron Murphy, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 473 - “We like to make it interesting.” Yes you do, Coach. Much too interesting. Bottom line, though, Kliff Kingsbury has led the Cardinals to a 3-0 start, which only four other teams can say in 2021. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki look back at the win in Jacksonville. There was a lot to like including Byron Murphy's first career multi-INT game. There are areas that still need to be addressed, like the run defense. Plus, the depth at offensive line is already being tested. How will the group respond?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 472 - A year ago the Cardinals opened the season 2-0 only to lose to a team that, on paper, had less talent. This year, once again, the Cardinals are 2-0 and facing a team they should beat. But should and will are two very different things. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki breakdown the Week 3 matchup against the winless Jaguars with Jurecki giving fans his three keys to victory along with the X-factor. Bottom line, there’s no reason why Cardinals should not leave Jacksonville without a ‘W’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 471 - Teammates for two seasons at Clemson, Isaiah Simmons and Trevor Lawrence will find themselves on opposite sides of the field this week. “I always love a good matchup,” Simmons said this week; and said with a big smile on his face. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what awaits the Cardinals defense on Sunday. The guys expect a bounce-back performance, especially after hearing from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. He was none too pleased with the first-half run defense last week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 470 - Scrambling. Throwing the football back across his body. Kyler Murray is making the difficult seem routine, and he’s doing it on a weekly basis. Murray has become one of the early stars of the 2021 season. The numbers he is putting up are impressive. But it’s more than just the numbers. It’s getting everyone involved. That’s what has really stood out to Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki when looking at the offense through two games. Now the trick is “to keep doing it” as Murray said on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 469 - You never apologize for winning in the National Football League. So, while it was far from perfect on Sunday, the Cardinals will take it. They are 2-0 for the second straight season. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the good and the bad from the 34-33 victory over the Vikings. For the second straight week the offense reached the 400-yard, 30-point mark; while defensively, it was a tale of two halves. And, yes, the Cardinals caught some breaks along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 468 - For the first time in two years the Cardinals will play in front of a sold-out State Farm Stadium. It’s Week 2, the home opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the matchup with Jurecki giving fans his three keys to victory along with the X-factor. The Cardinals will be looking to go 2-0 for the second straight season. Also, what’s on tap for the rest of the NFC West? Two of the other three teams in the division are on road coming up on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 466 - It would’ve been a big surprise if Chandler Jones wasn't named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Well deserved, obviously. But what about Kyler Murray? Shouldn’t he have been named the conference’s offensive player of the week? He certainly had a good case. More important than the stats, though, it’s what Murray showed in his continuing development as a quarterback that stood out to both Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki. Now, the onus is on Murray and the offense to do it again this week against the Vikings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 465 - Well, that was impressive. Maybe the most complete performance under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who after the 38-13 win at Tennessee told the team in the locker room “everybody is getting a game ball.” Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all that went right in Week 1, from Chandler Jones’ career-high five sacks to Kyler Murray accounting for five touchdowns. Again, impressive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 464 - The anticipation for the start of the regular season is always high. Even more so, perhaps, this season. It’s Year 3 for Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray. There are new faces on offense—A.J. Green, Rodney Hudson and James Conner—while the defense added J.J. Watt and welcomes back a healthy Chandler Jones. Plus, don’t forget about new kicker Matt Prater. Is it enough though? We begin to find out Sunday in Nashville. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the matchup against the Titans, focusing on what the Cardinals must do to start the season 1-0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 463 - Stopping the run is always the defense’s goal, and this week is no exception. Of course, that’s easier said than done especially when Derrick Henry is running the football. So what will the Cardinals do, or attempt to do, to stop or slow down the game’s best running back? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki offer some ideas and discuss what defensive coordinator and J.J. Watt had to say about the challenge. First though, might No. 24—the number Adrian Wilson made famous—be back in play, as early as this Sunday?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 462 - It’s been talked about a lot: the expectations for Kyler Murray in this his third season as starting quarterback. And make no mistake, the expectations are high. This needs to be the year where Murray takes the next step to stardom. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki begin to look at what awaits Murray and the Cardinals offense this week in Tennessee. Also, the guys discuss which players were named team captains plus what is and what isn’t real when reading the Week 1 depth chart because, of course, it is all unofficial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 461 - Following a four-day break, the Cardinals returned to the practice field with every player present and accounted for, including Robert Alford and Justin Pugh who were just recently activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Seeing an entire 53-man roster practicing is great news ahead of Week 1. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki also discuss the 17 players signed to the practice squad, focusing on the new faces at cornerback and wide receiver. Plus, is Rondale Moore going to be featured in the return game this season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 460 - Time doesn’t stop. You can’t hit pause in life. In other words, if Malcolm Butler is not going to be on the field this season, or ever again, then the Cardinals need to figure out how to move on without him. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the need to add another veteran, the emergence of rookie Marco Wilson and the possibility that Isaiah Simmons may see more playing time than expected at the cornerback position; the latter of which was Jurecki’s idea. Also, now that the 53-man roster is set—for now—what stands out?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 459 - Teams must reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. How that happens can be done in a number of different ways. And even after that magic number of 53 has been reached, there may still be changes ahead of Week 1. In other words, don’t get too comfortable. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss some of the more difficult decisions ahead. Plus, the guys review where the four Cardinals players—Budda Baker, DeAndre Hopkins, Kyler Murray and J.J. Watt—landed on this year’s NFL Top-100 list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 458 - For those hoping to see Kyler Murray play some more here in the preseason, you’re out of luck. Murray won’t play in Saturday’s game at New Orleans. And he is not expected to be the only starter who will watch from the sidelines. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what they hope to see in the preseason finale. Grialou has his own wish list for which players he hopes are in uniform. Both, though, agree that the one player everyone should keep an eye on is Andy Isabella.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 457 - Money talks and Andy Lee was willing to listen. In a monetary transaction this week, Rondale Moore purchased the No. 4 jersey from Lee, who will now wear No. 14. How much money exchanged hands between the two parties isn’t known though Kingsbury said Moore “was very happy to get the number.” Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki also discuss the forthcoming end to training camp. What did they learn? What questions do they still have after four-plus weeks of practice at State Farm Stadium?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 456 - Well, it was good to see No. 99 practicing on Monday. That’s right, J.J. Watt is back. He participated in his first training camp practice. He wasn’t alone. Dennis Gardeck was also activated off the physically unable to perform list and Andy Isabella was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. It was an eventful way to begin the week. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all of the above plus they go over the good, the bad and the ugly from last Friday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Yeah, there was plenty to talk about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 455 - It’s the question every head coach faces in the preseason: How long do you play the starters? Well, for the second straight week, Kliff Kingsbury wasn’t very definitive. “You’ll have to tune in,” he said. OK, we will. In the meantime, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss who they hope to see on the field against the Chiefs on Friday. Tops on their list is Kyler Murray, even if it’s for only one series. Also, can the players who performed well last week do it again?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 454 - Job No. 1 of a wide receiver is to catch the ball. Tight ends are mainly asked to block. Each position group, however, must be able to both catch and block when needed. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the value of a blocking receiver in the run game—we needed a camera on Jurecki during his analysis—and a sure-handed tight end in the pass game. Also, there may be some coaching in DeAndre Hopkins’ future. Here in training camp, he’s pulled aside both Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan to offer advice on how they can improve as cornerbacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 453 - It did not take long for first-round draft pick Zaven Collins to flash in his first NFL action. In fact, it was the second play of the game. Collins wasn’t the only rookie to make a good first impression. The entire draft class stood out including receiver Rondale Moore. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki look back at Friday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Also, the guys discuss the performance of Eno Benjamin. It was good to see the former Arizona State Sun Devil make the most of his opportunities, both on offense and special teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 452 - With the preseason opener coming up on Friday, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what they want to see and, maybe more importantly, who they want to see in action. The starters probably won’t play much, so there will be plenty of opportunity for the younger guys on the depth chart to, as they say, get exposure rather than get exposed. Remember, there are 31 other teams players are auditioning for other than the Cardinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 451 - The longest week of training camp culminated with the annual Red & White practice. So what stood out? Or, maybe more importantly, who stood out? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts on what they saw, and what they didn’t see—a number of players did not practice. Plus, the guys discuss the offensive line, specifically Rodney Hudson and his impact on the offense. Also, Josh Jones and Josh Miles have caught the eye of both coaches and teammates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 450 - Four roster spots are secure at wide receiver: DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk and Rondale Moore. But who else is in that room makes the 53-man roster? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki debate. And yes, it's early. The Cardinals haven’t even played a preseason game yet. Speaking of the preseason, the guys agreed with Kingsbury. They, too, are looking forward to seeing what Eno Benjamin can do in game action, something he was not afforded the opportunity to do a year ago at this time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 449 - So it’s supposed to be a surprise, and it still might be. On Wednesday, Rondale Moore informed the media he bought his mom a house but she doesn’t know about it yet. Well, she might now. Moore has been among the early standouts in training camp. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss Moore’s expected role on the team and the competition at wide receiver overall. Also, Corey Peters is back. What his return to the team means both on and off the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 448 - Open. Honest. Very candid. That was Jordan Hicks after practice on Saturday. He took us behind closed doors on what happened this offseason. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki react to what they heard. Both agreed they are happy Hicks is still on the team, and maybe more importantly, willing to help Zaven Collins learn the position. That can’t be easy. Also, the guys continue to be impressed with A.J. Green and rookie Rondale Moore who flashed quite a bit during Saturday’s practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 447 - For the first time in two years, the Cardinals held a training camp practice with fans in attendance. Kliff Kingsbury said, “It was awesome.” Kyler Murray mentioned, “It felt normal.” Welcome back, Birdgang. For those not in attendance on Friday, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discussed what stood out to them. Without question, the offense was ahead of the defense. Murray was very, very solid. And after practice, he addressed reporters. What did Murray have to say? Well, just ‘hit’ play as the guys went over the main talking points.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 446 - Yes, it’s been only two practices. And, no, neither practice has been in pads. Yet, it’s been hard not to notice both Robert Alford and A.J. Green making play after play on the field. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts on what they’ve seen thus far from two players who the Cardinals have high hopes for this season. Also, the guys provide an update on J.J. Watt’s sore hamstring as well as how COVID protocols have affected the offensive line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 445 - Everyone was all smiles. And that included Chandler Jones, who Kliff Kingsbury described as “jovial” on the first day of training camp. Jones’ attendance as well as Jordan Hicks reporting on time were something both Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki wanted to see on Day 1. Jones and Hicks were among the most talked about players this offseason. Also, the guys discussed why it was good players did not shy away from mentioning playoffs as the goal for this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 444 - It’s time. Time for 90 players to report to training camp with the goal of making the 2021 Arizona Cardinals Football Club. It’s Year 3 for Kyler Murray. Is he ready to take that next step? How do all the new additions, like J.J. Watt, fit in? What’s going on with Chandler Jones? And, oh yeah, might we see Larry Fitzgerald? Those are some of the top storylines to follow. Plus, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the position battles to watch over the next several weeks at State Farm Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 443 - It’s often the least talked about, and more times than not, just simply overlooked. Special teams. That changes on today’s show as Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki close out their position-by-position analysis leading into training camp. Matt Prater is the new kicker. He definitely should improve the Cardinals’ record in one-score games. Plus, rookie wide receiver Rondale Moore is expected to give the team something it hasn’t had in a long time, an effective return game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 442 - No one expected it, and for some, it may still be hard to believe. J.J. Watt is an Arizona Cardinal. It was the first big move of the offseason and, we can say now, a sign of things to come in terms of how active the front office would be in trying to improve the team. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what Watt's addition means both on and off the field. There’s no question he’ll be a positive influence, particularly on the young defensive linemen like Zach Allen, Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 441 - There is no argument to be made. From top to bottom, the NFC West is expected to be the most competitive division and hardest to win in 2021. The Seahawks are perennial playoff contenders; the Rams have averaged double-digit wins over the past four seasons; and the 49ers are just two years removed from reaching the Super Bowl. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki preview the division with those who cover their teams: John Boyle (Seahawks), Stu Jackson (Rams), and Keiana Martin (49ers).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 440 - There is a lot to like about Kyler Murray. His skillset is undeniable. And he’s shown through two seasons how effective he can be on a football field. So what’s next for the Cardinals starting quarterback? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss where they’d like to see Murray take that next step as he enters his third season. Also, the quarterback position overall is in better shape in 2021 with the addition of Colt McCoy, a veteran who can not only play (if needed) but help guide Murray to greater heights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 439 - For three seasons now, Chase Edmonds has waited his turn. His wait ends this year. Edmonds is expected to be the starting running back in 2021, but he won’t be asked to carry the load by himself. Welcome to the team, James Conner. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the pairing of Edmonds and Conner in the running backs room plus examine the depth behind those two players. Is running back still a position that may be addressed once training camp begins?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.