Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 401 - Call it the trickle-down effect. What does the arrival of J.J. Watt mean for Haason Reddick and Markus Golden? Those two players are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the team’s options at outside linebacker as the guys resume their position-by-position breakdown. Also, the inside linebacker spot is examined with an emphasis on how much better Isaiah Simmons can be in his second year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 400 - The signing of J.J. Watt checks a lot of boxes the Cardinals wanted to address in the offseason. But there are still several more boxes that need to be filled if this team hopes to be playing games deep into January. So, what is that next box? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts after hearing from general manager Steve Keim who spoke to the media on Wednesday. How aggressive will the Cardinals be in free agency? How many of the team’s own free agents might be retained? And what is the latest on Larry Fitzgerald?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 399 - Everyone wanted to know J.J. Watt chose to sign with the Arizona Cardinals. There were a number of factors, he said on Tuesday, but the biggest might’ve been Kyler Murray. Watt said he texted Murray, “I’m here because I believe in you.” That’s quite the endorsement. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what that text message means for Murray and the Cardinals going forward. Also, Watt detailed how he was able to break the news of his signing—it was quite the elaborate plan—and the gratitude he has for the Marshall Goldberg family for allowing him to wear No. 99.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 398 - No one saw this coming. No one. Just an absolute stunner. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki react to the team agreeing to terms with J.J. Watt, one of the better defensive players in the league. It certainly has the chance to be a game-changer. Just think, Watt on one side and Chandler Jones on the other rushing opposing quarterbacks. The guys also wonder about the trickle-down effect, like how Watt being on board factors in the upcoming decisions of say a Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson and Haason Reddick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 397 - Teams are always looking to improve, and offensive line coach/run game coordinator Sean Kugler made it clear on Thursday that the Cardinals need to improve the production they received at the center position. But how? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki offer some suggestions plus discuss the future of the entire right side of the line given that Week 1 starters J.R. Sweezy and Kelvin Beachum are both due to become unrestricted free agents. Also, what did Kugler have to say about his recent promotion?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 396 - The free-agent market is starting to see some new names added to the field and yes, the biggest might be former Houston Texan J.J. Watt. Do the Cardinals have interest? It certainly can’t hurt to pick up the phone to find out. He plays a position where the team might have a need. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki talk Watt as part of a larger discussion about the defensive line. Also, the topic of penalties is addressed following the recent comments made by owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 395 - As well as DeAndre Hopkins played last season, just think how much better he might have been if he had consistent help from another receiver to take attract some attention. The question Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki ask is if that receiver—Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson—is currently on the roster or might the team look at free agency and the draft to fill what is an important need. Plus, the guys discuss what owner Michael Bidwill had to say about the 2021 salary cap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 394 - When discussing the cornerback position, the first thing that needs to be addressed is Patrick Peterson. Will he be re-signed or will he continue his career elsewhere? That question will likely be answered sooner rather than later when the new league year begins. The secondary as a whole, including what to expect next from Budda Baker, is on the minds of Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki. Also, the guys ask if Kyler Murray was a top-10 quarterback in 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 393 – Running back Kenyan Drake is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year begins in March. Will Drake return to Arizona to team with Chase Edmonds in the backfield? Or will the Cardinals look to add to the position through free agency or the draft? These are just some of the questions Craig Grialou and an apparently “old” Mike Jurecki address as they begin their annual position-by-position evaluation heading into the 2021 offseason. Also, just how much influence will offensive line coach Sean Kugler have given his added title of run game coordinator?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 392 - Welcome to the offseason. There are no more games to be played, so it’s time to focus on 2021. How many of the Cardinals’ current free agents are likely to return? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki look at the 32 players, 28 who will reach unrestricted status come March 17. Before that discussion, however, the guys give a tip of the cap to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—including all those former Cardinals coaches and players—for their dominating performance in Super Bowl LV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 391 - Larry Fitzgerald addressed his future this week and to nobody's surprise, he did not provide an answer. However, we are getting closer to knowing whether or not Fitzgerald will play an 18th season. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss why the team needs clarity on Fitz's situation perhaps sooner rather than later. Also, the guys break down Kyler Murray's recent comments and offer a Super Bowl LV preview from a Cardinals perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 390 - Things just got a lot more interesting in the NFC West. According to reports, the Rams will be moving on from Jared Goff. They are expected to acquire Lions QB Matthew Stafford as part of a trade involving a swap of former No. 1 overall draft picks. What does this mean for the Cardinals? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki give their thoughts. Plus, the guys recap Kyler Murray’s virtual MVP performance in the Pro Bowl and discuss what college players stood out in the Senior Bowl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 389 - A recent Instagram post by Kyler Murray shed some light on how the Cardinals starting quarterback intends to spend the offseason. It’s looking to be a volatile offseason when it comes to quarterback movement in NFL. Just none of it involving Murray. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki explain how fortunate the Cardinals are to have found their franchise quarterback, who will be featured prominently in the upcoming virtual Pro Bowl. Plus, the guys discuss the results from Championship Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 388 - The Academy has spoken. Actually, it was a 27-member panel that voted for AZCardinals.com’s annual end-of-season awards. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki are joined by Kyle Odegard to discuss the winners in six different categories. And when it came to Offensive Player of the Year, there was some spirited debate between Jurecki and Odegard. Also, stay tuned following the announcement of the final award as Grialou and Jurecki preview Championship Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 387 - Year one with the Cardinals could not have gone any better for DeAndre Hopkins, and here’s hoping it is a sign of things to come as he works with Kyler Murray to further their on-field chemistry. Hopkins made several highlight-reel catches, many of which landed on the offensive edition of the team’s Top Plays of 2020. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki are joined by Kyle Odegard to count down the best five plays. Also, Grialou and Jurecki look back at what happened during the divisional round of the playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 386 - A second season with Vance Joseph as defensive coordinator paid dividends. That unit performed better than expected. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki are joined by Kyle Odegard to count down the top-five plays on that side of the ball. Also, the best special teams plays are discussed. Plus, the postseason moves into its second weekend. Grialou and Jurecki break down each of the four divisional round matchups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 385 - With the regular season complete, players are beginning to receive recognition for their efforts. Budda Baker and DeAndre Hopkins were both named to the 2020 All-Pro Team. Meanwhile, Haason Reddick was overlooked for NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December. He certainly deserved better according to Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki. Also, the guys discuss the results from a fun Super Wild Card Weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 384 - Just one game separated the Cardinals from the postseason. One game. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki debate which game was the most frustrating to them. So without a Cardinals game to preview, the guys go over the six games as part of Super Wild Card Weekend. Plus, a discussion about the players signed to future contracts this week and a former Cardinal announces his retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 383 - Yes, eight wins showed improvement from the year prior, but one more win was needed to extend the 2020 season. The Cardinals stood on the doorstep of the playoffs only to have the door slammed shut. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki try to make sense of what happened in Los Angeles, and really, the past two weeks. A very long offseason now begins with more questions than answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 382 - One game. Four quarters. Sixty minutes. The 2020 season will be defined not by the previous 15 games, but by the game that will be played this Sunday in Los Angeles. Win, and the Cardinals advance to the playoffs. Lose, and it’s going to be a very long offseason. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the matchup including Jurecki’s three keys for a victory plus the ‘X’ factor in the matchup against the Rams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 381 - We know the history: the Cardinals have not beaten the Rams under head coach Sean McVay. Obviously, some new history needs to be made this week. But how? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what Kyler Murray and company must do against a very good Rams defense. And, oh yeah, Murray is fine. He said as much after practicing on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 380 - With a nod to Bill Belichick, the Cardinals turn the page to Week 17 and a win-or-go-home game at the Los Angeles Rams. But before the chapter is completely closed on the previous week, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki wanted to single out two players—DeAndre Hopkins and Haason Reddick—who hit significant milestones this past Saturday. Also, the guys look at the complete NFC playoff picture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 379 - Thanks to the Seattle Seahawks, the Cardinals are back in control of their playoff destiny. Beat the Rams on Sunday and they make the postseason for the first time since 2015. Though if this team hopes to be on the field past Week 17, then they must play a heck of a lot better than they did on Saturday against the 49ers. But first, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki update the latest injury news on Kyler Murray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 378 - After getting swept by the 49ers in 2019, the Cardinals look to return the favor this season. How do they get that done? Mike Jurecki has the answer with his three keys for a victory plus the ‘X’ factor in this Week 16 matchup. Also, he and Craig Grialou discuss the unfortunate news regarding Dennis Gardeck. But first, Larry Fitzgerald impersonates Allen Iverson. Is there anything No. 11 can’t do? Apparently not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 377 - Heading into the regular-season home finale, the question needs to be asked. Is this the last time Larry Fitzgerald plays at State Farm Stadium? Hope not. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki argue Fitzgerald needs a proper sendoff which won’t happen without fans in attendance. Also, (think Allen Iverson) we talkin’ about practice, and the guys discuss just how different this 49ers team is compared to the team the Cardinals faced in the season opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 376 - Congratulations to DeAndre Hopkins, Kyler Murray and Budda Baker for being selected to the Pro Bowl. But should there have been a fourth Cardinals player to earn the honor? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss all three selections and then make the case for D.J. Humphries. Also, add Byron Murphy to the list of players who have made the jump from year one to year two, plus the guys update the playoff picture ahead of Week 16.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 375 - No, the Cardinals did not play their best on Sunday. However they did get the best out of the offense, defense and special teams when it mattered the most. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the 33-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, from Kyler Murray to Isaiah Simmons to Andy Lee and Ezekiel Turner. Also, DeAndre Hopkins or Larry Fitzgerald? Who had the better catch in Week 15?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 374 - If the Cardinals win out, they’ll make the playoffs. However, ask coaches and players about the postseason and their response is pretty similar: they want to be 1-0 this week. This week is all about beating the Philadelphia Eagles. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the Week 15 matchup with Jurecki giving his three keys for a victory plus the ‘X’ factor. Also, for the second straight week, Mike Nugent will do the kicking in place of an injured Zane Gonzalez.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 373 - Six weeks ago in his second career start and first start on the road, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa beat the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. This Sunday, Jalen Hurts makes his second career and first start on the road. To avoid history repeating itself at State Farm Stadium, perhaps the defense needs to look back at that Week 8 game against Miami. Also, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki point out why it’s too early to worry about the number of players listed on the injury report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 372 - It was far from perfect but it was a step in the right direction. The offense—compared to the previous three weeks—was much improved against the New York Giants. Now another step is needed. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what’s ahead when facing the Eagles. Plus, for the fifth time this season, the Cardinals had a player named NFC Player of the Week. No hint needed for this week's honoree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 371 - No Cardinals player has scored more touchdowns in the past two weeks than Dan Arnold. He’s become a go-to option—outside of DeAndre Hopkins—for Kyler Murray. The Murray/Arnold on-field connection first sparked late last season. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss how Arnold’s production might impact the rest of the wide receivers, specifically Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson. Also, the guys update the playoff picture heading into Week 15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 370 - Several players shined in Sunday’s 26-7 win at New York. The biggest star, though, was Haason Reddick, who set a single-game franchise record with five sacks plus three forced fumbles. His play highlighted an overall dominating performance by the defense. Also, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss some of the subtle adjustments by the offense that led to a huge improvement over the previous three games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 369 - It may not technically be a must-win, but it's a win that is needed as the Cardinals look to end a three-game losing streak, jump back into the playoff picture and quiet a lot of the outside noise. Mike Jurecki gives his three keys for a victory plus the ‘X’ factor in this Week 14 matchup at the New York Giants. But first, Jurecki and Craig Grialou detail a rather lengthy Friday injury report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 368 - One day after returning to the team, Larry Fitzgerald spoke of his experience with COVID-19. He was very open telling the media his football future was not something he thought about. “It was more like the immediate future—like staying alive,” he said. Also, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki congratulate the Cardinals’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner, Corey Peters and examine how the defense might attack Daniel Jones and the Giants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 367 - After a two-week absence, Larry Fitzgerald was back practicing with his teammates on Wednesday. Mike Jurecki was among those who witnessed No. 11’s return. He and Craig Grialou talk about how Fitzgerald may be able to help the offense. It’s part of a larger discussion the guys have about the Cardinals passing game, which has been less than dynamic in recent weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 366 - Winning on third down helps an offense sustain drives and gets the opponent's offense off the field. On Sunday, the Cardinals failed more times than not to do either. It’s become a troubling trend that Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki examine. Plus, the guys examine the offensive line shuffling that took place this past week along with an in-depth discussion on the Cardinals’ playoff chances heading into Week 14.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 365 - For three games now, almost a quarter of the season, the offense has stalled or ‘hit a wall’ as Kyler Murray described following Sunday’s loss to the Rams. It needs a jumpstart. But how? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss some of the options they believe might work. Also, what do the guys think of Kliff Kingsbury’s comments about kicker Zane Gonzalez?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 364 - It has been a one-sided rivalry in recent years, unfortunately not in the Cardinals’ favor. That has got to change, and Mike Jurecki knows how it can change. He gives his three keys for a victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Also, Jurecki and Craig Grialou discuss the importance of this Week 13 matchup when it comes to the overall playoff picture in the NFC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 363 - Each week is a challenge and this week may be the biggest for the Cardinals secondary, specifically the cornerback position. The Rams have a number of very good pass catchers, all of whom—Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee—had very good games against the Cardinals last season. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the matchups. Plus, the guys discuss why they believe D.J. Humphries is more than deserving of Pro Bowl consideration this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 362 - If defenses are going to continue to take away his ability to run, then maybe it’s time for Kyler Murray to show off his arm more than in previous weeks. There’s no question he can make all the throws. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss where those throws need to go, like in the direction of DeAndre Hopkins who has seen his production drop off during this two-game losing streak. Also, the guys have the latest on the series of roster moves made by the team on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 361 - Despite all the injuries and players landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the defense has performed very well here in 2020. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki go over the numbers that back up the job defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has done in the face of several obstacles. Also, the guys discuss how the rest of the NFC West faced in Week 12 and where the Cardinals sit in the NFC playoff picture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 360 - It's what separates Kyler Murray from most other quarterbacks: his ability to run with the football. It's also what each of the past two opposing defenses have taken away, thus severely limiting the effectiveness of Murray and the offense. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what must happen next. Also, where is Kliff Kingsbury’s confidence level in Zane Gonzalez after Gonzalez missed another late-game kick?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 359 - Playing the Patriots is always difficult, and the job just became more of a challenge with the news Larry Fitzgerald will not make the trip after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He will miss his first game in six years. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what Fitzgerald’s absence means to the team. Plus, Jurecki gives his three keys for a victory and the always popular ‘X’ factor in this Week 12 matchup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 358 - Separately this week, Kliff Kingsbury and Larry Fitzgerald both said what an honor it is going to be to share the field with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on Sunday. It's because of Belichick opposing teams always have to be on their toes regardless of how the Patriots may be playing. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what the Cardinals might expect from this year’s Patriots team. First though, how did Kyler Murray look in practice? Jurecki has the answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 357 - It is now a six-game sprint to the finish line. At the moment, the Cardinals are the seventh seed in the conference and that would earn them a playoff invite. There is still a lot of football to be played, however. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki examine the postseason landscape. Plus, the guys have the latest on the shoulder injury suffered by Kyler Murray against the Seahawks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 356 - The play of rookie Isaiah Simmons was one of the few bright spots—if not the only bright spot—in the loss to the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. He finished with a team-high 10 tackles and recorded his first career sack. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss Simmons’ upward progress since the bye week. Plus, the Cardinals can make it easier on themselves over these final six games if they can just get off to better starts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 355 - So much for momentum, if you believe it exists in football. Regardless, the Cardinals were unable to sustain that good feeling following a last-second win just four days earlier. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what went wrong in a Week 11 loss at Seattle, from the lack of a running game and an overall poor performance by the offense to the 10 penalties, two of which directly led to Seahawks points.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 354 - Their first meeting landed on primetime and the Cardinals won in overtime. This second matchup is another primetime affair with the Cardinals seeking their first season sweep of the Seahawks since 2009. How do they get it done? Glad you ask. Mike Jurecki gives his three keys for a victory plus the ‘X’ factor. But first, Jurecki and Craig Grialou discuss the season-ending injury to Corey Peters and what his loss means both on and off the field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 353 - It may not have been the start he envisioned for his NFL career, but Isaiah Simmons never complained and he kept working. That effort, both on and off the field, is paying off. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss how much progress Simmons has made, pointing back to his interception of Russell Wilson in Week 7. And it just so happens, four weeks later, Simmons and the Cardinals defense get another crack at Wilson on Thursday Night Football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 352 - Whichever tag you want use to label the 43-yard game-winning play, the end result is a Cardinals victory. It's their sixth win of the season and it puts them in first place in the NFC West. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki dissect the final offensive snap from the perspective of both Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. Also, with a game on Thursday, we bring you the latest injury news, specifically regarding the potential loss of Corey Peters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.