Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 424 - It's the expectation of both general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury that linebackers Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons will start Week 1. “Two really fast trees” in the middle of the defense, according to Kingsbury. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki express some pros and cons to the plan, while also acknowledging the tremendous upside of the two young players, especially with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph pulling the strings, so to speak. First though, the guys give their first impressions of the three-day rookie minicamp held over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 423 - The biggest season in the history of the NFL will see the Cardinals play three times on national television, including a matchup on Christmas Day. Three of the team’s first four games and four of the team’s last seven games will be on the road. The home opener is Week 2. The bye occurs in Week 12. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki break down the entire 2021 regular season schedule, providing game-by-game analysis. They pay particular attention to the Kyler Murray vs. Baker Mayfield rematch plus J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins facing their former team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 422 - This week the rookies—drafted, undrafted and tryout players plus tight end Bernhard Seikovits—are in town for minicamp. It’s their first taste of pro football. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki stress the importance of the camp, especially given the fact that last year’s rookie class did not have one. This week also sees the release of the 2021 regular season schedule. How many primetime games might the Cardinals receive? And for those early season games, it might be a good idea to grab a roster. Uniform numbers have been assigned, and for a handful of players, some number changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 421 - From Marco Wilson to James Wiggins plus Zaven Collins and Rondale Moore, the Cardinals drafted themselves some very athletic talent. Of course athleticism doesn’t always equal success. While acknowledging that, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the upside of a player like Wilson as well as fellow cornerback Tay Gowan, who Pro Football Focus called one of their best value picks. Also, it’s time to review; just how well did Jurecki’s big board—his top-50 draft prospects—match up with how the rest of the league thought of this year’s draft class?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ep. 413 - Even with the addition of Malcolm Butler, cornerback remains the one position in need of the most work. So, it is good to hear scouts say this year’s draft is deep at that spot. Wide receiver, too, is a position where talent can be found in either the second or third round. It’s a position that is featured prominently between No. 31-40 on Mike Jurecki’s top-50 prospect countdown, which is highlighted on this show. And speaking of wide receiver, what do Jurecki and Craig Grialou make of Larry Fitzgerald being featured to help promote a golf tournament in Tampa? And not just any golf tournament in Tampa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 412 - Three weeks from today is the 2021 NFL Draft. With that in mind, Mike Jurecki begins to unveil his top-50 prospects list, highlighting on this show No. 41-50. Remember, the Cardinals have just two selections—No. 16 and 49 overall—among the first 50 picks and six total selections overall. Jurecki and Craig Grialou discuss what positions they would like to see addressed at the end of the three-day draft. Plus, there was a Larry Fitzgerald sighting in Jurecki’s neighborhood. What does it mean? Probably nothing, but it’s a good story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 411 - Best Dressed. Most Popular. Most Likely To Succeed. Remember those categories back in middle school and high school? Sure you do. Well, Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki put a different spin on the yearbook-style superlatives when looking at many of the moves made by the Cardinals this offseason. Feel free to agree or disagree with their selections. There is no debate, however, that the team has been aggressive with the additions to the roster. Also, the guys discuss the difficult conversations GM Steve Keim has had with a handful of players concerning their position on the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 410 - It’s certainly not going to grab the headlines, but the free-agent signing of Colt McCoy did grab the attention of both Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki. The Cardinals needed to bring a veteran into the quarterback room. McCoy has been around the block a time or two, and he can be a great sounding board for Kyler Murray. Also, the additions this week of Shawn Williams and Chris Banjo solidify the safety position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 409 - It would seem to be one of life’s necessary evils: putting a grade on a team’s offseason moves, be it a signing or acquisition by trade. Yet, by all accounts, the Cardinals have done very well for themselves according to the so-called experts. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki review some of the grades given. Plus, what do the guys make of the 49ers now holding the No. 3 overall pick in the draft? First though, why it was good to see J.J. Watt “call out” Kyler Murray on social media over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 408 - It was a need heading into free agency, and it remained a need after the first week of free agency. But no longer. News broke Thursday that the Cardinals had agreed to terms with Malcolm Butler on a one-year contract, filling a need at the top cornerback position. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the move to add a proven veteran, though each would like to see another move or two at the position. Also, the guys look at where general manager Steve Keim might strike next when it comes to roster addition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 407 - It’s not often an offensive lineman catches the attention of a fan base. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when the Cardinals acquired Rodney Hudson. And for good reason. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss why Hudson not only makes the entire offensive line better but should help with the improvement of Kyler Murray as he enters year three. Also, there are a number of reasons why a player chooses to sign with a particular team in free agency. And yes, money may be No. 1, but not too far behind—and for some tops on their list—are the relationships they have with a coach and/or player.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 406 - It was a good run. Correction. It was a great run. And now it’s over. Patrick Peterson will be wearing a Vikings uniform this season. Yes, it’s going to be odd to see. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss what Peterson meant to the team both on and off the field, including all of his good deeds in the community. There’s no question Peterson was less than his best the past two years, yet that does not discount his Ring of Honor-worthy body of work over 10 seasons. Also, A.J. Green speaks. What did he have to say about his new team?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 405 - Seems fitting that here on St. Patrick’s Day, green would be the word of the day for the Cardinals during the first day of the new league year. First, A.J. Green agrees to terms, satisfying the team’s need to find a No. 2 wide receiver. Then, center Rodney Hudson is acquired via trade with the Raiders which following the re-signing of right tackle Kelvin Beachum, adds another veteran piece to the offensive line. Hudson and Beachum are far from green in their experience on the line of scrimmage. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss the busy start to free agency, including reacting in real time to the news the team has a new kicker in Matt Prater.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 404 - Well, it looks like the frenzy has already begun. There's a lot of legal tampering going on. The Cardinals made their first move by agreeing to terms with linebacker Markus Golden on a two-year deal. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki welcome back the ‘Junkyard Dog’. They then wonder who’s next and what positions might the team most want to address here when free agency officially starts on Wednesday. Also, Jurecki shares his experience on volunteering at the vaccination facility at State Farm Stadium, where the 500,000th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was administered on Monday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 403 - It’s been a frequent question asked since the arrival of Kliff Kingsbury. Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki bring it once again as they examine the tight end position. Only two other teams, the Eagles and Titans, ran two-tight end sets more than the Cardinals last season. Plus, the guys discuss special teams—a kicker and punter are both needed—to conclude their position-by-position breakdown ahead of free agency. And speaking of free agency, it sounds like it’s been an interesting week for cornerback Robert Alford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 402 - From year one to year two, Kyler Murray made a lot of improvement. He’s shown he can make all the throws and be an effective runner. But what’s next for the young quarterback? Craig Grialou and Mike Jurecki discuss as they continue their position-by-position breakdown ahead of free agency. And speaking of free agency, the guys make the argument for the Cardinals to invest in a quality veteran backup—with the hope that he never sees the field—because it’s always good to have a Plan B.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.