Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 857 - Whether it’s defensive end, defensive tackle or edge rusher - all perceived needs, by the way - the Cardinals will be able to find a player who can make an impact right away in this year’s draft. At least that’s the feeling from Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, their lead NFL Draft analyst, who joined both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the Scouting Combine last week in Indianapolis. Sikkema, like most, is very high on the depth of the defensive line class. In addition to the draft, the conversation with Sikkema included his thoughts on last year’s draft class and players like Max Melton and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson as well as Trey Benson who Sikkema believes can be part of “a great 1-2 duo” with James Conner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 856 - Successful teams are good at the line of scrimmage. That’s no surprise. It’s also not a surprise that many believe the Cardinals will be active in trying to add to their offensive and defensive lines this offseason, and more specifically, during the 2025 NFL Draft. That was the focus of a couple of different conversations Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck had while at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. First, they chatted with NFL Network Host Rhett Lewis, who raved about the hire of Justin Frye, a college teammate of his at Indiana. Then, Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Draft Analyst, stopped by to discuss Paris Johnson Jr. Darius Robinson, and why targeting the defensive front with the 16th pick makes the most sense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 855 - In need of a defensive lineman? Or two? Want to upgrade the talent in the room? Add depth? Well, then you’re in luck because the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with prospects who can help a team, and maybe even help right away. At least that’s the consensus from ESPN Draft Analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid, who joined both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the Scouting Combine last week in Indianapolis. In addition to hearing from Miller and Reid in separate interviews, Craig and Dani shout-out Ron Wolfley. He announced on Friday that he’s stepping down as the Cardinals radio analyst after 20 years in the booth. It’s a loss, it’s a big loss. But good for Wolf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 854 - Twice last season Charles Davis watched the Cardinals play from the network TV booth at State Farm Stadium. He was on the CBS call for a win against the Chicago Bears in Week 9 and a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14. What did he see, what did he like, what does he feel is needed for the Cardinals to take the next step in Year 3 of GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon? Davis joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from the 2025 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he’ll be part of the NFL Network’s coverage. Davis also gave his thoughts on Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and a secondary that is no longer just all about Budda Baker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 853 - More than 300 draft prospects are in Indianapolis this week for the 2025 Scouting Combine. So how does one separate themself within their position group? This week can help, but it always comes back to the film. And what do teams look at when watching the tape? For Dane Brugler of The Athletic, it’s more about their traits than how productive they were; in other words, don’t focus solely on a player’s statistics. Brugler joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from Indy to discuss the combine, the draft and what positions are the deepest, and where the Cardinals are positioned with their first-round pick; plus, a look back at last year’s draft class of the Cardinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 852 - A year ago, the Cardinals picked fourth in the NFL Draft. This year, it’s 16. The good news is that means the Cardinals had a better year than the season before. The bad news is they’ll miss out on some of the top-tier college prospects. Fret not, though, Bird Gang. The Cardinals are still in a good spot to select a quality player, especially if the choice is a defensive player, according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck from Indianapolis, site of the 2025 Scouting Combine. In addition to the draft, the conversation with Jeremiah included his thoughts on what he saw from the Cardinals in 2024. As the radio analyst for the Los Angeles Chargers, Jeremiah was on the call when the Chargers visited State Farm Stadium in Week 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 851 - Sounds familiar, right? Only one week on the job and the new Cardinals offensive line coach is already sounding like Jonathan Gannon. Why Justin Frye was hired became clear less than three minutes into his introductory press conference on Wednesday. Frye and Gannon share a common vision about the game of football. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what they heard from Frye, his thoughts on the roster, his familiarity with a handful of players, and what it takes to block for a quarterback like Kyler Murray. Also, Daniel Jeremiah released his latest mock draft. Who does he have the Cardinals selecting with the 16th overall pick this time? And Zach has been busy with free-agent primers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 850 - One month. We are one month away from the start of the free agency signing period. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman examine the names and look at the position groups that may see the most change. (Spoiler alert: The line of scrimmage and defensive front-seven feature the most players who potentially might hit the open market.) Also, the guys discuss some of the news and headlines that maybe got lost or overshadowed because of the Super Bowl; from what’s going on within the NFC West to a couple of upcoming opponents in 2025 plus exactly what is the future of Aaron Rodgers and three of the biggest names who rush the quarterback: Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Micah Parsons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 849 - It’s the one big takeaway from Super Bowl 59: games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. And, really, that’s nothing new. All 32 teams - not just the Philadelphia Eagles - try to win the line of scrimmage. No, what the Eagles showed is why teams prioritize (or should) the offensive and defensive lines whether that’s in free agency or the draft. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look at what the Cardinals have at both spots and then discuss the decisions needed to be made by the front office this offseason. Also, they give their thoughts on the game, focusing on just how dominate the Eagles were against the Kansas City Chiefs, and might international travel be in the Cardinals’ future?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 848 - What can the Cardinals learn when looking at the two Super Bowl participants? Specifically, in terms of the rosters of both the Chiefs and Eagles? Maybe the biggest lesson is this: The best path to success, and really sustained success, is through the draft. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi share the numbers to back up what fans have repeatedly heard from NFL GMs, including Monti Ossenfort, on just how important the NFL Draft is to building a team. Also, the guys discuss what they think will happen in Super Bowl 59, and they predict who will walk away winners during NFL Honors. FYI, Budda Baker and Trey McBride are finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, respectively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 847 - Without Budda and Trey who knows if the NFC would’ve been able to beat the AFC. Okay, maybe that’s overstating things a bit. Still, Budda and Trey each had a hand in not only Sunday’s game but also Thursday’s competitions. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look back at what was a successful week in Orlando for the two Cardinals teammates. Also, the guys discuss the loss of offensive line coach Klayton Adams to the Dallas Cowboys; that is now official. What is not yet official - and right now only mentioned - is Adams’ replacement and a reported new defensive line coach. Plus, it is Super Bowl week, and the week began with some major news out of Cleveland, which potentially could affect the Cardinals. Hmm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 846 - Everyone knows the big names. The stars. They are the ones who get all the attention. But to be a successful team, it takes more than a couple of all-pros or pro bowlers. So, with that in mind, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss those Cardinals players, whether on offense or defense, who might’ve flown under the radar, but who certainly deserve to be praised based on their performance this season. Also, what’s the latest on perhaps another change to the coaching staff; why fans should pay attention to the two college all-star games this week; and, oh yeah, don’t forget about the Pro Bowl - it’s another chance to see both Budda Baker and Trey McBride in action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 845 - And with the 16th overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals select (fill in the blank). Well, we’ll know soon enough. Officially, in three months. Unofficially, let the speculation begin. In other words, time to mock draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, two of the prominent voices this time of year, released their first mock drafts. Craig Grialou and Darren Urban, who loves his mock drafts, breakdown who was mocked to the Cardinals. Also, the guys discuss the Dallas Cowboys’ reported interest in offensive line coach Klayton Adams, the rise within the front office ranks of former Cardinals wide receiver (and Scottsdale Chaparral high alum) Darren Mougey, as well as their takeaways from Championship Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 844 - It’s something Jonathan Gannon says all the time. And based on what we saw during the divisional round of the playoffs, the head coach is right. The ball matters. Specifically, taking the ball away and protecting the ball. Turnover margin is important, and it’s a big reason for the success of the four teams - Commanders, Eagles, Bills, and Chiefs - remaining in the postseason. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss how the Cardinals fared in 2024 regarding takeaways and giveaways and how they might improve their numbers. Also, the guys give their thoughts on Championship Sunday, Drew Petzing not landing the Bears head coaching job and review the season’s top plays; both offense, defense and special teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 843 - Let’s start with the most important question: How is everyone’s German? That’s right. German. There is a chance, based on an announcement from the league earlier on Wednesday, that the Cardinals play a regular season game in Berlin. Again, a chance. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi are both big fans of a potential trip to Germany. They discuss why the Cardinals would be an attractive option. They then dive into the offseason, one that will be full of questions. They pick out some of the biggest questions they have that they hope GM Monti Ossenfort provides an answer; from the interior of the offensive line, the wide receiver room, and, of course, the pass rush. Also, they look ahead to this weekend’s Divisional Round of the playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 842 - It’s award season, and well, we didn’t want to feel left out. It’s time for the 2024 Cardinals Awards, as voted by our 13-person panel. Craig Grialou is joined by both Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman to break down the results. Some winners are more obvious than others; Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, while not unanimous, did produce the most clear-cut choices. Other winners faced tougher competition, most notably Newcomer of the Year, Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year and Player of the Year. And as far as Most Valuable Cardinal? All three - Craig, Dani, and Zach - agree it’s James Conner. Do you agree? Do you disagree? All results have been posted on azcardinals.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 841 - It’s been three days since the regular season ended. So, yeah, the offseason has arrived. And after a brief conversation about Dani Sureck’s cryptic post on social media Wednesday afternoon (really, a tease to some exciting new content), she and Craig Grialou discuss, what else, their biggest takeaways from 2024. More specifically, however, what did they learn from 2024; be it about a player, a position group or maybe something completely different. Plus, even though the Cardinals aren’t participating in postseason football, Craig and Dani look ahead to the six playoff games scheduled for Wild Card Weekend. Is it the best two days - two-plus days - on the NFL calendar?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 840 - Beat a division foe. Sweep the season series. Send the fans home happy. That’s what the Cardinals accomplished in Week 18. And no, the goal of making the playoffs was not reached, but a 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers is a decent consolation prize. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what happened on Sunday; from Kyler Murray’s four touchdown passes, the improved play of Marvin Harrison Jr., the career-year by Trey McBride to a defense that fought - literally in fact - and forced three takeaways. They guys also begin to look ahead to the offseason, what potential moves might be made; Kelvin Beachum’s future with the team; and react to Drew Petzing reportedly being a candidate for the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 839 - It is the last Football Friday of the 2024 season. So, how do you want to go out? How do you want to be remembered? With a win, of course. The Cardinals will look to do just that on Sunday. They host the San Francisco 49ers in the regular-season finale. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss why a win in Week 18 matters to the coaches and to the players, and why it should matter to the fans. Plus, as the guys have done all season, they head into enemy territory. Lindsey Pallares, team reporter for 49ers.com, joins the show. The 49ers are coming off a short week; they’re banged up; and they’ll be quarterbacked by a familiar face, Joshua Dobbs, who was QB1 for eight games just last season as the Cardinals waited for the return of a healthy Kyler Murray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 838 - On this first day of 2025, the focus remains on 2024, at least in terms of the football season. Yes, the calendar has flipped to the *new* year, but there remains one more game to be played before the *new* season can be discussed. With that said, however, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about what they’d like to see in the regular-season finale that may carryover to next season, i.e., the chemistry between Kyler Murray and his wide receivers (namely Marvin Harrison Jr.). Also, Craig and Dani react to the breaking news that James Conner will not play against the San Francisco 49ers, and what that may mean for Michael Carter and the rest of the running back room. Plus, will the Cardinals see a familiar face as QB1 for the Niners? Will it be Joshua Dobbs against his former team?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 837 - Heart-breaking. There’s no other way to describe it. The win was there until it wasn’t. And that’s been the story of the Arizona Cardinals’ season more times than not in 2024. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi, aka Paulie Play-By-Play, look back at the 13-9 loss on Saturday night in Los Angeles. For much of the game, the offense looked good; in fact, the numbers said as much. Defensively, the same thing. The Cardinals played well enough to win, but the only thing that matters in sports is did you score more points than your opponent. The Cardinals did not. The guys discuss everything. Plus, Paul hands out his weekly Angry Bird Award; and this week, it goes to a player who stepped up his game in the absence of his teammate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 836 - So, the stakes are not as high as we all had hoped, but there is still plenty on the line coming up on Saturday night in Los Angeles. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the Week 17 matchup against the Rams, an opponent the Cardinals have not seen since early September. A lot has changed since then, which is discussed when Jourdan Rodrigue joins the show, as she did ahead of Week 2. Rodrigue covers the Rams for The Athletic. Before that conversation, though, Craig and Zach have a conversation about where the Cardinals are at, coming off the loss at Carolina that eliminated them from playoff contention; what can still be accomplished over the final two games; plus, who is and who isn’t available to play this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 835 - And that’s the sad reality, unfortunately. Losing at Carolina plus the Rams winning at the New York Jets equaled playoff elimination for the Cardinals. So, what happened? How did the Cardinals fall to a three-win team (at the time) in a got-to-have-it game? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the 36-30 defeat to the Panthers in overtime. Yes, injuries were a factor; too many penalties, especially at the start of the game; the run defense was not great. The Cardinals dug themselves a 17-point hole halfway through the second quarter before digging themselves out thanks to James Conner (before he got hurt; Conner, by the way, earned Paul’s Angry Bird Award) and the right leg of Chad Ryland. And now, with two games left, the Cardinals are forced to play the role of spoiler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 834 - The Cardinals took care of business last week, beating a three-win opponent. They face another three-win opponent this week. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman, before he heads to the airport to join the team on its flight to Carolina, discuss the game against the Panthers coming up on Sunday. What are the key matchups? What must the Cardinals do in order to win to help keep their playoff hopes alive? (Spoiler alert: run the football.) Also, they are joined by Darin Gantt, senior writer for panthers-dot-com, as they head into enemy territory ahead of Week 16. Before any of those conversations, however, Craig and Zach react to the injury report: two starters and two key backups will not play in the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 833 - One of the bigger questions this offseason has been answered in-season: Budda Baker isn’t going anywhere. He and the Cardinals reached agreement on a three-year contract extension, keeping him in Arizona through the 2027 season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck react to the news. They then discuss why the team rewarded the player, and maybe more importantly, the person; what the extension says about where the team is headed; and what GM Monti Ossenfort is building after extensions to Baker, James Conner, Hjalte Froholdt and Zaven Collins. Plus, Craig and Dani go over the roster moves made on Wednesday and wonder if it’s too early in the week to worry about Paris Johnson Jr. missing Wednesday’s practice because of a knee injury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 832 - It was a much-needed win on Sunday. No, it wasn’t perfect. But thanks to the play of James Conner and Trey McBride, the Cardinals “stayed relevant” in the playoff hunt, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. And let’s not forget the defense. In fact, that’s where Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck begin their discussion when looking back at the 30-17 victory over the New England Patriots. The defense played well despite losing Mack Wilson Sr. and Jesse Luketa five plays into the first quarter; a number of players stepped up in their absence. And, yes, the Cardinals got lucky - and there’s nothing wrong with that - from an interception that wasn’t to a fumble that turned into a touchdown, for a second time this season. Playoff football remains a very real possibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 831 - No, a win doesn’t clinch a spot in the playoffs. But if the Cardinals want to keep their postseason hopes alive, then they need to win on Sunday. They need to beat the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the matchup in Week 15; what it’s going to take to get past the Patriots, get back in the win column and get those positive vibes back around the team. The guys also head into enemy territory and speak with ESPN’s Mike Reiss; long-time Patriots beat writer. Before that conversation, though, a conversation on how the San Francisco 49ers did the Cardinals no favors on Thursday Night Football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 830 - Hey, it’s just a suggestion. But it is an aspect of the Cardinals offense that, in recent weeks, appears to be missing; at least to both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck. That’s the main topic of discussion on Wednesday’s show; what if Kyler Murray were to have more rushing attempts, might that help spark the offense? The Cardinals are searching for answers in the midst of a season-long three-game losing streak. Also, Craig and Dani look ahead to this week’s game against the New England Patriots, focusing on rookie quarterback Drake Maye; who’s punting on Sunday, given the injury to Blake Gillikin; and rookie offensive lineman Isaiah Adams is the team’s new starting right guard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 829 - So much was on the line Sunday. And so much was lost. No, the season isn’t over. The playoffs are still very much in the picture. It’s just now the road to get there has become a lot more difficult to travel for the Arizona Cardinals. They no longer control their own destiny. So, what happened? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the 30-18 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks; turnovers were an issue; couldn’t stop the run; and it’s never good when your kicker is needed to punt, shout-out Chad Ryland. Another player deserving of some praise, safety Budda Baker. He earned Paul’s weekly Angry Bird Award after a career-high 18 tackles, including eight solo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 828 - The stakes could not be any higher. Win, and the Cardinals are back in first place in the NFC West; more importantly, they control their own destiny the rest of the way. Lose, and the road to postseason football becomes a lot more difficult. Plus, it’s the Seahawks, and who doesn’t enjoy beating the Seahawks? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the matchup coming up on Sunday at State Farm Stadium; why the Cardinals need to win and what they need to do in order to win (hint: all the things they didn’t do in the first meeting two weeks ago.) Plus, the guys head into enemy territory. For the second time this season, they speak with John Boyle, senior reporter for seahawks-dot-com, to get his thoughts on the rematch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 827 - Two games. Two winnable games. Yet, the Cardinals were on the short end against both the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. So, what must change to change the outcome this week? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi offer their thoughts, whether it’s finishing in the red zone or the defense finishing by getting off the field. The one big difference this week: the Cardinals are home; it’s the first time in nearly a full calendar month. Also, the guys spotlight the team’s two first-round draft picks, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. - were the expectations too high coming into the season? - and defensive lineman Darius Robison, who may be in for a larger role this week after making his season debut in Minnesota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 826 - Six times; more times than any other game this season. Six times the offense reached the red zone, yet only one time did the trip result in a touchdown. That’s not good enough. And that’s why, at least a big reason why, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck are discussing a loss rather than a win. The two look back at Sunday’s 23-22 loss; the offensive struggles near the goal line, the inability to throw the ball downfield with any consistency, all the penalties at what seemed like all the wrong times. There is also talk of a defense that played well until they didn’t; how did Darius Robinson look in his debut; and what more can be said about the play of Mack Wilson Sr., this week’s winner of the Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 825 - The number is seven. There are seven coaches, including the head coach and both the offensive and defensive coordinators, who have ties to the Minnesota Vikings organization. Will that mean anything on Sunday? Maybe. Maybe not. There’s also a handful of Vikings personnel who have ties to the Cardinals as Craig Grialou and Darren Urban discuss on the show. Their conversation, though, begins with whether or not this is the week rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson makes his debut. It certainly sounds like Week 13 is the week, finally. Plus, Craig and Darren head into enemy territory. They speak with long-time NFL writer Kevin Seifert. He covers the Vikings for ESPN.com and gives his perspective on the matchup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 824 - On this, the day before Thanksgiving, it makes sense for Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck to say what they’re thankful for. Family. Close friends. Good health. How about a Cardinals team that’s going to be playing meaningful football in December, and hopefully January. Yes, to all. But, what about Trey McBride? He leads the team in both receptions and receiving yards, but is he appreciated enough? And that leads into a discussion about Pro Bowl voting and which Cardinals players are worthy of your vote because there are several to consider. Also, the latest from Wednesday’s practice; it’s not too early to talk playoffs; and Dani is always ready to talk green bean casserole because it is - she believes - the best side dish of Thanksgiving dinner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 823 - Blame the noise. Blame the weather. Credit the defense. Whatever the reason, the Cardinals offense did not show up in Seattle on Sunday. From Kyler Murray on down, it was a struggle. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at what went wrong - the inability to get the run game going, the inability to stop defensive lineman Leonard Williams from getting into the backfield - in a 16-6 loss against the Seahawks, who now lead the NFC West. The guys also praise the play of Trey McBride, who had a career day in defeat, and the work of the defense which held Geno Smith and company to 10 points; that should be good enough to win any game. Speaking of the defense, props to former Seahawk L.J. Collier, he earned Paul’s weekly Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 822 - So, how do the Cardinals play coming out of the bye week? That’s been the question all week considering how well the team was playing going into the bye week. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman explain why they believe there will be no drop-off on Sunday in Seattle. It helps, the guys think, that it’s a division game and a game with major implications in the standings. With weather potentially being a factor – rain is in the forecast, though even if it wasn’t – running back James Conner is expected to play a key role in the matchup. He’s got good numbers against the Seahawks, and the Seahawks have struggled against the run; that other topics are brought up when Craig and Zach speak with John Boyle, senior reporter for Seahawks.com. He joins the show to help preview the Week 12 matchup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 821 - It is a day of returns. Right tackle Jonah Williams is back on the 53-man roster, rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson is back practicing, and more importantly, Dani Sureck is back on the show. She and Craig Grialou discuss whether the team should reinsert Williams into the starting lineup given how well Kelvin Beachum has played in Williams’ absence; how excited Robinson is to be on the field after so much time rehabbing a calf injury; and playing in Seattle, always a tough visit for opponents, though the Cardinals have had their success. Speaking of Seattle, the game marks another homecoming for Budda Baker. He and the entire secondary have held their own against many of the league’s top wide receivers in recent weeks. Craig and Dani have the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 820 - The bye week is over. Time to get back to work. And that’s exactly what the Cardinals did on Monday with what head coach Jonathan Gannon called a “bonus” practice. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what they saw and, more importantly, who they saw. (Spoiler alert: rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson was on the field.) Also, the guys look back at what was a very successful Week 11 for the Cardinals. Despite the team not playing, they won on Sunday. The Cardinals remain in sole possession of first place in the NFC West, and they leapfrogged the Atlanta Falcons to become the No. 3 seed in the NFC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 819 - Six wins. A four-game winning streak. Sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Things are going well for the Arizona Cardinals thus far in 2024. Surprised? Some people may be. The coaches and the players in the building are not. As the Cardinals head into their bye week, Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look back at the season’s first 10 games, look ahead to the season’s final seven games; they also discuss who and what position groups have stood out; the impact this year’s rookie class has made, and hopefully will continue to make; when to expect a handful of injured players to return; but they begin with Kyler Murray, NFC Offensive Player of the Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 818 - It is yet another Victory Monday. And that means, hot dogs. Yes, hot dogs. Paul Calvisi explains before he and Craig Grialou discuss the Cardinals’ 31-6 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. That’s four straight wins, and each win has been a little bit different. This week it was Kyler Murray, or as Jonathan Gannon described, “the best player on the planet;” Trey Benson who had his best game of his young career and earned the coveted Angry Bird Award for Week 10; Trey McBride continued his ascension as - arguably - the top tight end in the game; plus the defense, led by Budda Baker, held Aaron Rodgers and the Jets out of the end zone, the third straight home game not allowing a touchdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 817 - You know what’s better than five wins? Six wins. And six wins going into the bye week would be impressive for a Cardinals team many didn’t see competing let along leading the NFC West at the midway point of the season. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what it’s going to take to reach six wins given what’s standing in the Cardinals’ way, a New York Jets team that is much more talented than its 3-6 record would indicate. Eric Allen, senior reporter for newyorkjets.com, joins the show as the guys head into enemy territory to further preview the matchup on Sunday. First though, who will and who will not play in Week 10.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 816 - The first-place Arizona Cardinals practiced on Wednesday, and just like previous Wednesdays the players were “all business” according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. In other words, a team that’s won three straight and four of five remains focused on the day-to-day. No one is looking ahead, more importantly, no one is looking ahead to the bye week. The focus is on the New York Jets, a team that’s much better than their 3-6 record. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck explain why the Jets have the Cardinals’ attention; Aaron Rodgers is a big reason. Also, they talk Baron Browning, Blake Gillikin (NFC Special Teams Player of the Week), and Dante Stills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 815 - Six sacks, two by Zaven Collins (Angry Bird Award winner). More than 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Cardinals controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in what was an impressive 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. And, yeah, it rained. Briefly, but it rained inside State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the Cardinals’ Week 9 performance. They discuss the defense, which for the second time in three games held an opponent without a touchdown; the offense, which saw three players score their first touchdowns of the season; and spotlight special teams, which continues to impress during the team’s current three-game winning streak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 814 - New month. New Arizona Cardinals? We’ll find out soon enough. On Sunday, they play their first game as a first-place team. Wins in three of their past four games, including two in a row, has put the Cardinals in a position they haven’t been in a while. So, how do they handle their recent success? How do they keep the main thing the main thing as is so often said by coaches and players? Again, we’ll find out this weekend when the Chicago Bears visit State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the Week 9 matchup; discuss the who will and who won’t be playing; and they head into enemy territory and speak with Kevin Fishbain, senior writer for The Athletic, who covers the Bears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 813 - The first place Arizona Cardinals were back at work on Wednesday. Coaches, players; everyone was in a good mood. And why not. The Cardinals have won two in a row and three of their last four games. Yet, no one is satisfied. Kyler Murray said as much when he met with reporters. Yes, the Cardinals are in a good place, but there’s still a lot of season left, including a matchup against one of the better defenses in the league on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss how the Cardinals are handling success. Plus, the two talk about Darius Robinson’s continued absence from practice; Jonah Williams’ return to practice; how well the offensive line has played recently; and what milestone James Conner reaches in Week 9.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 812 - From Kyler Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride on offense to Budda Baker leading the defense, the Cardinal’s big-time players made big-time plays in big-time spots. And let’s not forget special teams. All had a hand in the team’s 28-27 come-from-behind victory at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. That’s two straight wins for the first time since 2021. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what it all means. Spoiler alert: the Cardinals are in first place through eight games. (Who cares that it’s only October.) By the way, with so many players coming up big in Week 8, Paul had several nominations for the Angry Bird Award. No spoilers here; listen and find out who won.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 811 - It’s been 46 games since the Cardinals last won back-to-back games. In other words, it’s been way too long. So, is this the week the drought ends? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to Sunday’s game at the Miami Dolphins. Remember, it’s a short week and the Cardinals will be short-handed. Sean Murphy-Bunting and Roy Lopez won’t play due to injury. Craig and Zach discuss who will likely fill those roles at cornerback and defensive line, respectively. Also, the guys head into enemy territory and speak with Travis Wingfield from miamidolphins.com. The big news surrounding the Dolphins is the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 810 - Seven games into the season, the Cardinals have shown they can run the ball, and run the ball quite well. They have not shown, however, that they can throw the ball with any consistency. The passing game has yet to meet expectations; that fans have and, more importantly, that Kyler Murray has given his playmakers. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what Kyler had to say Wednesday. Plus, they talk about how to get Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved, the challenge that is the Dolphins defense, the rotation at right guard, who steps up now that Dennis Gardeck is done for the season, and a quick check of the NFC West standings shows the Cardinals are in good position. Can they take advantage?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 809 - Monday Night Football. It’s a big deal. It’s been a big deal for more than five decades. The Cardinals, though, have not played on Monday night since 2022. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the primetime matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals will try to bounce back from a bad loss the week prior. The good news is that it looks like Kyler Murray will have his full complement of wide receivers for the first time; Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) has practiced each of the past two days and Zay Jones (suspension) is expected to make his season debut. Also, the guys head into enemy territory and speak with Eric Smith, the editorial director of chargers.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 808 - No, the Cardinals have not gotten off to the start that they had hoped. Yet, a third of the way through the season, they remain “a player” within the NFC, and more importantly, the NFC West. The NFL is “setup for parity,” according to ESPN Analyst Louis Riddick, who joined both Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck on Wednesday. Riddick, who will be on the call for Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, praised Kyler Murray, James Conner, and Trey McBride among others, while questioning - as many have - how many more injuries the defense can endure. Before that conversation, Craig and Dani discuss who was and who wasn’t at the week’s first practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.