Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 807 - Winning in the NFL is already hard enough. The Cardinals made it a heck of a lot more difficult on themselves in Green Bay. Too many penalties. Too many turnovers. Too many negative plays. “If you beat yourself, you’re not going to beat anybody; we played versus two opponents today,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said following the 34-13 loss to the Packers. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi, who has dried off after a rainy Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field, discuss what happened. And it wasn’t just the penalties and the turnovers that hurt the team, injuries - to key players - played a significant role as well. It’s why Paul named center Hjalte Froholdt his Angry Bird Award winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 806 - For the first time since 2018, the Arizona Cardinals visit historic Lambeau Field. It snowed - and snowed a lot - the last time the Cardinals played in Green Bay. No chance of snow on Sunday but there is a chance of rain. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the Week 6 matchup against the Packers. They have the latest injury news; will Darius Robinson and Zay Jones play and what is the status of kicker Matt Prater? Plus, they head into enemy territory and speak with Green Bay TV reporter Kyle Malzhan, who covers the Packers. By the way, with a win - thanks to the 49ers beating the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football - the Cardinals will move into first place in the NFC West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 805 - It’s been a little while since Darius Robinson has been seen on the field. That changed Wednesday when the Cardinals rookie defensive lineman had his practice window opened. He can be activated to the 53-man roster at any point over the next three weeks. Is this the week? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss Robinson’s potential return. Other topics include Zay Jones’ availability after learning of the news Chris Moore has been released; the different options at right guard following the season-ending knee injury to Will Hernandez; how do the coaches get Rabbit Taylor-Demerson snaps when Garrett Williams returns; and what does Dani have planned for the trip to Green Bay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 804 - Now that’s how you respond after a difficult loss. There may not be a more satisfying win all season. On the road. Division opponent. Down 13 at halftime, 10 heading into the fourth quarter. Nice job, Cardinals. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the 24-23 come-from-behind victory at the San Francisco 49ers. And, oh yeah, it was hot on Sunday; very hot, which Paul can attest to. Big plays were made by Kyler Murray and James Conner, who earned this week’s Angry Bird Award; also shout-out the offensive line. And then the defense, for the second time in three games, pitched a second-half shutout with three takeaways and turnover on downs. Happy Victory Monday, everyone!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 803 - It’s been a long week. Losing happens, yes. But losing like that, by 28 points despite a relatively healthy roster, is not something the Cardinals had ever experienced under head coach Jonathan Gannon. So, here’s the question: what is the team’s response on Sunday in San Francisco? We’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look ahead to the matchup against the 49ers, the first of two meetings this season. Also, they discuss the latest injury news - good news on tight end Trey McBride, uncertain news for kicker Matt Prater - and head into enemy territory. Lindsey Pallares, team reporter for 49ers.com, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 802 - He’s only one player. And he only missed one game. But when Kyler Murray says it’ll be “huge” to have Trey McBride back on the field this week, that means something. And it might mean a lot for an offense that has been held to 13 and 14 points, respectively, the past two weeks. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss McBride’s potential return. Darius Robinson, however, is not returning this week, and that’s disappointing. Craig and Dani also talk about Kyler’s running; Marvin Harrison Jr.’s catching; how well Paris Johnson Jr. has played left tackle; the challenge of facing the 49ers on Sunday; and give a shout-out to Jon Gaines, one of Dani’s favorites.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 801 - No excuses. Not after that game. The Cardinals did not look good, they did not play good and the end result was a 42-14 home loss to the Washington Commanders. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what happened in Week 4, from a defense that could not stop the run nor get consistent pressure on Jayden Daniels to an offense that has no trouble scoring on its opening possession only to go cold for much of the rest of the game. So, what are the solutions? Where do the Cardinals go from here? All great questions. The guys have their thoughts. Also, Paul hands out his weekly Angry Bird Award. It goes to second-year cornerback Garrett Williams, whose interception was one of the few bright spots on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 800 - No one will say it publicly, but how can it not be just another game? Not when the former head coach is on the other sideline, calling plays trying to beat a handful of the same players he once went to battle with. It should be interesting on Sunday with Kliff Kingsbury back at State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the matchup against the Washington Commanders; a matchup in which the Cardinals will not have tight end Trey McBride or defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga. How does that change things? The good news: both safety Budda Baker and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be available after landing on the injury report this week. Also, they head into enemy territory and speak with Zach Selby. He covers the Commanders for commanders.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 799 - Kliff is back. So, too, is Jayden Daniels. And don’t forget about Zach Ertz. Sure, there are a handful of others, be it coaches and players with connections to the Cardinals who will be back at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, but it’s Kliff Kingsbury’s return that is grabbing most, if not all, of the headlines. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what it’s going to be like with Kliff in the building and Kyler Murray on the opposite sideline. Big deal or not a big deal? Also, the latest on Justin Jones, Kelvin Beachum and Jackson Barton; and is that Marvin Harrison Jr. and Budda Baker on the injury report? Good thing it’s early in the week. Plus, everything in the run game and the pass game is correctable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 798 - Not sure you could’ve asked for much more out of the defense. They pitched a shutout in the second half. The offense, however, couldn’t take advantage. No run game. No downfield passing game. No sustained drives. It’s left everyone with the opposite feeling compared to this time a week ago. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss all that happened - and what didn’t happen - in Sunday’s 20-13 loss to the Detroit Lions. And though there is no Paul Calvisi - as we like to say, he’s on assignment the day after the game - the Angry Bird Award is still handed out. Both Craig and Dani agree Mack Wilson Sr. is worthy of the recognition for the plays he made and that one play he did but it didn’t count.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 797 - Despite the loss last week, the Detroit Lions are a good football team. Very good in the eyes of head coach Jonathan Gannon, who several times mentioned the test his team faces in Week 3. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman give their thoughts on Sunday’s matchup, which is the second of three straight games at State Farm Stadium for the Cardinals. The guys discuss the availability of right tackle Kelvin Beachum and how the offensive line needs to slow down the league’s top sack artist in Aidan Hutchinson. They then get the thoughts of Matt Dery as the show heads into enemy territory. Dery is the host of the Locked On Lions podcast. Finally, stay listening for Zach’s predictions. He gives three.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 796 - A 41-point performance that sees the quarterback record a perfect passer rating, the running back top 100 rushing yards and the wide receiver score his first two career touchdowns, yeah, that is going to overshadow pretty much anything else that happened. That said, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck give the defense its flowers. Specifically, they highlight Budda Baker and Dennis Gardeck, two of the longest-tenured Cardinals on that side of the ball. Baker led the team in tackles, flying all over the field. Gardeck set career highs in both sacks and tackles for loss. Also, there are conversations about the tight end position, offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum, defensive lineman L.J. Collier and girls flag football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 795 - What’s not to like about a 41-10 win at home against the Los Angeles Rams? That’s right, nothing. In fact, there was almost too much to like - ok, that’s a lie. It is always good to beat the Rams and to beat Sean McVay, something the Cardinals had never done at State Farm Stadium. So, where to begin? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss Kyler Murray’s near perfect afternoon; the spectacular performance of Marvin Harrison Jr.; James Conner and a solid rushing attack. Plus, the guys agree. They may be most pleased with the defense, shutting down Matthew Stafford and company. That was big. Dennis Gardeck was big, and his efforts earned him Paul’s weekly Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 794 - Run the ball. Stop the run. Each week that seems to be the goal of offenses and defenses, respectively. And the same holds true this week when the Cardinals host the Los Angeles Rams in the home opener at State Farm Stadium. Will the Cardinals be able to run the ball as effectively as the Detroit Lions did the week before against the Rams, and especially as well as the Lions did in overtime? Will the Cardinals be able to stop the run and more specifically, stop Kyren Williams, who had so much success against the Cardinals last season? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman do their best to predict what will happen on Sunday. Plus, they talk with Jourdan Rodrigue. She covers the Rams for The Athletic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 793 - The head coach. The offensive coordinator. The quarterback. Yep, that’s everyone. Three targets are just not enough for your No. 1 wide receiver. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what a lot of people have been discussing since Sunday, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s involvement in the offense, and specifically the passing offense. Now, to be fair, passing yards were down league wide in Week 1. But that’s not expected to be a season-long trend. Also, Craig and Dani have the latest on Jonah Williams and how the Cardinals go about replacing their starting right tackle for the foreseeable future plus Mack Wilson Sr. had a solid debut in a Cardinals uniform. He and Kyzir White played well together against the Buffalo Bills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 792 - On the road with a chance to win. That’s where the Cardinals found themselves, twice, in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, both times ended without the touchdown that was needed to pull off the upset. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the 34-28 loss at the Buffalo Bills. They go over the fast start by the offense - scores on each of the first three possessions - to why the offense may have cooled in the second half. Plus, despite the defense’s best efforts, Josh Allen was just too good, both with his arm and his legs. Speaking of legs, how about the legs on DeeJay Dallas on the 96-yard kickoff return. For his efforts, and the historical significance, he’s Paul’s Angry Bird award winner for Week 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 791 - The wait is just about over, Bird Gang. What everyone has been waiting to see becomes reality in two days. Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. take the field for the first time in a regular season game on Sunday in Buffalo. Everyone excited? Absolutely. And it’s not just the quarterback and wide receiver that are the reasons many people are excited for Week 1. Sure, there’s some unknown - maybe even a lot unknown - but that’s nearly every team in September. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the matchup; what they’re paying attention to; go over the injury report; and head into enemy territory. Katherine Fitzgerald, who covers the Bills for The Buffalo News, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 790 - His coaches and teammates agree. Kyler Murray is more locked in than he’s ever been. And Murray has said it himself. But what does that mean? What does that look like on Sundays? Well, we will now soon enough, when the Cardinals visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Before that happens, though, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck have their own thoughts on what to expect from Murray and the offense. Also, the two discuss Trey McBride; play roster trivia - how many of the 14 players who were with the team prior to the hiring of GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon can you name - and then say who they’re spotlighting in Week 1, which player(s) or position group(s) they want to see perform well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 789 - So, practice looked quite a bit different on Wednesday, following all the moves made the day before to get the roster to the 53-man limit. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss which players were and were not kept; the reasons behind some of the moves; and then which players were brought back on the practice squad - there lot of familiar faces. Also, the guys go over what head coach Jonathan Gannon had to say about QB2, undrafted rookie wide receiver Xavier Weaver, and the pass rush. By the way, Zach is in a ‘fighting mood’ after meeting UFC Bantamweight Champion “Suga” Sean O’Malley, who spent time with Kyler Murray, Will Hernandez, and Dennis Gardeck among others after practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 788 - And that’s it. The preseason is over. So, who is making the team? What players did enough over three games, including Sunday’s 38-12 loss at the Denver Broncos, to make the initial 53-man roster? Undrafted wide receiver Xavier Weaver, third-year outside linebacker Cameron Thomas, and veteran defensive back Darren Hall are among those who have impressed. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss those who have strong cases to be on the team. First though, what is the latest with rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson; how will the offense handle the suspension of wide receiver Zay Jones; and updates on a handful of players who got hurt in the preseason finale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 787 - Come Tuesday afternoon, the Arizona Cardinals - as well as the 31 other NFL teams - must reduce their roster to no more than 53 players. That means Sunday’s game at the Denver Broncos is the last opportunity for players to make an impression, flash on tape to prove they deserve a spot on the roster. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the preseason finale. Clayton Tune reportedly will get the start at quarterback, with Desmond Ridder to follow which was the same plan last week in Indianapolis. The question remains who is going to be QB2, who is going to be Kyler Murray’s backup. What other questions remain? What other position groups do Grialou and Gershman have their eye on? And are there some players the guys want to see one more time, either to validate their thinking or maybe even change their opinion about?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 786 – Forget cake and ice cream. Hjalte Froholdt prefers steak on his birthday. The Cardinals starting center celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, and then he signed a two-year contract extension on Wednesday. Froholdt was due to become a free agent at season’s end, so getting a deal done now is most beneficial for both the player and the team. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss Froholdt’s extension and why having a franchise center is so important. Also, the guys check in on this year’s draft class; all 12 players. How many are ready to make an immediate impact in Week 1? How many may need more time? It’s clear first-round draft picks Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson will be major contributors right away. Who else may join them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 785 - In the preseason, the outcome takes a backseat to individual performance. So, while the Cardinals did not win on Saturday, there were quite a few players who flashed in the 21-13 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Clayton Tune, who got the start, turned in another solid effort. Rookie Trey Benson showed why he was the second running back drafted. The pass rush came alive, whether it was Cameron Thomas, Xavier Thomas, Victor Dimukeje or L.J. Collier, who appeared to be a part of every play that first defensive series. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss it all; and yes, the penalties, too. Regardless of who is on the field, the Cardinals cannot expect to win a lot of games if they are flagged 11 times, including seven by halftime. They must be better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 784 - The Cardinals and Colts kicked off joint practice work on Wednesday at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. Paul Calvisi and AZ Family/CBS 5 sports director Mark McClune discuss what they saw during the practice and who impressed the most. Plus, which Hall of Fame players were on hand to watch the joint session?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 783 - For the second straight year under head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals will practice against another team in the preseason. Joint practices with the Colts will be held on both Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the teams playing a preseason game on Saturday in Indianapolis. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the value of joint practices, which - at least in the preseason - have become far more important than games when it comes to the evaluation process. One of the players most excited about the joint practices is rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson. He has been fun to watch on the field and listen to off the field. Also, keep an eye out for another defensive lineman, Roy Lopez, who earned high praise from Gannon earlier in the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 782 - For a first game, there was a lot to like in Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. No, the Cardinals didn’t win - they lost 16-14 on a last-second field goal - but they competed; and more importantly, several players flashed. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss their biggest takeaways. Clayton Tune commanded the offense; Michael Carter looked fast; Darius Robinson and Xavier Thomas, a couple of rookies, were disruptive; and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, aka Rabbit, lived up to his nickname. All was good to see in a game in which many of the starters didn’t play and may not play at all here in the preseason. The best news, though, is that the team came out “pretty clean” in terms of injuries, according to Jonathan Gannon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 781 - Sure, it’s the preseason. But it’s football. And it’s been missing from our lives for more than half the year. On Saturday, the Cardinals return to the field for their one and only preseason game at State Farm Stadium. So, with that in mind, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck are joined by Mark McClune of Arizona’s Family, the new television home of the Arizona Cardinals. The three discuss their biggest takeaways from #CardsCamp; seeing Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson in action, neither of whom have looked like a rookie; the competition to be Kyler Murray’s backup; and, of course, the new multi-year partnership with Arizona’s Family’s that includes preseason games and weekly Cardinals shows year-round.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 780 - It’s what Jonathan Gannon asks of his defense. Play with motor and violence. And on Wednesday, there may have been a little bit too much of the latter; at least there was between two players who were asked to leave the field mid-practice by the head coach. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what happened and what stood out to them in the final open practice, which also was the final padded practice of #CardsCamp. The discussion began with the defensive line - Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, and Darius Robinson among others - and then turned to the pass rush with the guys wondering if Mack Wilson Sr. might be an option. Plus, the competition to be QB2; Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder will see plenty of reps in the preseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 779 - It’s often said that the most important relationship on a football team is the relationship between the head coach and the starting quarterback. From all accounts, the relationship between Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray is a good one. And perhaps better than good, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who stopped by #CardsCamp recently for the network’s “Inside Training Camp” show. He then joined Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman for a candid conversation about the Cardinals, where they’re headed as well as Gannon, his coaching staff, what to expect from Murray and the offense plus talk about the rest of the NFC West and many of the bigger topics around the league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 778 - It’s not the news anyone wanted to hear. Second-year outside linebacker BJ Ojulari did indeed suffer a season-ending injury to his left knee at Friday’s practice. You hate it for the player, especially given how hard Ojulari worked during the offseason. You hate it for the team, which was relying on a big Year 1 to Year 2 jump from Ojulari, especially in terms of rushing the passer. So, now what? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the options before GM Monti Ossenfort. Do the Cardinals look internally? Do the Cardinals look outside the organization? And would that be a free agent, or a player acquired via a trade? Plus, there are no more questions about Zaven Collins’ future with the team and what or who stood out in the Red & White Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 777 - Kyler Murray throwing deep to Michael Wilson. James Conner running over a defender. Darius Robinson blowing up a run play. Mack Wilson Sr. picking off a pass at the line of scrimmage. There were plenty of highlights in Friday’s padded practice, the second time the Cardinals were in pads. Coaches were on headsets. The music was loud. It was, as Jonathan Gannon likes to say, a high tempo day. Unfortunately, it was also a day that saw BJ Ojulari go down; only hours after he was praised by the defensive coordinator. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the good and the bad. Plus, they have a conversation about Garrett Williams’ role and what to expect with the new – dynamic – kickoff rule.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 776 - Yes, it helps to have a franchise quarterback. And now a true No. 1 wide receiver. But the Cardinals offense in 2024 isn’t only Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. There is so much more. And for Charles Robinson, Senior NFL Reporter for Yahoo Sports, the most important piece of the puzzle just may be offensive coordinator Drew Petzing; the person pulling the strings, so to speak. Robinson joined Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman during his recent visit to Cards Camp. Robinson visited last year and compares where the Cardinals were then compared to where they are now and where he believes the team is headed under the direction of both GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 775 - Not until the pads are put on can a player truly be evaluated, according to the head coach. Well, let the evaluation begin. For the first time in training camp, players practiced in pads on Monday. Who stood out? Did anyone impress? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they saw during o-line/d-line work as well as who was rushing the passer. Also, both Kyler Murray and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing addressed reporters. Murray is very confident in, not only himself, but how well the offense can perform this season, especially with the addition of a true No. 1 wide receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. Meanwhile, Petzing appears eager to get all the offensive pieces on the field to see how they fit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 774 - Kyler Murray. The addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. Upgrades along the front seven of the defense. Yes, there is a lot to be excited about the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. And that’s not just the fans and local media talking. The national media is talking as well. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman are joined by NFL Network reporter Omar Ruiz. They get his perspective on the Cardinals; what he has seen and heard from coaches and players; plus, his thoughts on what is expected to be a very competitive NFC West, and he details what’s ahead for Back Together Weekend, the league’s unofficial kickoff to the season on the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and their streaming platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 773 - Fans ran to their seats at State Farm Stadium to get their first glimpse of the 2024 Arizona Cardinals on Thursday. And those in attendance did not leave disappointed. Kyler Murray throwing to Marvin Harrison Jr. was the highlight of the first open practice of training camp. Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch each made nice grabs; rookie tight end Tip Reiman stood out; and things did get a little heated, albeit briefly, between the offense and defense during 11-on-11. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman have all the details, including a review of the first-team offense and defense. They also discuss the importance of the quarterback-center communication and the competition to be QB2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 772 - Day 1 is in the books. After reporting on Tuesday, coaches and players hit the field at State Farm Stadium on Wednesday for just over an hour to kickoff training camp. First impressions? Glad you asked. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they saw; Kyler Murray being a participant is a nice change of pace from a year ago at this time. Also, they discuss what they heard; Budda Baker addressed the team the night before practice, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Baker set the tone as James Conner put it. In addition, the competition fans should expect to see - at running back, wide receiver, and cornerback to name a handful of positions - when they head out to the stadium. The first open practice is Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 771 - A healthy Kyler Murray. Adding a true No. 1 wide receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. Which one -- or is it both of them -- is the biggest storyline on offense? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi debate on the day before coaches and players report to State Farm Stadium for the start of training camp. That’s right, the offseason is over. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, this much is certain: there is a lot to be excited about concerning the offensive side of the ball, especially considering how that unit finished last season. By the way, in addition to the top storyline, the guys discuss the No. 1 position battle, player most excited to see: newcomer, and player most excited to see: returner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 770 - New faces. Familiar faces. How are they all going to fit together? And more importantly, how are they all going to improve a unit that struggled for much of last season? Second-year defensive coordinator Nick Rallis saw additions, whether in free agency or the draft, made at all three levels in the offseason. Also, there should be a natural jump from Year 1 to Year 2 with the players who are returning. So, with one week to go before the start of training camp, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck spotlight the defense; the top storyline, No. 1 position battle, position group with the most intrigue, player most excited to see: newcomer, and player most excited to see: returner. Feel free to agree, or disagree, with their takes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 769 - It is a much, much different looking team in the Pacific Northwest. For the first time in 14 years someone other than Pete Carroll will be the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. The Mike Macdonald era is underway. On Monday’s show, Craig Grialou is joined by John Boyle, senior reporter for seahawks.com, to discuss all things Seahawks. Topics included his first impressions of Macdonald; how the defense may look a little (or a lot) different, especially without long-time linebacker Bobby Wagner in the middle of the field; offensively, is Geno Smith still QB1; how much longer will wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett share the same field; and the offensive line underwent a major overhaul in the offseason, highlighted by the loss of center Evan Brown, who is now playing for the Cardinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 768 - No Aaron Donald, no problem. Or is it a big problem? It was a big deal when long-time Rams defensive lineman - and long-time thorn in the Cardinals’ side - Aaron Donald announced his retirement. So how do the Los Angeles Rams and the Rams defense adjust? Who is going to be asked to step up their game(s)? All questions Craig Grialou posed to Stu Jackson on Monday’s show. Jackson is the senior staff writer for therams.com. Besides the Donald conversation, other topics discussed included new defensive coordinator Chris Shula; quarterback Matthew Stafford not being happy with his contract; the running game with Kyren Williams and third-round pick Blake Corum; plus what does wide receiver Puka Nacua do for an encore after a record-setting rookie season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 767 - According to many, they are the team to beat in the NFC West. They’ve won the division in each of the past two seasons, and the roster – at least on paper – looks every bit as good once again. Of course, we’re talking about the San Francisco 49ers. Craig Grialou is joined by Lindsey Pallares, team reporter for 49ers.com, to discuss all things 49ers. Topics included quarterback Brock Purdy enjoying a healthy offseason (very similar to Kyler Murray); running back Christian McCaffrey showing no signs of slowing down (not good news for Cardinals fans); and for the third time in as many seasons the defense will be under the direction of a new coordinator, though defensive end Nick Bosa remains and the team signed Leonard Floyd (10.5 sacks last season with the Bills).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 766 - On this, National Mascot Day (yes, it’s a thing; shout-out to Big Red), Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss where they think the roster has most improved since the end of last season. They take into account free agency and the draft as well as other roster additions. On offense, the guys singled out wide receiver; the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick, the free-agent signings of Zay Jones and Chris Moore, plus Year 2 of Michael Wilson. Might Greg Dortch be a candidate for breakout player of the year? On defense, no position room underwent a bigger makeover than d-line with five new names while cornerback added four new faces. Both positions are expected to see significant improvement this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 765 - Yes, Marvin Harrison Jr. is talented. Very talented. And as we found out this week, he’s also perspicacious. (Show of hands who knew what that word meant - or even knew it existed - before Michael Wilson used it to describe his new teammate?) Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss their lack of vocabulary, at least compared to Wilson’s; plus, they give their thoughts on what they heard from MHJ when he met the media this week; how he’s fitting in; the relationship between him and his fellow rookies; what his presence means for the offense as well as what his teammates have had to say about him. Also, the guys review Flight Plan: Stick & Pick and promote Zach’s story on the new kickoff rule, from the players’ perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 764 - The season doesn’t kickoff for another three months, but if Kyler Murray had his way, then the Cardinals would be playing a game tomorrow. At least that was the vibe K1 gave on Wednesday when he met with the media for the first time since the season finale against the Seahawks. First and foremost, Murray is healthy. Also, he’s excited about the changes the team made in the offseason, none bigger than the drafting of Marvin Harrison Jr. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they saw and heard from Murray, who acknowledged he’s in a much better place than a year ago at this time. Murray also had nothing but good things to say about both Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch; the latter of whom was brought up - unprompted - by the head coach earlier in the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 763 - It didn’t happen a year ago. And before 2023, it was all the way back in 2015 - eight years earlier - in which a Cardinals team did not have a player record at least 10 sacks in a single season. BJ Ojulari, and the rest of the Cardinals outside linebackers, want to make double-digit sack-seasons a yearly occurrence. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the expectations for Ojulari, who on Monday explained why he’s wearing No. 9 rather than 18. Plus, Budda Baker wants to be a Cardinal beyond this season; long-time special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers predicts a big increase in kickoff returns; the joint practices against the Colts in Indianapolis will be at night; and the final week of OTAs brought the heat, quite literally the heat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 762 - A top-5 run game a year ago, yet listening to several players talk this offseason, the Cardinals expect to be much better in 2024. Collectively and individually, especially when it comes to James Conner. The offensive linemen have a goal, a goal Paris Johnson Jr. shared with reporters this week. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman reveal the goal as well as discuss the goal Paris has for himself plus the type of leadership Paris hopes to bring to the team. Also, it’s Week 2 of OTAs which brought some clarity when it comes to the role(s) both Cameron Thomas and Evan Brown are expected to have this season. And speaking of this season, the new kickoff rule - what will it look like? Zach got a glimpse of it during the open portion of practice on Tuesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 761 - Size. Speed. Trey Benson has both. The Cardinals rookie running back recently stopped by to talk with Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck. The three discuss Benson’s draft-day phone call(s); how fast he really is; meeting now teammate Michael Carter ahead of the draft; learning special teams; and why he’s wearing No. 33. Benson is expected to have a big role this season. The same can be said for several of the team’s draft picks. Craig and Dani look at one projection; from how many rushing and receiving yards for Benson and Marvin Harrison Jr., respectively, to how well Max Melton and Darius Robinson will do defensively. Plus, some more observations - and that’s all they are - from the first week of organized team activities, or OTAs for short.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 760 - What had been speculated became official on Monday: Paris Johnson Jr. is moving to left tackle. And really, it makes sense. For starters, it’s the position Johnson Jr. played in college. Also, Jonah Williams, who the Cardinals signed to a big-money free-agent contract this offseason, played a solid right tackle a year ago for the Cincinnati Bengals. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the news on what was the first day of Phase 3 of the offseason strength and condition program. Other topics the guys dove into included the addition of Zay Jones to the wide receiver room; how Kyler Murray is spending time with his teammates away from the facility; joint practices will be held against the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the second preseason game; and the weekend-retirement announcement by former Cardinals running back David Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 759 - It’s out. The Arizona Cardinals schedule has been released. The who and the where have been known for months, but now we know the order in which the Cardinals will play their 17 regular-season games. Craig Grialou, Dani Sureck and Paul Calvisi have their thoughts, i.e., the tough stretch to begin the season, three straight weeks with a home game, no back-to-back east coast trips, and division matchups in four of the final seven games. Plus, the Cardinals received one primetime game; their bye week is Week 11 – a little earlier than the previous two seasons; and they have five early kickoffs, including three at 10 a.m. There is no international game as well as no game on Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. So, who’s ready for the season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 758 - People call him Rabbit, so Rabbit it is. A nickname he earned as a kid, Rabbit – given name Dadrion Taylor-Demerson – was the Cardinals’ fourth-round draft pick. He’s got a lot of personality which was on full display when he joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck following rookie minicamp. Rabbit talked about his name, his position versatility, being teammates with Budda Baker, what he hopes to accomplish in his first season and so much more. It is easy to see why the Cardinals selected the former Texas Tech safety early in Day 3 of the NFL Draft. But before that conversation, Craig and Dani discussed the newest addition to the team, wide receiver Zay Jones. He signed a one-year contract, providing another veteran presence in what is now a very crowded position room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.