Cardinals Cover 2

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.

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.