Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 705 - Six carries is not enough. James Conner needs to be featured more, and this may be the perfect week to get him the football. He’s going back to Pittsburgh. Plus, weather may be a factor. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look ahead to Sunday’s game against the Steelers, the team Conner played his first four seasons in the league with. Other topics discussed: Dante Stills’ play along the defensive line; Kei’Trel Clark’s return to the starting lineup; Wednesday’s injury report does not look good for the defensive back or wide receiver positions; plus, who deserves your Pro Bowl vote and why Sureck wants to see less cars decorated as reindeer on her drive to work in the mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 704 - Three games. Seven weeks of practice. Kyler Murray is just getting started, while the rest of his teammates are nearing the end. So, yes, there are going to be games like Sunday, especially on offense. But what separated Week 12 from the previous weeks was that it wasn’t just the offense. It was the defense. It was special teams. It was the entire team. And as a result, the Cardinals lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 37-14. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what happened, or better said, what didn’t happen. Also, what Dennis Gardeck had to say to Calvisi postgame is worth a listen. Plus, Calvisi - once again in person - reveals this week’s Angry Bird Award winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 703 - For the first time this season, the Cardinals will see a team for a second time. It was six weeks ago when the Cardinals and Rams last played. It did not go well for the Cardinals, especially in the second half. The difference this time around? Well, for one, Kyler Murray will be on the field and in action. He was a spectator during the first meeting. Also, James Conner, Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson all missed the game in L.A. Can those four players be enough to help the Cardinals earn a split in the season series? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the Week 12 matchup. Also, the guys venture into enemy territory. Jourdan Rodrigue, Rams beat writer for The Athletic, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 702 – Happy Thanksgiving, Birdgang! There may not be a better day on the calendar. A day that combines three of our favorite things. Before the holiday, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck begin to look ahead to the Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Who will be available? Who might not be available? And should we be concerned about Michael Wilson’s shoulder injury? Plus, Kyzir White was spotted at practice just three days after suffering a season-ending injury; Josh Woods, by the way, is ready to step into White’s role as quarterback of the defense; Budda Baker will play in his 100th career game on Sunday; and a discussion on Hollywood Brown’s production, both the good and the bad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 701 - There was a lack of complimentary football played on Sunday in Houston. The offense and the defense never could get on the same page. The offense started well and then sputtered, while the defense got off to a slow start before pitching a shutout in the second half. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look back at the 21-16 loss to the Texans. “Frustrating” is the word Kyler Murray used to describe what happened, or better said what didn’t happen, especially on fourth down. The defense recorded three interceptions, yet no points were scored off any of the takeaways. It was a missed opportunity. Speaking of opportunity, Greg Dortch took advantage of his and he earned this week’s Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 700 - Yes, a lot of eyes will be on Kyler Murray on Sunday. He’s making his second straight start and first start on the road. How does he follow up his season debut? Well, a similar question can be asked about Trey McBride. After a career day a week ago, what does the second-year tight end do for an encore? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss both Murray and McBride as it relates to this week’s game at the Houston Texans, a team that is surprising a lot of people, particularly the play of their rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has entered the MVP conversation. The guys give their thoughts. Plus, they venture into enemy territory. Drew Dougherty, TV host for the Texans, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 699 - Game one was good. Very good. Kyler Murray checked off a lot of boxes in his return. Another box will be checked this week when he plays in his first road game. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss both Murray’s performance against the Atlanta Falcons and what awaits against the Houston Texans. Also, there are good conversations about how the Cardinals are getting healthier – D.J. Humphries, Trystan Colon and Emari Demercado practiced on Wednesday; Trey McBride stepping up his game and the confidence Murray has in the second-year tight end; the play of the entire 2023 rookie class; and, with Thanksgiving a week away, Dani’s love of green bean casserole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 698 - It was like he was never hurt. Kyler Murray looked like Kyler Murray on Sunday. In other words, he showed no signs of a knee injury that had kept him sidelined for the past 11 months. Murray’s return helped the Cardinals return to the win column for the first time since Week 3. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what they saw from Murray in a 25-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons. In addition, it was good to see James Conner back running the football; Trey McBride do something no Cardinals tight end had done in 34 years; the emergence of rookie edge rusher BJ Ojulari; and the consistency that is Matt Prater when attempting field goals of 50+ yards. In other words, there was a lot to like in Week 10.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 697 - When Kyler Murray takes the field on Sunday, it will have been 335 days since he last played in a game. In other words, a long time ago. There is excitement. There is curiosity. There is a lot of unknown. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to Murray’s return and the matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cardinals also are expected to have the services of James Conner. But what will the offensive line look like? Starters D.J. Humphries and Will Hernandez are hurt, while Trystan Colon has missed the past two games. Plus, the guys get the Atlanta perspective. Long-time Falcons beat writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution D. Orlando Ledbetter joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 696 - Activated off PUP. Taking first-team reps. All signs are pointing to Kyler Murray making his season debut as the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback on Sunday. So, what do we want to see; what do we hope to see? Also, who benefits the most from Murray’s return? All questions Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck tackle on Wednesday’s show. And Murray may not be the only player back this week. James Conner has been designated to return, opening up his 21-day practice window. Grialou and Sureck believe there is a very good chance Conner joins Murray on the field against the Atlanta Falcons. Conner’s absence has been a big one within the offense. Both Murray and Conner would be welcome additions in Week 10.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 695 - Not a good homecoming for the head coach. Not a good first impression by the rookie quarterback. Almost nothing went right for the Cardinals on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the 27-0 loss in Cleveland, the hometown of Jonathan Gannon. Meanwhile, fifth-round draft pick Clayton Tune did not play well in his first career start. Then, again, the entire offense did not play well. The guys wonder out loud, is help on the way? In other words, is Kyler Murray going to make his season debut this week? The defense played OK against the Browns, highlighted by a front seven that allowed a season-low 2.8 rushing yards per attempt. So, Calvisi highlights one of its members - Leki Fotu - with the Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 694 - Will it be Kyler Murray or will it be Clayton Tune who gets the start in Cleveland on Sunday? Head coach Jonathan Gannon said Friday he’d know in the “next 24 hours” who will be QB1. The expectation, though, is that Tune will get the nod. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what the offense might look like with the fifth-round draft pick out of Houston under center. And, more importantly, how the offense handles the league’s No. 1 defense led by perhaps the league’s most disruptive pass rusher, Myles Garrett. Also, the guys get the Cleveland perspective. Kelsey Russo, staff writer for the Browns, joins the show. There is no question who they will start at quarterback. Deshaun Watson was announced the starter on Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 693 - New week, same question. Is this the week we see Kyler Murray make his season debut? There is a possibility, though Dani Sureck is done making predictions on the subject. She - wrongfully - thought Murray would play against the Baltimore Ravens. Sureck and Craig Grialou are in agreement in their belief that it will be Clayton Tune, the rookie out of Houston, who will be QB1 in Cleveland. And if it is Tune, then the Cardinals would likely start four rookies - running back Emari Demercado, wide receiver Michael Wilson and right tackle Paris Johnson joining Tune - on offense. The Cardinals have gotten significant contributions from several of their rookies, on both sides of the ball.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 692 - Turnovers. Turnovers on downs. The Cardinals did themselves no favors on Sunday. The loss to the Baltimore Ravens was not as close as the final score would indicate. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the 31-24 defeat. Joshua Dobbs did not play well. He hasn’t played well now for a good four games, yet he will remain the starter according to Jonathan Gannon. Should he? Is Clayton Tune an option? When might Kyler Murray be an option? The defense, meanwhile, played well enough to win. Bright spots? There were a few. Rookies Emari Demercado and Dante Stills are making the most of their opportunities; as is second-year tight end Trey McBride, whose career day earned him Calvisi’s Angry Bird Award nod for the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 691 - For the first time, Hollywood Brown faces his former team. The reunion takes place on Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit State Farm Stadium. Brown leads the Cardinals in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. In other words, he’s having a good year. Now, will he have his good friend Kyler Murray throwing him the football here in Week 8? That is an excellent question. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the possibility of Murray playing, how important it is for Brown to have a good game, and, of course, the challenge Lamar Jackson presents to a defense. Also, they get the Baltimore perspective. Clifton Brown, staff writer for the Ravens, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 690 – Is two weeks of practice enough for Kyler Murray to make his return? Dani Sureck believes it is, and she has been steadfast in her belief ever since Murray was designated to return. Craig Grialou, meanwhile, thinks Murray would benefit from more practice time before making his season debut. Who’s right? We’ll see. But it should be noted that Murray was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s injury report. In other words, advantage Sureck. Other topics discussed included Budda Baker’s return, Garrett Williams’ season debut, and what might the secondary look like moving forward once Jalen Thompson returns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 689 - It’s a passing league and right now, the Cardinals don’t have a passing game. At least not a successful passing game. Is that on the quarterback, the offensive line, the receivers, or a combination of all of the above? Whatever the reason, the Cardinals need to get it fixed. That is the backdrop as Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss Sunday’s 20-10 loss at the Seattle Seahawks. While the offense seemed to be stuck in neutral, the defense played well - at least well enough to win. Three takeaways, in most cases, leads to victory. The Cardinals forced two fumbles and had an interception; recorded by this week’s Angry Bird Award winner, rookie cornerback Garrett Williams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 688 - Five games. That’s how long it’s been since Budda Baker has played. The expectation, at least from Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman, is that Baker will return on Sunday, when the Cardinals visit the Seattle Seahawks, which just happens to be Baker’s hometown team. That, plus knowing how much Baker hates to be on the sideline, is what has led the guys to make that conclusion. Also, they get the Seattle perspective. John Boyle, senior reporter for the Seahawks, joins the show. The Cardinals have lost three in a row, including two losses within the NFC West. The good news is the Cardinals have had success playing in Seattle. Their nine wins at Lumen Field since 2002 are the most than any visiting team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 687 - A two-word tweet just before 10 a.m. was what Cardinals fans had been waiting for. “Practicing today,” Kyler Murray wrote. And true to his word(s), Murray was in his No. 1 practice jersey with the rest of his teammates on Wednesday; for the first time in more than 10 months. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck react to what they saw -- as limited as it may have been -- as well as what the day’s news means. Murray wasn’t the only player back on the practice field. Budda Baker was designated to return off injured reserve. He is, obviously, much closer to playing than Murray; and wouldn’t it be nice to see Baker this week against his hometown team, the Seattle Seahawks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 686 - Too bad Sunday’s game didn’t end at halftime. The Cardinals played decent football in the first half and went into the locker room with a 9-6 lead. Coming out of the locker room, however, things changed. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what happened, or better said, what didn’t happen. The Cardinals couldn’t take care of the football; they couldn’t stop the run; and, ultimately, they couldn’t win the game, losing 26-9 at the Los Angeles Rams. Hollywood Brown sounded frustrated. Joshua Dobbs shouldered the blame. A lot to get into, and don’t forget, Calvisi hands out his weekly Angry Bird Award, which this week had a surprise winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 685 - The Arizona Diamondbacks beat L.A., swept the Dodgers out of the playoffs. Can the Cardinals follow the D-backs lead? Can they beat L.A. and hand the Rams their second straight loss? That’s the goal. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman breakdown the Week 6 matchup between NFC West rivals. Also, they get the L.A. perspective. Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for the Rams, joins the show. The Rams have been a pass first - and often second and third - team so far this season; and now they have Cooper Kupp back on the field. Then there’s Aaron Donald, who has wreaked havoc on the Cardinals ever since he entered the league. It should be a fun one on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 684 - Without James Conner for at least the next four games, who do the Cardinals turn to at running back? Keaontay Ingram? Emari Demercado? Or, perhaps some combination of both? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck give their two cents. Whichever direction the Cardinals go in - they also have Tony Jones Jr. on the active roster plus veterans Corey Clement and Damien Williams on the practice squad - the running game is key to the success of the offense. Other topics discussed included Hollywood Brown’s absence at practice on Wednesday; the lack of targets for Michael Wilson against the Bengals; and what might a secondary look like if Jalen Thompson is unable to play this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 683 - Of course, this had to be the week the Cincinnati Bengals offense figured things out. And boy did they ever. The Cardinals had no answer for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had himself a career day at the expense of the home team. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what happened on Sunday. The 34-20 loss was punctuated by a poor defensive performance - to which Jonathan Gannon took full responsibility - and an offense that turned the ball over way too many times and played much of the game minus James Conner which thrust rookie Emari Demercado into the spotlight. He performed well as did another rookie, defensive lineman Dante Stills, who earned Calvisi’s weekly Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 682 - To repeat the popular Bill Belichick response, the Cardinals are moving past the loss at the San Francisco 49ers, and they are now focused on the Bengals. It is a matchup of a pair of 1-3 teams seemingly heading in opposite directions in terms of the expectations each had going into the season. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman breakdown the game here in Week 5. Also, they get the Cincinnati perspective. Geoff Hobson, senior writer for the Bengals, joins the show. By the way, Sunday’s game will feature the debut of the black alternate uniforms, which Jonathan Gannon is very much looking forward to. “It’ll look sweet,” he said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 681 - On Wednesday, cornerback Garrett Williams and offensive lineman Dennis Daley were designated to return, meaning they could begin practicing, which they both did. That’s good news. Especially Williams, the team’s third-round pick last April. The Cardinals could use some help at the position. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss when Williams may be available to play, while at the same time they ask how much longer until Kyler Murray is designated to return. He’s eligible, but, obviously, he’s not ready. Not yet anyway. In Murray’s absence, Joshua Dobbs has stepped in, and he’s played good football. At times, some very good football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 680 - Give the Cardinals credit. Down 18 in the first half, the team pulled to within one score late in the third quarter. The 49ers, though, just had too much talent on the field and pulled away for a 35-16 win in San Francisco. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday’s game; how encouraged both are despite the outcome and a defense missing so many players. At 1-3, the Cardinals appear headed in the right direction, and that is no more evident than the early performances by rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson, who earned Calvisi’s weekly Angry Bird Award. Also discussed, Zach Ertz’s targets; Ezekiel Turner’s first start of the season; and why players are looking forward to the rematch against the 49ers in December.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 679 - For the second week in a row, the Cardinals face an undefeated opponent. Can they, for the second week in a row, put a dent in that opponent’s record? It won’t be easy, and maybe more difficult than last week’s assignment. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman preview Sunday’s game against the 49ers. Also, they get the San Francisco perspective. Lindsey Pallares, team reporter for the 49ers, joins the show. First though, there are injury concerns at wide receiver and once again at defensive line. Will Hollywood Brown play? He hurt his thumb during practice on Thursday. Jonathan Ledbetter won’t play, marking the third straight game a defensive lineman has been ruled out. What are the Cardinals’ options at both positions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 678 - Each of the Cardinals’ first four opponents are teams the Philadelphia Eagles played last season. What does that matter? Well, head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis were both with the Eagles in 2022. So, too, was linebacker Kyzir White. That’s big, especially going into this week’s matchup at San Francisco, one of the three remaining undefeated teams. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look ahead to what White and the Cardinals defense is up against. Also discussed, the national talk surrounding the Cardinals; cornerback play by both Marco Wilson and Kei’Trel Clark; and when is it realistic to see Kyler Murray, Myjai Sanders and/or Garrett Williams in a game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 677 - And that, football fans, is why you play the game. So what, no one picked the Cardinals to win, or maybe even be competitive on Sunday. The front office believed. The coaches believed. The players believed. And the result was validation of a week’s worth of work. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the 28-16 win - the first of the season - against the Dallas Cowboys. So many stars, from Joshua Dobbs, James Conner and the entire offensive line to Kyzir White and a defense that held the Cowboys to two field goals over four second-half red zone trips. Calvisi, who avoided serious injury during the game, was so impressed with the o-line that he made them his weekly Angry Bird Award winner(s).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 676 - It is going to be a challenge. There is no question about that. But that is what players like Joshua Dobbs embrace. They embrace the challenge. The Cowboys enter this week with the No. 1 defense in the league. It is a unit that ranks first in 11 different statistical categories and arguably has the best player in the game in linebacker Micah Parsons. Again, it will be a challenge. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss Sunday’s matchup. Also, they get the Dallas perspective. Kyle Youmans, on-air host and producer for the Cowboys, joins the show. First though, there is another update on Kyler Murray. Head coach Jonathan Gannon addresses Murray’s return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 675 - When is Kyler Murray returning? Soon, he said in a social media post on Wednesday. So, what does that mean exactly? Great question. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck do their best to read into Murray’s message. Other topics discussed by the two: the defensive line suffers another blow, and it’s another biceps injury; with a full week of practice, the Cardinals should be better prepared for playing without Budda Baker; the challenge Joshua Dobbs and the offense face going against Micah Parsons, who was just named NFC Defensive Player of the Week; and with the Cowboys in town, just how many of Sureck’s family members will also be in town?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 674 - What happened? Yeah, it’s a question all of us are asking on this Monday morning. The Cardinals led by 20 at halftime and 21 points five minutes into the third quarter, yet Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi are talking about a 31-28 loss to the New York Giants in Week 2. Was it the offense? Was it the defense? Was it coaching? Or maybe it was a combination of all the above. The Cardinals played very well in the first half and then not so well in the second half. Grialou and Calvisi go over the good and the bad; and then Calvisi hands out his weekly Angry Bird Award, which went to quarterback Joshua Dobbs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 673 - Running the football is key. And sure, that can be said each week, but perhaps more so this week. The expectation is James Conner needs to have a big day in order for the Cardinals to get a win. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss Sunday’s matchup against the Giants. Both want to see Conner get more touches than he did in Week 1. Obviously, that’s easier said than done. Stopping the run will be important as well. The Giants feature one of the better backs in the game in Saquon Barkley. Also, the guys get the New York perspective. John Schmeelk, radio pre/postgame and podcast host for the Giants, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 672 - Can one week make that much of a difference? Joshua Dobbs believes so. And hopefully he’s right. Dobbs and the offense need to be much better than they were in Week 1 if the Cardinals have a chance at winning on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they’d like to see out of the offense, i.e., Dobbs targeting his wide receivers and doing so more downfield. There was a lack of explosive plays against the Commanders. Also, Grialou and Sureck ask if six sacks are sustainable for the defense, which could be without two starters this week. Both defensive lineman L.J. Collier and inside linebacker Josh Woods did not practice on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 671 - Three takeaways. Six sacks. Seven passes defensed. The Cardinals defense - on all three levels - excelled in Week 1. The offense, though, did not. It was a struggle a lot of the time for quarterback Joshua Dobbs and company. And that has led many to ask should a change be made? Should Clayton Tune be the starter this week? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi debate the idea. There was no debate, however, how well Dennis Gardeck, Zaven Collins, Kei’Trel Clark among others played. In fact, Gardeck played so well - two sacks, three quarterback hits, and one forced fumble - that Calvisi named him his first weekly Angry Bird Award winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 670 - Seven months after he was hired, Jonathan Gannon makes his head coaching debut when the Cardinals play at the Washington Commanders on Sunday. It is Week 1 of Year 1 for Gannon and his staff. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the game. And, no, there still has not been an official announcement about who will be the starting quarterback. What about Zach Ertz? Will he play? He’s 10 months post-ACL/MCL surgery. Later, Zach Selby, senior writer for commanders.com, joins the show to further dive into the matchup, though this time from the opponent’s point of view. Football is back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 669 - Nothing is official. And there won’t be anything official, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon; though a report surfaced Wednesday saying Joshua Dobbs is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback Week 1 at Washington. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the news of the day. Neither are surprised. Dobbs had been trending to be QB1 since his arrival. What would surprise Grialou and Sureck when looking ahead to Sunday’s game? They put the spotlight on the edge rushers. Also, 11 rookies made the 53-man roster. Three are listed first-team on the depth chart. Youth is being served in 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 668 - The 53-man roster is set, for now anyway. What isn’t set yet, and likely won’t be until gameday, according to Jonathan Gannon, is who will be the team’s starting quarterback Week 1 at Washington. The expectation, though, is that it will be Joshua Dobbs, who only joined the team earlier this week. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss their first impressions of the newcomer. How realistic is it for Dobbs to be QB1 when the season begins September 10? Dobbs isn’t the only recent addition. On Wednesday, the Cardinals claimed a league-high six players, including three offensive linemen, two of whom play center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 667 - And now there are five quarterbacks on the roster, though one is not yet healthy enough to play so really, it’s four. Craig Grialou is back, and this time he’s joined by Paul Calvisi – Darren Urban was a bit busy due to the breaking news – to discuss all things quarterback. Kyler Murray will remain on the physically unable to perform list, which is not a surprise, and Colt McCoy has been released; that was a surprise. That leaves Clayton Tune, David Blough, Jeff Driskel, and Joshua Dobbs, who was recently acquired from the Cleveland Browns. Who starts Week 1? Great question. Grialou and Calvisi have their thoughts because head coach Jonathan Gannon isn’t saying, and won’t until Week 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 666 - Six quarterbacks on the roster. Which two, or three, make the 53-man roster? And this is assuming Kyler Murray opens the season on the physically unable to perform list, where he’s been since the start of training camp. Craig Grialou and Darren Urban try to reach a consensus ahead of Tuesday, the day when teams must reduce their rosters. Also, who maybe played their way on to the roster over the week spent in Minnesota; how injuries may impact roster decisions; and what does it say about the players - like rookies Michael Wilson and Kei’Trel Clark -- who didn’t play in the preseason finale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 665 - First, Isaiah Simmons was traded. Later, Josh Jones was dealt. And then, Joshua Dobbs was acquired. In between, the Cardinals held their second of two joint practices with the Vikings. In other words, it was a busy - very busy - Thursday in Minnesota for GM Monti Ossenfort and his team, both on and off the field. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman react to it all. They’re joined by Paul Calvisi, who was in the middle of it all in the North Star State. Calvisi gives his bird’s-eye view of what was a much better practice compared to the day before. All three look ahead to Saturday’s preseason finale, the last evaluation in determining the 53-man roster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 664 - Explosive plays. Missed tackles. Penalties. The Cardinals allowed or committed too many in Saturday’s preseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The good news is, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon, all are correctable. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look back at the 38-10 loss. What did they see? And did it look any better from Sureck’s view from the sideline? There’s discussion on Isaiah Simmons’ play plus how close is the quarterback competition between Colt McCoy and Clayton Tune; is the punting competition over; and, more importantly, is Sureck packed for Minnesota. The Cardinals are holding joint practices with the Vikings both Wednesday and Thursday before the preseason finale on Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 663 - No question, going from an air conditioned-State Farm Stadium to outdoors in the heat and humidity in Tempe has been different. It’s also been by design. The Cardinals used this week as a dry run for the regular season, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon; and thus, the change in practice location. After talking about the weather - borderline complaining - Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman turn their attention to preseason game No. 2. The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are in town Saturday. Are the Cardinals up for the challenge? Also, the guys discuss the job center Hjalte Froholdt has done which dovetailed into a much larger discussion about the first-team offensive line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 662 - Preseason or not, the Cardinals looked good on Friday. More importantly, they won. And, yes, that matters. All you had to do was look at the reactions of the coaches and players, including those players who did not play, when Emari Demercado powered his way into the end zone to know how much the 18-17 win meant. Craig Grialou and Darren Urban discuss the number of different positives from the preseason opener. Colt McCoy, Clayton Tune and David Blough all operated within the offense; Hjalte Froholdt went viral on a couple of plays; the defensive line “played with violence” according to the head coach; Dennis Gardeck led a better than expected pass rush; and Kei’Trel Clark impressed in his NFL debut. Plus, there is good news to begin the week: Zach Ertz is coming off PUP soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 661 - No, training camp is not over. It is over at State Farm Stadium, however. The Cardinals held their final practice – and final open practice – in the stadium on Wednesday. Two more weeks of camp remain, with one week in Tempe and one week in Minnesota which will include a pair of joint practices with the Vikings ahead of the preseason finale. Speaking of the preseason, the first game is on Friday. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman go over what they want to see, or perhaps better said, hope to see when the Cardinals host the Denver Broncos. First though, the guys discuss the unfortunate news that running back Marlon Mack, who was just signed five days ago, is out for the season with an Achilles injury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 660 - A baseball fan growing up, Isaiah Simmons played center field. Now in the NFL, he finds himself playing a similar position. Simmons is playing safety, or deep center field. It is not a new position, but it is a position he is expected to be playing more than he did in any of his previous three seasons. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss Simmons’ role and what Simmons had to say about the position when he addressed the media on Monday. Also, the guys look back at Saturday’s Red & White Practice. Who stood out? What stood out? Plus, good news in the outside linebacker room: BJ Ojulari is off the PUP list and Myjai Sanders is back practicing. Both are expected to be key contributors this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 659 - Where is the pass rush going to come from? That’s one of the bigger questions that needs to be answered - hopefully - during training camp. The Cardinals have a lot of talent in the room, but it’s a lot of unproven talent. Zaven Collins is the most intriguing name among the group as he makes the switch from inside to outside linebacker. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what they’ve seen thus far from Collins and the others. Also, who is winning the punting competition; the musical talents of running back Corey Clement, who is trying to win the No. 2 job behind James Conner. First though, the guys give their thoughts on the second padded practice of camp. It appeared the defense may have had the upper hand against the offense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 658 - Finally. It’s what everyone has been waiting for. On Day 6 of training camp, the Cardinals put the pads on. As GM Monti Ossenfort said after, “Let the competition throughout the roster begin.” Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they saw during the 75-minute practice. What did they see? What did they hear? A lot of collisions. A lot of trash talk, especially between Michael Wilson and Christian Matthew. Most eyes, though, were directed at the 1-on-1 work between the offensive and defensive lines. Paris Johnson Jr. had his moments. In fact, much of the 2023 draft class has stood out during the early days of camp. And please, can we just focus on 2023 and not look ahead to 2024 yet?! Thank you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 657 - It’s early, so better to make mistakes now rather than later. And, yes, mistakes have been made, especially on offense. Colt McCoy used the phrase “growing pains” to describe the first week of training camp. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they’ve seen from the first-team offense as well as the rest of the quarterbacks on the roster. Well, at least the healthy ones. Kyler Murray continues to rehab a torn ACL. Speaking over the weekend, Murray was very honest with the media about what he’s gone through and, more importantly, what’s ahead. Other topics: the offensive line, namely a change in the second team; the rotation along the defensive line; and who the guys are anxious to see in the first full-padded practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 656 - Back in April, the Cardinals drafted nine players. Three months later, the Cardinals added another rookie to the team, the Content & Creative Team. Welcome Zach Gershman to Arizona. Gershman makes his debut appearance on the show, joining host Craig Grialou. After learning some of Gershman’s background, the two discuss the first week of camp; what and who has stood out? Gershman pointed to another rookie, offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr., as well as tight end Geoff Swaim, who is certainly not a rookie but is new to the team. By the way, the Cardinals are expecting big things from Johnson Jr., Swaim AND Gershman in their first seasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.