Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 728 - The Scouting Combine is in two weeks. Free agency begins in one month. The NFL Draft happens at the end of April. In other words, what offseason? This, though, is the time when teams look to improve their rosters. The Cardinals are no exception. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about what’s ahead, first with a conversation about the needs on offense and then shifting their attention to the defense, the side of the ball where it may be best to spend to help fill many of the needs. All the above is discussed on what is the one-year anniversary of the Cardinals naming Jonathan Gannon head coach. And, oh yeah, it’s Valentine’s Day, too. Enjoy the day, Birdgang!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 727 - Of course, the Cardinals’ offseason began more than a month ago. But with Super Bowl 58 now in the rearview mirror, the entire league is on the clock. The goal: to be where the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers were on Sunday, playing for the Lombardi Trophy. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi breakdown the big game, from the plays that were made to the plays that weren’t made and the decision to receive to begin overtime. Also, what do the guys think about the report saying former Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick has received permission to seek a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles? And the noise is getting louder - in a good way - about this year’s draft class of quarterbacks. Will the GM Monti Ossenfort listen to trade offers for pick No. 4?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 726 - Is James Conner’s stiff arm of Patrick Peterson in Week 13 worthy of Angry Run of the Year? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman certainly think so. Everyone will find out on Thursday, when the Angry Run of the Year will be announced as part of NFL Honors. Budda Baker (Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award) and Jonathan Ledbetter (Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year) may also hear their names called during the league’s annual awards show. Also, the guys discuss why wide receiver has been a popular position among the Cardinals’ signings of future contracts; of course, the Super Bowl; plus Zach’s hatred for squirrels (and cats apparently), yes squirrels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 725 - It is officially Super Bowl week. But before Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the big game, they discuss the just completed Pro Bowl and all the event’s activities. Budda Baker was the Cardinals’ lone representative. He had a hand in the NFC’s win over the AFC. He also stopped to talk with Sureck, who was in Orlando leading up to Sunday’s game. What did Baker have to say? How does Baker feel about the Cardinals after Year 1 under Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon? Also, Kliff Kingsbury is back in the league. And he’ll be coming back to State Farm Stadium next season. Grialou and Sureck give their thoughts on the Washington Commanders new offensive coordinator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 724 - Teams are built from the inside out. That said, the Cardinals are in great position with the fourth overall pick. Do they go offensive line, or do they go wide receiver? Is there a right answer? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss the options. Of course, Calvisi is hoping GM Monti Ossenfort trades down, adding more draft capital. Also, they react in real time to the Cardinals’ first two moves in free agency - re-signing linebacker Jesse Luketa and offensive lineman Carter O’Donnell - as well as the reported news that the Seattle Seahawks have hired Mike Macdonald, the now former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, as their new head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 723 - The offseason is not even a month old and there is already some early buzz that the Cardinals will be a playoff team in 2024. Of course, a lot needs to happen between now and then, but it does speak to how well the team competed in Jonathan Gannon’s first season as head coach. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk playoffs, both next season and this season. How do they feel about the Super Bowl matchup: 49ers and Chiefs? Especially the 49ers’ presence in the big game? Also, Sureck is headed to the Pro Bowl later in the week. The game is Sunday. Budda Baker will be there. Might one of his teammates be joining him? Maybe Trey McBride?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 722 - It is award season and, well, Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman didn’t want to be left out. It is time for the 2023 Cardinals Awards, as voted by the 30-person Content & Creative Team. There are six categories. Some winners were more obvious than others. Other winners faced tougher competition, most notably Offensive Player of the Year and Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year. All results have been posted on azcardinals.com. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Also, the guys look ahead to the weekend and Championship Sunday. Who do they see representing the AFC and NFC and therefore will be headed to Las Vegas and Super Bowl 58.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 721 - No dancing, like John Harbaugh. Shirts will remain on, unlike Jason Kelce. With that said, Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi dive into the divisional round of the playoffs; the biggest stories coming from the weekend’s four games. Of course, one of the bigger stories - at least for Cardinals fans - is the Cardinals now know their second first-round pick in April’s draft will be 27th overall. That led to a discussion about positions of need plus talk of how well Paris Johnson Jr. performed in his first season in the league. Also, the guys shout-out a handful of assistants who have been selected to coach in two of the upcoming all-star games, the East-West Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 720 - Ahead of next week’s announcement of the annual Arizona Cardinals Year-End Awards, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss - after a brief conversation about Blockbuster Video, a conversation Dani started much to the surprise and enjoyment of Craig - who they voted for in six separate categories. They agreed on Newcomer of the Year, Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year and Play of the Year. They disagreed on Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Cardinal. There was also discussion about this weekend’s playoff games. Who do they see surviving the divisional round?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 719 - A loss on Sunday ended the regular season, but it did not end the good feelings surrounding the 2023 Arizona Cardinals. In fact, it’s just the opposite. There is a lot to look forward to; and, yes, a lot of work to do. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi begin the offseason discussion, first with a look back at the 21-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks - who knows, maybe come April the loss will be a blessing in disguise - and then they point to the number of positives, both individually and collectively as an organization. Also, for one final time, Calvisi hands out his weekly Angry Bird Award. The winner, based on his performance in Week 18, should not be a surprise to anyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 718 - Never has James Conner ran for 1,000 yards in a season. And only once has he eclipsed 900 rushing yards in a season. Conner has a chance to reach both milestones on Sunday when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. It is the last game of the season, and what better way to go out than with a win and a career achievement. Also, a win would eliminate the Seahawks from the playoffs. A bonus if you will. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the Week 18 matchup; who will, who won’t be available and what Jonathan Gannon said about the season-finale. Plus, the guys get the Seattle perspective. John Boyle, team reporter for the Seahawks, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 717 - Very unfortunate news on Wednesday. Starting left tackle - and the longest-tenured Cardinals player - D.J. Humphries will miss the season finale on Sunday, and he will likely miss a good chunk of the start of next season due to torn ACL. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what that means moving forward for the offensive line, a position that has been a pleasant surprise this season. Other pleasant surprises this season: running back Michael Carter and wide receiver Greg Dortch. Both, it appears, have solidified their roster spots in 2024. And maybe it didn’t need to be said, but Jonathan Gannon said it anyway. Kyler Murray is his franchise quarterback, answering the biggest question going into the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 716 - No question it was the best win of the season. And for head coach Jonathan Gannon, it had to have been the most satisfying win of the season. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday’s come-from-behind 35-31 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles. So many contributors - Gannon does like to say “it takes all 11 on the field.” Kyler Murray played his best game of the season; James Conner highlighted a rushing attack that totaled better than 200 yards - shout-out to the offensive line and center Hjalte Froholdt who earned Calvisi’s Angry Bird Award for the week - there was production from the wide receiver position; and let’s not forget about the defense, which started its 16th different lineup in as many games. Not a bad way to begin 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 715 - When the schedule was released in May, this was among the more anticipated matchups. And it had nothing to do with the players themselves. No, it had everything to do with the two head coaches and the location. On Sunday in Philadelphia, head coach Jonathan Gannon faces good friend and the man he worked under for two years with the Eagles as defensive coordinator, Nick Sirianni, in the city whose fanbase still harbors resentment about Gannon’s departure. It should be a fun one in Week 17. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the game, which will see Kyler Murray play quarterback despite an illness earlier in the week. Plus, the guys get the Philadelphia perspective. Dave Spadaro, team reporter for the Eagles, joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 714 - The Cardinals haven’t faced a ton of dual-threat quarterbacks this season. Lamar Jackson comes to mind back in Week 8. But here the Cardinals are, for the second straight week, preparing to face a quarterback who is as good with his arm as he is with his legs. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what to expect from Jalen Hurts and what the Cardinals defense may have learned from just playing Justin Fields. A different challenge, yes; yet the goal is the same: keep the quarterback in the pocket, something they did not do last week. Also, the latest from practice. No Kyler Murray or Hollywood Brown, but there was a Leki Fotu sighting as he has been designated to return from injured reserve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 713 - And here’s hoping the Cardinals deliver what every fan wants: a win. The Cardinals will be spending Christmas Eve day in Chicago, the first of back-to-back road games to close out the calendar year. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the matchup. Who is and who isn’t available? Plus, the guys get the Chicago perspective. Kevin Fishbain, Bears beat writer for The Athletic, joins the show. The Bears have the No. 1 run defense, and we know what happened the last time the Cardinals faced the league’s best against the run; they ran for a season-high 234 yards. The key, though, may be Trey McBride. He’s on every team’s radar now coming off a second 100-receiving yard game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 712 - The number is zero. As in zero sacks over the past three weeks. And it’s not just about the sacks. The Cardinals aren’t doing enough to affect the quarterback, and the defense has suffered as a result. The solution? Find what the Chicago Bears, this week’s opponent, found with the acquisition of Montez Sweat. He has almost single-handily turned around that defense. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck go over some of the numbers. Plus, there is news - and not good news - in the tight end room; how do the Cardinals get more production out of their wide receivers; and why Sureck is keeping her fingers crossed the weather stays rain-free on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 711 - One thing is guaranteed about the 2023 Arizona Cardinals: They will compete. And they will compete until the clock shows triple zeros. Unfortunately, when that happened on Sunday, the Cardinals were on the wrong end of a 45-29 decision to the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi - yes, he’s back - look back at the Week 15 loss. The offense was good, at times, i.e., James Conner and Trey McBride, but field goals were not going to beat the 49ers; though Matt Prater did earn the coveted Angry Bird Award for the week. Defensively, just too much Brock Purdy and too much Christian McCaffrey. Too much of the time it just looked too easy for the, once again, NFC West division winners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 710 - To be honest, it’s a very good offense that Brock Purdy - valley native - is leading. And that is the challenge facing the Cardinals on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman preview the Week 15 matchup at State Farm Stadium. It’s the second time the Cardinals will face the 49ers, though the first time with Kyler Murray, who missed the Week 4 game. The Cardinals are 2-2 since Murray’s return. The 49ers, meanwhile, with Purdy, not only lead the NFC West, but they also lead the entire NFC thanks to the league’s third-best scoring offense and No. 1 scoring defense. For more on what’s been going right in San Francisco, the guys are joined by Lindsey Pallares, team reporter for the 49ers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 709 - Four games left. Two at home. Two on the road. Two against the division. And all are important for a number of players, when we start looking ahead to next season. The coaches won’t look ahead, but Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck will. Who, outside of Kyler Murray, are these final four games most important for, both on offense and defense? Also, the latest from Wednesday’s practice. Hollywood Brown wasn’t spotted during the open portion. There were Michael Wilson, Antonio Hamilton and Starling Thomas sightings, however; all three had been dealing with injuries heading into the bye week. Plus, the NFL is expanding its international reach when it comes to regular season games. Might the Cardinals be making a trip overseas soon?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 708 - After a few days off, it was back to work for coaches and players on Monday. And it appeared that the bye week was beneficial for a handful of players who had been missing in action. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman speak to who was - Michael Wilson - and who wasn’t - Hollywood Brown - on the practice field. Other topics of discussion included what a returning Antonio Hamilton may mean at cornerback; the multiple honors earned by James Conner after his performance against the Steelers; how well Trey McBride is playing; an early look at Sunday’s opponent, NFC-West leading 49ers; and why the Cardinals will have a say in who becomes the No. 1 seed in the NFC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 707 - In the end, the weather was not a factor. It just delayed the outcome; and maybe even made the result even more impressive. The Cardinals went into Pittsburgh, braved the elements, and left Acrisure Stadium with a 24-10 win and their first road victory of the season. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at all that went right for the Cardinals, highlighted by the homecoming performance of James Conner. Plus, Kyler Murray, though his numbers don’t reflect it, played one of his better games since his return; Trey McBride continues to take his game to the next level; Greg Dortch just makes plays; and kudos to the no-name defensive line, especially Kevin Strong who earned Calvisi’s Angry Bird Award for Week 13.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 706 - It has been three years since James Conner left Pittsburgh, his home both in college and the start of his NFL career, for Arizona. Sunday marks his return. And hopefully marks his return to being the focal point of the offense. James was not last week against the Rams. This week, though, that should change. It needs to change. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the game with the Steelers, who are playing good football right now. Also, the guys get the Pittsburgh perspective. Craig Wolfley, Steelers radio analyst and the older brother of Cardinals radio analyst Ron Wolfley, joins the show. But first, how Jonathan Gannon got to work Friday morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.