Cardinals Cover 2

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.

Ep. 655 - With a big smile on his face, Budda Baker walked into the interview room to address the media for the first time in training camp. And Baker had every reason to be smiling on Friday. News broke earlier in the week that he had reportedly received some extra cash in the form of bonuses and incentives in his contract. Baker also has a very large chip on his shoulder, feeling he’s been disrespected too many times by the national media. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss Baker’s mentality going into 2023 plus what they saw – Isaiah Simmons playing deep safety – as well as what they didn’t see – like Colt McCoy not throwing – during practice, which lacked the tempo and intensity from the day before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 654 - What are the 2023 Arizona Cardinals going to look like? Details began to emerge on Thursday as the team held its first open practice of training camp. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck – knowing it’s early in camp and the season doesn’t begin for another six weeks – discuss what they saw; what the offense looked like, the defensive rotation; who was running with the first team; who wasn’t running with the first team; and who stood out. Again, it’s early, and the team hasn’t practiced in pads yet. Plus, D.J. Humphries addressed the media. He’s healthy, which is great news. And a healthy D.J. Humphries means everyone gets to see his charming personality, which was on full display on Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 653 - Smiling. Joking. It was the same old Budda Baker who took the field on Wednesday for the first practice of training camp. Perhaps all that offseason noise – be it a reported trade request or reportedly seeking a restructured contract – was just that, noise. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss No. 3 participating. What does it mean? Is everything good between the team and the player? Also, Day 1 saw a handful of players placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, including Kyler Murray and Zach Ertz. Their placements were not a surprise. Seeing rookie linebacker BJ Ojulari on the list was, however. Plus, Zaven Collins continues to work with the outside linebackers. It’s good to have football back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 652 - When legends speak, we listen. A great conversation with Cardinals Ring of Honor member Roy "Jet Stream" Green. And the timing could not be better. As players and coaches get ready for the first practice of training camp, Green joins host Craig Grialou to talk about why camp is so important. One word: opportunity. The opportunity to stand out, make a play, and ultimately make the 53-man roster. Green spent 14 seasons in the NFL, 12 of those wearing the Cardinals uniform. Also, Green offers his opinion on the team’s group of wide receivers, a position he excelled at. Green likes who’s coming back – Hollywood Brown, Rondale Moore, and Greg Dortch – and is high on some of the new faces, particularly Zach Pascal and third-round draft pick Michael Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 651 - Storylines. Position battles. Questions that need answered (hopefully). All is on the table as Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look ahead to the start of training camp this week, the first under new head coach Jonathan Gannon. The biggest storyline, of course, is Kyler Murray. When will he practice? Will he practice? But beyond that, there are position battles along the offensive line, wide receiver, and tight end, especially not knowing the availability of Zach Ertz. On defense, it’s one giant question. What will it look like? Who is going to be on the field? Every level – the line, the linebackers, the secondary – has questions; many of which should begin to be answered on Wednesday, when the Cardinals take over State Farm Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 650 - The offseason work is done. No more OTAs. Minicamp is complete. Now, it’s time for a break; some well-deserved time off for the front office, coaches, and players. A lot has been accomplished over the past five months. And, of course, there remains much more to do. That work, though, will have to wait until training camp. In the meantime, Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi are here to look back. What did they learn? What were the big takeaways from Jonathan Gannon’s first offseason as a head coach? Examples include an emphasis to run the ball; Zaven Collins is an outside linebacker; Isaiah Simmons will work solely with the defensive backs. Also, what are the questions that remain? The two most obvious are the health of Kyler Murray and the happiness of Budda Baker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 649 – On Wednesday, the Cardinals held their ninth of ten OTA practices. And for the first time, D.J. Humphries made an appearance on the field. He had been seen working on the side just not yet on the field. So, not only is Humphries back, but he is back talking to the media and that is always entertaining. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck go over what Humphries had to say; from his health to his weight to his willingness to help his (likely future) replacement at left tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. Also discussed, the pressure wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore face in 2023, both internally and externally. The season ahead will (hopefully) provide a lot of answers about their respective futures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 648 - Nothing official from the team. But, we’re making it official. Zaven Collins is an outside linebacker. And nobody is happier than Paul Calvisi, who had already moved Collins into that room. Craig Grialou had been hesitant but not anymore. The two discuss this (tongue in cheek) breaking news following Monday’s OTA session after which we heard from the man himself. “Definitely want to get after the quarterback a little bit more than I did last year,” Collins said. See, he’s an edge rusher. And he’s needed. Also, updates on Colt McCoy, D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum; the latter of whom was on the field for the first time here in the offseason, or at least seen by the media on the field with his teammates and new coaching staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 647 - A lot of new faces. A lot of questions. That appears to be the theme thus far for the Cardinals here in the offseason. One of the newer faces brings one of the bigger questions: Hjalte Froholdt. Is the Danish Army knife – as he describes himself – the answer at center? He is the only offensive lineman currently on the roster who has starting NFL experience at the position. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss whether a move to an even more experienced veteran might be needed. Speaking of moves, might the Cardinals be moving towards playing Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson and Isaiah Simmons together at safety? It may be their best option. Also, it certainly looks like Zaven Collins is moving to outside linebacker. Or are the Cardinals merely experimenting during OTAs?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 646 - The offseason moved into its next phase on Monday. Organized team activities, or OTAs for short, got underway for several teams, including the Cardinals. For the first time, veterans and rookies shared the field. Plus, there was on-field work between the offense and defense. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they saw and what it may mean. For example, Zaven Collins was once again spotted with the edge rushers while Isaiah Simmons worked with the defensive backs as he did all of last season. Also, Kyler Murray made an appearance during practice; Colt McCoy is throwing again; and no more underestimating Sureck’s golf game or question asking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 645 - Nine draft picks. Ten undrafted free agents. Four tryout players, including two punters – more on that in a moment. The team welcomed 23 new faces to the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center over the weekend. First-round draft pick Paris Johnson Jr. attracted the most attention from the assembled media, which included both Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi. The guys discuss what they saw and who stood out during the open portion of Friday’s practice. Given the numbers – there were more coaches than players on the field – there was a lot more individual instruction, which had to be nice for all the rookies. Now, about the two punters. Calvisi’s affinity for the position is how our show begins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 644 - Edge rusher. Cornerback. Wide receiver. Three positions the Cardinals were expected to address, and they did. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look back at Day 2, which was highlighted by the second-round selection of LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari. Without question, pass rush was the Cardinals biggest need heading into the draft. Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams and Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson, both drafted in the third round with the 72nd and 94th overall picks respectively, capped what was a very busy Friday. Grialou and Sureck also set the stage for Day 3, where the Cardinals have (at the moment) five total picks thanks to two more trades by general manager Monti Ossenfort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 643 - The first offensive lineman off the board. The first offensive lineman drafted by the Cardinals in the first round in nearly a decade. Paris Johnson Jr. arrived in the Valley on Friday. The sixth overall pick out of Ohio State made a great first impression during his introductory press conference. Well spoken. Personable. Yet, when he hits the field, Johnson Jr. explained he plays “with violence.” Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi bring you Johnson's full press conference and react to what he had to say. What stood out? What has them excited about the newest Cardinals player? Also, the guys set the stage for Day 2 of the draft. What might be some positions the team targets with their four picks, one in the second round and three in the third round?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 642 - Stay at No. 3 or trade down? And how far down might the Cardinals be willing to go and still land a top prospect at a particular position group? Those are just some of the questions Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck attempted to answer with the draft now two weeks away. There is still so much unknown, especially given what may happen ahead of when the Cardinals are on the clock. There is also the unknown with DeAndre Hopkins. Will he be traded? And if he is, can Hollywood Brown be that No. 1 receiver? Plus, injury updates on Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy and Zach Ertz as well as why the Arizona Diamondbacks need to thank Sureck for their good start to the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 641 - It has been a quiet start to free agency. And that’s OK, according to Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck. It is what was expected under first-time general manager Monti Ossenfort, especially given what he inherited. Now quiet does not mean the Cardinals have not been busy. It is just that, thus far, the signings—whether a re-signing or signing a new name—have not grabbed the headlines. Again, that’s OK. The Cardinals have focused much of their attention on building from the inside-out, talking about the offensive and defensive lines. Also, wide receiver Zach Pascal and linebacker Kyzir White will be welcome additions inside the locker room, knowing their history with head coach Jonathan Gannon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 640 - There are 15 new faces walking the hallways at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. They, plus a handful of holdovers, make up Jonathan Gannon’s first-ever coaching staff. The assistants—offense, defense and special teams—were made available to the media over the past couple of days. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss their first impressions. The staff is young by NFL standards, though that may end up being a positive at the end of the day. Also, what is the latest on DeAndre Hopkins? His future has certainly been a hot topic in recent days. Plus, the show would not be complete without a shout-out to Dani, who will turn one year older on Saturday. Just how much older? Hmm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 639 - Accountability. Adaptability. Two of the main themes from Jonathan Gannon’s introductory press conference. The new Cardinals head coach addressed the media for the first time on Thursday. We hear from Gannon, who spoke for nearly 40 minutes, and then react. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss their biggest takeaways. Gannon has “a very specific vision” for the offense, which will be built around Kyler Murray; while the defense will “use guys’ skillsets” to create mismatches, adding “I don’t believe in a scheme…we’re going to look different week-to-week.” Gannon very much won the day on his first official day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 638 - Week 3 and still no head coach. There have been eight different names reportedly linked to the job. And while many have defensive backgrounds, whomever is hired must have the offense in mind. Namely, Kyler Murray. He is the key that unlocks the Cardinals. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the latest on the coaching search here on Day 18, how Murray factors into that search plus they look ahead to Championship Sunday: Bengals at Chiefs and 49ers at Eagles. Also, J.J. Watt was not among the three finalists for AP Comeback Player of the Year. Was he snubbed?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 637 - Six categories. Six winners. The Cardinals Awards for 2022 have been released. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi go over each category, reviewing the nominees and then discussing the winners. No real surprises, unless you’re Calvisi and you realize that none of the winners were choices you had selected. But we digress. Defensive Player of the Year (J.J. Watt) and Newcomer of the Year (Hollywood Brown) had runaway winners, while Most Valuable Cardinal (Budda Baker) came down to a two-player race. Plus, the guys look ahead to this weekend’s playoff games: Jaguars at Chiefs and Giants at Eagles on Saturday; Bengals at Bills and Cowboys at 49ers on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 636 - Tears were shed in the season finale. A lot of tears. And many by J.J. Watt. Cameras captured a very emotional Watt, first at Saturday night’s team meeting and then again Sunday afternoon as he exited the field for the last time in his career to chants of “J.J. Watt, J.J. Watt” by the fans at Levi’s Stadium. And if Week 18 was A.J. Green’s final game, then he, too, went out on a high note; albeit a bit more understated. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck react to Episode 9, which did include Kliff Kingsbury’s final message to his coaching staff. Plus, there is still football being played. Grialou and Sureck look ahead to Super Wild Card Weekend, which includes a third meeting between NFC West rivals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 635 - The offseason is officially underway. And it begins with news that both general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury will not be returning to the team in 2023. We hear from owner Michael Bidwill, who met with the media mid-afternoon on Monday, and then react. Craig Grialou is joined by Paul Calvisi, Dani Sureck and Darren Urban. After a 4-13 season, change was expected. And it did not wait long; just one day after the conclusion of the regular season. More change is expected in what figures to be a crucial offseason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 634 - The end is near for the season. For J.J. Watt. And maybe for A.J. Green. The finality of Week 18 will come in many forms. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the key storylines for Sunday’s game at the San Francisco 49ers. Yes, a lot of the attention will be on Watt, who will be wrapping up a hall of fame career. But let’s not forget about Green, who seven times was named to the Pro Bowl. How those two put a period on their respective careers will be interesting to watch given the opponent. The 49ers have a solid offense—even with a rookie at quarterback—and a top-ranked defense. Plus, the 49ers have something to play for: the No. 1 seed in the NFC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 633 - As we’ve seen throughout the season, and even last season, no one is off limits for J.J. Watt when it comes to good-natured ribbing. His latest “victim” is Zaven Collins. The Watt-Collins relationship was among the episode’s highlights. In addition, the cameras caught a very self-critical Collins talking about his second season in the league as well as David Blough’s calm demeanor both prior to and after the game in Atlanta. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about what stood out to them in an episode that should have everyone smiling despite last week’s outcome. Plus, there is plenty of quarterback news to discuss. Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy and David Blough are all in the headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 632 - The calendar flip to 2023 did nothing to flip the Cardinals’ fortunes. At least not yet anyway. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday’s 20-19 loss at the Atlanta Falcons. The effort was there, but the result was not. There were, however, several individual performances worth highlighting. (Yes, that’s where at in the season.) David Blough looked good at quarterback, making the right decisions within the framework of the offense; Trey McBride continued to show progress in his rookie year, setting career highs in both receptions and receiving yards plus he had his first career touchdown; and Isaiah Simmons stepped up to play safety in the absence of Budda Baker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 631 - One team is guaranteed to end its season-long losing streak on Sunday. Unless, of course, the game ends in a tie. (And who wants that? Nobody.) Entering Week 17, the Cardinals have lost five straight, while the Falcons have dropped four in a row. It’s quite the matchup to begin the new year. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi breakdown what it’s going to take for the Cardinals to get the win, i.e. stop the run; the Falcons own the league’s third-best rushing offense. Speaking of offense, with Colt McCoy experiencing concussion symptoms, David Blough will start at quarterback. He has not started a game since 2019 when he was a member of the Detroit Lions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 630 - Family and the holidays go hand-in-hand. Family, the holidays and a Cardinals win do not, however; at least not this season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck review the latest ‘Hard Knocks’ episode which centered around James Conner and Antonio Hamilton spending Christmas Day with their families before playing on Christmas Night. Trace McSorley, making his first career start, also had his entire family at the game; which, again, ended in defeat. Also, big news on Wednesday: Colt McCoy is back as the starter and J.J. Watt talked retirement; why now is the “right time” for him to call it a career after this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 629 – Actually, it felt more like a recurring nightmare. Five straight losses the Cardinals have suffered; and this most recent one saw them blow a 10-point fourth-quarter lead. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday’s 19-16 overtime defeat to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Was the loss more a product of the Cardinals hurting themselves, i.e. turnovers and penalties? Or did it have more to do with giving Brady—perhaps the greatest quarterback to have ever played—too many extra opportunities late in the game and then, obviously, in overtime? Whatever the reason, it was not a very Merry Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.