Cardinals Cover 2

Ep. 964 - In the spirit of Bill Belichick circa 2014, the Arizona Cardinals are on to Cincinnati this week. They play the Bengals, who are coming off maybe their best win of the season. The Cardinals, meanwhile, hope Sunday is the day they put an end to a season-long seven-game losing streak. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the matchup, focus on the challenge Will Johnson and Denzel Burke face trying to slow down the Bengals' two top wide receivers in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, plus go over who will and who will not play in Week 18. Also, the guys head into enemy territory. Geoff Hobson joins the show. He's the senior writer for Bengals.com. It's the Cardinals first trip to Cincinnati since 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 963 - If you listen to either head coach Jonathan Gannon or defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, they both have been pleased with the season-long play of Darius Robinson. The stats, though, haven't always been there. Until Sunday. On Sunday, Robinson had arguably his best game of his career. Craig Grialou and Darren Urban - yes, we got @Cardschatter on the show - discuss what they saw, the impact Robinson made, and what that may mean for Robinson heading into next season, especially given the uncertain status of Walter Nolen III. Also, Craig and Darren talk about the challenge this week for cornerbacks Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, provide an update on Budda Baker, and explain maybe why the Cardinals have two kickers on the active roster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 962 - A much better start. A much better run game. But not a much better result. On Sunday, the Cardinals lost their home finale and lost more players to injury. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they saw during the 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. There were some good moments, including scores on the first four offensive possessions, which was a first this season. And then there were some not-so-good moments, specifically Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen III carted off the field with what appeared to be devastating injuries. Through it all, the Cardinals battled and gave themselves a chance to win in the end, but just not enough plays were made to stop what is now a seven-game losing streak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 961 - Sunday marks the end of the 20th season of Arizona Cardinals football at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals won their first home game back in Week 2. Can they win their last home game here in Week 16? Standing in the way: the Atlanta Falcons. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the matchup on Sunday, take a look at the injury report - there's both good news and not-so-good news - and, of course, head into enemy territory. The great D. Orlando Ledbetter joins the show. He's the long time Falcons beat writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Falcons are flying high after last week's win at Tampa. Here's hoping they get grounded this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 960 - Disruptive. Ask the head coach. Ask the defensive coordinator. Ask his teammates. That's how they all describe Walter Nolen III, who in a short amount of time has made an impact on the field. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they've seen from the rookie defensive tackle and ask what the ceiling may be for him. Nolen is one of a handful of players to keep an eye on over the last three games. Others include offensive lineman Jon Gaines, who has played well at left guard; running back Michael Carter, who may be RB1 for the rest of the regular season; and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who - good news, Bird Gang - returned to practice on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 959 - Historic. That's how you sum up Trey McBride's performance on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi go over some of the numbers, Paul details what he saw from the sideline, and both wonder out loud how to best feature McBride, Michael Wilson and, when healthy, Marvin Harrison Jr. Individually, McBride, this week's Angry Bird Award winner, is having a fantastic season. Collectively, he and his teammates have struggled to find wins. Craig and Paul look back at the 40-20 loss at Houston: from falling behind by two scores before the first offensive snap, not generating enough pressure on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to the mistakes made on special teams. Add it all up and you get a sixth straight loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 958 - Last week, it was the second-ranked defense. This week, it's the top-ranked defense. In other words, Jacoby Brissett has been and will once again be challenged as he and the Cardinals head to Houston in Week 15. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman preview Sunday's matchup against the Texans. Their discussion begins with an injury report - spoiler alert: five players, and not just any five players but five starters will not play - and then continues as Craig and Zach venture into enemy territory. John Harris joins the show. He covers the Texans for HoustonTexans-dot-com plus he's the team's sideline reporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 957 - Trust is earned, and Michael Wilson has earned the trust of his coaches and teammates. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they've seen from Wilson during his stretch as WR1, relay what they've heard others say about Wilson's elite production and then try to forecast what's next for the third-year pro out of Stanford. Plus, there's good news and not so good news on the injury front; Walter Nolen III was back at practice on Wednesday, but Marvin Harrison Jr. was not. In fact, there were a number of players missing from practice. Also, some unfortunate news on running back Trey Benson. He will not return this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 956 - There's losing a game and then there's getting beat. And on Sunday, the Cardinals were beaten “in every facet,” according to head coach Jonathan Gannon, who added the 45-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams was “very humbling.” Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at what went wrong; why the offense couldn't stay on the field, why the defense couldn't get off the field. The Cardinals saw firsthand just how good the Rams are here in 2025. Also, the Cardinals can't escape the injury bug (three more players got hurt) and Paul hands out his weekly Angry Bird Award. It goes to Michael Wilson, a brand new father who has elevated his game when WR1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 955 - Breaking news on a Football Friday. Kyler Murray, as announced by head coach Jonathan Gannon, will not play again this season. Now, what does that mean for next season? Great question. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman react to the news before turning their attention to the Los Angeles Rams, the first place Rams and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They are playing good football, really good football thanks in large part to MVP candidate Matthew Stafford. Also, Craig and Zach go over the long list of players who are not playing on Sunday plus head into enemy territory. Stu Jackson joins the show. He's the senior staff writer for therams-dot-com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 954 - You get what you pay for. But the Arizona Cardinals may be getting more than what they paid for Josh Sweat when they signed him to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract in free agency. In a word: impressive. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss why Sweat is deserving of your vote for the 2026 Pro Bowl, his impact on the defense overall, and then look ahead to what he might become in Year 2 with the Cardinals; how does he elevate his game? Also, Craig and Dani give an injury update - who was and who wasn't at practice on Wednesday - plus now that the playoffs are out of reach, what players might benefit the most with more playing time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 953 - One-score games. It's what the NFL is known for. It's what the Arizona Cardinals are known for. But too many times this season the Cardinals have been on the wrong side of one-score games. Like Sunday. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the 20-17 loss at Tampa Bay. The Cardinals did a lot of good things. The team finished with more total yards, more passing yards, more first downs; the offense had one its better run game efforts of the season - yet still lost. Yes, Craig and Paul go over how the game finished. They also go over how the game started, with the Cardinals once again digging themselves a hole. And even in a loss, there is the Angry Bird Award, and this week it goes to Akeem Davis-Gaither.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 952 - After back-to-back home games, the Cardinals are on the road this week. They make the cross-country flight to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers, a team coached by Todd Bowles; and with any Bowles-coached team, this much is known: expect the blitz. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what Jacoby Brissett is likely to face on Sunday. And to further break down the matchup here in Week 13, Craig and Zach are joined by T.J. Rives, Buccaneers radio sideline reporter (and noted boxing enthusiast.) Before that conversation, though, there are injures to update on both sides of the ball; no Trey Benson or Will Hernandez this week, but Marvin Harrison Jr. and Will Johnson are expected to play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 951 - On this Thanksgiving Eve, it's important to give thanks. And for the past two games, the Arizona Cardinals - and their fans - are thankful for Michael Wilson. His 25 receptions and 303 receiving yards lead the league since Week 11. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they've seen from the third-year wide receiver, why it isn't a surprise to many of Wilson's teammates and coaches, and how Wilson might be able to continue to be productive even with the likely return of Marvin Harrison Jr. this week. That's right, No. 18 returned to practice on Wednesday. Craig and Dani go over the week's first injury report plus Paris Johnson Jr. says the inability to run the football the past two games falls on the offensive line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 950 - Considering how the previous two games went, the Cardinals played much better. They played much cleaner; no turnovers, fewer penalties. But, again, the end result was the same. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. And, yes, the end of regulation and how overtime finished are discussed. Craig and Paul also talk about the lack of complimentary football (the offense scored just one touchdown after three takeaways), the lack of a run game, which has been a season-long issue, and the struggles by special teams. The defense did its part, yet they needed to get off the field one more time and didn't. Speaking of the defense, that's where this week's Angry Bird Award landed; congratulations Budda Baker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 949 - Postgame last week, after the loss to the 49ers, Jonathan Gannon told reporters what he had just told the team. “We're on the mat,” he said, “but when the alarm goes off tomorrow, you better wake up, come to work and get off the mat.” So, do we see the Cardinals get off the mat on Sunday? Let's all hope so. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that is playing good football right now. Also, Craig and Zach head into enemy territory. Kai Stevens, Jaguars team reporter, joins the show. Plus, it wouldn't be a Football Friday without an injury update; who's in, who's out and, of course, another name is added to the long list of players on injured reserve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 948 - A familiar face returned to the practice field on Wednesday. Running back Trey Benson was designated to return from the injured reserve list. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss how Benson looked in his first on-field work since late September and what a Benson return may mean for the offense as well as the rest of the running back room. (BTW, Benson was not the only familiar face back: punter Matt Haack was signed to the active roster and Trent Sherfield was added to the practice squad.) Also, Craig and Dani ask what Michael Wilson does for an encore, explain how effective Walter Nolen III has been - in a short amount of time, and appreciate BJ Ojulari's season debut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 947 - On the 17th day of November, Paul Calvisi does a deep dive on the No. 17. That led to a discussion between him and Craig Grialou about Sunday's 41-22 loss in which the Cardinals committed a franchise-record 17 penalties. Whether it was the penalties or the turnovers - there were three of them - the Cardinals did themselves no favors in losing to the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. For the second straight week, the Cardinals fell behind early, and they did their best to play catch up the rest of the game. Jacoby Brissett, Michael Wilson, who earned Paul's weekly Angry Bird Award, and Trey McBride each had great individual numbers, but the only numbers that mattered were on the scoreboard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 946 - Twelve times they've played against each other. Sunday will be No. 13 between Budda Baker and George Kittle. It's one of the many storylines here in Week 11, when the San Francisco 49ers visit State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the game, one the Cardinals would love to win for many reasons: help move past what happened in Seattle, split the season series with the 49ers, pick up their first division victory, and then - and maybe most importantly - teams always want to protect home field. The Cardinals have not played at home in almost a full calendar month. Plus, Craig and Zach talk with Matt Maiocco, who covers the 49ers for NBC Sports Bay Area. He joins the show to discuss a returning Brock Purdy among other Niners topics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 945 - First it was Zay Jones. Then Simi Fehoko. And now Marvin Harrison Jr. All three will miss this week's game. (By the way, Jones will miss the rest of the season, while Fehoko is sidelined for at least four games.) So, it's next man up in the wide receiver room. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss who's in line to start and who's in line to see more playing time. Receiver, though, is not the only position room dealing with injuries. The Cardinals held a walk-through rather than practice on Wednesday because of how banged up the team is after the loss at Seattle. Injuries, though, present opportunity. Also, Craig and Dani talk about the play of Darius Robinson, Zaven Collins and what the defense can expect from a Kyle Shanahan-coached offense on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 944 - After the loss on Sunday, head coach Jonathan Gannon made it clear. “At the end of the day, nothing good from that game, and it falls on me,” he told reporters. Very little went right for the Cardinals. They fell behind early - 35-0 just six minutes into the second quarter - and just could not dig themselves out of the hole. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at the 44-22 loss, focusing a lot on the line of scrimmage; the offensive line struggled to protect Jacoby Brisssett and the defensive line found it difficult to slow down Sam Darnold and company. The guys do find a couple of positives: 1) the play of Trey McBride and 2) the bounce back of Emari Demercado, who earned this week's Angry Bird Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 943 - First, playing in Seattle is always difficult. Second, there may be no NFC team playing better than the Seahawks. So, yeah, it's going to be a tough test on Sunday, which became much tougher with the Friday news that three defensive starters - Mack Wilson Sr., Max Melton and Will Johnson - will not play because of injury. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman, the award-winning Zach Gershman by the way - don't worry it's explained during the show - discuss how the Cardinals may handle the absence of Mack, Max and Will. Later, Craig and Zach head into enemy territory. They are joined by John Boyle, senior reporter for Seahawks-dot-com, to further break down the second matchup of the season between the two teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 942 - Breaking news on a Wednesday: The Arizona Cardinals placed starting quarterback Kyler Murry on injured reserve. Having already missed three games, Murray will now miss four more, at least four more as he deals with a foot issue. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what the move means for Murray - he needs to get healthy, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon - as well as what the decision now means for Jacoby Brissett, who has operated the offense very well as the starter over the past three games. Also, Craig and Zach highlight the 2025 Draft Class, beginning with first-round pick Walter Nolen III, for their roles in the win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 941 - There may be no better place for Kyler Murray to make his return than AT&T Stadium, where he has never lost in eight games as a starting quarterback; and that covers high school, college, and the NFL. If Murray does start - head coach Jonathan Gannon said they're preparing for just that - against the Dallas Cowboys on ‘Monday Night Football,' then that may be just the shot in the arm the Cardinals need to begin to dig themselves out of their 2-5 hole. Murray's return might not be the only return. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the possibility of both Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen III playing this week. Also, Kyle Youmans, TV host/reporter for dallascowboys-dot-com, joins the show to further preview the matchup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 940 - Coming off the bye week, yes, changes have been made. Minor changes. Some tweaks. Nothing major or dramatically different. That's what we've heard from coaches and players leading into the game at the Dallas Cowboys. And that's about all we've heard. No specifics. That's OK, because Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck did get into specifics; ideas that they have that may help the team dig itself out of a 2-5 hole. For example, a more efficient run game (which has been a season-long topic). And then Craig and Dani discuss what a soon-to-be returning Garrett Williams may mean for the defense. Following that discussion, stay tuned to hear what Dani and the Sureck Family are dressing up as for Halloween.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 939 - So, this Sunday is National Tight Ends Day. And because the Arizona Cardinals don't play on Sunday - more on that in a moment - Trey McBride doesn't get to celebrate the day. Not to worry, Bird Gang. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman do their best to celebrate both the player and the person. McBride is among the best tight ends in the league, something he's shown over the past season-and-a-half. As the saying goes, the sky's the limit for McBride. Also, Craig and Zach discuss where McBride and the Cardinals are heading into the bye week; what history might tell us about teams that start 2-5; and then detail Wednesday's news about Larry Fitzgerald moving on to the next phase of Hall of Fame voting for the 2026 class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 938 - Here we are again, Bird Gang. A one-score game. A one-score loss. Though say this for the Arizona Cardinals, they know how to make the end of games exciting. It's just that they are on the wrong side of these end-of-game scenarios. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The offense, with Jacoby Brissett once again leading the charge, played well until the final two possessions; credit a lot of that to Packers linebacker Micah Parsons, who spent way too much time in the Cardinals' backfield. Meanwhile, the Cardinals defense needed to make one more stop. Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft made big plays down the stretch to help send the Cardinals to their fifth straight loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 937 - OK, so nothing definitive as of Friday regarding QB1 for this week. Kyler Murray practiced on a limited basis with a foot injury, which would appear to keep the door open for Jacoby Brissett to get a second straight start. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what they think might happen when the Cardinals host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Also, the guys go over the rest of the injury report, a rather lengthy one at that, going into Week 7. Plus, they head into enemy territory. Rob Demovsky joins the show. He covers the Packers for ESPN. At 2-4 and having lost four in a row, the Cardinals are badly in need of a win, especially with the bye week coming up. A win over the Packers - how ever it may look - would greatly change the narrative around the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 936 - It's been a little while - OK, a long while - since Walter Nolen III has been on the field. The Cardinals' first-round draft pick had his practice window opened on Wednesday, allowing him to be on the field with his teammates for the first time since the offseason. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss Nolen's return, including when he might play. Craig and Zach also touch on Darius Robinson coming back to practice; Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. being limited participants at practice; and Kelvin Beachum's role now that Travis Vokolek has joined Tip Reiman on injured reserve; plus, the Melton brothers, Max and Bo, get reunited on Sunday and Mack Wilson Sr. is doing something no other player is doing through six games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 935 - New week. Same result. And same issue: The Arizona Cardinals have yet to find the answer in how to finish games. Sometimes it's the offense and sometimes it's the defense. On Sunday, it was both. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's 31-27 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. The offense, with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who earned the coveted Angry Bird Award, played well for large stretches of the game, but needed to make one more play. The defense, tough to move the football against in the first half, failed to get off the field in the fourth quarter. They, too, needed to make one more play, one more stop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 934 - So, there's Jonathan Gannon's return, Jacoby Brissett's return, but it's the return of Marvin Harrison Jr. that has grabbed the most headlines this week. Harrison returns to Indianapolis on Sunday and plays his first regular season game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the place where his Hall of Fame father had so much success with the Colts. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the Week 6 matchup, including going into enemy territory. They speak with Stephen Holder, who covers the Colts for ESPN. But first, who will be QB1 for the Cardinals? Who will be throwing passes to Harrison? Will it be Kyler Murray, who has missed most of practice this week because of a foot injury, or will it be Jacoby Brissett?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 933 - It's still early in the week, but it's never good when your starting quarterback misses practice. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss Kyler Murray's absence because of a foot injury; the confidence head coach Jonathan Gannon has in backup Jacoby Brissett; and what the offense might look like with Brissett under center. That's all hypothetical right now. What will be an adjustment for the offense is not having Tip Reiman, who's been placed on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. Also, Craig and Dani talk about Will Hernandez's return to the lineup, Marvin Harrison Jr.'s return to Indianapolis, and just how well the Colts are playing both on offense and defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 932 - It was a great start. In fact, the Cardinals couldn't have started much better with three touchdowns on their first four possessions. And then the bottom fell out and the Cardinals couldn't finish, the story of the last three weeks. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman try - and they try real hard - to make sense of what happened, or better said, what didn't happen on Sunday as the Cardinals got walked off for the third straight game, 22-21, by the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Was it play calling or play execution? Regardless, it's hard to win when, as both Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray said postgame, you keep shooting yourself in the foot. The Cardinals had the game won until they didn't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 931 - For fans and for media, yes, it's easy to maybe look past an opponent. For coaches and for players, no, their focus must be what's immediately in front of them and that's the Tennessee Titans. And what we've heard from all parties this week is that the Titans' winless record is not a reflection of the talent on the field. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman preview Sunday's matchup, including going into enemy territory. They speak with Jim Wyatt, senior writer/editor for tennesseetitans-dot-com. But before that conversation, though, Craig and Zach give the latest on second-year defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who is dealing with a chest injury he suffered against Seattle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 930 - No James Conner. And now no Trey Benson. The running back room has taken another hit, and a significant one at that. The role of RB1 will now be played by Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and Bam Knight. And it may just take all three. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss where the Cardinals go from here, who might be asked to carry the load and whether the run game - slow to get going through four games - may look a little different minus Conner and Benson. Also, Craig and Dani react to what Marvin Harrison Jr. had to say speaking to reporters on Wednesday. We had not heard from Harrison since his fourth-quarter performance against the Seahawks. Did something finally click? Let's hope so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 929 - Yes, the offense needs to be better. Head coach Jonathan Gannon made that clear after Thursday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and he has repeated the sentiment since. The question is what needs to “change and adapt” and, maybe more importantly, how much change is needed. Craig Grialou - back from a big ‘change' in his own life - and Zach Gershman discuss what they think may change with the offense, though both agree that whatever may change that it will be minor; it's too hard to make major changes midseason. Also, there was both good and not-so-good news at Monday's bonus practice; a couple of players returned from injury but then there were a couple of players who were not seen during the open portion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 928 - In just five days, the Arizona Cardinals have suffered two heartbreaking losses that both came down to their opponents making last second field goals. Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman are here to break down what happened in the Cardinals' 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. The offense sputtered for the first three quarters; Marvin Harrison Jr. was able to rebound in the fourth quarter after struggling in the early stages of the game; the defense played well but weren't able to come up with that crucial stop late. Plus, some notes on Friday from the head coach Jonathan Gannon on what's working and not working after watching the tape and a bit of an update on players on the PUP list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 927 - Lost the game. Lost James Conner. The Cardinals did not enjoy their weekend in the Bay Area. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi try and make sense of what happened on Sunday, a 16-15 loss to a 49ers team minus its starting quarterback, No. 1 wide receiver and tight end plus played without its best pass rusher for the final three quarters. There are a lot of concerns with the offense, from an inconsistent run game to inexplicable drops in the pass game. And now Conner is reportedly lost for the season? Ouch. The defense, meanwhile, did its part. Mack Wilson Sr., who earned Paul's weekly Angry Bird Award, may have played his best game; Calais Campbell is defying Father Time; and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson recorded his first career interception.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 926 - After taking care of a pair of NFC South opponents in the first two weeks, the Cardinals play their first division opponent on Sunday. They hit the road to face the San Francisco 49ers, a team, like the Cardinals, that is 2-0 to begin the season. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the NFC West matchup; their thoughts on what it's going to take to win; how injuries, especially at the cornerback position, may affect the gameplan; and they also hear from Matt Barrows. That's right, Craig and Zach venture into enemy territory and speak with Matt, who covers the 49ers for The Athletic; topics include who is playing quarterback, what a healthy Christian McCaffrey means for the offense and how Robert Saleh's return has impacted the defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 925 - So, first it was Sean Murphy-Bunting, then Starling Thomas and now Garrett Williams, who on Wednesday landed on injured reserve. On top of that, Will Johnson missed practice because of a groin injury. The cornerback depth is being tested. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what the plan may be moving forward, beginning Sunday in San Francisco. Will that mean more opportunity for Kei'Trel Clark and Denzel Burke? What about Darren Hall, who was signed to the active roster from the practice squad? Or does the responsibility fall on the front seven? Also, Craig and Dani look ahead to the matchup against the 49ers - Is Brock Purdy going to play? How do you slow down Christian McCaffrey? - and explain why the NFC West is the best division in football.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 924 - Offense wins games, defense wins championships, right? Well, at least to begin 2025, defense is wining games for the Arizona Cardinals. For the second straight week, it was the defense that finished the game, and if we're being honest, it was a game that was a lot closer than it needed to be. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's 27-22 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals win their home opener, and improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2021, behind a defense that yes, struggled to get off the field late but made the play(s) when needed - shout-out Calais Campbell, who earned this week's Angry Bird Award - and an offense that remains a work in progress, especially in the run game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 923 - Last season. And five times in the last six seasons overall. For whatever reason, the Carolina Panthers have not been a favorable matchup. But that's going to change this season, right? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to Sunday's game at State Farm Stadium. What's it going to take for the Cardinals to win their home opener and improve to 2-0? And are there any lessons learned from those past meetings? Hey, we know Jonathan Gannon is not a fan of looking in the past, but not Craig and Zach. Their discussion includes heading into enemy territory. They're joined by Darin Gantt, who covers the Panthers for panthers-dot-com, and that conversation has a run-in by Darren Urban; that's right @Cardschatter makes an appearance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 922 - Yes, the Cardinals finished off the New Orleans Saints. But it was the defense and not the offense that was on the field at the end of the game. And that bothers Kyler Murray. So, what needs to happen to avoid that same scenario this week or any other week the rest of the season? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they hope to see out of the offense moving forward, beginning Sunday. Speaking of Sunday, the Carolina Panthers are in town. That's an opponent that has always given the Cardinals trouble, including just one year ago, a game that surprise, surprise Jonathan Gannon was willing to talk about. Remember, he never likes looking in the past. Also, news - and not good news - on special teams captain Joey Blount; Trey Benson's increased role; and what's happening around the NFC West heading into Week 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.