Cardinals Cover 2

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.

Ep. 921 - A win is a win no matter how it looks, right? At least it does in Week 1, and it most certainly does in Week 1 on the road. The Cardinals survived their trip to New Orleans, beating the Saints, 20-13. Sure, there's a lot to correct. But isn't it better to get those mistakes cleaned up after a win rather than a loss? Of course it is. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's victory. The guys start with the defense because it was the defense that finished the game. They then turn their attention to Will Johnson, who impressed in his debut - he earned Paul's weekly Angry Bird Award (yes, it's back!); the Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection looks improved from last season; and Trey Benson showed speed and decisiveness to begin Year 2. It's a Victory Monday, Bird Gang!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 920 - For the third straight year, the Cardinals are opening the regular season on the road. New Orleans is the site, more specifically, the Caesars Superdome, one of the loudest venues in the league. The challenge is very real, despite the home team's recent struggles and low expectations for 2025. Yes, on paper the Cardinals are more talented than the Saints. But games are not played on paper. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to Sunday's game; what must happen for the Cardinals to begin the season 1-0? Plus, the guys head into enemy territory. Mike Triplett, who covers the Saints for NewOrleans.Football, joins the show to discuss Spencer Rattler - former Phoenix Pinnacle High standout - Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and how the Saints might defend James Conner and the Cardinals run game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 919 - It is officially game week, the first one of the season. Coaches are excited. Players are excited. And you know Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck are excited, joining the rest of the Bird Gang. There's just something different about Week 1. Perhaps even more so this year given the expectations so many have for the 2025 Arizona Cardinals. With the season opening in New Orleans, Craig and Dani discuss the challenges facing Kyler Murray and his teammates, from playing in a hostile environment to facing an inexperienced quarterback but backed up by an experienced playcaller; who or what position group(s) is in the spotlight on Sunday; and, speaking of Sunday, what are the other matchups involving the NFC West. Also, the first injury report of the season is out - good news, it's a short one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 918 - Don't get too comfortable. A lot can change between now and the season opener in New Orleans. Yes, the Cardinals announced their 53-man roster, but did you happen to notice that it didn't include a long snapper? And that's one of the reasons why head coach Jonathan Gannon made it clear on Wednesday that things are “very fluid” with respects to the roster. Of course, that didn't stop Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman from giving their thoughts on who made the team - congratulations to Bam Knight, Josh Fryar and P.J. Mustipher - and who didn't - thanks for your efforts DeeJay Dallas - and who is now back on the practice squad - Michael Carter, Simi Fehoko and Darren Hall. Also, it was good to see Will Hernandez on the practice field on Wednesday. What does that mean for the offensive line moving forward?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 917 - By 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon teams must reduce their rosters to no more than 53 players. For the Cardinals, that process has already begun. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what's happened - the initial waive of cuts - and what might happen. Plus, Craig and Dani talk about who might've helped themselves with their effort and performance in the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. Several players stood out on Saturday night including running back Michael Carter, wide receiver Simi Fehoko and outside linebacker Xavier Thomas. There are tough decisions to be made for sure, a lot of tough decisions, and that is exactly what you want if you're GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 916 - It's a big week around the NFL. It's the final week to make evaluations. And for the Arizona Cardinals, the final evaluation happens this weekend or more specifically, Saturday night at State Farm Stadium. The preseason finale sees the Cardinals host the Las Vegas Raiders. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to the game and discuss who they want to see play. (FYI, as of Wednesday, head coach Jonathan Gannon hadn't said if the staters will play; Craig and Zach are assuming they won't.) The guys put the spotlight on several different position rooms, starting with cornerback. Also, there are a handful of undrafted rookies who have played well throughout training camp and the preseason. Can they do it one more time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 915 - Let's be honest, it was a tough watch Saturday night. The Cardinals concluded their four-day stay in Denver with a less than stellar performance against the Broncos, losing 27-7 in Week 2 of the preseason. Paul Calvisi was there in the Mile High City. He joins Craig Grialou to discuss the game, where not much went right offensively or defensively - special teams, though, was a positive - as well as the joint practice on Thursday. Key takeaways: Jacoby Brissett looks regular-season ready, Semi Fehoko stood out in his Cardinals debut, and a handful of young linemen - Jeremiah Byers and Josh Fryar on the O-line and P.J. Mustipher on the D-line - flashed, but was it enough to make the final 53-man roster? Also, Jonathan Gannon wants to see better “basic fundamentals of football” this week, the last week before roster cuts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 914 - Fitting that the hometown boy had a good showing against the hometown team. Trey McBride, who grew up a Broncos fan, was “unguardable” in Thursday's joint practice, according to Darren Urban, who was this show's eyes and ears in Denver. Following practice, and minus his bucket hat, Darren joined Craig Grialou to discuss what he saw from the offense - McBride obviously, but also Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey Benson - as well as the defense plus his account of the lone dust-up between the two teams that, to no one's surprise, involved Tip Reiman in a special teams period. Also, Darren and Craig react to Calais Campbell, himself a Colorado native, saying he would be “very surprised” if this is not his last season and Broncos head coach Sean Payton telling the media neither team plans to play many of its starters on Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 913 - First and foremost, no injuries. Second, they got a win. Third, several players had good performances. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck look back at Saturday's preseason opener, a 20-17 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs from State Farm Stadium. Dani, by the way, had a unique vantage point for the game. She was on the sideline, working on the TV broadcast. What did she see? Who stood out to her? Again, a lot of players flashed from running backs Trey Benson and Emari Demercado to wide receiver Xavier Weaver and cornerback Darren Hall. And as you'd expect, there was a lot that needs to be cleaned up. Turnovers. Penalties; especially at the start of the game. All in all, though, a good effort and first impression in front of the Bird Gang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 912 - As training camp wraps up, it's clear - and clear to everyone, locally sure but nationally especially - the pieces, meaning the players, are in place to have a successful season in 2025. For one last time, Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman are at #CardsCamp. And what a way to finish. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport joins the show. The guys get his thoughts on Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon going into Year3, Kyler Murray going into Year 7, the addition of Josh Sweat plus where Ian sees the Cardinals' place within the NFC West. Also, Craig and Zach give their big takeaways, and perhaps some key questions answered, after two weeks at State Farm Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 911 - If two is good, then three has to be better, right? The three-safety look has been seen more times than not during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Will it be seen in the regular season? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss why defensive coordinator Nick Rallis likes Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson and Rabbit Taylor-Demerson on the field at the same time and why maybe Rabbit has forced Rallis' hand based on how he played last season. Plus, Craig and Zach agree with Jonathan Gannon's new approach to the preseason, meaning the starters will play; and what or who stood out in what was the final open practice – a padded practice, by the way – of #CardsCamp on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 910 - The quarterback. The wide receivers. The running backs. The offensive line. Plus, the play caller. They're all back. And that's a good thing, according to Gilberto Manzano, NFL staff writer for Sports Illustrated and The MMQB. Manzano joined both Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman during his visit to #CardsCamp late last week. The guys get Manzano's thoughts about Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and the Drew Petzing-coached offense; the additions made to the defense, signing Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell plus drafting Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson; and where he sees the Cardinals positioned within “a tough to predict” NFC West. Before the conversation begins, though, Craig and Zach look ahead to Saturday's preseason opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 909 - Great atmosphere on Saturday. The annual Red & White Practice at #CardsCamp attracted a record turnout at State Farm Stadium. Fans are definitely excited about the 2025 Arizona Cardinals. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman go over some of the highlights; which players stood out during what was a second straight padded practice and the fourth one this week. Also, the guys provide updates to injured wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson - spoiler alert: it's all good news - plus they react to James Conner's comments post-practice about him and fellow running back Trey Benson; Conner believes, and without hesitation, the two are both ‘RB1' in this offense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 908 - Nothing has been decided yet – players are still competing for their roles as Jonathan Gannon likes to say – but it would appear a frontrunner has emerged for who will be the team's third wide receiver. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck explain why they believe it's Zay Jones, the veteran who didn't have a productive 2024 but was brought back this season. And it's not just Jones who has caught people's attention. Craig and Dani discuss the play of second-year offensive lineman Isaiah Adams. (Yes, Dani was right, and Craig was wrong.) Plus, everything the Bird Gang needs to know about Friday's padded practice, including updates on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 907 - Last season Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson, more times than not, played 100-percent of the defensive snaps. Could Garrett Williams join that club in 2025? Maybe. At least that's what Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss after hearing what Jonathan Gannon said on Thursday and what the guys have seen thus far in training camp. Williams just might be too good to come off the field. Also talked about: pre-snap motion, how much of that will we see this season; no Marvin Harrison Jr. on the field, but no one panic; the importance of special teams, including why Michael Wilson is field punts during practice; and this time next year, will the Cardinals be playing in the Hall of Fame Game?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 906 - The best tight end in the game. That's Trey McBride, right? Yes, says Jourdan Rodrigue, Senior NFL writer for The Athletic. Jourdan has been on the show several times, this time it's during her visit to #CardsCamp. She joined both Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman to explain why she feels the way she feels about Trey, the Cardinals tight end room overall plus she gives her thoughts on what she saw and heard while at training camp as well as her outlook on the NFC West. Before the conversation begins, though, Craig and Zach look back at Tuesday's padded practice, the second of back-to-back days in pads, which was a first since Jonathan Gannon has been the head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 905 - The pads popped, and they popped a lot on Monday. It was definitely a different sounding and a different looking training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. And by all accounts, including quarterback Kyler Murray, the defense won the day. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they saw; from 1-on-1s between the wide receivers and defensive backs, offensive linemen versus defensive linemen - that's always a must watch - to 11-on-11 work, seeing Mack Wilson Sr. (continue to) make plays, six defensive backs on the field, and is that Zaven Collins playing inside linebacker? Also, Craig and Paul react to the announcement of former Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley being named the team's new radio analyst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 904 - Ask head coach Jonathan Gannon about expectations for the upcoming season or what a successful year looks like and he answers that he's process driven, emphasizing how his team just has to improve daily. The expectations, though, for 2025 are real. And not just locally. Nationally as well. Omar Ruiz of the NFL Network joined Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck following Sunday's training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Among the topics discussed were the Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection, a much-improved defense – at least on paper – and where the Cardinals are positioned within the rest of the NFC West. Also, Craig and Dani discuss the season-ending knee injury for Starling Thomas; what it means for him and what it means for the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.