Cardinals Cover 2

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 more trouble with drops 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.