Cardinals Cover 2

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.

Ep. 903 - There’s been a lot of talk about the Year 2 jump for Marvin Harrison Jr., but what about Trey Benson? A third-round pick, and the second running back taken off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, Benson spoke confidently about the upcoming season following Friday’s training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what Benson might bring to the offense and the running back room overall. Also, the guys continue to see Mack Wilson Sr. flash all over the field during #CardsCamp; they detail updated weights for a handful of players, many of whom play along the line of scrimmage; and yes, there is news about Paul’s mustache.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 902 - One of the bigger questions heading into training camp has been answered. And answered by the man himself. Following Thursday’s practice, the first open practice of #CardsCamp, Mack Wilson Sr. confirmed he’ll be calling the defense this season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss Wilson’s new role, new responsibilities and what it may mean for the rest of the defense. First though, Craig and Dani detail a very scary moment when defenders J.J. Russell and Kitan Crawford collided trying to break up a pass. Russell had to be carted off the field and was sent to a local hospital for further testing and continued evaluation according to the team. Practice ended early.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 901 - Players, coaches; everyone has reported to training camp. As have Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman. The guys discuss all the goings on from Day 1 of #CardsCamp at State Farm Stadium. There’s the good: a bulked-up Marvin Harrison Jr. sounding more confident than he was a year ago at this time, Trey McBride landing on the NFL Top 100 list, and Jonathan Gannon excited about the competition at a number of different spots. But the guys start with the bad, the unfortunate news that three players – Bilal Nichols, BJ Ojulari, and Walter Nolen III – will not be on the field, at least not quite yet. Nichols and Ojulari are still rehabbing injuries from last season. Nolen’s injury, meanwhile, is a new one that hopefully doesn’t cost him a lot of time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 900 - After an eventful offseason, the Arizona Cardinals will report to State Farm Stadium for training camp this week. Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman discuss which position battles they will have their eyes on once practices begin out in Glendale. Plus, the two talk about Garrett Williams taking more of a leadership role in a young cornerback room; is the right guard position Isaiah Adams' job to lose; how many defensive linemen will make the final 53-man roster; and how will the wide receiver room take shape behind Marvin Harrison Jr.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 899 - They may be the one team in the division with the least amount of question marks - at least as we speak right now. They are the Los Angeles Rams. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman continue their annual offseason tradition of looking around the rest of the NFC West. Final stop: Los Angeles. Craig and Zach are joined by TheRams.com senior staff writer Stu Jackson. Among the topics the guys discuss: the addition of wide receiver Davante Adams and what his presence means for an offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and anchored by running back Kyren Williams. Meanwhile on defense, a handful of young players have helped fill the void left by Aaron Donald.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 898 - Yes, Brock Purdy remains the quarterback. Christian McCaffrey – healthy, by the way – is firmly entrenched at running back, and George Kittle is, well, George Kittle. Still, there will be a lot of new faces on the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman continue their annual offseason tradition of looking around the rest of the NFC West. Next stop: San Francisco. Craig and Zach are joined by Matt Barrows, who covers the 49ers for The Athletic. Among the topics the guys discuss: the overhaul of the defense, starting with its coordinator and remodeled D-line (sound familiar, Bird Gang?) Also, the wide receiver room is “a concern” and why it was important to lock up Purdy, Kittle and Fred Warner to long-term contract extensions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 897 - Last year, the Seahawks made a coaching change. This offseason, they’ve shaken things up even more—bringing in a new quarterback and wide receivers. In short, the 2025 Seattle Seahawks will look quite different. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman kick off their annual offseason tour around the NFC West, starting with Seattle. They’re joined by Seahawks.com senior reporter John Boyle to break it all down. Topics include the arrival of quarterback Sam Darnold, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak—and what their presence means for an offense that still features its top two running backs. On defense, Seattle returns 10 of 11 starters, including Cardinals nemesis Leonard Williams, and has added veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. The trio also looks at which of the Seahawks’ 11 draft picks could make an immediate impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 896 - If you’re wondering how Trey McBride is spending his summer break, then you might want to check out Nashville. He, along with teammates Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman, is at TE University, a week-long event that brings together tight ends from around the league. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the value of TEU, as well as the Sack Summit in Las Vegas, where Calais Campbell, BJ Ojulari and Darius Robinson are joined by the game’s top pass rushers. This is how players, despite being away from their respective teams, get ready for training camp. Also, have you checked out this week’s Mailbag on azcardinals.com? Dani answered your questions – and explained her answers on the show – about Kyler Murray, the offensive line, and what might the final 53-man roster look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 895 - Given all the defensive additions, whether via free agency or the draft, it’s hard not to list the Arizona Cardinals among the most improved teams from last season. At least on paper. And here in June. What happens between now and when the season begins in September is anyone’s guess. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi – who thankfully made it to work after replacing a dead car battery – discuss where the team has improved the most; who among the second-year players they’re expecting the most improvement; why they aren’t surprised Will Johnson is predicted by some to make the all-rookie team; and why Jonathan Gannon said he wants more ‘friction’ in training camp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 894 - Is it possible? Of course. Is it realistic? Good question. The Cardinals do like to run the ball, and if they can play from ahead more times than not, then Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman see no reason why to disagree with Trey Benson’s outlook on the season ahead for him and James Conner. Plus, Craig and Zach see plenty of benefits of having two starting-caliber running backs. Also part of Wednesday’s show, how former high school teammates Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas are once again helping one another both on and off the field. And speaking of off the field, players spent a lot of time together away from the facility in the offseason. Will that matter in the regular season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 893 - Seven weeks. From the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program to the final day of minicamp. Whether it was on the field or in a press conference setting, what were the top takeaways? Craig Grialou and Darren Urban - before Darren goes on vacation - discuss what stood out to them; a lot of talk about the offense, counting on wide receiver as is, adding extra ‘sauce’ as Trey McBride explained the pre-snap motion that has been worked into the scheme. Defensively, youth is really served at cornerback after the season-ending injury to Sean Murphy-Bunting, and why not, especially given the amount of draft capital invested in the position. Also, there are no worries that Will Johnson has yet to sign his first NFL contract. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 892 - There’s no question Josh Sweat can get after opposing quarterbacks. It’s why he was targeted in free agency and ultimately landed a sizable contract to leave the east coast for the desert southwest. But that’s not all he can do, or will be asked to do with the Arizona Cardinals. Sweat is a three-down linebacker. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what that means within the defensive scheme, Sweat reuniting with Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis plus how Sweat is embracing his role as being the guy on defense. Also, what is the latest on injured outside linebacker BJ Ojulari and what wide receiver Greg Dortch said on Wednesday that had many taken aback, including Craig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.