February 6, 2025 • 45 mins
Ep. 702 - Former Cardinals great Larry Centers joins Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to discuss the Arizona offense, what makes James Conner great and the one part of Trey McBride's game that reminds Centers of himself. Centers, who won a Super Bowl with the Patriots, also talks about what it's like to play on football's biggest stage, whether a running team can win the Super Bowl and what it was like during the Cardinals 1998 playoff run. Plus, Calvisi and Wolf discuss the future of the Cardinals running back room and make their predictions for Super Bowl LIX.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Stramp on the boots and scrape up the knuckles on ahead.
He got jacked.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
This is the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford
and Gilbert.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Terry's gonna score touchdown. Slim to the ground by Buddha Baker.
Like a torpedo, he keeps flying into the backfield.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
The Rage.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
It's brought to you by santan Ford and Gilbert. Right
on the Price, right on the corner of the sand
Tan two to two freeway.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
In Valves Water Crab by Trey McBride.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
That was spectacular and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast Visit Azycardinals
dot Com, Slash Podcast.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
All Right, Seas Rising Uard.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Timperitu Rising Vision, Flurry Rage, Take it Ober.
Speaker 5 (00:50):
Here's Paul Calvic.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
I'm ready.
Speaker 5 (00:52):
I'm one hundred percent ready. I'm telling you I'm ready.
And Ron Wolfley.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
It doesn't get any better than that.
Speaker 6 (01:00):
The Fjord we know it is Super Bowl weak based
on the super yachts. Who you are can be defined
wolf by how you got there and at last count,
if you're scoring at home. Based on reports, the number
is three. There are three super yachts docked in New Orleans.
(01:22):
Arthur Blank, Jerry Jones and Shad Khan's new four hundred
foot super yacht that'll be hosting a super party this weekend.
Are invited to the party by the Jags owner on
his new super yacht, Paully.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Can I just tell you right now, I don't really
care about the super yachts for me, I just want
the super gumbo. Just tell me what the super gumbo is.
Speaker 6 (01:43):
Okay, okay, because I mean on this super yacht. He
has three pools, he has a spy, he's a sauna
as a gym, a yoga studio, basketball and pickleball courts,
a helipad. It sleeps twelve and has a crew of
thirty seven. So there you go. I just thought i'd
mentioned that it is the Big Red Rage, presented by
santan Ford and Gilbert. We are santan Ford, Paul calvc
Ron wolf Ley, and man, we're almost there. We're almost
(02:04):
a super Bowl Sunday. Kendrick Lamar his pregame press conference
earlier today. Don't know if you caught that wolf. The
Chiefs have now struck a deal with pat Riley to
use his trademark three pete, so that gives the Eagles
a little more juice. Oh really, you already have your
trademark in place for three pet Okay, we'll see about that.
And then the NFL Honors is tonight. Of course your
(02:26):
host is going to be Snoop. Of course he's going
to host NFL Non Honors tonight and they're gonna hand
out the hardware.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Yeah, you know what, the NFL Honors, I'd like to
see that going to the NFL Pro Bowl and having
the biggest, baddest awards bank what you can possibly have
one week after the Super Bowl. That's what I'd love
to see the NFL do at some point in time, Paulie.
But it's not a surprise you went out with the
super yachts and started with the super yachts because you
are a car guy after all.
Speaker 6 (02:53):
Well, okay, we had the Pro Bowl. That was like
so last Sunday they had the Pro Bowl flag football game.
Seventy six sixty three was the final score, by the way,
and they still played more defense than the Phoenix Suns
as of late. Budda Baker had a pick six in
that game. Trey McBride found the end zone. You know
what's a flag football Pro Bowl game? When he jumps
into the foam pit. So that was great stuff. There.
(03:16):
We're gonna get to some Cardinals news in a moment.
But on Radio Row earlier today, Wolf, Let's get right
to it, Trey McBride was with the Check the Mic
podcast Sam Monson. They asked him about playing tight end
in the Drew Petsen scheme.
Speaker 7 (03:31):
You know Drew pets and our offensive coordinator has such
a fun offense for me for tight ends. He loves
the tight end position. There's twelve personnel, thirteen personnel, so
we're always out on the field and I think that's
so much fun. And the offense is really revolved around
a tight end a little bit, so you need a
good tight end for that offense to be successful. And
I'm glad that I was able to fill that role.
And you know that'd be a huge part of our offense.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
All right.
Speaker 6 (03:52):
So there's Trey McBride. Of course, he made headlines this
year for hurdling. Former teammate of Year's Wolf who really
brought hurtling into vogue. Larry Centers, I Buried the lead,
is our guest tonight on a very special edition of
The Big Red Rage. So Elsie is coming up in
a matter of moments. We're going to talk about the
Super Bowl, we're gonna talk about the Cardinals run game,
Trey McBride and more. But first there's Trey talking about
(04:15):
the current Cardinals scheme and I'm guessing that's music to
your ears right there.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
No, it really is Paully. Once again. It's funny though
that he was talking about twelve personnel, one back, two
tight ends, thirteen personnel one back, three tight ends, of course,
and how much Drew Petsing loves to use those personnel
groups and he does. But what really is the difference
is Trey McBride is a stud tight end, a guy
(04:41):
that you can go eleven personnel, bully, one back, one
tight end, three wide receivers. You can do it in
first and ten second and one to six classic rundown situation.
You can do it. And we've talked about this often,
but that, to me is the best part about having
a Trey McBride in a Drew Pettsing offense. It's because
(05:03):
you can go eleven personnel and you can stay balanced
in rundown situations.
Speaker 6 (05:08):
And it's not just any tight end that can check
all those boxes, right. The ability to stay on the
field all three downs, no matter the down, and distant,
don't matter the personnel group. In fact, Trey McBride was
asked about the skill set required of a modern day
tight end.
Speaker 7 (05:24):
Well, you know, there's different types of tight end, so
it's hard to you know, put them all in one box.
But you know, you have to be able to do
both pass game and run game in my opinion. You know,
I think if you're helping the run game, you help
with the blocks a little bit, it's gonna open you
up and lead to that open past game as well.
So you've got to be able to do both and
be very successful in both.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
How much upside do you think Trey McBride still has.
I mean, this was his first full season as a
full time starter, year number three. I mean, how much
do you think he's still ascending as a player.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
No doubt he still is developing and getting better right now. Listen.
I believe that every player evolves and develops over time.
There's no doubt about that. And when I say time,
I'm typically talking about three to five years after that
you're pretty much you are what you are at that
point in time. I think he can still get better.
(06:18):
Paully and watching him. I was so jacked up to
actually see him do the flip out of the Pro Bowl,
right in the flag game, doing the flip and into
the big pit of you know, soft whatever they had.
Their phone pet was the phone pit, Paully. They're all
were jumping into it. And you know what I noticed.
I noticed he's built a relationship with George Kittle. Yes,
(06:40):
you can see it, do you remember, Paually. I mean,
these guys they get along really really well. They acknowledge
each other. Of course, all the time he goes and
he's gone to the tight end school of course with
George Kittle, Travis Kelsey. But I love the fact he's
building that relationship with George Kittle because George kit to me,
(07:01):
is still right now if you're going to have a
true stud tight end, George Kittle, I think is the
best in the league right now. And Trey McBride is
right there with him. And I love that because he's
building that relationship with a guy that I think he
wants to emulate as well.
Speaker 6 (07:19):
And of course, Kansas City is in their fifth Super
Bowl in six years, and right there, every step of
the way with Patrick Mahomes has been Travis Kelsey, who
has already broken some of Jerry Rice's postseason receiving records
all time. So yes, there is definitely a role, a
big role in today's NFL for a playmaking tight end.
There's no doubt about that. We mentioned news on the
Cardinals coaching staff reportedly, here's what we know. Dallas announced
(07:43):
to Clayton Adams has taken their offensive coordinator position. Of course,
he was formerly the Cardinals offensive line coach. Reports out
saying that Justin Fry is coming over from Ohio State.
Wolf spent the last three seasons as the Ohio State
offensive line coach. And then we get to defense line
and Derek LeBlanc. Reports say the Cardinals have parted ways
(08:04):
with their dline coach in the last couple of years,
and they're moving on to a young man twenty seven
years of age, former teammate of Nick Rowlis at the
University of Minnesota, where he started thirty six games as
a defensive lineman. I'm sort of buying time because I'm
looking at his fourteen letter last name and I'm thinking,
you know what, maybe we'll have him pronounce his name.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Winston de Lattebadet, the third defensive end bottom of Maryland.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
That's back from his playing days.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Well, that is so good, right there? Can I hear
that one more time? Paul? It can we played that
one more time?
Speaker 5 (08:35):
Here?
Speaker 6 (08:35):
Winston de Latte bade the third. Thank you, jim O
Mahundra right there. So well, if you have a whole
off season to work on that one, Okay.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Yeah, I was a little surprised to actually see any
change at the coaching position right now, but this is
the way the NFL has gone, and we'll continue to
go as well. Opportunities are coming and going every year
right now, and there's a lot more movement not only
with the NFL of course, but also in college Pauly
(09:05):
as well, the NIL and free agency and the portal
that basically exists at the college level right now. With
that portal, it's just amazing how much movement. And it's
not just with players, Paul, yep, it's also with coaches
because of all the movement with the players. So it's
a situation where it's a different NFL than what it
(09:28):
used to be back fifteen, twenty, even five years ago.
Speaker 6 (09:33):
So Sam Seekis goes from inside linebackers coach at the
Cardinals DC Virginia Tech. Reportedly Christian Garcia is coming over
from Dallas, and then past game specialist Spencer Whipple has
been hired to be the Jacksonville quarterback coach. Reportedly, Hey,
you want to know about Super Bowl Sunday, Let's talk
to someone who's been there and won that. Larry Centers
(09:54):
is next on the Big Red Rage presented by santan
Ford in Gilbert.
Speaker 8 (10:01):
Plumber back to throw, looks up the middle. Now he dances,
Now he runs. Plumber's on the tent. Plumber throws in
the end zone to a wide open Larry Centers. He's
got it doors and Jake Plumber just sucked everybody to him.
Larry Sitter gets standing on the top of the redskins,
helmet out in the corner of the.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
End zone, nobody.
Speaker 9 (10:22):
Around him, and Jake Plumber puts.
Speaker 7 (10:24):
It right on the numbers to number thirty seven.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Larry Sitting and that number that jersey. We'll get a
mentioned a little bit later by a current cardinal foreshadowing.
Here on the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford
and Gilbert, we are santan Ford, Paul calvic, Ron Wolfley,
and Larry Centers. But wolf first I have a question
for you. I'm trying to figure something out here, Wolf, Okay,
(10:49):
I get it, Polly Pigskin over here. I'm trying, you know.
But you had twenty six career receptions. That's that's right, Okay,
you were listed. You were listen did as a fullback.
Larry Centers was mainly listed as a full back. He
had twenty eight receiving touchdowns. Okay. He has the most
(11:11):
catches by a running back in NFL history, more than
Marshall Falk who was number two. How is it that
you two guys were listed as playing the same position.
I just I aming a hard time deciphering that.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
I have no idea party. I'm still trying to figure
it out myself. All right.
Speaker 6 (11:28):
Larry Centers is our guest and always a pleasure. Larry,
how are you doing here? It's Super Bowl week? You
have played in a Super Bowl, You have a Super
Bowl ring? Do you sort of does a you know?
Does I don't know? Does this sort of get your
football senses alive and going again?
Speaker 9 (11:43):
This time of year it's always exciting for everybody who's
played the game. Wolf can attest to theirs that it's
always great with this time of year when with down
the two teams that have fought and gone through the
injuries and the ups and downs of the season and
find themselves in a position to win a championship, it
always kind of pieks everyone's interesting up. I'm really excited, Paul,
(12:06):
and I'm just anxious to see who's gonna pull this
thing out.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
So right now, Elsie, what do you miss most about
the game of football? Right now?
Speaker 9 (12:16):
You know, even though it's been quite a while since
I played wolf, it's it's the same things almost every
player will tell you. And it's the camaraderie. It's the
going to work with your buddies every day, you know,
fighting for a common goal, for a common plan. And
and there's nothing that I've found since I've retired, even
(12:38):
now to this day, nothing that compares to to that camaraderie.
And uh just at brotherhood, man, That's that's the thing
that I missed the most.
Speaker 6 (12:50):
I'll tell you what I mean, Guys like Larry Centers
and and Roy jetstream Green, right, two guys that we
have on the big red rage, two guys who could
really hold their own in the locker room, wouldn't you say?
I mean, oh, man, could they dish it out right.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
There's no doubt about it, Baul. Even when LC was
a rookie, he came in and he showed a lot
of promise, a lot of promise immediately.
Speaker 6 (13:12):
Yeah, on the field, in the locker room, keeping guys,
let's just say accountable, always always a good time around
their lockers, no doubt about it. All right, Larry, here's
my question. I look at this matchup and these two teams.
I just want to start in the Super Bowl real
quick before we get to the Cardinals. And you have
Saquon Barkley with a two thousand yard rushing season. He
gets thirty yards in this Super Bowl. He'll have the
(13:33):
most rushing yards through a postseason any running back ever,
passing Terrell Davis, which was the last Super Bowl champion
to have a rushing champion. Can you still run the
ball and win a Lombardi Trophy here in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 9 (13:50):
I definitely think so. And I think the reason for
that is the game is so cyclical. The game is
a big circle cycle. And I think that, you know,
as teams have gone more into the passing offensive scheme
of things, I think they neglect to even you know,
learn how to stop to run. So I think that
the running game is always going to have his place
(14:11):
in the game because it provides each their team with
the ability to control the clock. And when you control
the clock, you can keep the other team's offense on
the bench, which is which is a weapon in itself.
So I definitely believe, you know, I'm fully for sake, Quod.
I was hoping that they were able to get in
the record, but unfortunately, you know, they made the right
(14:32):
call to this point. But he's had a special season
so far, and I'm looking forward to see what he's
going to do in the Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
I was just going to ask you that right there, Elsie,
just the Eagles ability to run the ball and the
Kansas City Chiefs as well. In the Kansas City Chiefs,
they got a pretty good front seven. This is a
this is a front seven that was number eight number
seven respectively in terms of rushing yards per game allowed
and rushing yards per play a lot. Do you think
(15:01):
that is the matchup of Super Bowl fifty nine, the
Eagles ability to run the ball against the Kansas City
Chiefs front seven.
Speaker 9 (15:11):
You know, you bring up a good point, but I
think one thing that stands out Wolf is that you know,
even if sa Quon doesn't go out and rush for
one hundred and fifty yards or two hundred yards, he's
still going to affect that chief the defensive play calling.
They're gonna have to load up the box and they're
gonna have to alter the way they normally play defense
(15:32):
just to be sure that they're able to stop to
runn So, you know, if I was the Chiefs that
come in to this game with the defensive game plan
to make Jalen Hurts beat you with his arm, and
that would you know, kind of equalize even the playing field.
But I think the effect that sa Quon will have
(15:53):
the most is that he will cause the Chiefs to
alter the way that they play their defensive schemes front.
I expect to see a lot of blitzers in this
game from Kansas City one blitzes as well as blitzes
on obvious passing downs.
Speaker 6 (16:09):
Hey, Larry Center's our guest here on the Big Red
Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert just third on
the Cardinals all time receptions list, behind only Larry Fitzgerald
and Ang Kwon Bolden, and as someone with a Super
Bowl ring with New England. There, Elsie, just tell us
about playing on Super Sunday, you know, tell us about
you know halftime, right, I mean thirty to forty minutes.
By the way, the Super Bowl you played in was
(16:31):
the infamous wardrobe malfunction game. By the way, you know,
what do you do when you have a thirty or
forty minute halftime? How did you sort of manage your
emotions when it's one of the biggest events on the planet.
Speaker 9 (16:47):
That is one of the toughest things about it that
most people never really pay attention to is that this
is basically two different games because the halftime is such
a long stretch between the two. So there's a whole
lot more that are being able to be made because
of the length of the halftime show and all this
other kind of hooplah going on. But you have a
(17:08):
really good chance of kind of what to expect. I
think all the most of the skeletons are out of
the closet as far as what you can expect from
a team. But I think it's a tale of two
game plans most of the time. You know there will
be some major adjustments made at halftime, and you know,
I think in that regard in this particular game, I
(17:28):
think the favor goes in uh for Andy Reid on
that I think he's the best one game coach. And
that's the football league right now.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
So right now, Elsie, when you look at Patrick Mahomes
and the fact that he just went to his seventh
consecutive AFC Championship game, and the fact that he's got
the possibility of winning his fourth Super Bowl, maybe the
third Super Bowl in a row, which of course would
be a record in the National Football League. Nobody has
ever won three Super Bowls in a row. If Patrick
(18:01):
Mahomes wins this game, wins Super Bowl fifty nine, is
he the greatest quarterback ever to play?
Speaker 9 (18:10):
Well, it's hard for me to speak down or speak
against my my my quarterback Tom Brady, but you have
to make the argument. You know, three in a row,
it's never been done before, as everybody knows. You know,
they put together quite a dynasty up there. I think
three in a row you have to put him in
the greatest conversation.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
You know.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
The consistency is speaks volumes and any time you can
do it at the highest level in the league, in
the NASA Football League with the greatest players in the world.
I mean, you got to tip your hat to the
guy and you know, give him his flowers.
Speaker 6 (18:48):
And of course Tom Brady's going to be on the
call on Fox on Sunday. All right, Larry Centers is
our guest Bigger of Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert.
Let's fast forward to the twenty twenty four twenty five Cardinals.
There was Garrett Williams, second year cornerback. I don't know
if you saw this, Larry, but it was the Cardinals
Monday Night game against the Chargers and he showed up
(19:08):
wearing an else throwback jersey and on an earlier version
edition of The Big Red Rage, we asked Garrett Williams
himself to tell us what was behind that. Garrett Williams,
what what did you do recently to bring Larry Centers
back into the news.
Speaker 10 (19:26):
Yeah, I mean I wore jersey to our Monday night.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Game right there.
Speaker 5 (19:33):
So how did that come about?
Speaker 1 (19:35):
It was really unplanning.
Speaker 10 (19:37):
One of my friends had been telling me that I
need to go to this place called Tembi Throwbacks. So
I'm in there, I'm just you know, I'm looking around,
and then the store owner comes up to me. He's
telling me all the different things, and he's like, yo,
I got this jersey. You get this, bro, Like nobody
has it, you.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
Know what I'm saying.
Speaker 10 (19:52):
So then he kind of starts explaining it to me,
like the Larry Sener jersey, who he is, things like that,
and he showed us to all like yeah, you need it,
need it. And so then after that it was just
a matter of like, all right, when do I want
to wear it? And I feel like the Monday night
game was like the perfect time to rocket, you know
what I'm saying, because I feel like that jersey, that's
not something you can just wear in the game, you
know what I say, You got to wear it on
a special occasion.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
By the way, you guys share the same birthday, Junie, I.
Speaker 10 (20:16):
Was just about to say that my dad told me
that after the game. I was that's great. I did
not know that.
Speaker 5 (20:20):
That's a mind blow right there.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
That's crazy about the right jersey.
Speaker 6 (20:24):
Yeah, he bought the right jersey. How cool is it
here to hear that, Larry Man?
Speaker 9 (20:29):
That is beyond cool. And by the way, Garrett Williams
is my new favorite player in the league right now. Yeah, man,
you know and I tell you what really stands out
to me is, you know, the sobering reality that you know,
this Gary Willis was probably not even born back when
I was, you know, when I first came into the league.
(20:50):
So you know, it kind of put things into perspective.
And it's great to be to be recognized this long
since I played. And like I said, I'm a number
one fan of Garrett Williams, and I'm wishing him nothing
but the best and the greatest success.
Speaker 6 (21:07):
Real quick, there were plenty of LC jerseys and then
nineteen ninety eight playoff season. What do you remember most,
especially about the stretch run where you guys, you know,
made the playoffs and then the big win.
Speaker 9 (21:18):
And big d Man, anybody that's played the game and
going to the playoffs will tell you that there's something
special that happens in every locker room whenever you get
to the playoffs and you start galvanizing. You know, the
regular season is one thing, you know, you have to
deal with the injuries and the ups and downs and
all the stuff trying to define who you are as
a team. But once you get to the playoffs, man,
(21:40):
you need all hands on deck and it's just the Brothershood.
It just takes it to a whole other level. And
that's what I remember most. And one thing that was
super special to me was how the fans in the valley,
you really just rallied around our team. We're gone through
some rough times and sun Devil and back then during
the nineties, but to have it all come together and
(22:01):
they had Jake to Snake at the Helm and everybody
doing their job, the Niss, everybody just doing you know,
just making it happen. And I just remember just coming
together and then going to Dallas and wear a playoff game. Man,
that was a that was a very special time during
my career.
Speaker 1 (22:20):
Yeah, there's no doubt about that. I'll see no doubt
about that. That was fantastic. Okay, So looking at the
current iteration of the Arizona Cardinals today, James Connor, I
just absolutely love watching James Connor run the football. What
are your thoughts when you watch James Connor and the
Arizona Cardinals run the ball?
Speaker 9 (22:40):
Wolf Man, what a stud man? Connor is just a
he's a he's a stud man. He's a He's a
guy that really when he's got the ball in his hands,
you know you can't you know anything can happen. You know,
you know something probably is going to happen. He's a
bowling ball. He's a bull back there with the ball
in his hands, and like I said, I love watching
him run. I never expected him to be this good
(23:02):
coming from from Pittsburgh, but he's been such a great
addition to this team. Man, And he's really he's an
attitude guy. He kind of brings the sets the attitude
and the sets the tone for for this tough, hard
nosed football team. And I've been impressed with what he's
been able to do.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
You know that's it's really in a stude observation because
we've been saying that here this past year. He's more
than a player, he's a mindset. How much can players
feed off a single guy who might be that guy
a team captain? I mean, how much can you really
set a tone for a locker room? Is that a
real thing?
Speaker 9 (23:38):
That is absolutely a real thing, And I think it
even it's even more of a real team when you
have that tone center at the running back position. You know,
that's how you impose your will on the opposing team.
You've run the ball down their throats and there's nothing
they can do to stop it. You know. That makes
sure uh your cahoonas drop and uh you know, just
(24:01):
like I said that having one player one player, it
always has to have more. But you have one player
that's a spark plug on the team. That's a good
start for getting things going, getting things started in the
right direction. And James Connor has depth. They've been that
guy that we called him from the past few years.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
So you know what is really cool too, Elsie is
the fact that the Arizona curdles have a tight end.
And it's Trey McBride that I'm talking about. And I
know you're aware of Trey McBride, but he loves to
hurdle people. Have you seen him do this? Elsie?
Speaker 9 (24:33):
Absolutely have washed him. And you know, he kind of
reminds me of some stuff that I used to try back.
Speaker 1 (24:38):
And that's exactly what I was going to ask you.
Speaker 9 (24:42):
Yeah, man, but what an athlete though, Man, this guy
is a beast. You know when he gets the ball
in his hands, you know those dbs that they know
they can't hit him up top, and he knows they
can't hit him up top, so his only option is
to jump over him. And he's been successful with it
so far. I just wanted to be a little bit
more selected.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
Yeah, to go up. But Larry, that that was you. You.
You did some hurdling on the football field as well.
Speaker 9 (25:14):
Yeah, man, you know that was the thing. You know,
once you get your momentum up, you know, it's either
run over them or run over them or jump over him.
And you know you got to choose to you know,
choose wisely. It is the best thing I can say
about that.
Speaker 6 (25:30):
Well, let me tell you when he makes when he
makes the silver screen with his hurdle like you did
in Jerry McGuire, then Trey McBride will have something to
talk about, you know what I mean. In fact, we're
gonna show him Jerry McGuire and show him your hurdle,
your famous hurdle there against Dallas on Monday night. Hey, Larry,
we really appreciate it, really enjoyed it. Always a pleasure,
(25:50):
always informative. Keep up all the great work and we
look forward to talking to you down the road.
Speaker 9 (25:56):
Always a pleasure, guys. In partying, I want to in
thoughts and prayers out to the house from the Caske family,
the Chicago community, Chicago Bears community on the passing of
Virginia Hallis McCaskey. You've been around the game a long
time and it brought a lot to our game.
Speaker 6 (26:13):
Yes, Larry Senter, love you buddy, Appreciate it, Larry. The
Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and Gilbert We
are santan Ford.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
Connor alone back Curry takes give the Connor this time,
ain't easily straight ahead for the touchdown.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
You give me three dirt liquors and a ground pounder
and I'm gonna break the plane every time.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Urry, barking out the call, takes the snap, hands it off.
Benson running left, dives into the end zone. First first touchdown.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
Give it to Trey Benson. Let him get a little
pay dirt, a little grease for.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
Trey Benson breaking free is Steamer Kada at the forty
dear site, thirty twenty ten to five touchdown.
Speaker 6 (27:04):
Forget about the hell, Mary about the hell.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
Lamari Steamrcada w a handoff, runs fifty three yards for
a touchdown.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (27:16):
Cardinals. Much of the season were a run first offense.
Seems like when the Cardinals are at their best on offense,
it is run first. It is kram at vertical. Sure enough.
Second straight season under Jonathan Gannon and Drew Petsing, they've
been a top ten rushing team. Second straight season. They
finished number two in yards per carry better than five
yards of carry in twenty twenty four. Welcome back in
(27:39):
to the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and
Gilbert We are santan Ford, Paul calvic Ron Wolfley in
special thanks once again to former Cardinals running back Larry Centers. Interesting,
among other things, when he said that the advantage in
the game Super Bowl Sunday, in his words, goes to
Andy Reid, who's the best single game coach ever quote
(27:59):
un quote from Larry Centers. We'll get into the Super
Bowl a little bit later here to wrap up the
Big Red Rage, but first we'll give me your thoughts
on what Larry had to say on whether there is
a role for a run game in today's NFL. Obviously,
the Eagles are speaking that into existence. They are going
to come out of this season, out of this playoff
run with more than three thousand rushing yards as a team,
(28:24):
one of the best rushing seasons in the history of
the league.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Paul, there's no doubt about it. The running back is
back in the National Football League and the running game
is also back in the National Football League. The pendulum,
we talk about it all the time, but it's swung
all the way out there. About four or five years ago,
it was all about the spread and this new age
offense that was taking over the zone read of course,
(28:49):
and the RPO it was taking over the National Football League.
And now I think it is swung back that pendulum
the way that it always does. And now it really
is a mixture of what is going on. So is
there a spot for Saquon Barkley and being a dominant
rushing attack like the Philadelphia Eagles aren't, Yes, of course
(29:11):
there is. Is there a spot for a James Connor
and the Arizona Cardinals to be able to go out
there and be a run first team. Yes, And you
know what, You're seeing it more and more and more
all over the NFL.
Speaker 6 (29:24):
It's amazing how players know players. When you asked Larry
Centers about James Connor, he talked about the mentality, how
he sets the tone. How often have we talked about
that with in regards to the Cardinals team captain. In fact,
here's Jonathan Gannon towards the end of the season. Remember
what he said when he was asked, why is James
Connor a premier player?
Speaker 11 (29:43):
We have some different variety in the run game, and
he can really do it all. He can run wide zone,
he can run inside zone, he can run gaps, gemes,
he can do it from gone, from under, from pistol
so and then obviously his style of running. He's a
premier player.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
You know.
Speaker 11 (30:00):
He hits it, he's got good vision, he's got good balance,
he's hard to bring down, he's got juice.
Speaker 6 (30:06):
Yeah, he spent the whole season in the top three
or five running backs in the league, along with the
likes of Derrick Henry and Mistackle Sports just breaking tackles
yards after contact and well, if you know that, that's
the favorite running back of an offensive lineman, right, the
guy who doesn't go down on first contact.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
Yeah, no doubt about it, Bully. They love blocking for
a guy like James Connor. What was so interesting just
listening to JG is he mentioned all those things in
every one of those attributes of James Connor, Pully, He's
right on, He's spot on, absolutely legitimate, every one of
those things he mentioned and he mentioned many things they
(30:44):
are about James Connor, and yet leadership might be the
best thing about James Connor. His leadership not only his
ability to walk up to somebody and say, come on, now,
we need you, you can be better, let's go, but
also by going out and competing the way that he does, Polly,
(31:04):
the impact that he has. You've seen this. You've seen
it with the defensive players that are over on the sideline.
When James Connor trucks somebody. Oh boy, do they come
off the bench?
Speaker 6 (31:15):
Polly, Oh, absolutely they do, yep.
Speaker 1 (31:17):
And that is that is a form of leadership once again,
to go out and play as hard as he does,
where he challenges every guy that's on the sideline, every
guy that's out on the field, whether it's the player
for the Cardinals or the opponent that they're playing. He
challenges everybody on the field. Are you willing to play
(31:39):
as hard as I am? Are you willing to give
what I give?
Speaker 6 (31:42):
So, as a Cardinals go into year three under Drew
Petsyen and Jonathan Gannon, what do you think the likelihood
is of a one to two punch, for example, a
Trey Benson developing into that guy I think in the Lions,
for example, a big run team. I think a David
Montgomery the muscle, and then Jamier Gibbs right, and I
look at a James Connor. I say, you know what
(32:03):
if he has a running mate, a guy like Trey
Benson who runs a sub four four but looks like
he learned at the school of James Connor. About mid
season before he got injured, he started lowering the shoulder pads.
I'm really intrigued about the upside of Trey Benson in
year two.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
I love the fact that you acknowledge that, Bully. I
love the fact that you said, you know, midway through
the season, suddenly Trey Benson started running the ball in
a much more vertical kind of way, a north south
kind of way, and ripping it, dipping and ripping on
a lot of would be tackles. I'm so glad you
said that, because when he first showed up, he was
(32:39):
incredibly fast, He looked great in a UNI, and he
was about dancing a little bit, and dancing a little bit.
I would say too much, and I think Trey Benson
would tell you this himself, but man, he got it.
After sitting in the same room as James Connor and
watching the same tape and listening to a coach glorify
(33:01):
James Connor for what he was doing. I think Trey
Benson learned an awful lot, and he got better as
the year went along, of course, to a point where
he was averaging four point six yards per carry himself.
Speaker 6 (33:15):
When you talk about the other three guys who stood
out the most the second half of the season, between
Amar de Mercatto and he got dinged up at the end,
DJ Dallas he got action in the backfield the end
of the season, and then Michael Carter the last couple
of games. If you're Jonathan Gannon, what are you thinking
about the rest of that running back room right now?
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Yeah? I know, bully, and it's really really tough right there.
Michael Carter is not a big contributor on special teams,
but I love him. He is the one guy. Man.
He's the smallest of those running backs that you just
mentioned right there, He's the smallest, but man, he he's
got this something something about him that I think is
(33:55):
really interesting. I think DJ Dallas is a great special
teams player. Think he's always gonna have a spot on
your roster. I think he can be a guy that
can come in and be a third down back, or
you can line him up, stick his toes at seven
yards and let him attack the line of scrimmage. He's very,
very thick. But yeah, of those three guys that are left,
(34:19):
I would have to say Michael Carter strikes me as
being the most advanced in terms of being a pro.
And at the same time, I would have to say
that Amari de Mercado, I think is the perfect combination
of a guy who can be a backup to James
Connor in rundown and a guy that can come on
and be a third down back as well.
Speaker 6 (34:41):
And my last question is about the running quarterback. And
I bring that up because look at the Super Bowl,
look at Jalen Hurts, the ability to keep a defense. Honest,
look what Lamar Jackson did this year more than nine
hundred yards rushing. He's probably gonna be your MVP tonight.
And then Patrick Mahomes. Do you realize that Patrick Mahomes
is the all time leading rusher in Kansas City Chiefs
(35:01):
playoff history?
Speaker 1 (35:02):
More though I did not not know that.
Speaker 6 (35:05):
So when the postseason, it's Patrick Mahomes uses his legs
to great effectiveness. Would you still continue to feature Kyler
in the run game going forward?
Speaker 1 (35:14):
Yeah, I would not feature him, PAULI, I've been very
consistent on Kyler Murray and not featuring Kyler Murray. Do
I want to have a couple of called runs for
Kyler Murray in a game? Yeah? Absolutely? Do I want
twelve called runs for Kyler Murray? I do not. I
want him to use his legs, and I want him
to do that at an unscheduled level, if you know
(35:38):
what I mean, instead of calling the play for him,
I want him to use his legs and his athleticism
when the opportunity presents itself.
Speaker 6 (35:45):
I learn all about Cardinal's season tickets, the luxury seating
and all the seating experiences. Go to azycardinals dot com
slash tickets. Well thinks he knows about this Super Bowl matchup.
We give him a real preview. Next on the Big
Red Rage presented by Santan Ford in Gilbert.
Speaker 2 (36:04):
Toss it to the left side, Barkley's got a lane
to the fifty to the forty five has been moved.
Speaker 5 (36:09):
To the forty fourth.
Speaker 4 (36:10):
He still coming on six at six side twenty fifteen
ten touchdown, say what Parkley, He's incredible, sixty yards skidding
away from would be tacklers. Shotgunsnap, Mahomes run its himself
at the ten inside the.
Speaker 3 (36:29):
Numbers took five and he times ten for the touchdown.
Speaker 4 (36:33):
Ten yard touch shown.
Speaker 6 (36:34):
Run by Mahomes.
Speaker 4 (36:36):
Clucker's ahead in the wish phone formation.
Speaker 1 (36:40):
He takes it and runs for six.
Speaker 6 (36:44):
How about it? Kevin Harland Iron Eagle on the calls
right there once again, Patrick Mahomes, the all time career
rushing leader in the postseason for the Kansas City Chiefs,
Saquon Barkley and NFL record seven touchdown runs of sixty
or more yards this season. So there, It's all part
of our preview year Super Bowl fifty nine or rematch
of Super Bowl fifty seven, which was played two years
(37:06):
ago at State Farms Stadium. Paul Kelve, c Ron Wolfley,
and two Super Bowl trends. Wolf you tell me which
one is more meaningful. You're ready for a little info?
Here here we go, yeah, Pauly go Okay. So the
Chiefs are underfeed of this season win. Taylor Swift is
watching boyfriend Travis Kelcey in person. They're nine to zero.
Oh no, or you could opt for Patrick Mahomes has
(37:27):
never lost to Eagles d C Vic Fangio. He is
eight to no all time, six times when he was
head coach of the Denver Broncos and then twice when
he was DC of the Miami Dolphins. Suffice it to
say that Vic Fangio did not have the same personnell
he has right now in an Eagles defense that was
either one or two in pretty much every meaningful category
(37:50):
this year. So how stout is that Eagles defense and
how equipped are they to go against Patrick Mahomes and company.
Speaker 1 (37:56):
Yeah, Paully, this this is going to be an awesome game,
and I hope it is. I hope that it's going
to be a contested, one possession game coming down to
that last possession. I really do believe it is going
to be competitive. But to me, there are a couple
of matchups in Super Bowl fifty nine. One of them
Patrick Mahomes, Pat Mahomes of course in the Kansas City
(38:17):
Chiefs ability to throw the ball via Travis Kelcey of
course as the number one receiver in that And there
are some other receivers out there that are very familiar
to Cardinal fans. DeAndre Hopkins of course and Hollywood Brown
and we'll see, we'll see how that transpires. But that number,
that passing attack of the Kansas City Chiefs against the
(38:42):
number one defense in the National Football League against the pass,
both in yards per game allowed and yards per play allowed,
it is the Philadelphia Eagles. They are excellent. They are
the best in the football universe in terms of shutting
down the pass. That is one of the great matchups,
I think in this game. And then when you flip
(39:03):
it around the other side of it, it's the Philadelphia Eagles'
ability to line up and run the ball against the
Kansas City Chiefs front seven that is very very tough,
top ten in terms of rushing yards per game and
rushing yards per play allowed, two strengths going at it
on two different sides of the ball. That to me
(39:25):
is going to be the matchup of this game.
Speaker 6 (39:27):
All right, So let's talk about Mahomes against that number
one ranked passing defense of the Eagles. You realize in
his career in the playoffs seas three to zero against
teams who have number one ranked passing defense. I mean,
the stats are just ridiculous. For a guy who's seventeen
and three all time in playoff games, they have won
seventeen straight one possession games. It but what the real
(39:49):
key If you drill down and you read a lot
of this analysis out, there was the quick passing game
that Kansas City and Andy Reid used to pick apart
Philadelphia in Super Bowl fifty seven at State Farm Stadium.
On quick passes under two point five seconds, Mahomes went
thirteen for thirteen, two touchdowns in a passer rating a
one twenty nine. So I'm wondering for everything that Vic
(40:11):
Vangil might dial up. Is Patrick Mahomes just sort of
like a curve warner, just able just to quickly decide
and decipher, read and react and pick apart a passing defense.
Speaker 1 (40:21):
Yes he is. He is that good. But here's the
thing with the Kansas City Chiefs. You also have to
have your receivers on the same page. And that's what
I think is going to be a challenge for the
Kansas City Chiefs in terms of going ahead and trying
to throw the ball as much as I think they will,
even though the Eagles are excellent at shutting it down.
(40:44):
I mean, you've got guys like Darius Slay Junior. You
got guys really experienced secondary CJ. Gardner Johnson as well.
You've got guys in that secondary that are excellent football
players that you're gonna have this row the wide receivers
for the Kansas City Chiefs, and that to me to
(41:05):
your point, PAULI, I think they're doing everything they can
to try to really get them off of the route
that they want to run. And I think we're going
to see an awful lot of press in this game
as well.
Speaker 6 (41:16):
And you know what, that's a good point. The Eagles
defense has eight new starters this year. Think about that,
including yeah, two rookie corners who are both finalists among
the top five for Defensive Rookie of the Year and
Quinyan Mitchell and Cooper de jen. Here's the other thing
I'll throw. As long as we're talking about Philly's defense,
I think they have an advantage when it comes to
that interior d line. If Joe Tooney is going to
be out at left tackle, then you're under manned in
(41:39):
the interior line for Kansas City. And I mean, I
would be afraid, very afraid if I'm Andy Reid and
Patrick Mahomes. I mean, the wrecking balls that are Jalen
Carter and Jordan Davis. Yes, because we know how Tom
Brady lost his Super Bowls, right. You got to hit
and harass these.
Speaker 1 (41:53):
Guys, There's no doubt about it. You do. You have
to be able to do that, and I think the
Philadelphia Eagles have four guys that can actually get to
the quarterback, especially when you're talking about the interior with
Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter in particular. One of the
most destructive forces there is in the football universe is
(42:13):
a three technique, and that is Jalen Carter. He does
it over and over and over again and penetrates and
does an excellent job as well, mixing it up sometimes bowling,
sometimes going with the arm over does an excellent job
in terms of getting that push up the middle in
that interior pocket. And it's not just that though, Paully.
It's also this Brandon Graham. I'm just going to throw
(42:36):
that out there right now. I mean Brandon Graham. They're saying, Paulie,
I'm hearing he could be a go for Super Bowl
fifty nine. And if he is, I know he hasn't
played in a long time. I know he's been on
IR all season long for the most part. But Brandon Graham,
that's a name to remember. If he gets the opportunity
(42:57):
with those fresh fresh legs to go out there and
rush Pat Mahomes, who knows.
Speaker 6 (43:03):
You know, it's remarkable too. Real quick. On the Eagles defense,
their middle linebacker Zach Bond, I mean, he has been
bawling out first team All Pro. He had four unremarkable
years in New Orleans. He signed a one year, proven
deal for three point five million. I mean, you talk
about paying off, He's going to be a free agent.
Keep an eye on Zach Bond. That dude is going
to sign a huge contract. So now when you look
(43:24):
at that Philadelphia offensive line, let's flip sides real quick.
You talk about the KC defensive front, but you got
an Eagles offensive line. All five guys got All Pro votes.
That is maybe the best offensive line in the league.
And they know it. They don't take a lot of risks.
Since Week eight, they're plus twenty seven in the turnover ratio.
They are not turning the ball over and they just
(43:46):
play really sound offensive football, do they not?
Speaker 1 (43:49):
No doubt about it, Pully, That offensive line is right there.
When you talk about the best offensive lines in the
football universe. And it's funny because I think of Landon,
Dickerson and Mackay. I think of those two guys as well.
Why do I think of those two guys? Well, because
I'm looking at Chris Jones. Of course, it's that destructive
(44:10):
three technique force. That's gonna be interesting to see where
Chris Jones decides to line up and rush the passer.
Speaker 6 (44:18):
I'm looking at Makai Becton. Not only is he six '
seven three sixty something, but he's a free agent after
this year. He's the former eleventh pick overall by the
Jets who flamed out mainly because of injuries at tackle.
He is now a dominating interior guard. Hmm, you think
of a team that might very interesting?
Speaker 1 (44:39):
All right?
Speaker 6 (44:39):
So Wolf, let's get you what do you think? I
know you load the predictions, but are you leaning one way?
Come on, give us a choice here. What are you thinking?
Speaker 1 (44:47):
You know what? Poly Football is a game about running
the ball, and by the way, if you can turn
your opponent over, you're probably gonna win that game. Based
on what I've seen from the Philadelphia Eagles, they're going
to run the ball and they're gonna show you down.
And turn you over. I think the Eagles are going
to win this.
Speaker 6 (45:03):
Game, really, because all four Super Bowl rematches that have
occurred within five years have been won by the winner
of the first meeting. Kansas City, Here comes your three peat,
Jim mol Monroe, Thank you, Cody Fincher, Matt Lazarus, Larry Centers,
Ron Wolfley on Paul CALVC. This has been the Big
Red Rage. You've been listening to.
Speaker 2 (45:22):
The Big Red Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert
right on the Price, right on the corner of the
Santan two to two Freeway.
Speaker 6 (45:31):
And Valvis Gay.
Speaker 2 (45:33):
The Rage is brought to you by Arizona Cardinals Podcast.
Visit Azycardinals dot com slash podcast.
Speaker 1 (45:41):
We're gonna see a little big red rage football right here.
Speaker 2 (45:44):
This has been an exclusive presentation of the Arizona Cardinals
Football Club.
Stramp on the boots and scrape up the knuckles on ahead.
He got jacked.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
This is the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford
and Gilbert.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Terry's gonna score touchdown. Slim to the ground by Buddha Baker.
Like a torpedo, he keeps flying into the backfield.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
The Rage.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
It's brought to you by santan Ford and Gilbert. Right
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Tan two to two freeway.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
In Valves Water Crab by Trey McBride.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
That was spectacular and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast Visit Azycardinals
dot Com, Slash Podcast.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
All Right, Seas Rising Uard.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Timperitu Rising Vision, Flurry Rage, Take it Ober.
Speaker 5 (00:50):
Here's Paul Calvic.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
I'm ready.
Speaker 5 (00:52):
I'm one hundred percent ready. I'm telling you I'm ready.
And Ron Wolfley.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
It doesn't get any better than that.
Speaker 6 (01:00):
The Fjord we know it is Super Bowl weak based
on the super yachts. Who you are can be defined
wolf by how you got there and at last count,
if you're scoring at home. Based on reports, the number
is three. There are three super yachts docked in New Orleans.
(01:22):
Arthur Blank, Jerry Jones and Shad Khan's new four hundred
foot super yacht that'll be hosting a super party this weekend.
Are invited to the party by the Jags owner on
his new super yacht, Paully.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Can I just tell you right now, I don't really
care about the super yachts for me, I just want
the super gumbo. Just tell me what the super gumbo is.
Speaker 6 (01:43):
Okay, okay, because I mean on this super yacht. He
has three pools, he has a spy, he's a sauna
as a gym, a yoga studio, basketball and pickleball courts,
a helipad. It sleeps twelve and has a crew of
thirty seven. So there you go. I just thought i'd
mentioned that it is the Big Red Rage, presented by
santan Ford and Gilbert. We are santan Ford, Paul calvc
Ron wolf Ley, and man, we're almost there. We're almost
(02:04):
a super Bowl Sunday. Kendrick Lamar his pregame press conference
earlier today. Don't know if you caught that wolf. The
Chiefs have now struck a deal with pat Riley to
use his trademark three pete, so that gives the Eagles
a little more juice. Oh really, you already have your
trademark in place for three pet Okay, we'll see about that.
And then the NFL Honors is tonight. Of course your
(02:26):
host is going to be Snoop. Of course he's going
to host NFL Non Honors tonight and they're gonna hand
out the hardware.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Yeah, you know what, the NFL Honors, I'd like to
see that going to the NFL Pro Bowl and having
the biggest, baddest awards bank what you can possibly have
one week after the Super Bowl. That's what I'd love
to see the NFL do at some point in time, Paulie.
But it's not a surprise you went out with the
super yachts and started with the super yachts because you
are a car guy after all.
Speaker 6 (02:53):
Well, okay, we had the Pro Bowl. That was like
so last Sunday they had the Pro Bowl flag football game.
Seventy six sixty three was the final score, by the way,
and they still played more defense than the Phoenix Suns
as of late. Budda Baker had a pick six in
that game. Trey McBride found the end zone. You know
what's a flag football Pro Bowl game? When he jumps
into the foam pit. So that was great stuff. There.
(03:16):
We're gonna get to some Cardinals news in a moment.
But on Radio Row earlier today, Wolf, Let's get right
to it, Trey McBride was with the Check the Mic
podcast Sam Monson. They asked him about playing tight end
in the Drew Petsen scheme.
Speaker 7 (03:31):
You know Drew pets and our offensive coordinator has such
a fun offense for me for tight ends. He loves
the tight end position. There's twelve personnel, thirteen personnel, so
we're always out on the field and I think that's
so much fun. And the offense is really revolved around
a tight end a little bit, so you need a
good tight end for that offense to be successful. And
I'm glad that I was able to fill that role.
And you know that'd be a huge part of our offense.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
All right.
Speaker 6 (03:52):
So there's Trey McBride. Of course, he made headlines this
year for hurdling. Former teammate of Year's Wolf who really
brought hurtling into vogue. Larry Centers, I Buried the lead,
is our guest tonight on a very special edition of
The Big Red Rage. So Elsie is coming up in
a matter of moments. We're going to talk about the
Super Bowl, we're gonna talk about the Cardinals run game,
Trey McBride and more. But first there's Trey talking about
(04:15):
the current Cardinals scheme and I'm guessing that's music to
your ears right there.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
No, it really is Paully. Once again. It's funny though
that he was talking about twelve personnel, one back, two
tight ends, thirteen personnel one back, three tight ends, of course,
and how much Drew Petsing loves to use those personnel
groups and he does. But what really is the difference
is Trey McBride is a stud tight end, a guy
(04:41):
that you can go eleven personnel, bully, one back, one
tight end, three wide receivers. You can do it in
first and ten second and one to six classic rundown situation.
You can do it. And we've talked about this often,
but that, to me is the best part about having
a Trey McBride in a Drew Pettsing offense. It's because
(05:03):
you can go eleven personnel and you can stay balanced
in rundown situations.
Speaker 6 (05:08):
And it's not just any tight end that can check
all those boxes, right. The ability to stay on the
field all three downs, no matter the down, and distant,
don't matter the personnel group. In fact, Trey McBride was
asked about the skill set required of a modern day
tight end.
Speaker 7 (05:24):
Well, you know, there's different types of tight end, so
it's hard to you know, put them all in one box.
But you know, you have to be able to do
both pass game and run game in my opinion. You know,
I think if you're helping the run game, you help
with the blocks a little bit, it's gonna open you
up and lead to that open past game as well.
So you've got to be able to do both and
be very successful in both.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
How much upside do you think Trey McBride still has.
I mean, this was his first full season as a
full time starter, year number three. I mean, how much
do you think he's still ascending as a player.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
No doubt he still is developing and getting better right now. Listen.
I believe that every player evolves and develops over time.
There's no doubt about that. And when I say time,
I'm typically talking about three to five years after that
you're pretty much you are what you are at that
point in time. I think he can still get better.
(06:18):
Paully and watching him. I was so jacked up to
actually see him do the flip out of the Pro Bowl,
right in the flag game, doing the flip and into
the big pit of you know, soft whatever they had.
Their phone pet was the phone pit, Paully. They're all
were jumping into it. And you know what I noticed.
I noticed he's built a relationship with George Kittle. Yes,
(06:40):
you can see it, do you remember, Paually. I mean,
these guys they get along really really well. They acknowledge
each other. Of course, all the time he goes and
he's gone to the tight end school of course with
George Kittle, Travis Kelsey. But I love the fact he's
building that relationship with George Kittle because George kit to me,
(07:01):
is still right now if you're going to have a
true stud tight end, George Kittle, I think is the
best in the league right now. And Trey McBride is
right there with him. And I love that because he's
building that relationship with a guy that I think he
wants to emulate as well.
Speaker 6 (07:19):
And of course, Kansas City is in their fifth Super
Bowl in six years, and right there, every step of
the way with Patrick Mahomes has been Travis Kelsey, who
has already broken some of Jerry Rice's postseason receiving records
all time. So yes, there is definitely a role, a
big role in today's NFL for a playmaking tight end.
There's no doubt about that. We mentioned news on the
Cardinals coaching staff reportedly, here's what we know. Dallas announced
(07:43):
to Clayton Adams has taken their offensive coordinator position. Of course,
he was formerly the Cardinals offensive line coach. Reports out
saying that Justin Fry is coming over from Ohio State.
Wolf spent the last three seasons as the Ohio State
offensive line coach. And then we get to defense line
and Derek LeBlanc. Reports say the Cardinals have parted ways
(08:04):
with their dline coach in the last couple of years,
and they're moving on to a young man twenty seven
years of age, former teammate of Nick Rowlis at the
University of Minnesota, where he started thirty six games as
a defensive lineman. I'm sort of buying time because I'm
looking at his fourteen letter last name and I'm thinking,
you know what, maybe we'll have him pronounce his name.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Winston de Lattebadet, the third defensive end bottom of Maryland.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
That's back from his playing days.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Well, that is so good, right there? Can I hear
that one more time? Paul? It can we played that
one more time?
Speaker 5 (08:35):
Here?
Speaker 6 (08:35):
Winston de Latte bade the third. Thank you, jim O
Mahundra right there. So well, if you have a whole
off season to work on that one, Okay.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Yeah, I was a little surprised to actually see any
change at the coaching position right now, but this is
the way the NFL has gone, and we'll continue to
go as well. Opportunities are coming and going every year
right now, and there's a lot more movement not only
with the NFL of course, but also in college Pauly
(09:05):
as well, the NIL and free agency and the portal
that basically exists at the college level right now. With
that portal, it's just amazing how much movement. And it's
not just with players, Paul, yep, it's also with coaches
because of all the movement with the players. So it's
a situation where it's a different NFL than what it
(09:28):
used to be back fifteen, twenty, even five years ago.
Speaker 6 (09:33):
So Sam Seekis goes from inside linebackers coach at the
Cardinals DC Virginia Tech. Reportedly Christian Garcia is coming over
from Dallas, and then past game specialist Spencer Whipple has
been hired to be the Jacksonville quarterback coach. Reportedly, Hey,
you want to know about Super Bowl Sunday, Let's talk
to someone who's been there and won that. Larry Centers
(09:54):
is next on the Big Red Rage presented by santan
Ford in Gilbert.
Speaker 8 (10:01):
Plumber back to throw, looks up the middle. Now he dances,
Now he runs. Plumber's on the tent. Plumber throws in
the end zone to a wide open Larry Centers. He's
got it doors and Jake Plumber just sucked everybody to him.
Larry Sitter gets standing on the top of the redskins,
helmet out in the corner of the.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
End zone, nobody.
Speaker 9 (10:22):
Around him, and Jake Plumber puts.
Speaker 7 (10:24):
It right on the numbers to number thirty seven.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Larry Sitting and that number that jersey. We'll get a
mentioned a little bit later by a current cardinal foreshadowing.
Here on the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford
and Gilbert, we are santan Ford, Paul calvic, Ron Wolfley,
and Larry Centers. But wolf first I have a question
for you. I'm trying to figure something out here, Wolf, Okay,
(10:49):
I get it, Polly Pigskin over here. I'm trying, you know.
But you had twenty six career receptions. That's that's right, Okay,
you were listed. You were listen did as a fullback.
Larry Centers was mainly listed as a full back. He
had twenty eight receiving touchdowns. Okay. He has the most
(11:11):
catches by a running back in NFL history, more than
Marshall Falk who was number two. How is it that
you two guys were listed as playing the same position.
I just I aming a hard time deciphering that.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
I have no idea party. I'm still trying to figure
it out myself. All right.
Speaker 6 (11:28):
Larry Centers is our guest and always a pleasure. Larry,
how are you doing here? It's Super Bowl week? You
have played in a Super Bowl, You have a Super
Bowl ring? Do you sort of does a you know?
Does I don't know? Does this sort of get your
football senses alive and going again?
Speaker 9 (11:43):
This time of year it's always exciting for everybody who's
played the game. Wolf can attest to theirs that it's
always great with this time of year when with down
the two teams that have fought and gone through the
injuries and the ups and downs of the season and
find themselves in a position to win a championship, it
always kind of pieks everyone's interesting up. I'm really excited, Paul,
(12:06):
and I'm just anxious to see who's gonna pull this
thing out.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
So right now, Elsie, what do you miss most about
the game of football? Right now?
Speaker 9 (12:16):
You know, even though it's been quite a while since
I played wolf, it's it's the same things almost every
player will tell you. And it's the camaraderie. It's the
going to work with your buddies every day, you know,
fighting for a common goal, for a common plan. And
and there's nothing that I've found since I've retired, even
(12:38):
now to this day, nothing that compares to to that camaraderie.
And uh just at brotherhood, man, That's that's the thing
that I missed the most.
Speaker 6 (12:50):
I'll tell you what I mean, Guys like Larry Centers
and and Roy jetstream Green, right, two guys that we
have on the big red rage, two guys who could
really hold their own in the locker room, wouldn't you say?
I mean, oh, man, could they dish it out right.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
There's no doubt about it, Baul. Even when LC was
a rookie, he came in and he showed a lot
of promise, a lot of promise immediately.
Speaker 6 (13:12):
Yeah, on the field, in the locker room, keeping guys,
let's just say accountable, always always a good time around
their lockers, no doubt about it. All right, Larry, here's
my question. I look at this matchup and these two teams.
I just want to start in the Super Bowl real
quick before we get to the Cardinals. And you have
Saquon Barkley with a two thousand yard rushing season. He
gets thirty yards in this Super Bowl. He'll have the
(13:33):
most rushing yards through a postseason any running back ever,
passing Terrell Davis, which was the last Super Bowl champion
to have a rushing champion. Can you still run the
ball and win a Lombardi Trophy here in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 9 (13:50):
I definitely think so. And I think the reason for
that is the game is so cyclical. The game is
a big circle cycle. And I think that, you know,
as teams have gone more into the passing offensive scheme
of things, I think they neglect to even you know,
learn how to stop to run. So I think that
the running game is always going to have his place
(14:11):
in the game because it provides each their team with
the ability to control the clock. And when you control
the clock, you can keep the other team's offense on
the bench, which is which is a weapon in itself.
So I definitely believe, you know, I'm fully for sake, Quod.
I was hoping that they were able to get in
the record, but unfortunately, you know, they made the right
(14:32):
call to this point. But he's had a special season
so far, and I'm looking forward to see what he's
going to do in the Super Bowl.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
I was just going to ask you that right there, Elsie,
just the Eagles ability to run the ball and the
Kansas City Chiefs as well. In the Kansas City Chiefs,
they got a pretty good front seven. This is a
this is a front seven that was number eight number
seven respectively in terms of rushing yards per game allowed
and rushing yards per play a lot. Do you think
(15:01):
that is the matchup of Super Bowl fifty nine, the
Eagles ability to run the ball against the Kansas City
Chiefs front seven.
Speaker 9 (15:11):
You know, you bring up a good point, but I
think one thing that stands out Wolf is that you know,
even if sa Quon doesn't go out and rush for
one hundred and fifty yards or two hundred yards, he's
still going to affect that chief the defensive play calling.
They're gonna have to load up the box and they're
gonna have to alter the way they normally play defense
(15:32):
just to be sure that they're able to stop to
runn So, you know, if I was the Chiefs that
come in to this game with the defensive game plan
to make Jalen Hurts beat you with his arm, and
that would you know, kind of equalize even the playing field.
But I think the effect that sa Quon will have
(15:53):
the most is that he will cause the Chiefs to
alter the way that they play their defensive schemes front.
I expect to see a lot of blitzers in this
game from Kansas City one blitzes as well as blitzes
on obvious passing downs.
Speaker 6 (16:09):
Hey, Larry Center's our guest here on the Big Red
Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert just third on
the Cardinals all time receptions list, behind only Larry Fitzgerald
and Ang Kwon Bolden, and as someone with a Super
Bowl ring with New England. There, Elsie, just tell us
about playing on Super Sunday, you know, tell us about
you know halftime, right, I mean thirty to forty minutes.
By the way, the Super Bowl you played in was
(16:31):
the infamous wardrobe malfunction game. By the way, you know,
what do you do when you have a thirty or
forty minute halftime? How did you sort of manage your
emotions when it's one of the biggest events on the planet.
Speaker 9 (16:47):
That is one of the toughest things about it that
most people never really pay attention to is that this
is basically two different games because the halftime is such
a long stretch between the two. So there's a whole
lot more that are being able to be made because
of the length of the halftime show and all this
other kind of hooplah going on. But you have a
(17:08):
really good chance of kind of what to expect. I
think all the most of the skeletons are out of
the closet as far as what you can expect from
a team. But I think it's a tale of two
game plans most of the time. You know there will
be some major adjustments made at halftime, and you know,
I think in that regard in this particular game, I
(17:28):
think the favor goes in uh for Andy Reid on
that I think he's the best one game coach. And
that's the football league right now.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
So right now, Elsie, when you look at Patrick Mahomes
and the fact that he just went to his seventh
consecutive AFC Championship game, and the fact that he's got
the possibility of winning his fourth Super Bowl, maybe the
third Super Bowl in a row, which of course would
be a record in the National Football League. Nobody has
ever won three Super Bowls in a row. If Patrick
(18:01):
Mahomes wins this game, wins Super Bowl fifty nine, is
he the greatest quarterback ever to play?
Speaker 9 (18:10):
Well, it's hard for me to speak down or speak
against my my my quarterback Tom Brady, but you have
to make the argument. You know, three in a row,
it's never been done before, as everybody knows. You know,
they put together quite a dynasty up there. I think
three in a row you have to put him in
the greatest conversation.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
You know.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
The consistency is speaks volumes and any time you can
do it at the highest level in the league, in
the NASA Football League with the greatest players in the world.
I mean, you got to tip your hat to the
guy and you know, give him his flowers.
Speaker 6 (18:48):
And of course Tom Brady's going to be on the
call on Fox on Sunday. All right, Larry Centers is
our guest Bigger of Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert.
Let's fast forward to the twenty twenty four twenty five Cardinals.
There was Garrett Williams, second year cornerback. I don't know
if you saw this, Larry, but it was the Cardinals
Monday Night game against the Chargers and he showed up
(19:08):
wearing an else throwback jersey and on an earlier version
edition of The Big Red Rage, we asked Garrett Williams
himself to tell us what was behind that. Garrett Williams,
what what did you do recently to bring Larry Centers
back into the news.
Speaker 10 (19:26):
Yeah, I mean I wore jersey to our Monday night.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Game right there.
Speaker 5 (19:33):
So how did that come about?
Speaker 1 (19:35):
It was really unplanning.
Speaker 10 (19:37):
One of my friends had been telling me that I
need to go to this place called Tembi Throwbacks. So
I'm in there, I'm just you know, I'm looking around,
and then the store owner comes up to me. He's
telling me all the different things, and he's like, yo,
I got this jersey. You get this, bro, Like nobody
has it, you.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
Know what I'm saying.
Speaker 10 (19:52):
So then he kind of starts explaining it to me,
like the Larry Sener jersey, who he is, things like that,
and he showed us to all like yeah, you need it,
need it. And so then after that it was just
a matter of like, all right, when do I want
to wear it? And I feel like the Monday night
game was like the perfect time to rocket, you know
what I'm saying, because I feel like that jersey, that's
not something you can just wear in the game, you
know what I say, You got to wear it on
a special occasion.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
By the way, you guys share the same birthday, Junie, I.
Speaker 10 (20:16):
Was just about to say that my dad told me
that after the game. I was that's great. I did
not know that.
Speaker 5 (20:20):
That's a mind blow right there.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
That's crazy about the right jersey.
Speaker 6 (20:24):
Yeah, he bought the right jersey. How cool is it
here to hear that, Larry Man?
Speaker 9 (20:29):
That is beyond cool. And by the way, Garrett Williams
is my new favorite player in the league right now. Yeah, man,
you know and I tell you what really stands out
to me is, you know, the sobering reality that you know,
this Gary Willis was probably not even born back when
I was, you know, when I first came into the league.
(20:50):
So you know, it kind of put things into perspective.
And it's great to be to be recognized this long
since I played. And like I said, I'm a number
one fan of Garrett Williams, and I'm wishing him nothing
but the best and the greatest success.
Speaker 6 (21:07):
Real quick, there were plenty of LC jerseys and then
nineteen ninety eight playoff season. What do you remember most,
especially about the stretch run where you guys, you know,
made the playoffs and then the big win.
Speaker 9 (21:18):
And big d Man, anybody that's played the game and
going to the playoffs will tell you that there's something
special that happens in every locker room whenever you get
to the playoffs and you start galvanizing. You know, the
regular season is one thing, you know, you have to
deal with the injuries and the ups and downs and
all the stuff trying to define who you are as
a team. But once you get to the playoffs, man,
(21:40):
you need all hands on deck and it's just the Brothershood.
It just takes it to a whole other level. And
that's what I remember most. And one thing that was
super special to me was how the fans in the valley,
you really just rallied around our team. We're gone through
some rough times and sun Devil and back then during
the nineties, but to have it all come together and
(22:01):
they had Jake to Snake at the Helm and everybody
doing their job, the Niss, everybody just doing you know,
just making it happen. And I just remember just coming
together and then going to Dallas and wear a playoff game. Man,
that was a that was a very special time during
my career.
Speaker 1 (22:20):
Yeah, there's no doubt about that. I'll see no doubt
about that. That was fantastic. Okay, So looking at the
current iteration of the Arizona Cardinals today, James Connor, I
just absolutely love watching James Connor run the football. What
are your thoughts when you watch James Connor and the
Arizona Cardinals run the ball?
Speaker 9 (22:40):
Wolf Man, what a stud man? Connor is just a
he's a he's a stud man. He's a He's a
guy that really when he's got the ball in his hands,
you know you can't you know anything can happen. You know,
you know something probably is going to happen. He's a
bowling ball. He's a bull back there with the ball
in his hands, and like I said, I love watching
him run. I never expected him to be this good
(23:02):
coming from from Pittsburgh, but he's been such a great
addition to this team. Man, And he's really he's an
attitude guy. He kind of brings the sets the attitude
and the sets the tone for for this tough, hard
nosed football team. And I've been impressed with what he's
been able to do.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
You know that's it's really in a stude observation because
we've been saying that here this past year. He's more
than a player, he's a mindset. How much can players
feed off a single guy who might be that guy
a team captain? I mean, how much can you really
set a tone for a locker room? Is that a
real thing?
Speaker 9 (23:38):
That is absolutely a real thing, And I think it
even it's even more of a real team when you
have that tone center at the running back position. You know,
that's how you impose your will on the opposing team.
You've run the ball down their throats and there's nothing
they can do to stop it. You know. That makes
sure uh your cahoonas drop and uh you know, just
(24:01):
like I said that having one player one player, it
always has to have more. But you have one player
that's a spark plug on the team. That's a good
start for getting things going, getting things started in the
right direction. And James Connor has depth. They've been that
guy that we called him from the past few years.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
So you know what is really cool too, Elsie is
the fact that the Arizona curdles have a tight end.
And it's Trey McBride that I'm talking about. And I
know you're aware of Trey McBride, but he loves to
hurdle people. Have you seen him do this? Elsie?
Speaker 9 (24:33):
Absolutely have washed him. And you know, he kind of
reminds me of some stuff that I used to try back.
Speaker 1 (24:38):
And that's exactly what I was going to ask you.
Speaker 9 (24:42):
Yeah, man, but what an athlete though, Man, this guy
is a beast. You know when he gets the ball
in his hands, you know those dbs that they know
they can't hit him up top, and he knows they
can't hit him up top, so his only option is
to jump over him. And he's been successful with it
so far. I just wanted to be a little bit
more selected.
Speaker 1 (25:03):
Yeah, to go up. But Larry, that that was you. You.
You did some hurdling on the football field as well.
Speaker 9 (25:14):
Yeah, man, you know that was the thing. You know,
once you get your momentum up, you know, it's either
run over them or run over them or jump over him.
And you know you got to choose to you know,
choose wisely. It is the best thing I can say
about that.
Speaker 6 (25:30):
Well, let me tell you when he makes when he
makes the silver screen with his hurdle like you did
in Jerry McGuire, then Trey McBride will have something to
talk about, you know what I mean. In fact, we're
gonna show him Jerry McGuire and show him your hurdle,
your famous hurdle there against Dallas on Monday night. Hey, Larry,
we really appreciate it, really enjoyed it. Always a pleasure,
(25:50):
always informative. Keep up all the great work and we
look forward to talking to you down the road.
Speaker 9 (25:56):
Always a pleasure, guys. In partying, I want to in
thoughts and prayers out to the house from the Caske family,
the Chicago community, Chicago Bears community on the passing of
Virginia Hallis McCaskey. You've been around the game a long
time and it brought a lot to our game.
Speaker 6 (26:13):
Yes, Larry Senter, love you buddy, Appreciate it, Larry. The
Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and Gilbert We
are santan Ford.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
Connor alone back Curry takes give the Connor this time,
ain't easily straight ahead for the touchdown.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
You give me three dirt liquors and a ground pounder
and I'm gonna break the plane every time.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Urry, barking out the call, takes the snap, hands it off.
Benson running left, dives into the end zone. First first touchdown.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
Give it to Trey Benson. Let him get a little
pay dirt, a little grease for.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
Trey Benson breaking free is Steamer Kada at the forty
dear site, thirty twenty ten to five touchdown.
Speaker 6 (27:04):
Forget about the hell, Mary about the hell.
Speaker 3 (27:08):
Lamari Steamrcada w a handoff, runs fifty three yards for
a touchdown.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (27:16):
Cardinals. Much of the season were a run first offense.
Seems like when the Cardinals are at their best on offense,
it is run first. It is kram at vertical. Sure enough.
Second straight season under Jonathan Gannon and Drew Petsing, they've
been a top ten rushing team. Second straight season. They
finished number two in yards per carry better than five
yards of carry in twenty twenty four. Welcome back in
(27:39):
to the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and
Gilbert We are santan Ford, Paul calvic Ron Wolfley in
special thanks once again to former Cardinals running back Larry Centers. Interesting,
among other things, when he said that the advantage in
the game Super Bowl Sunday, in his words, goes to
Andy Reid, who's the best single game coach ever quote
(27:59):
un quote from Larry Centers. We'll get into the Super
Bowl a little bit later here to wrap up the
Big Red Rage, but first we'll give me your thoughts
on what Larry had to say on whether there is
a role for a run game in today's NFL. Obviously,
the Eagles are speaking that into existence. They are going
to come out of this season, out of this playoff
run with more than three thousand rushing yards as a team,
(28:24):
one of the best rushing seasons in the history of
the league.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Paul, there's no doubt about it. The running back is
back in the National Football League and the running game
is also back in the National Football League. The pendulum,
we talk about it all the time, but it's swung
all the way out there. About four or five years ago,
it was all about the spread and this new age
offense that was taking over the zone read of course,
(28:49):
and the RPO it was taking over the National Football League.
And now I think it is swung back that pendulum
the way that it always does. And now it really
is a mixture of what is going on. So is
there a spot for Saquon Barkley and being a dominant
rushing attack like the Philadelphia Eagles aren't, Yes, of course
(29:11):
there is. Is there a spot for a James Connor
and the Arizona Cardinals to be able to go out
there and be a run first team. Yes, And you
know what, You're seeing it more and more and more
all over the NFL.
Speaker 6 (29:24):
It's amazing how players know players. When you asked Larry
Centers about James Connor, he talked about the mentality, how
he sets the tone. How often have we talked about
that with in regards to the Cardinals team captain. In fact,
here's Jonathan Gannon towards the end of the season. Remember
what he said when he was asked, why is James
Connor a premier player?
Speaker 11 (29:43):
We have some different variety in the run game, and
he can really do it all. He can run wide zone,
he can run inside zone, he can run gaps, gemes,
he can do it from gone, from under, from pistol
so and then obviously his style of running. He's a
premier player.
Speaker 1 (30:00):
You know.
Speaker 11 (30:00):
He hits it, he's got good vision, he's got good balance,
he's hard to bring down, he's got juice.
Speaker 6 (30:06):
Yeah, he spent the whole season in the top three
or five running backs in the league, along with the
likes of Derrick Henry and Mistackle Sports just breaking tackles
yards after contact and well, if you know that, that's
the favorite running back of an offensive lineman, right, the
guy who doesn't go down on first contact.
Speaker 1 (30:22):
Yeah, no doubt about it, Bully. They love blocking for
a guy like James Connor. What was so interesting just
listening to JG is he mentioned all those things in
every one of those attributes of James Connor, Pully, He's
right on, He's spot on, absolutely legitimate, every one of
those things he mentioned and he mentioned many things they
(30:44):
are about James Connor, and yet leadership might be the
best thing about James Connor. His leadership not only his
ability to walk up to somebody and say, come on, now,
we need you, you can be better, let's go, but
also by going out and competing the way that he does, Polly,
(31:04):
the impact that he has. You've seen this. You've seen
it with the defensive players that are over on the sideline.
When James Connor trucks somebody. Oh boy, do they come
off the bench?
Speaker 6 (31:15):
Polly, Oh, absolutely they do, yep.
Speaker 1 (31:17):
And that is that is a form of leadership once again,
to go out and play as hard as he does,
where he challenges every guy that's on the sideline, every
guy that's out on the field, whether it's the player
for the Cardinals or the opponent that they're playing. He
challenges everybody on the field. Are you willing to play
(31:39):
as hard as I am? Are you willing to give
what I give?
Speaker 6 (31:42):
So, as a Cardinals go into year three under Drew
Petsyen and Jonathan Gannon, what do you think the likelihood
is of a one to two punch, for example, a
Trey Benson developing into that guy I think in the Lions,
for example, a big run team. I think a David
Montgomery the muscle, and then Jamier Gibbs right, and I
look at a James Connor. I say, you know what
(32:03):
if he has a running mate, a guy like Trey
Benson who runs a sub four four but looks like
he learned at the school of James Connor. About mid
season before he got injured, he started lowering the shoulder pads.
I'm really intrigued about the upside of Trey Benson in
year two.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
I love the fact that you acknowledge that, Bully. I
love the fact that you said, you know, midway through
the season, suddenly Trey Benson started running the ball in
a much more vertical kind of way, a north south
kind of way, and ripping it, dipping and ripping on
a lot of would be tackles. I'm so glad you
said that, because when he first showed up, he was
(32:39):
incredibly fast, He looked great in a UNI, and he
was about dancing a little bit, and dancing a little bit.
I would say too much, and I think Trey Benson
would tell you this himself, but man, he got it.
After sitting in the same room as James Connor and
watching the same tape and listening to a coach glorify
(33:01):
James Connor for what he was doing. I think Trey
Benson learned an awful lot, and he got better as
the year went along, of course, to a point where
he was averaging four point six yards per carry himself.
Speaker 6 (33:15):
When you talk about the other three guys who stood
out the most the second half of the season, between
Amar de Mercatto and he got dinged up at the end,
DJ Dallas he got action in the backfield the end
of the season, and then Michael Carter the last couple
of games. If you're Jonathan Gannon, what are you thinking
about the rest of that running back room right now?
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Yeah? I know, bully, and it's really really tough right there.
Michael Carter is not a big contributor on special teams,
but I love him. He is the one guy. Man.
He's the smallest of those running backs that you just
mentioned right there, He's the smallest, but man, he he's
got this something something about him that I think is
(33:55):
really interesting. I think DJ Dallas is a great special
teams player. Think he's always gonna have a spot on
your roster. I think he can be a guy that
can come in and be a third down back, or
you can line him up, stick his toes at seven
yards and let him attack the line of scrimmage. He's very,
very thick. But yeah, of those three guys that are left,
(34:19):
I would have to say Michael Carter strikes me as
being the most advanced in terms of being a pro.
And at the same time, I would have to say
that Amari de Mercado, I think is the perfect combination
of a guy who can be a backup to James
Connor in rundown and a guy that can come on
and be a third down back as well.
Speaker 6 (34:41):
And my last question is about the running quarterback. And
I bring that up because look at the Super Bowl,
look at Jalen Hurts, the ability to keep a defense. Honest,
look what Lamar Jackson did this year more than nine
hundred yards rushing. He's probably gonna be your MVP tonight.
And then Patrick Mahomes. Do you realize that Patrick Mahomes
is the all time leading rusher in Kansas City Chiefs
(35:01):
playoff history?
Speaker 1 (35:02):
More though I did not not know that.
Speaker 6 (35:05):
So when the postseason, it's Patrick Mahomes uses his legs
to great effectiveness. Would you still continue to feature Kyler
in the run game going forward?
Speaker 1 (35:14):
Yeah, I would not feature him, PAULI, I've been very
consistent on Kyler Murray and not featuring Kyler Murray. Do
I want to have a couple of called runs for
Kyler Murray in a game? Yeah? Absolutely? Do I want
twelve called runs for Kyler Murray? I do not. I
want him to use his legs, and I want him
to do that at an unscheduled level, if you know
(35:38):
what I mean, instead of calling the play for him,
I want him to use his legs and his athleticism
when the opportunity presents itself.
Speaker 6 (35:45):
I learn all about Cardinal's season tickets, the luxury seating
and all the seating experiences. Go to azycardinals dot com
slash tickets. Well thinks he knows about this Super Bowl matchup.
We give him a real preview. Next on the Big
Red Rage presented by Santan Ford in Gilbert.
Speaker 2 (36:04):
Toss it to the left side, Barkley's got a lane
to the fifty to the forty five has been moved.
Speaker 5 (36:09):
To the forty fourth.
Speaker 4 (36:10):
He still coming on six at six side twenty fifteen
ten touchdown, say what Parkley, He's incredible, sixty yards skidding
away from would be tacklers. Shotgunsnap, Mahomes run its himself
at the ten inside the.
Speaker 3 (36:29):
Numbers took five and he times ten for the touchdown.
Speaker 4 (36:33):
Ten yard touch shown.
Speaker 6 (36:34):
Run by Mahomes.
Speaker 4 (36:36):
Clucker's ahead in the wish phone formation.
Speaker 1 (36:40):
He takes it and runs for six.
Speaker 6 (36:44):
How about it? Kevin Harland Iron Eagle on the calls
right there once again, Patrick Mahomes, the all time career
rushing leader in the postseason for the Kansas City Chiefs,
Saquon Barkley and NFL record seven touchdown runs of sixty
or more yards this season. So there, It's all part
of our preview year Super Bowl fifty nine or rematch
of Super Bowl fifty seven, which was played two years
(37:06):
ago at State Farms Stadium. Paul Kelve, c Ron Wolfley,
and two Super Bowl trends. Wolf you tell me which
one is more meaningful. You're ready for a little info?
Here here we go, yeah, Pauly go Okay. So the
Chiefs are underfeed of this season win. Taylor Swift is
watching boyfriend Travis Kelcey in person. They're nine to zero.
Oh no, or you could opt for Patrick Mahomes has
(37:27):
never lost to Eagles d C Vic Fangio. He is
eight to no all time, six times when he was
head coach of the Denver Broncos and then twice when
he was DC of the Miami Dolphins. Suffice it to
say that Vic Fangio did not have the same personnell
he has right now in an Eagles defense that was
either one or two in pretty much every meaningful category
(37:50):
this year. So how stout is that Eagles defense and
how equipped are they to go against Patrick Mahomes and company.
Speaker 1 (37:56):
Yeah, Paully, this this is going to be an awesome game,
and I hope it is. I hope that it's going
to be a contested, one possession game coming down to
that last possession. I really do believe it is going
to be competitive. But to me, there are a couple
of matchups in Super Bowl fifty nine. One of them
Patrick Mahomes, Pat Mahomes of course in the Kansas City
(38:17):
Chiefs ability to throw the ball via Travis Kelcey of
course as the number one receiver in that And there
are some other receivers out there that are very familiar
to Cardinal fans. DeAndre Hopkins of course and Hollywood Brown
and we'll see, we'll see how that transpires. But that number,
that passing attack of the Kansas City Chiefs against the
(38:42):
number one defense in the National Football League against the pass,
both in yards per game allowed and yards per play allowed,
it is the Philadelphia Eagles. They are excellent. They are
the best in the football universe in terms of shutting
down the pass. That is one of the great matchups,
I think in this game. And then when you flip
(39:03):
it around the other side of it, it's the Philadelphia Eagles'
ability to line up and run the ball against the
Kansas City Chiefs front seven that is very very tough,
top ten in terms of rushing yards per game and
rushing yards per play allowed, two strengths going at it
on two different sides of the ball. That to me
(39:25):
is going to be the matchup of this game.
Speaker 6 (39:27):
All right, So let's talk about Mahomes against that number
one ranked passing defense of the Eagles. You realize in
his career in the playoffs seas three to zero against
teams who have number one ranked passing defense. I mean,
the stats are just ridiculous. For a guy who's seventeen
and three all time in playoff games, they have won
seventeen straight one possession games. It but what the real
(39:49):
key If you drill down and you read a lot
of this analysis out, there was the quick passing game
that Kansas City and Andy Reid used to pick apart
Philadelphia in Super Bowl fifty seven at State Farm Stadium.
On quick passes under two point five seconds, Mahomes went
thirteen for thirteen, two touchdowns in a passer rating a
one twenty nine. So I'm wondering for everything that Vic
(40:11):
Vangil might dial up. Is Patrick Mahomes just sort of
like a curve warner, just able just to quickly decide
and decipher, read and react and pick apart a passing defense.
Speaker 1 (40:21):
Yes he is. He is that good. But here's the
thing with the Kansas City Chiefs. You also have to
have your receivers on the same page. And that's what
I think is going to be a challenge for the
Kansas City Chiefs in terms of going ahead and trying
to throw the ball as much as I think they will,
even though the Eagles are excellent at shutting it down.
(40:44):
I mean, you've got guys like Darius Slay Junior. You
got guys really experienced secondary CJ. Gardner Johnson as well.
You've got guys in that secondary that are excellent football
players that you're gonna have this row the wide receivers
for the Kansas City Chiefs, and that to me to
(41:05):
your point, PAULI, I think they're doing everything they can
to try to really get them off of the route
that they want to run. And I think we're going
to see an awful lot of press in this game
as well.
Speaker 6 (41:16):
And you know what, that's a good point. The Eagles
defense has eight new starters this year. Think about that,
including yeah, two rookie corners who are both finalists among
the top five for Defensive Rookie of the Year and
Quinyan Mitchell and Cooper de jen. Here's the other thing
I'll throw. As long as we're talking about Philly's defense,
I think they have an advantage when it comes to
that interior d line. If Joe Tooney is going to
be out at left tackle, then you're under manned in
(41:39):
the interior line for Kansas City. And I mean, I
would be afraid, very afraid if I'm Andy Reid and
Patrick Mahomes. I mean, the wrecking balls that are Jalen
Carter and Jordan Davis. Yes, because we know how Tom
Brady lost his Super Bowls, right. You got to hit
and harass these.
Speaker 1 (41:53):
Guys, There's no doubt about it. You do. You have
to be able to do that, and I think the
Philadelphia Eagles have four guys that can actually get to
the quarterback, especially when you're talking about the interior with
Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter in particular. One of the
most destructive forces there is in the football universe is
(42:13):
a three technique, and that is Jalen Carter. He does
it over and over and over again and penetrates and
does an excellent job as well, mixing it up sometimes bowling,
sometimes going with the arm over does an excellent job
in terms of getting that push up the middle in
that interior pocket. And it's not just that though, Paully.
It's also this Brandon Graham. I'm just going to throw
(42:36):
that out there right now. I mean Brandon Graham. They're saying, Paulie,
I'm hearing he could be a go for Super Bowl
fifty nine. And if he is, I know he hasn't
played in a long time. I know he's been on
IR all season long for the most part. But Brandon Graham,
that's a name to remember. If he gets the opportunity
(42:57):
with those fresh fresh legs to go out there and
rush Pat Mahomes, who knows.
Speaker 6 (43:03):
You know, it's remarkable too. Real quick. On the Eagles defense,
their middle linebacker Zach Bond, I mean, he has been
bawling out first team All Pro. He had four unremarkable
years in New Orleans. He signed a one year, proven
deal for three point five million. I mean, you talk
about paying off, He's going to be a free agent.
Keep an eye on Zach Bond. That dude is going
to sign a huge contract. So now when you look
(43:24):
at that Philadelphia offensive line, let's flip sides real quick.
You talk about the KC defensive front, but you got
an Eagles offensive line. All five guys got All Pro votes.
That is maybe the best offensive line in the league.
And they know it. They don't take a lot of risks.
Since Week eight, they're plus twenty seven in the turnover ratio.
They are not turning the ball over and they just
(43:46):
play really sound offensive football, do they not?
Speaker 1 (43:49):
No doubt about it, Pully, That offensive line is right there.
When you talk about the best offensive lines in the
football universe. And it's funny because I think of Landon,
Dickerson and Mackay. I think of those two guys as well.
Why do I think of those two guys? Well, because
I'm looking at Chris Jones. Of course, it's that destructive
(44:10):
three technique force. That's gonna be interesting to see where
Chris Jones decides to line up and rush the passer.
Speaker 6 (44:18):
I'm looking at Makai Becton. Not only is he six '
seven three sixty something, but he's a free agent after
this year. He's the former eleventh pick overall by the
Jets who flamed out mainly because of injuries at tackle.
He is now a dominating interior guard. Hmm, you think
of a team that might very interesting?
Speaker 1 (44:39):
All right?
Speaker 6 (44:39):
So Wolf, let's get you what do you think? I
know you load the predictions, but are you leaning one way?
Come on, give us a choice here. What are you thinking?
Speaker 1 (44:47):
You know what? Poly Football is a game about running
the ball, and by the way, if you can turn
your opponent over, you're probably gonna win that game. Based
on what I've seen from the Philadelphia Eagles, they're going
to run the ball and they're gonna show you down.
And turn you over. I think the Eagles are going
to win this.
Speaker 6 (45:03):
Game, really, because all four Super Bowl rematches that have
occurred within five years have been won by the winner
of the first meeting. Kansas City, Here comes your three peat,
Jim mol Monroe, Thank you, Cody Fincher, Matt Lazarus, Larry Centers,
Ron Wolfley on Paul CALVC. This has been the Big
Red Rage. You've been listening to.
Speaker 2 (45:22):
The Big Red Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert
right on the Price, right on the corner of the
Santan two to two Freeway.
Speaker 6 (45:31):
And Valvis Gay.
Speaker 2 (45:33):
The Rage is brought to you by Arizona Cardinals Podcast.
Visit Azycardinals dot com slash podcast.
Speaker 1 (45:41):
We're gonna see a little big red rage football right here.
Speaker 2 (45:44):
This has been an exclusive presentation of the Arizona Cardinals
Football Club.
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