June 23, 2025 • 43 mins
Ep. 895 - Given all the defensive additions, whether via free agency or the draft, it’s hard not to list the Arizona Cardinals among the most improved teams from last season. At least on paper. And here in June. What happens between now and when the season begins in September is anyone’s guess. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi – who thankfully made it to work after replacing a dead car battery – discuss where the team has improved the most; who among the second-year players they’re expecting the most improvement; why they aren’t surprised Will Johnson is predicted by some to make the all-rookie team; and why Jonathan Gannon said he wants more ‘friction’ in training camp.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
On paper, and as we talk here in June, Yeah,
the Arizona Cardinals are among the most improved teams. Just
how improved and better?
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yet?
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Where has the team improved? Got Paul Calvicy joining me
Berg Gang to discuss just that, plus which first year
player is predicted to make the All Rookie team. It's
Cardinals Cover two, episode eight ninety five, and it starts now.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Welcome to Cardinals Cover two.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Budda Baker, What Heart? What rent? This guy's unbelievable.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of
the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals
dot com slash podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
He's at the ten half of five. He's it again.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
Some more hurry magic.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Whow Here's Craigcriolo.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
So I hesitate to add, but I will anyway because Paul,
I know how your day began. So how are you
doing on this Monday here June twenty third.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
You know, Craig, I don't need the attitude. I can
sense an attitude.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
My attitude.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
I'm legitimately concerned about your well being.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Well, it is late June.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
I figured I just create something out of nowhere, you know,
just concoct something salacious or sensational. You know, we got
to do something around here. It's late June, you know,
yeah it was. You know, there are tougher situations in
the world than your battery dying to start the week.
But I saw it coming over the weekend. In fact,
I anticipated to the degree that I actually got it.
Went out there early Monday morning, thinking is this isn't
(01:36):
going to start on me or not? And of course
it didn't, and then that's set off an odyssey. But
I still made the ten am meeting. So by that,
by all accounts, that was a dub for years. Truly
started started a little bit of adversity, but we overcame.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
At least it was at home and you weren't stuck
in the middle of somewhere else or a parking lot
where it's one hundred and ten degrees out in the midday.
Thank on, So at least you got lucky there.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
By the way, a little shout out Paul pro tip
PSA here for any newcomer, especially coming from the Midwest.
Do you think you know losing batteries in Midwest winters?
Nothing takes out your car battery like in Arizona summer.
I've gone through infinitely more batteries living my thirty years
in Arizona than I have anywhere else on this in
this fine country. So just a little pro tip for
(02:25):
you going forward.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
I'll even add to that the five year warranty that
many batteries have when it comes to Arizona. If you
are approaching two years, you better be ready and on
your toes and figure out, all right, what's plan B,
because that's basically the lifespan of a battery car battery
in Arizona.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
My wife's original vehicle would go through a battery per year.
I mean you could set your watch it was right
around July fourth. You talk about fireworks, it was her bad.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Anyway.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Who's going to be the Who's going to be the
jump starter?
Speaker 2 (02:59):
The jumper?
Speaker 4 (02:59):
K if you will Craig for this Cardinals team? How
about that for a segue. That's that's that's why you
are poly professional. Because we do know this, and I
do think we'll get some more information later on this week,
but we do know that players report for training camp
July twenty second, both veterans and rookies. First practice will
(03:20):
be the next day. I think we'll get the complete
training camp schedule this week at least that's.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
My hope, my belief. But that is a very interesting question, Paul,
as far as I mean, the obvious one is, I mean,
do you have to do you have to say Kyler Murray?
I mean, or do we take him out of the equation,
because that's just too easy. If you don't have a quarterback,
your engine's not starting. Period, You're not getting out of
(03:46):
the garage if you don't have a quarterback.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
As we keep up with this metaphor.
Speaker 4 (03:50):
But I mean K one is number one, and you
know now that you say that, I would have a
hard time arguing against that. But honestly, I would start
with the other two team captains that are known right now.
I would start with Buddha Baker on the defensive side
and James Conner on the offensive side as the jumper cables,
if you will, bringing life, bringing energy, jolting everyone into
(04:13):
you know, great performances on either side of the ball. Now,
those guys are known, including Kyler, So what about newcomers.
Could Josh Sweat be that guy? Could a young guy
like Rabbit seek and destroy and you know, flying around
not unlike Buddha Baker. Could he be that guy? Could
have Marvin Harrison Junior what he did against the Rams
(04:35):
in Week two? I mean that set that whole building
a blaze, did it not? Marvin Harrison Junior evoking the
echoes Hilarry Fitzgerald at State Farm Stadium. If he's able
to put some of those games together like he did
against the Rams, and you have a handful of those
this year, let me tell you that will definitely ignite
(04:56):
the home building.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
I'm glad you brought up Marvin because of the weekend.
I saw this article, and I know Paul you love lists,
Bird Gang. No one enjoys a good list more than
Paul Calvis.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Let me tell you there's one that just dropped an
NFL dot Com craig and it's the five teams that
won the off season. Apparently they need to borrow a
Rex Ryan Award in the hardware. The Cardinals are not
on this list. No, how can you have five teams
that won the off season and the Cardinals are not
on the list. And I know Washington thinks they won
the off season. But Laramie Tunsel, your new left tackle
set like a career high ind pressures allowed last year
(05:31):
over fifty pressures allowed. So there's a reason why a
team was willing to get rid of their supposed franchise
left tackle, and that's because, guess what, he's not nearly
what he used to be. So I'm not buying Washington,
especially ahead of a team like the Cardinals in winning
the off season.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Did not win or was not on that list. But
there was another list on NFL dot com. Right, of course,
there was the seven teams who have improved the most
this offseason, and the Cardinals did make that list, and
they sided all the defensive improvements, which we can talk about.
But I'm looking going back to your comments about Marvin
(06:08):
Harrison Junior. Yes, this defense is going to make the
Arizona Cardinals better, at least as we speak here in
mid June. Everything looks great on paper. The Cardinals defense
should be vastly improved based on the new additions, whether
free agency or in the draft. But if this team
really wants to take that step forward, which is the
(06:31):
postseason ten wins, eleven wins, it's the offense that has
got to carry this team, at least.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
In my opinion. You can agree to disagree.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Paul but if I'm looking at players on offense, forget
the big names. I'm looking at three second year players. Okay,
Marvin Harrison Junior, which is and obvious. I don't know
if there's been a player more talked about this offseason
than MHJ, whether or how he looks or what we
all hope he looks like on the football field as
(07:02):
far as stats and production.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
By the way, if I can disagree with you, I
most definitely will for the record, go ahead, appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah, the other two players, Trey Benson, how much more
involved is he in the offense? What does that mean
for James Connor? Keeping him healthy and fresher for a
game for a season. And then I know you'll agree
with this last second year player because you've been talking
about him a lot this offseason.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
That's Isaiah Adams.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Is he your starting right guard? And if he is
for an entire season, and that's the young piece on
that offensive line.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Year two.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
You drafted these players for a reason, whether in the
first round or on Day two. Can those three, specifically Marvin,
Trey and Isaiah help the offense take that next step
forward and ultimately improve the Arizona Cardinals from eight wins
to a playoff team.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
It's hard to argue with that. Let me just start
right there. However, I'll say this, I'll break those into
two different categories. Of those three, the player I'm most
confident in breaking out in year two is actually Trey Benson.
But the two players you need to break through in
(08:20):
year two are Isaiah Adams and Marvin Harrison Junior. In
that order, you need to slidify the interior of the
offensive line. There's nothing more vital. In fact, the Cardinals
as we speak have an open roster spot.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Correct If if some time between now and the start
of camp there was a veteran offensive guard who was signed,
and I have no idea who's still out there and
who's worthwhile and what the price tag might be, I
would not be shocked If there is one addition to
this roster.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
I would think that would be the spot.
Speaker 4 (08:50):
We'll see, maybe a veteran receiver. But in terms of
the need, the importance, in terms of Jonathan Gannon and MANIASA.
Fords sitting in a right camp going home, please please develop,
please be the answer to this question, I would start
with Isaiah Adams, Marvin Rison two and then Trey Benson three,
just because you already have James Connor. However, if you're
(09:12):
to believe that Trey Benson put on seven pounds and
he's way more explosive, that he's car rushing a lot
of these analytics that track your performance, in your conditioning
and everything else that goes into winning an offseason as
a player, and based on his change in attitude, speaking
of attitude, when he actually stuck his face in the
(09:34):
fan and stoked it north south in those last two
or three games before he lost the rest of his
year to that ankle injury. And he admits when we
asked him about, hey, did James Connor his running style
rub off on you a little bit? And he gives
an absolute and definitive yes. To take his speed and
his size and his strength and now his conditioning add
some of the confidence that he said he admits he
(09:57):
lacked at this time a year ago. He said he
was quote anger, little panicky trade Benson because he'd only
played really two years of college football and now he's
up with the big boys and wondering if he belonged.
He knows he belongs now. And so with that improved confidence,
I Honestly, if you made me choose one, then I
think is really in store to bust out and put
up just great numbers and a performance. I probably start
(10:20):
with Trey Benson.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
And again I like what you said, the want versus
the need. You want Trey Benson, you believe maybe you
have all those three the most confident in yet in
order for this offense to be what we all think
the capability is.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Well, you need that.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Number one wide receiver, but more importantly, maybe you need
that offensive line the interior, keep Leonard Williams out of
the backfield. And we know this is a run first,
run second offense. They're not gonna go away from that
no matter who they have at wide receiver. So who's
opening up those rushing lanes? Who's protecting Kyler Murray back there?
And that's the big question mark atleast that I have
(11:01):
when you talk about this offense going into twenty twenty five?
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Is all right?
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Yeah, Isaiah Adams played significant reps towards the end of
last season. Did the coaching staff see enough? And at
least right now I think they did because you didn't
really bring anyone in outside of a Royce Newman. That again,
not a big household name. Are you okay right now?
(11:25):
And then you see when the pads come on and
there's more friction, as Jonathan Gannon talked about before everyone
broke for the summer, and then all right, yeah, Isaiah
can't handle a Kalais Campbell. He can handle a Josh
schweedt or Dalvin Tomlinson coming at him. We're good at
right guard.
Speaker 4 (11:45):
And don't think for a minute that one of the
reasons there's going to be more friction at this year's
Cardinals camp is because they need to find out if
Isaiah Adams can handle it. They need to find out
who exactly is the seven defensive lineman out of eight
that are sticking. If you're indeed cutting one, you need
(12:08):
to find out who can handle that physicality. You need
to find out and figure out who's the best football
player on your fifty three. This time a year ago,
this time two years ago, you pretty much knew at
least fifty of the fifty three and there were maybe
three spots up for grabs.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Now not so easy.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
So if you're gonna make some really significant roster moves
come late August, you better know and guess what preseason
games a are risky enough. You don't want to put
veterans in there, be they'll always give you a true
story because you're getting vanilla schemes and you're going against
backups to start with. So if you really want to
get a sense of what you have on your own roster,
(12:47):
you better let it rip in camp and you better
go good on good and see you couldn't compete. You know,
the one player we're probably leaving off your list right
there would be Max Melton. And I thought Max Melton
in the last three games or so did take a jump.
Sometimes it's gonna be a little hard to tell if
you're not getting targeted a lot as a corner and
I'll leave a lot of that up to the coaches,
But I do hear good things about Max Melton, and
guess what, he's gonna be really motivated. Considering they went
(13:11):
after Will Johnson and Denzel Burke. There's gonna be a
lot of competition in that room coming into camp, and
Max Melton did not nail down a starting spot going forward.
It's wide open right now. I mean who's cornerback one,
who's cornerback two. That's to be decided. And I would
say you know, if if two months from out, Craig
(13:31):
we had this discussion again and Max Melton should have
been included.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
I wouldn't be surprised by that either.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Now based off how he's listed on the roster. CB
one is Garrett Williams although you're a slot corner and
I don't I don't put in I've said this repeatedly
here on Cardinals cover too when we have this cornerback discussion.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
I don't include Garrett Williams.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
He's going to be on the field, we know that,
but we're talking about the outside corner and until we
until we see Garrett play outside, which he can. Then
the discussion, to your point, is all right, who's CB
one and going into camp? Is it Max going into
year two? Is it Will Johnson going into year one?
Because the coaches believe they've got a first round talents
(14:17):
in the second round and whatever concerns people on the
outside had about well, there are no concerns within this
building talking about the Cardinals facility about Will Johnson. Is
he CB one with Max Mountain on the other side,
Starling Thomas can.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
Fight for reps?
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Now all of a sudden, okay, what do you do
as far as a number game, a numbers game at
that position.
Speaker 4 (14:40):
And you're right, we should clarify when I talk about
CB one, CB two, I already have Garrett Williams in
the class of a Buddha Baker. Yes, meaning he's an
absolute that's that's rock solid. You put that name down
in ink. So okay, what are the outside corners? And yes,
Starling Thomas said right in this student within the last month,
(15:01):
and you could just see how much more confident he
is as a player, how he knows he belongs, how
he knows the scheme cold. And let's not forget how
critical that is. Teams that are doing anything and everything
they can on offense to try and confuse a defense,
and all you need is one mental breakdown and a
receiver gets free, and that can be the difference in
(15:23):
the game. So the coaches have to really trust every
single corner because there are a lot more adjustments. What
Jonathan Gannon say at one point this offseason, he didn't
used to consider corner a thinking man's position because you say, okay,
just go out on an island and check that guy.
That's not how teams play anymore. That's not how the
Cardinals play Will Johnson is considered a quote perfect scheme
(15:45):
fit something else, Jonathan Gann has said multiple times because
of the manner in which the Cardinals run their defense.
And guess what Drew Stanton said in here not too
long ago, and said Wink Martindale, former NFL longtime defensive
coordinator in the league, who is Michigan's defensive coordinator, runs
a really complex, advanced system. And if Will Johnson can
master that in a year, he can certainly come in
(16:05):
and do the same without having to be a student anymore.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
He's a full time football player.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
And it's why again going back to lists NFL dot
Com and it's all Rookie team prediction, they have Will
Johnson making the All Rookie team based off of what
they wrote projects as a day one starter in Arizona
and his instinctive ball howking feels like a perfect fits
(16:29):
in the Cardinals' zone heavy defense. Again, that's right off
the page of NFL dot Com. But why was Will
Johnson targeted in the second round? And yes, Jonathan Gannon
has said repeatedly we want him. He fits everything we
want to do. And you hear ball hocking and Paul,
you and I have been around long enough, and the
(16:50):
first name that pops into my head when I hear
that say it Tyron Matthew. Yes, that's exactly what I
thought as well. And we don't say that lightly, and
you shouldn't say that lightning, because there have been few
better in Cardinal's history, using their instincts and playing with
feel and being a guy who ran a four or
(17:11):
five but played like he ran a four to three
like Tyron Matthew, especially a young honey Badger who when
he came onto the scene right away, all the veterans knew, oh,
this kid can play, this kid will play, this kid
will have an impact, and he most definitely did so. Now,
if you have someone with those sort of instincts, except
in this case, he's nearly six' to two and he
(17:34):
has all that, athleticism he has all the ball, skills
and by the, Way Tyron matthew had fantastic ball. Skills
and now you improved the pass rush because you can't
be a ball hawking corner unless you have what a
quarterback who's under, pressure a quarterback who's, affected a quarterback
who's getting hit and harassed and sped up and all
of a sudden that ball comes out when the quarterback
(17:55):
doesn't necessarily want it to come. Out and that's where
the interceptions. Happened like we were doing predictions on one
of The cardinals undergrounds AND i, SAID i don't know,
much BUT i know this much IF i have to
make a. Prediction whatever The cardinals interception total was last,
year AND i honestly don't, know double. It based on
the improved pass, rush based on the improved cornerback, PLAY
i think you're gonna get this.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
Year but just the pass rush, ALONE i think we'll
put balls in. Jeopardy guys Like Buddha, Baker Will, Johnson
Max melton and. COMPANY i think they'll get into those passing.
Lanes they'll Be and if you're only rushing for and
you have more guys who can take away some of
the deep, responsibilities then you have more guys underneath who
can take chances Like Tyron matthew was able to do,
(18:36):
right he Had Rashad johnson And Patrick. Peaz he's one on,
one So Tyron matthew was onlocked to be able to
take a lot of those. CHANCES i would not be
shocked If Nick ross Used Will johnson in a similar.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
Manner the number is, nine by the, way nine nine
interceptions last. SEASON i feel good about my, prediction which
is which was bottom third in the. League there you,
go so again not have enough hands on. Footballs and
the secondary, nine by the way is also the number
of interceptions That Well johnson had in his career At.
Michigan and the stat that blows me away is he
(19:10):
had more pick sixes than touchdowns. Allowed so that Was
that's someone who always seemed to be around the football
within That michigan. Defense again not, comparing just making everyone
aware That Tyron, matthew even year, one always seemed to
be around the, football even though he wasn't the, strongest the,
(19:33):
biggest the, fastest or the.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
Quickest but.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
Instincts do you know where you're supposed to, be and
all of a sudden that gives you a split, second
a half, step you're there quicker as opposed to someone
who maybe is, taller, bigger, stronger, faster but they're thinking
a little bit more and all of a sudden before
they make a.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Move AM i supposed to be?
Speaker 1 (19:52):
There tyron didn't have to do. That we have to
wait and see If will's at that. Point but again
everything we're. Hearing it's hard not to make that.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Comparison and, look there have.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
Been rookies in the last couple of, years to the
moment they were, drafted they were, Starters Paris johnson, Junior
Marvin harrison. JUNIOR i saw there's one of these, lists you,
know some of these breakout. Players you Decided Will, Johnson,
Well Derek harmon is on that, list number twenty one
pick overall On oregon went to The Pittsburgh, Steelers AND
i saw within that article the d line coach when
(20:24):
he met the media, Said Derek harmon is a starting
defensive tackle on This steelers defensive. Front you can write that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Down that was his.
Speaker 4 (20:31):
Quote SO i Think Will johnson will be given every
single opportunity to win a starting. Job Despite Max, melton
despite Starling Thomas Denzel, BURKE i think will make some
noise in. Camp it's gonna be a really tough decision
For Mantias sport And Jonathan. Gannon but, again you combine
(20:54):
the elevated corner play with a much improved defensive front
and pass, rush and, YEAH i think you're gonna See
you're gonna see a lot more football is going the other.
Way you'll see a lot more pass. Deflections and that's
what you. Want that's What Nick ross And Jonathan gannon.
Want they want to be a disruptive. Defense and don't
(21:14):
you give number zero TO cb? ONE i, MEAN i
don't know the. Backstory it was asked To will and
he didn't want to get into. Details he did appreciate
having single digit, number but having whether you want to
say agent zero or it means zero, catches zero receiving
(21:34):
yards or not on my, why whatever it is that
comes with a spotlight and one that you have to
be ready for and. Accepting and he was At michigan
because he wore number two out of respect For Charles.
Woodson so here's someone who's got that quiet confidence already
(21:56):
when he's on the football.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Field that's. JUICY i like.
Speaker 4 (21:58):
It it's, sensational, Lacious it checks every single. Box, Craig
so are you, saying AND i put it to, you
are you SAYING cb one Is Will johnson's job to?
Speaker 2 (22:07):
LOSE i don't know job to.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
Lose, okay here we, go because and this is not
what we have not seen this but position, drills how
they line up wide receiver. Drills we were all paying
attention last offseason who was number one in? Line because
it was Always Larry fitzgerald number one in. Line last, Offseason, hey,
Look marvin's first in. Line so those cornerback, drills who's
(22:34):
first in, line because that will tell you who IS
cb one before either one of us tells. Anyone BUT
i do think did we actually track that this?
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Year you know? What now THAT i think about, IT
i don't. Know dang We why DIDN'T i look at
that more?
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Close corners were, okay, well we had the defensive lineman
right in front of, us which was, wonderful but corners
were on the other side of the, field and the
way they were broken, up it Didn't it.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Can be hard to, see just you, know in our
own defense, listeners it can be hard to see you
when you're Like kalais And Dalvin tomlinson And Big Darius.
Robinson can you guys kind of move to the. LEFT
i can't see anything beyond, you. Guys but, okay If
Will johnson's first in, line you need. Too SO i
do think amongst the Three, Will max And, starr you've
(23:21):
got three and, out who who gets that starting? Nod and,
then more, importantly how many snaps are you getting and
we'll all go through That monday. Morning you get that.
Snapcount are you on the field as a corner ninety
percent of the time seventy five percent of the time
the coaches trust you that much to where you're not
leaving the field Like buddha Or Jalen. Thompson that's gonna
(23:44):
be interesting to figure. Out and by the, Way i'm
looking at last year's breakdown of The week one, roster
there were six corners on the roster going Into week
one twenty twenty, four and there were four. SAFETIES i
have a hard time believing your breaking camp was six
corners considering how you fortify the defensive. Front, MAYBE i,
(24:04):
mean you certainly Have denzel burg beyond the three you just,
well the four you, NAMED i, mean Because Garrett williams
is a, default then you Have Will, Johnson, Starling Thomas Max.
Melton beyond That Denzel, BURKE i, Mean cardinals consider him
a steal in round. Five and then after, THAT i
tell you it was hard not you talk about watching mini.
CAMP mi kept going To Elijah, jones number twenty, eight
(24:27):
just because we haven't seen much of. Him, YEAH i
hadn't seen. Him there's a reason why they took him
in round three year. Ago he's highly experienced out Of Boston,
college played a lot of college, football got a lot of,
starts got his hands on a lot of. Footballs he's
nearly six to. Two he moves really. Well he ran
a four to. Four he has really good ball. Skills he's.
Mature so if you're looking for someone to come out
of nowhere and actually make a little bit of noise
(24:49):
In cardinals, CAMP i would say it could Be Elijah
jones and Or Denzel.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Burke and then Does Kee Trell clark make a Move
Jaden davis another late round. Draft, Hi you've got a
veteran In Darren hall who does great things on special,
teams and that becomes, where, Hey jeff talking About Jeff,
rogers who is excelling on all those.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Phases because they.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
Might not have top four cornerback, status but if you've
got top two status on special, teams now all of a,
sudden you've got a jersey on game day and become
more valuable than say that fourth or fifth.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
Corner And i'm guessing based on what they've seen so.
Far Keaton, crawford this seventh rounder on A nevada formerly
Of texas' first four. YEARS i, mean he's ALREADY i,
think made a big positive impression on his special teams.
COACH i, mean there's a reason why they targeted him
in round. Seven and so there's a guy when you
talk about keeping four, safeties you know he look it's.
(25:48):
This this roster is more loaded than it's been the
last two years. Combined when it comes to roster competition
in the fight for fifty, three it's going to be really.
Intriguing And, craig the few People i've talked to about
the last couple of days of mini camp where The
cardinals went won eleven on. Eleven the defense balled, out,
(26:12):
defense showed. Up, defense let the offense know they weren't
the same defense from the last two. Years they were,
balling they were, chirping and so not only is it
going to be competitive to get yourself a spot in
the final fifty, three it's going to be competitive eleven
on eleven offense against defense Throughout cardinals.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
Camp and it's that defense why people are pointing to
The cardinals as one of those most improved teams in
the offseason because of the amount of bodies and financial
resources and even draft capital that went on that side
of the. Ball when you're talking About Josh, Sweat Dalvin,
Tomlinson Kalais, Campbell Walter, nolan, Third Will, Johnson Cody, simon
not to Mention Jordan. Birch so there's a reason why
(26:55):
people are noticing The cardinals specifically about that. Defense by the,
way the the just so you since we finished off
the tea's, Here, paul these six other teams AT nfl
dot com listed is most? Improved great for the teams
you can go? Nowhere butt up The raiders And patriots
for win teams a year. Ago The bears And jets
(27:17):
they won five games last, year SO i, mean are you?
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Really are you?
Speaker 1 (27:21):
Really there's a lot of work to be done, there
so anything is an, improvement.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
Right The bears And jets were so. Disfunctional just getting
some competent leadership and management elevates them so they're. Automatically
and then when The patriots came to town last, YEAR
i mean they Had Christian gonzales And Drake may's promising
and a lot of. NOTHING i mean that that roster
(27:46):
was so bereft of any talent it was borderline. Shocking
and then The, raiders you never quite sure what to,
think but they do Have Geno, smith a lot of
respect for What Geno smith did against The cardinals in
his three. Years and then you Know Pete carroll more
motivated than. Ever there's coach double rainbow bringing it in the.
Desert we'll see them in the. Preseason so, okay all,
(28:07):
right you Know i'll buy those those entrants right. There of,
course then if you believe everyone In San, francisco right
in The Bay, area they like to think The niners
are on the, rebound so based on last year's last
place finish and this year's last play, schedule and you,
know apparently they're just shrugging off the loss Of Drake
greenlawn To HELENOAH. Hafannga and you know That jankee offensive
(28:29):
line other Than Trent. Williams you KNOW cmc is. BACK
i guess all stay. Healthy, yeah all is, GOOD i,
Guess BUT i, mean what E zach here is your
receiver crew look? Like So i'm really, curious speaking of
the forty nine, Ers George kittle behind, you the tight
end you is happening early this. Week So George, kittle
and by the, way do you see the quote From
(28:50):
George kittle last week In niners mini camp where he
said About Robert, salah who's their defensive, coordinator said the
violence is. Back so now they're using the word violence
with the forty nine ers and then The Robert salad.
Defense so because they were a disaster last year and
a lot of categories including stop in the run the
forty nine. Ers so we'll, see we'll see what it's all.
(29:11):
About we know THE Nfc west it's gonna be as
competitive as.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
Ever Tight End university they posted a class picture or
like a yearbook photo group of all the Tight ends
that have been. Invited, Yes trey is, there but as
Is Tip ryman And Elijah higgins.
Speaker 4 (29:28):
Invited as we see now Tip, ryman let's talk About
Tip ryman for a. MINUTE i don't know how many
targets he got last year and how many official catches
he got last. YEAR i don't mean to put you
on the, spot but you know there's room for improvement
in that.
Speaker 2 (29:43):
CATEGORY i get.
Speaker 4 (29:44):
It he's basically at his size six five two, eighty you,
know ridiculous in terms of his you, know strength and
ability to. Block he's a block first tight. End but
he can catch the, ball he can. Move he had
a really good At letticism score coming out Of. Illinois
here's a guy if you can at least get him
(30:05):
a couple dozen catches this year to keep a defense.
Honest and you know What i've been saying now for
almost a year IS i don't Want if there's ever
such a thing as a suggestion box outside the office
Of Drew, Petsing i'm gonna put that little slip of
paper in, there and it's gonna be at least one
tight end screen every game To Tip, ryman and the
name of the play is gonna be who wants? Them
because here it comes six catches for thirty seven yards
(30:27):
to your, Point, yet can those numbers? INCREASE i don't
even know if you need them to. INCREASE i didn't
include him on the list of second year players, because,
yeah he might not have shown up in the stat,
sheet but he was on the field a good amount
of time because you're playing with two and three tight,
ends and oftentimes it Was tip as your second tight
end because he's a better blocker Than elijah is or
(30:50):
anyone else in that, room Including. Trey WOULD i would
Put Tip ryman's blocking ahead Of trey, McBride and that's
something That trey is working. On but there was a
reason why you invested a third round, pick and Tip
riman might not have made sense when you look at
why you draft in a tight. End but within this
offensive scheme What Drew petsen wants to, do it's a no.
(31:13):
Brainer and it doesn't matter where you're, selected are you
going to be? Used and he tip was used extensively
last season and as often as The cardinals used multiple
tight end formations in personnel groups twelve and thirteen. Personnel
When Tip ryman And trey McBride execute their, block look
out and the most prime example of that last season
(31:35):
Was kyler's fifty yard touchdown run at the forty nine
ers second play from scrimmage for The. Cardinals the key
to that Play Tip ryman And trey McBride executed flawless,
blocks sealed their guy And kyler had an open lane
fifty yards worth finger up as he got to the second.
Speaker 2 (31:50):
Level and then There's.
Speaker 4 (31:52):
Elijah higgins who look he has slowly but surely improved his,
game and and Us Ben, steel the tight ends, coach
he has the will to stick his face in that
fan former receiver At.
Speaker 1 (32:03):
Stanford i'm surprised you praising a kid From.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
Stanford at least now you know he's he's got his
hand in the, dirt he's getting, dirty you, know none of,
this you, know pretty boy glamour stuff like you would
typically get out Of stanford.
Speaker 2 (32:16):
Football no.
Speaker 4 (32:17):
Easy he's in, there he's in the trenches and he
just keeps getting bigger and stronger and transforming from what
was once a wide receiver body just two and a
half years.
Speaker 2 (32:26):
Ago and so and.
Speaker 4 (32:28):
Look we've seen him make some really nice catches and
some really impressive runs after. Catch so that's one area
Where i'm, like, hmm if they have to save a,
spot do they end up with only three tight ends
on the final fifty three as opposed to a year
ago when they had.
Speaker 1 (32:43):
Four, well the fourth Was Travis vocalec and he was
inactive most every single week UNTIL i think the last
part of the regular. Season but that's where you keep
because you don't want to be caught if there's an.
Injury and at tight end there were no injuries ever
maintained their health and then you just it's like break
(33:04):
glass in case of an. Emergency there was no emergency
at tight, end but you want to make sure you
have A PLAN b if you need A PLAN, b
AND i Think travis was That PLAN b in the
tight end. Room it's just can he can he do
anything this offseason to not be A PLAN b but
actually have a uniform on game.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
Day you, know the, guy the Former cardinal actually had
a nice finish to last. Season he now plays for The.
Browns Blake. Whitehart, yes and he actually had some. Money
catches for The browns and actually.
Speaker 2 (33:36):
Did a really nice.
Speaker 4 (33:38):
Job so that's, see that's gonna start happening with more
frequency as The cardinals keep improving the talent level on
this team and everyone. Agrees last, year you, know the
talent level in the tight end room was stellar and
as a result of, that they had to part ways
With Blake.
Speaker 2 (33:53):
Whiteheart, well he catches on with The.
Speaker 4 (33:55):
Browns he, developed he was a young guy and really
he was a blocking tight end And Wake forest never
really got many targets or. Receptions but you know that's gonna.
Happen and so with that in, MIND i am curious
if they get a week or two into. Camp obviously
you always monitor the thirty one other. Teams if someone
suffers an injury at a position group where The cardinals are,
loaded you, know does money get on that? Phone and
(34:19):
instead of just LETTING, hnd letting guys hit the open
market come Late, august maybe you're maybe you're more proactive
earlier in the month and you're more willing to trade
a guy just you, know you're dealing from from a
position of. Strength and then you start stockpiling some picks
if nothing, else.
Speaker 1 (34:34):
Especially if it's a sixth round or a seventh round
or a conditional to where you depending on how many
games played or snaps, played that pick can move into
perhaps maybe the fifth. Round because you're, right if you
have a vast if you have a, surplus, yeah you might,
release you. Might you might have a team out there
that they're gonna release however many, Players but where are
(34:55):
you on that pecking order as far as waiver Claim
and if all of a, sudden like team like The
Kansas City chiefs Or Philadelphia eagles way down that, list
you pick up the phone and, say, hey we'll give
you a conditional six for said. Player, okay you're giving
me something for someone that we just don't have any
room for love to keep. Them we just can't because
(35:16):
we're limited to fifty three and there's no way he's
going to slide through waivers to get him back on
our practice. Squads so, yeah YOU i do think you might.
Have now that's, curious like what's the over under on
potential Late august Early september trades to.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
Figure out that.
Speaker 1 (35:33):
Roster but it wouldn't surprise me if there was a
couple like there were a couple of years ago When
Isaiah simmons was Delt Josh jones was dealt.
Speaker 2 (35:45):
That Cam thomas last.
Speaker 1 (35:47):
Year if there's no room then, okay well it's not
that we made a mistake by bringing that player, in
but we don't have the. Room so how do we
benefit and giving that player an opportunity?
Speaker 4 (35:58):
Elsewhere so for, example let's say you get a sixth
or a seventh rounder in, return like you did For
Cam thomas a year. Ago well guess what that turned
Into Hayden connor in the sixth. Round that turned Into
Keaton crawford in the seventh. Round so these are things
THAT nfl draft rooms AND nfl general, managers they cover
it and they value that because you can take a
(36:19):
flyer on a guy and you, know a free. Pick,
hey we'll take it as opposed to letting someone just
sign the line that has dotted with another. Team SO
i am, curious AND i do, THINK mani instead of just,
okay waiting for cut day to roll, around which this
year is going to Be august twenty, six it's A, tuesday,
(36:40):
INSTEAD i wonder if he starts, identifying for, Example Ben,
stilly who was let go earlier this. OFFSEASON i, mean
there was no chance he was going to crack that
d line room come the final, cut and so you
know what you want to. Do the guy, right and
he's been a great cardinal for a couple of years
and he's given you everything he popped could and he
(37:00):
was well respecting the locker. Room but he has a
legitimate chance to catch on another team and Forge NIC's.
Career so you let him go earlier in the process
and see if you can find a.
Speaker 1 (37:10):
Home and there could be a couple of players in
that defensive line room depending on how things go between
now and cut down, day as far as if everyone stays,
healthy because that's another loaded room and you're not keeping,
everyone and who's to say you'll be able to slide
someone to your practice, squad and, again can you get
something for someone that you were you had no plans
(37:33):
for based off a fifty three man, roster.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
And you know what it might.
Speaker 4 (37:37):
Be yet another reason Why Jonathan gannon is going with
quote more friction this year in camp because you have
more depth from which to do it, Now as he,
said we're going to do it in a safe. Way
in no way are we going to risk further. Injury
but injuries can. Happen injuries can especially happen when you're
going full, speed full contact. Football but now it's not
(38:02):
nearly knock on wood as devastatingism might have been last
year or the year before when your depth chart was
so much. Thinner now you do have the ability at
least if you want to go a little heavier in
practice and you're on a ramp of the, physicality guess,
what you have the numbers in the depth to be
able to do.
Speaker 1 (38:18):
That from our, perspective And i'll speak for, You, PAUL
i certainly hope that's the case that we do see
a little bit more, physicality whether that's more days in
pads to use them all up before you break camp
and come back To tempe or is it just the
nature and the style of the drills that they're, doing
and there's more one on one work as opposed to
(38:41):
seven on seven or eleven on. Eleven but those pass rush,
drills offensive lineman versus defensive, lineman running backs against, linebackers
stuff like, that to where all, right let's utilize those
particular practices or those particular practice sessions a little bit
more in training camp than maybe we did the first two.
Speaker 4 (39:02):
Years it doesn't have to mean just more, pads more,
hitting more overt. Physicality it can just be more compete
more all, right eleven on, eleven here we, go full,
speed full. Go you're not tackling to the ground you
never do in. Camp but there'd just be more of,
that more sessions that are more competitive than they.
Speaker 2 (39:22):
Were a year.
Speaker 4 (39:23):
Ago at the same, time What Rob frederickson, Say you know,
what if there's a few more inside run, drills you
wouldn't be surprised if not every single full padded practice last,
year to my, recollection had AN o LINE d line.
Drill so when you are in full, pads maybe that's an,
ABSOLUTE i, mean that's a. Staple and then you, know
(39:44):
maybe there's some goal line sessions you know where, okay
you know it's kind of a thud, drill but it
really turns into full go football by the time these,
guys you, know the blood starts. Boiling SO i, think
and once Again i've said, this there were two in
the first month of the year where The cardinals do
not win the battle of physicality Against detroit and Against.
Speaker 2 (40:07):
Washington washington's d. Line they set a.
Speaker 4 (40:10):
Tone and so now you want to be that, team
especially now that you have the depth and you have the,
physicality you have the dudes who can. Deliver and so
what does every coach do in any. Sport you match
your style of play to your. Personnel and The cardinals
are more equipped than ever to play that, physical violent
(40:30):
brand of football THAT jg.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
Seeks there are no night. PRACTICES i don't envision a night.
Practice Jonathan gannon has not done. That but can we
get back to that, intensity that feeling when The cardinals
went up north to Flag staff and that night Practice Lumberjack,
stadium everyone pointed to that night. Practice you're outdoors and,
(40:53):
yeah you were in full, pads and a handful of
times those practices ended early because that were not just,
exchange but As wolf likes to, say, hey there's nothing
wrong with. Fighting, well there were several skirmishes during those
practices and flag staff.
Speaker 4 (41:08):
And here's the, Thing, craig you, know here's the other,
thing and this kind of comes full. Circle hopefully this isn't.
Repetitive but you know what else ams up the intensity
is when jobs are on the. Line it's one thing
to be competitive and all, right offense trying to beat the,
defense corners are trying to beat the. Receivers but now
if a number of jobs are legitimately on the, line
(41:29):
and the film from these full, go full contact drills
are going to be evaluated first and foremost before anything
else you do out in that. Field, well that's where
the intensity gets real close to game.
Speaker 1 (41:40):
Day speaking full, circle do you need me to walk
you to your car to make sure it starts before
your head.
Speaker 2 (41:47):
High later on Ice?
Speaker 4 (41:49):
Monday, okay are you saying you could if it, doesn't
you know what you're? Doing is that what you're, saying
you're YOU'RE.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
I would just make sure that you, KNOW i, say you, know.
Speaker 4 (41:56):
Yeah we got it, Done, craig it was you, know
it's a degree of. Difficulty the battery these, days isn't
just front center in the injuring. Department hell, yeah it
has to be buried deep in. There so we had
to take out a few other, things like the air
filter box and all that kind of.
Speaker 2 (42:10):
Stuff we got it. Done, yeah no.
Speaker 1 (42:12):
Longer can you just pop the hood and you, know
make a couple of. Connections, All, oh it's not there,
anymore it's down?
Speaker 2 (42:17):
Below like? What? What?
Speaker 4 (42:18):
What speaking of cars behind? You was THIS f one
movie commercial that was playing. Earlier i'm trying to figure
out two. Things, one why does a movie only show
up in theaters for one?
Speaker 2 (42:27):
Day? Why? What what is?
Speaker 4 (42:29):
It why only one day would a movie show up in?
THEATERS i, mean not even a? Weekend is it an advanced?
Speaker 2 (42:35):
Screaming you? Know it's only On?
Speaker 4 (42:37):
Friday they say where you can buy tickets for THIS
f one movie On? Imax so maybe it's just because It's.
Imax as a, gearhead you, KNOW i want to see the,
movie but you, know Obviously i'm gonna be fighting with
everyone in the theater to get, it you, know because
it's one night, only, really because then it's going to
streaming or what have. YOU i don't quite understand that
(42:57):
so we'll. See that's my big decision this, Week, craig
thanks for, Asking AM i actually gonna go out On
friday night and rob elbows and try and get a
spot in the movie theater for that. Movie, well if you,
do here's hoping your car starts so you can get
to the.
Speaker 2 (43:10):
Theater that's, right that's.
Speaker 4 (43:11):
Right i'm the furthest thing FROM f one right now
WHEN i can't even get out of my own.
Speaker 1 (43:15):
Driveway on that, note we will put a lit on
this edition Of Cardinals cover, two presented By, hyundai proudly
partner of The Arizona. Cardinals as, always special thanks to
our executive, Producer Jim, amhundro our associate, Producer Couldie, fincher
even though he's on vacation So i'm not sure why
we credit, him.
Speaker 2 (43:32):
But his middle name is again For Paul.
Speaker 1 (43:35):
Calvec I'm Craig reallui will talk to you next time
here On Cardinals cover, two
On paper, and as we talk here in June, Yeah,
the Arizona Cardinals are among the most improved teams. Just
how improved and better?
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yet?
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Where has the team improved? Got Paul Calvicy joining me
Berg Gang to discuss just that, plus which first year
player is predicted to make the All Rookie team. It's
Cardinals Cover two, episode eight ninety five, and it starts now.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Welcome to Cardinals Cover two.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Budda Baker, What Heart? What rent? This guy's unbelievable.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of
the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals
dot com slash podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
He's at the ten half of five. He's it again.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
Some more hurry magic.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Whow Here's Craigcriolo.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
So I hesitate to add, but I will anyway because Paul,
I know how your day began. So how are you
doing on this Monday here June twenty third.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
You know, Craig, I don't need the attitude. I can
sense an attitude.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
My attitude.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
I'm legitimately concerned about your well being.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Well, it is late June.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
I figured I just create something out of nowhere, you know,
just concoct something salacious or sensational. You know, we got
to do something around here. It's late June, you know,
yeah it was. You know, there are tougher situations in
the world than your battery dying to start the week.
But I saw it coming over the weekend. In fact,
I anticipated to the degree that I actually got it.
Went out there early Monday morning, thinking is this isn't
(01:36):
going to start on me or not? And of course
it didn't, and then that's set off an odyssey. But
I still made the ten am meeting. So by that,
by all accounts, that was a dub for years. Truly
started started a little bit of adversity, but we overcame.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
At least it was at home and you weren't stuck
in the middle of somewhere else or a parking lot
where it's one hundred and ten degrees out in the midday.
Thank on, So at least you got lucky there.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
By the way, a little shout out Paul pro tip
PSA here for any newcomer, especially coming from the Midwest.
Do you think you know losing batteries in Midwest winters?
Nothing takes out your car battery like in Arizona summer.
I've gone through infinitely more batteries living my thirty years
in Arizona than I have anywhere else on this in
this fine country. So just a little pro tip for
(02:25):
you going forward.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
I'll even add to that the five year warranty that
many batteries have when it comes to Arizona. If you
are approaching two years, you better be ready and on
your toes and figure out, all right, what's plan B,
because that's basically the lifespan of a battery car battery
in Arizona.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
My wife's original vehicle would go through a battery per year.
I mean you could set your watch it was right
around July fourth. You talk about fireworks, it was her bad.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Anyway.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Who's going to be the Who's going to be the
jump starter?
Speaker 2 (02:59):
The jumper?
Speaker 4 (02:59):
K if you will Craig for this Cardinals team? How
about that for a segue. That's that's that's why you
are poly professional. Because we do know this, and I
do think we'll get some more information later on this week,
but we do know that players report for training camp
July twenty second, both veterans and rookies. First practice will
(03:20):
be the next day. I think we'll get the complete
training camp schedule this week at least that's.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
My hope, my belief. But that is a very interesting question, Paul,
as far as I mean, the obvious one is, I mean,
do you have to do you have to say Kyler Murray?
I mean, or do we take him out of the equation,
because that's just too easy. If you don't have a quarterback,
your engine's not starting. Period, You're not getting out of
(03:46):
the garage if you don't have a quarterback.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
As we keep up with this metaphor.
Speaker 4 (03:50):
But I mean K one is number one, and you
know now that you say that, I would have a
hard time arguing against that. But honestly, I would start
with the other two team captains that are known right now.
I would start with Buddha Baker on the defensive side
and James Conner on the offensive side as the jumper cables,
if you will, bringing life, bringing energy, jolting everyone into
(04:13):
you know, great performances on either side of the ball. Now,
those guys are known, including Kyler, So what about newcomers.
Could Josh Sweat be that guy? Could a young guy
like Rabbit seek and destroy and you know, flying around
not unlike Buddha Baker. Could he be that guy? Could
have Marvin Harrison Junior what he did against the Rams
(04:35):
in Week two? I mean that set that whole building
a blaze, did it not? Marvin Harrison Junior evoking the
echoes Hilarry Fitzgerald at State Farm Stadium. If he's able
to put some of those games together like he did
against the Rams, and you have a handful of those
this year, let me tell you that will definitely ignite
(04:56):
the home building.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
I'm glad you brought up Marvin because of the weekend.
I saw this article, and I know Paul you love lists,
Bird Gang. No one enjoys a good list more than
Paul Calvis.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Let me tell you there's one that just dropped an
NFL dot Com craig and it's the five teams that
won the off season. Apparently they need to borrow a
Rex Ryan Award in the hardware. The Cardinals are not
on this list. No, how can you have five teams
that won the off season and the Cardinals are not
on the list. And I know Washington thinks they won
the off season. But Laramie Tunsel, your new left tackle
set like a career high ind pressures allowed last year
(05:31):
over fifty pressures allowed. So there's a reason why a
team was willing to get rid of their supposed franchise
left tackle, and that's because, guess what, he's not nearly
what he used to be. So I'm not buying Washington,
especially ahead of a team like the Cardinals in winning
the off season.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Did not win or was not on that list. But
there was another list on NFL dot com. Right, of course,
there was the seven teams who have improved the most
this offseason, and the Cardinals did make that list, and
they sided all the defensive improvements, which we can talk about.
But I'm looking going back to your comments about Marvin
(06:08):
Harrison Junior. Yes, this defense is going to make the
Arizona Cardinals better, at least as we speak here in
mid June. Everything looks great on paper. The Cardinals defense
should be vastly improved based on the new additions, whether
free agency or in the draft. But if this team
really wants to take that step forward, which is the
(06:31):
postseason ten wins, eleven wins, it's the offense that has
got to carry this team, at least.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
In my opinion. You can agree to disagree.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Paul but if I'm looking at players on offense, forget
the big names. I'm looking at three second year players. Okay,
Marvin Harrison Junior, which is and obvious. I don't know
if there's been a player more talked about this offseason
than MHJ, whether or how he looks or what we
all hope he looks like on the football field as
(07:02):
far as stats and production.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
By the way, if I can disagree with you, I
most definitely will for the record, go ahead, appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah, the other two players, Trey Benson, how much more
involved is he in the offense? What does that mean
for James Connor? Keeping him healthy and fresher for a
game for a season. And then I know you'll agree
with this last second year player because you've been talking
about him a lot this offseason.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
That's Isaiah Adams.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Is he your starting right guard? And if he is
for an entire season, and that's the young piece on
that offensive line.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Year two.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
You drafted these players for a reason, whether in the
first round or on Day two. Can those three, specifically Marvin,
Trey and Isaiah help the offense take that next step
forward and ultimately improve the Arizona Cardinals from eight wins
to a playoff team.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
It's hard to argue with that. Let me just start
right there. However, I'll say this, I'll break those into
two different categories. Of those three, the player I'm most
confident in breaking out in year two is actually Trey Benson.
But the two players you need to break through in
(08:20):
year two are Isaiah Adams and Marvin Harrison Junior. In
that order, you need to slidify the interior of the
offensive line. There's nothing more vital. In fact, the Cardinals
as we speak have an open roster spot.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Correct.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Correct If if some time between now and the start
of camp there was a veteran offensive guard who was signed,
and I have no idea who's still out there and
who's worthwhile and what the price tag might be, I
would not be shocked If there is one addition to
this roster.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
I would think that would be the spot.
Speaker 4 (08:50):
We'll see, maybe a veteran receiver. But in terms of
the need, the importance, in terms of Jonathan Gannon and MANIASA.
Fords sitting in a right camp going home, please please develop,
please be the answer to this question, I would start
with Isaiah Adams, Marvin Rison two and then Trey Benson three,
just because you already have James Connor. However, if you're
(09:12):
to believe that Trey Benson put on seven pounds and
he's way more explosive, that he's car rushing a lot
of these analytics that track your performance, in your conditioning
and everything else that goes into winning an offseason as
a player, and based on his change in attitude, speaking
of attitude, when he actually stuck his face in the
(09:34):
fan and stoked it north south in those last two
or three games before he lost the rest of his
year to that ankle injury. And he admits when we
asked him about, hey, did James Connor his running style
rub off on you a little bit? And he gives
an absolute and definitive yes. To take his speed and
his size and his strength and now his conditioning add
some of the confidence that he said he admits he
(09:57):
lacked at this time a year ago. He said he
was quote anger, little panicky trade Benson because he'd only
played really two years of college football and now he's
up with the big boys and wondering if he belonged.
He knows he belongs now. And so with that improved confidence,
I Honestly, if you made me choose one, then I
think is really in store to bust out and put
up just great numbers and a performance. I probably start
(10:20):
with Trey Benson.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
And again I like what you said, the want versus
the need. You want Trey Benson, you believe maybe you
have all those three the most confident in yet in
order for this offense to be what we all think
the capability is.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Well, you need that.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Number one wide receiver, but more importantly, maybe you need
that offensive line the interior, keep Leonard Williams out of
the backfield. And we know this is a run first,
run second offense. They're not gonna go away from that
no matter who they have at wide receiver. So who's
opening up those rushing lanes? Who's protecting Kyler Murray back there?
And that's the big question mark atleast that I have
(11:01):
when you talk about this offense going into twenty twenty five?
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Is all right?
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Yeah, Isaiah Adams played significant reps towards the end of
last season. Did the coaching staff see enough? And at
least right now I think they did because you didn't
really bring anyone in outside of a Royce Newman. That again,
not a big household name. Are you okay right now?
(11:25):
And then you see when the pads come on and
there's more friction, as Jonathan Gannon talked about before everyone
broke for the summer, and then all right, yeah, Isaiah
can't handle a Kalais Campbell. He can handle a Josh
schweedt or Dalvin Tomlinson coming at him. We're good at
right guard.
Speaker 4 (11:45):
And don't think for a minute that one of the
reasons there's going to be more friction at this year's
Cardinals camp is because they need to find out if
Isaiah Adams can handle it. They need to find out
who exactly is the seven defensive lineman out of eight
that are sticking. If you're indeed cutting one, you need
(12:08):
to find out who can handle that physicality. You need
to find out and figure out who's the best football
player on your fifty three. This time a year ago,
this time two years ago, you pretty much knew at
least fifty of the fifty three and there were maybe
three spots up for grabs.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Now not so easy.
Speaker 4 (12:25):
So if you're gonna make some really significant roster moves
come late August, you better know and guess what preseason
games a are risky enough. You don't want to put
veterans in there, be they'll always give you a true
story because you're getting vanilla schemes and you're going against
backups to start with. So if you really want to
get a sense of what you have on your own roster,
(12:47):
you better let it rip in camp and you better
go good on good and see you couldn't compete. You know,
the one player we're probably leaving off your list right
there would be Max Melton. And I thought Max Melton
in the last three games or so did take a jump.
Sometimes it's gonna be a little hard to tell if
you're not getting targeted a lot as a corner and
I'll leave a lot of that up to the coaches,
But I do hear good things about Max Melton, and
guess what, he's gonna be really motivated. Considering they went
(13:11):
after Will Johnson and Denzel Burke. There's gonna be a
lot of competition in that room coming into camp, and
Max Melton did not nail down a starting spot going forward.
It's wide open right now. I mean who's cornerback one,
who's cornerback two. That's to be decided. And I would
say you know, if if two months from out, Craig
(13:31):
we had this discussion again and Max Melton should have
been included.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
I wouldn't be surprised by that either.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Now based off how he's listed on the roster. CB
one is Garrett Williams although you're a slot corner and
I don't I don't put in I've said this repeatedly
here on Cardinals cover too when we have this cornerback discussion.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
I don't include Garrett Williams.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
He's going to be on the field, we know that,
but we're talking about the outside corner and until we
until we see Garrett play outside, which he can. Then
the discussion, to your point, is all right, who's CB
one and going into camp? Is it Max going into
year two? Is it Will Johnson going into year one?
Because the coaches believe they've got a first round talents
(14:17):
in the second round and whatever concerns people on the
outside had about well, there are no concerns within this
building talking about the Cardinals facility about Will Johnson. Is
he CB one with Max Mountain on the other side,
Starling Thomas can.
Speaker 2 (14:33):
Fight for reps?
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Now all of a sudden, okay, what do you do
as far as a number game, a numbers game at
that position.
Speaker 4 (14:40):
And you're right, we should clarify when I talk about
CB one, CB two, I already have Garrett Williams in
the class of a Buddha Baker. Yes, meaning he's an
absolute that's that's rock solid. You put that name down
in ink. So okay, what are the outside corners? And yes,
Starling Thomas said right in this student within the last month,
(15:01):
and you could just see how much more confident he
is as a player, how he knows he belongs, how
he knows the scheme cold. And let's not forget how
critical that is. Teams that are doing anything and everything
they can on offense to try and confuse a defense,
and all you need is one mental breakdown and a
receiver gets free, and that can be the difference in
(15:23):
the game. So the coaches have to really trust every
single corner because there are a lot more adjustments. What
Jonathan Gannon say at one point this offseason, he didn't
used to consider corner a thinking man's position because you say, okay,
just go out on an island and check that guy.
That's not how teams play anymore. That's not how the
Cardinals play Will Johnson is considered a quote perfect scheme
(15:45):
fit something else, Jonathan Gann has said multiple times because
of the manner in which the Cardinals run their defense.
And guess what Drew Stanton said in here not too
long ago, and said Wink Martindale, former NFL longtime defensive
coordinator in the league, who is Michigan's defensive coordinator, runs
a really complex, advanced system. And if Will Johnson can
master that in a year, he can certainly come in
(16:05):
and do the same without having to be a student anymore.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
He's a full time football player.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
And it's why again going back to lists NFL dot
Com and it's all Rookie team prediction, they have Will
Johnson making the All Rookie team based off of what
they wrote projects as a day one starter in Arizona
and his instinctive ball howking feels like a perfect fits
(16:29):
in the Cardinals' zone heavy defense. Again, that's right off
the page of NFL dot Com. But why was Will
Johnson targeted in the second round? And yes, Jonathan Gannon
has said repeatedly we want him. He fits everything we
want to do. And you hear ball hocking and Paul,
you and I have been around long enough, and the
(16:50):
first name that pops into my head when I hear
that say it Tyron Matthew. Yes, that's exactly what I
thought as well. And we don't say that lightly, and
you shouldn't say that lightning, because there have been few
better in Cardinal's history, using their instincts and playing with
feel and being a guy who ran a four or
(17:11):
five but played like he ran a four to three
like Tyron Matthew, especially a young honey Badger who when
he came onto the scene right away, all the veterans knew, oh,
this kid can play, this kid will play, this kid
will have an impact, and he most definitely did so. Now,
if you have someone with those sort of instincts, except
in this case, he's nearly six' to two and he
(17:34):
has all that, athleticism he has all the ball, skills
and by the, Way Tyron matthew had fantastic ball. Skills
and now you improved the pass rush because you can't
be a ball hawking corner unless you have what a
quarterback who's under, pressure a quarterback who's, affected a quarterback
who's getting hit and harassed and sped up and all
of a sudden that ball comes out when the quarterback
(17:55):
doesn't necessarily want it to come. Out and that's where
the interceptions. Happened like we were doing predictions on one
of The cardinals undergrounds AND i, SAID i don't know,
much BUT i know this much IF i have to
make a. Prediction whatever The cardinals interception total was last,
year AND i honestly don't, know double. It based on
the improved pass, rush based on the improved cornerback, PLAY
i think you're gonna get this.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
Year but just the pass rush, ALONE i think we'll
put balls in. Jeopardy guys Like Buddha, Baker Will, Johnson
Max melton and. COMPANY i think they'll get into those passing.
Lanes they'll Be and if you're only rushing for and
you have more guys who can take away some of
the deep, responsibilities then you have more guys underneath who
can take chances Like Tyron matthew was able to do,
(18:36):
right he Had Rashad johnson And Patrick. Peaz he's one on,
one So Tyron matthew was onlocked to be able to
take a lot of those. CHANCES i would not be
shocked If Nick ross Used Will johnson in a similar.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
Manner the number is, nine by the, way nine nine
interceptions last. SEASON i feel good about my, prediction which
is which was bottom third in the. League there you,
go so again not have enough hands on. Footballs and
the secondary, nine by the way is also the number
of interceptions That Well johnson had in his career At.
Michigan and the stat that blows me away is he
(19:10):
had more pick sixes than touchdowns. Allowed so that Was
that's someone who always seemed to be around the football
within That michigan. Defense again not, comparing just making everyone
aware That Tyron, matthew even year, one always seemed to
be around the, football even though he wasn't the, strongest the,
(19:33):
biggest the, fastest or the.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
Quickest but.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
Instincts do you know where you're supposed to, be and
all of a sudden that gives you a split, second
a half, step you're there quicker as opposed to someone
who maybe is, taller, bigger, stronger, faster but they're thinking
a little bit more and all of a sudden before
they make a.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Move AM i supposed to be?
Speaker 1 (19:52):
There tyron didn't have to do. That we have to
wait and see If will's at that. Point but again
everything we're. Hearing it's hard not to make that.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Comparison and, look there have.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
Been rookies in the last couple of, years to the
moment they were, drafted they were, Starters Paris johnson, Junior
Marvin harrison. JUNIOR i saw there's one of these, lists you,
know some of these breakout. Players you Decided Will, Johnson,
Well Derek harmon is on that, list number twenty one
pick overall On oregon went to The Pittsburgh, Steelers AND
i saw within that article the d line coach when
(20:24):
he met the media, Said Derek harmon is a starting
defensive tackle on This steelers defensive. Front you can write that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Down that was his.
Speaker 4 (20:31):
Quote SO i Think Will johnson will be given every
single opportunity to win a starting. Job Despite Max, melton
despite Starling Thomas Denzel, BURKE i think will make some
noise in. Camp it's gonna be a really tough decision
For Mantias sport And Jonathan. Gannon but, again you combine
(20:54):
the elevated corner play with a much improved defensive front
and pass, rush and, YEAH i think you're gonna See
you're gonna see a lot more football is going the other.
Way you'll see a lot more pass. Deflections and that's
what you. Want that's What Nick ross And Jonathan gannon.
Want they want to be a disruptive. Defense and don't
(21:14):
you give number zero TO cb? ONE i, MEAN i
don't know the. Backstory it was asked To will and
he didn't want to get into. Details he did appreciate
having single digit, number but having whether you want to
say agent zero or it means zero, catches zero receiving
(21:34):
yards or not on my, why whatever it is that
comes with a spotlight and one that you have to
be ready for and. Accepting and he was At michigan
because he wore number two out of respect For Charles.
Woodson so here's someone who's got that quiet confidence already
(21:56):
when he's on the football.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Field that's. JUICY i like.
Speaker 4 (21:58):
It it's, sensational, Lacious it checks every single. Box, Craig
so are you, saying AND i put it to, you
are you SAYING cb one Is Will johnson's job to?
Speaker 2 (22:07):
LOSE i don't know job to.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
Lose, okay here we, go because and this is not
what we have not seen this but position, drills how
they line up wide receiver. Drills we were all paying
attention last offseason who was number one in? Line because
it was Always Larry fitzgerald number one in. Line last, Offseason, hey,
Look marvin's first in. Line so those cornerback, drills who's
(22:34):
first in, line because that will tell you who IS
cb one before either one of us tells. Anyone BUT
i do think did we actually track that this?
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Year you know? What now THAT i think about, IT
i don't. Know dang We why DIDN'T i look at
that more?
Speaker 1 (22:49):
Close corners were, okay, well we had the defensive lineman
right in front of, us which was, wonderful but corners
were on the other side of the, field and the
way they were broken, up it Didn't it.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
Can be hard to, see just you, know in our
own defense, listeners it can be hard to see you
when you're Like kalais And Dalvin tomlinson And Big Darius.
Robinson can you guys kind of move to the. LEFT
i can't see anything beyond, you. Guys but, okay If
Will johnson's first in, line you need. Too SO i
do think amongst the Three, Will max And, starr you've
(23:21):
got three and, out who who gets that starting? Nod and,
then more, importantly how many snaps are you getting and
we'll all go through That monday. Morning you get that.
Snapcount are you on the field as a corner ninety
percent of the time seventy five percent of the time
the coaches trust you that much to where you're not
leaving the field Like buddha Or Jalen. Thompson that's gonna
(23:44):
be interesting to figure. Out and by the, Way i'm
looking at last year's breakdown of The week one, roster
there were six corners on the roster going Into week
one twenty twenty, four and there were four. SAFETIES i
have a hard time believing your breaking camp was six
corners considering how you fortify the defensive. Front, MAYBE i,
(24:04):
mean you certainly Have denzel burg beyond the three you just,
well the four you, NAMED i, mean Because Garrett williams
is a, default then you Have Will, Johnson, Starling Thomas Max.
Melton beyond That Denzel, BURKE i, Mean cardinals consider him
a steal in round. Five and then after, THAT i
tell you it was hard not you talk about watching mini.
CAMP mi kept going To Elijah, jones number twenty, eight
(24:27):
just because we haven't seen much of. Him, YEAH i
hadn't seen. Him there's a reason why they took him
in round three year. Ago he's highly experienced out Of Boston,
college played a lot of college, football got a lot of,
starts got his hands on a lot of. Footballs he's
nearly six to. Two he moves really. Well he ran
a four to. Four he has really good ball. Skills he's.
Mature so if you're looking for someone to come out
of nowhere and actually make a little bit of noise
(24:49):
In cardinals, CAMP i would say it could Be Elijah
jones and Or Denzel.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Burke and then Does Kee Trell clark make a Move
Jaden davis another late round. Draft, Hi you've got a
veteran In Darren hall who does great things on special,
teams and that becomes, where, Hey jeff talking About Jeff,
rogers who is excelling on all those.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Phases because they.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
Might not have top four cornerback, status but if you've
got top two status on special, teams now all of a,
sudden you've got a jersey on game day and become
more valuable than say that fourth or fifth.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
Corner And i'm guessing based on what they've seen so.
Far Keaton, crawford this seventh rounder on A nevada formerly
Of texas' first four. YEARS i, mean he's ALREADY i,
think made a big positive impression on his special teams.
COACH i, mean there's a reason why they targeted him
in round. Seven and so there's a guy when you
talk about keeping four, safeties you know he look it's.
(25:48):
This this roster is more loaded than it's been the
last two years. Combined when it comes to roster competition
in the fight for fifty, three it's going to be really.
Intriguing And, craig the few People i've talked to about
the last couple of days of mini camp where The
cardinals went won eleven on. Eleven the defense balled, out,
(26:12):
defense showed. Up, defense let the offense know they weren't
the same defense from the last two. Years they were,
balling they were, chirping and so not only is it
going to be competitive to get yourself a spot in
the final fifty, three it's going to be competitive eleven
on eleven offense against defense Throughout cardinals.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
Camp and it's that defense why people are pointing to
The cardinals as one of those most improved teams in
the offseason because of the amount of bodies and financial
resources and even draft capital that went on that side
of the. Ball when you're talking About Josh, Sweat Dalvin,
Tomlinson Kalais, Campbell Walter, nolan, Third Will, Johnson Cody, simon
not to Mention Jordan. Birch so there's a reason why
(26:55):
people are noticing The cardinals specifically about that. Defense by the,
way the the just so you since we finished off
the tea's, Here, paul these six other teams AT nfl
dot com listed is most? Improved great for the teams
you can go? Nowhere butt up The raiders And patriots
for win teams a year. Ago The bears And jets
(27:17):
they won five games last, year SO i, mean are you?
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Really are you?
Speaker 1 (27:21):
Really there's a lot of work to be done, there
so anything is an, improvement.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
Right The bears And jets were so. Disfunctional just getting
some competent leadership and management elevates them so they're. Automatically
and then when The patriots came to town last, YEAR
i mean they Had Christian gonzales And Drake may's promising
and a lot of. NOTHING i mean that that roster
(27:46):
was so bereft of any talent it was borderline. Shocking
and then The, raiders you never quite sure what to,
think but they do Have Geno, smith a lot of
respect for What Geno smith did against The cardinals in
his three. Years and then you Know Pete carroll more
motivated than. Ever there's coach double rainbow bringing it in the.
Desert we'll see them in the. Preseason so, okay all,
(28:07):
right you Know i'll buy those those entrants right. There of,
course then if you believe everyone In San, francisco right
in The Bay, area they like to think The niners
are on the, rebound so based on last year's last
place finish and this year's last play, schedule and you,
know apparently they're just shrugging off the loss Of Drake
greenlawn To HELENOAH. Hafannga and you know That jankee offensive
(28:29):
line other Than Trent. Williams you KNOW cmc is. BACK
i guess all stay. Healthy, yeah all is, GOOD i,
Guess BUT i, mean what E zach here is your
receiver crew look? Like So i'm really, curious speaking of
the forty nine, Ers George kittle behind, you the tight
end you is happening early this. Week So George, kittle
and by the, way do you see the quote From
(28:50):
George kittle last week In niners mini camp where he
said About Robert, salah who's their defensive, coordinator said the
violence is. Back so now they're using the word violence
with the forty nine ers and then The Robert salad.
Defense so because they were a disaster last year and
a lot of categories including stop in the run the
forty nine. Ers so we'll, see we'll see what it's all.
(29:11):
About we know THE Nfc west it's gonna be as
competitive as.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
Ever Tight End university they posted a class picture or
like a yearbook photo group of all the Tight ends
that have been. Invited, Yes trey is, there but as
Is Tip ryman And Elijah higgins.
Speaker 4 (29:28):
Invited as we see now Tip, ryman let's talk About
Tip ryman for a. MINUTE i don't know how many
targets he got last year and how many official catches
he got last. YEAR i don't mean to put you
on the, spot but you know there's room for improvement
in that.
Speaker 2 (29:43):
CATEGORY i get.
Speaker 4 (29:44):
It he's basically at his size six five two, eighty you,
know ridiculous in terms of his you, know strength and
ability to. Block he's a block first tight. End but
he can catch the, ball he can. Move he had
a really good At letticism score coming out Of. Illinois
here's a guy if you can at least get him
(30:05):
a couple dozen catches this year to keep a defense.
Honest and you know What i've been saying now for
almost a year IS i don't Want if there's ever
such a thing as a suggestion box outside the office
Of Drew, Petsing i'm gonna put that little slip of
paper in, there and it's gonna be at least one
tight end screen every game To Tip, ryman and the
name of the play is gonna be who wants? Them
because here it comes six catches for thirty seven yards
(30:27):
to your, Point, yet can those numbers? INCREASE i don't
even know if you need them to. INCREASE i didn't
include him on the list of second year players, because,
yeah he might not have shown up in the stat,
sheet but he was on the field a good amount
of time because you're playing with two and three tight,
ends and oftentimes it Was tip as your second tight
end because he's a better blocker Than elijah is or
(30:50):
anyone else in that, room Including. Trey WOULD i would
Put Tip ryman's blocking ahead Of trey, McBride and that's
something That trey is working. On but there was a
reason why you invested a third round, pick and Tip
riman might not have made sense when you look at
why you draft in a tight. End but within this
offensive scheme What Drew petsen wants to, do it's a no.
(31:13):
Brainer and it doesn't matter where you're, selected are you
going to be? Used and he tip was used extensively
last season and as often as The cardinals used multiple
tight end formations in personnel groups twelve and thirteen. Personnel
When Tip ryman And trey McBride execute their, block look
out and the most prime example of that last season
(31:35):
Was kyler's fifty yard touchdown run at the forty nine
ers second play from scrimmage for The. Cardinals the key
to that Play Tip ryman And trey McBride executed flawless,
blocks sealed their guy And kyler had an open lane
fifty yards worth finger up as he got to the second.
Speaker 2 (31:50):
Level and then There's.
Speaker 4 (31:52):
Elijah higgins who look he has slowly but surely improved his,
game and and Us Ben, steel the tight ends, coach
he has the will to stick his face in that
fan former receiver At.
Speaker 1 (32:03):
Stanford i'm surprised you praising a kid From.
Speaker 4 (32:07):
Stanford at least now you know he's he's got his
hand in the, dirt he's getting, dirty you, know none of,
this you, know pretty boy glamour stuff like you would
typically get out Of stanford.
Speaker 2 (32:16):
Football no.
Speaker 4 (32:17):
Easy he's in, there he's in the trenches and he
just keeps getting bigger and stronger and transforming from what
was once a wide receiver body just two and a
half years.
Speaker 2 (32:26):
Ago and so and.
Speaker 4 (32:28):
Look we've seen him make some really nice catches and
some really impressive runs after. Catch so that's one area
Where i'm, like, hmm if they have to save a,
spot do they end up with only three tight ends
on the final fifty three as opposed to a year
ago when they had.
Speaker 1 (32:43):
Four, well the fourth Was Travis vocalec and he was
inactive most every single week UNTIL i think the last
part of the regular. Season but that's where you keep
because you don't want to be caught if there's an.
Injury and at tight end there were no injuries ever
maintained their health and then you just it's like break
(33:04):
glass in case of an. Emergency there was no emergency
at tight, end but you want to make sure you
have A PLAN b if you need A PLAN, b
AND i Think travis was That PLAN b in the
tight end. Room it's just can he can he do
anything this offseason to not be A PLAN b but
actually have a uniform on game.
Speaker 4 (33:25):
Day you, know the, guy the Former cardinal actually had
a nice finish to last. Season he now plays for The.
Browns Blake. Whitehart, yes and he actually had some. Money
catches for The browns and actually.
Speaker 2 (33:36):
Did a really nice.
Speaker 4 (33:38):
Job so that's, see that's gonna start happening with more
frequency as The cardinals keep improving the talent level on
this team and everyone. Agrees last, year you, know the
talent level in the tight end room was stellar and
as a result of, that they had to part ways
With Blake.
Speaker 2 (33:53):
Whiteheart, well he catches on with The.
Speaker 4 (33:55):
Browns he, developed he was a young guy and really
he was a blocking tight end And Wake forest never
really got many targets or. Receptions but you know that's gonna.
Happen and so with that in, MIND i am curious
if they get a week or two into. Camp obviously
you always monitor the thirty one other. Teams if someone
suffers an injury at a position group where The cardinals are,
loaded you, know does money get on that? Phone and
(34:19):
instead of just LETTING, hnd letting guys hit the open
market come Late, august maybe you're maybe you're more proactive
earlier in the month and you're more willing to trade
a guy just you, know you're dealing from from a
position of. Strength and then you start stockpiling some picks
if nothing, else.
Speaker 1 (34:34):
Especially if it's a sixth round or a seventh round
or a conditional to where you depending on how many
games played or snaps, played that pick can move into
perhaps maybe the fifth. Round because you're, right if you
have a vast if you have a, surplus, yeah you might,
release you. Might you might have a team out there
that they're gonna release however many, Players but where are
(34:55):
you on that pecking order as far as waiver Claim
and if all of a, sudden like team like The
Kansas City chiefs Or Philadelphia eagles way down that, list
you pick up the phone and, say, hey we'll give
you a conditional six for said. Player, okay you're giving
me something for someone that we just don't have any
room for love to keep. Them we just can't because
(35:16):
we're limited to fifty three and there's no way he's
going to slide through waivers to get him back on
our practice. Squads so, yeah YOU i do think you might.
Have now that's, curious like what's the over under on
potential Late august Early september trades to.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
Figure out that.
Speaker 1 (35:33):
Roster but it wouldn't surprise me if there was a
couple like there were a couple of years ago When
Isaiah simmons was Delt Josh jones was dealt.
Speaker 2 (35:45):
That Cam thomas last.
Speaker 1 (35:47):
Year if there's no room then, okay well it's not
that we made a mistake by bringing that player, in
but we don't have the. Room so how do we
benefit and giving that player an opportunity?
Speaker 4 (35:58):
Elsewhere so for, example let's say you get a sixth
or a seventh rounder in, return like you did For
Cam thomas a year. Ago well guess what that turned
Into Hayden connor in the sixth. Round that turned Into
Keaton crawford in the seventh. Round so these are things
THAT nfl draft rooms AND nfl general, managers they cover
it and they value that because you can take a
(36:19):
flyer on a guy and you, know a free. Pick,
hey we'll take it as opposed to letting someone just
sign the line that has dotted with another. Team SO
i am, curious AND i do, THINK mani instead of just,
okay waiting for cut day to roll, around which this
year is going to Be august twenty, six it's A, tuesday,
(36:40):
INSTEAD i wonder if he starts, identifying for, Example Ben,
stilly who was let go earlier this. OFFSEASON i, mean
there was no chance he was going to crack that
d line room come the final, cut and so you
know what you want to. Do the guy, right and
he's been a great cardinal for a couple of years
and he's given you everything he popped could and he
(37:00):
was well respecting the locker. Room but he has a
legitimate chance to catch on another team and Forge NIC's.
Career so you let him go earlier in the process
and see if you can find a.
Speaker 1 (37:10):
Home and there could be a couple of players in
that defensive line room depending on how things go between
now and cut down, day as far as if everyone stays,
healthy because that's another loaded room and you're not keeping,
everyone and who's to say you'll be able to slide
someone to your practice, squad and, again can you get
something for someone that you were you had no plans
(37:33):
for based off a fifty three man, roster.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
And you know what it might.
Speaker 4 (37:37):
Be yet another reason Why Jonathan gannon is going with
quote more friction this year in camp because you have
more depth from which to do it, Now as he,
said we're going to do it in a safe. Way
in no way are we going to risk further. Injury
but injuries can. Happen injuries can especially happen when you're
going full, speed full contact. Football but now it's not
(38:02):
nearly knock on wood as devastatingism might have been last
year or the year before when your depth chart was
so much. Thinner now you do have the ability at
least if you want to go a little heavier in
practice and you're on a ramp of the, physicality guess,
what you have the numbers in the depth to be
able to do.
Speaker 1 (38:18):
That from our, perspective And i'll speak for, You, PAUL
i certainly hope that's the case that we do see
a little bit more, physicality whether that's more days in
pads to use them all up before you break camp
and come back To tempe or is it just the
nature and the style of the drills that they're, doing
and there's more one on one work as opposed to
(38:41):
seven on seven or eleven on. Eleven but those pass rush,
drills offensive lineman versus defensive, lineman running backs against, linebackers
stuff like, that to where all, right let's utilize those
particular practices or those particular practice sessions a little bit
more in training camp than maybe we did the first two.
Speaker 4 (39:02):
Years it doesn't have to mean just more, pads more,
hitting more overt. Physicality it can just be more compete
more all, right eleven on, eleven here we, go full,
speed full. Go you're not tackling to the ground you
never do in. Camp but there'd just be more of,
that more sessions that are more competitive than they.
Speaker 2 (39:22):
Were a year.
Speaker 4 (39:23):
Ago at the same, time What Rob frederickson, Say you know,
what if there's a few more inside run, drills you
wouldn't be surprised if not every single full padded practice last,
year to my, recollection had AN o LINE d line.
Drill so when you are in full, pads maybe that's an,
ABSOLUTE i, mean that's a. Staple and then you, know
(39:44):
maybe there's some goal line sessions you know where, okay
you know it's kind of a thud, drill but it
really turns into full go football by the time these,
guys you, know the blood starts. Boiling SO i, think
and once Again i've said, this there were two in
the first month of the year where The cardinals do
not win the battle of physicality Against detroit and Against.
Speaker 2 (40:07):
Washington washington's d. Line they set a.
Speaker 4 (40:10):
Tone and so now you want to be that, team
especially now that you have the depth and you have the,
physicality you have the dudes who can. Deliver and so
what does every coach do in any. Sport you match
your style of play to your. Personnel and The cardinals
are more equipped than ever to play that, physical violent
(40:30):
brand of football THAT jg.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
Seeks there are no night. PRACTICES i don't envision a night.
Practice Jonathan gannon has not done. That but can we
get back to that, intensity that feeling when The cardinals
went up north to Flag staff and that night Practice Lumberjack,
stadium everyone pointed to that night. Practice you're outdoors and,
(40:53):
yeah you were in full, pads and a handful of
times those practices ended early because that were not just,
exchange but As wolf likes to, say, hey there's nothing
wrong with. Fighting, well there were several skirmishes during those
practices and flag staff.
Speaker 4 (41:08):
And here's the, Thing, craig you, know here's the other,
thing and this kind of comes full. Circle hopefully this isn't.
Repetitive but you know what else ams up the intensity
is when jobs are on the. Line it's one thing
to be competitive and all, right offense trying to beat the,
defense corners are trying to beat the. Receivers but now
if a number of jobs are legitimately on the, line
(41:29):
and the film from these full, go full contact drills
are going to be evaluated first and foremost before anything
else you do out in that. Field, well that's where
the intensity gets real close to game.
Speaker 1 (41:40):
Day speaking full, circle do you need me to walk
you to your car to make sure it starts before
your head.
Speaker 2 (41:47):
High later on Ice?
Speaker 4 (41:49):
Monday, okay are you saying you could if it, doesn't
you know what you're? Doing is that what you're, saying
you're YOU'RE.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
I would just make sure that you, KNOW i, say you, know.
Speaker 4 (41:56):
Yeah we got it, Done, craig it was you, know
it's a degree of. Difficulty the battery these, days isn't
just front center in the injuring. Department hell, yeah it
has to be buried deep in. There so we had
to take out a few other, things like the air
filter box and all that kind of.
Speaker 2 (42:10):
Stuff we got it. Done, yeah no.
Speaker 1 (42:12):
Longer can you just pop the hood and you, know
make a couple of. Connections, All, oh it's not there,
anymore it's down?
Speaker 2 (42:17):
Below like? What? What?
Speaker 4 (42:18):
What speaking of cars behind? You was THIS f one
movie commercial that was playing. Earlier i'm trying to figure
out two. Things, one why does a movie only show
up in theaters for one?
Speaker 2 (42:27):
Day? Why? What what is?
Speaker 4 (42:29):
It why only one day would a movie show up in?
THEATERS i, mean not even a? Weekend is it an advanced?
Speaker 2 (42:35):
Screaming you? Know it's only On?
Speaker 4 (42:37):
Friday they say where you can buy tickets for THIS
f one movie On? Imax so maybe it's just because It's.
Imax as a, gearhead you, KNOW i want to see the,
movie but you, know Obviously i'm gonna be fighting with
everyone in the theater to get, it you, know because
it's one night, only, really because then it's going to
streaming or what have. YOU i don't quite understand that
(42:57):
so we'll. See that's my big decision this, Week, craig
thanks for, Asking AM i actually gonna go out On
friday night and rob elbows and try and get a
spot in the movie theater for that. Movie, well if you,
do here's hoping your car starts so you can get
to the.
Speaker 2 (43:10):
Theater that's, right that's.
Speaker 4 (43:11):
Right i'm the furthest thing FROM f one right now
WHEN i can't even get out of my own.
Speaker 1 (43:15):
Driveway on that, note we will put a lit on
this edition Of Cardinals cover, two presented By, hyundai proudly
partner of The Arizona. Cardinals as, always special thanks to
our executive, Producer Jim, amhundro our associate, Producer Couldie, fincher
even though he's on vacation So i'm not sure why
we credit, him.
Speaker 2 (43:32):
But his middle name is again For Paul.
Speaker 1 (43:35):
Calvec I'm Craig reallui will talk to you next time
here On Cardinals cover, two
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