May 21, 2025 • 38 mins
Ep. 886 - It’s called Phase 3, when teams can line up offense against defense. Still no contact but practice looks more like football. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck preview the start of organized team activities, better known as OTAs for short. How much do we see of the newcomers, whether that’s Josh Sweat or Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson? What about those players who we didn’t see a lot of in 2024 like BJ Ojulari, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols? Do we get an idea of who the team likes at right guard? Is there a wide receiver who emerges? Also, Craig and Dani discuss the Cardinals and Broncos holding a single joint practice ahead of their preseason game in Denver and the latest from the Spring League Meeting.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Getting ready for the third and final phase of the offseason.
Welcome Bird Gang. On today's show, Danny Surrek joins me,
we look ahead to phase three, when an offense can
line up against the defense. Yes, it looks like football.
What do we want to see? What do we hope
to see? What players or position groups will we have
our eye on? Also, the late is from the spring
league meeting. And how does Danny feel about Denver in August?
(00:27):
It's Cardinals Cover two, Episode eight eighty six, and it
starts now.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Welcome to Cardinals Cover two?
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Who to Baker?
Speaker 3 (00:37):
What Heart?
Speaker 1 (00:38):
What rent? This guy's unbelievable.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
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 1 (00:53):
He's at the ten half of five pas it again,
so more hurry magic whow here's Craig. So, Danny, how
do you feel about spending a week in Denver in
the middle of August as opposed to a week in
Arizona in the middle of August?
Speaker 4 (01:14):
Is there a right answer? Because Denver is gonna be.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Alfo a practice. It's a good point.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Oh, I guess I'd rather be in Arizona, be.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Home in your own bed as opposed to a hotel bed.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Yes, and the humidity in Denver. Thankfully it's not a
full week.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
What are we talking about? All right? Well, it was
announced earlier this week that the Arizona Cardinals preseason schedule
has been finalized, and it's part of that. The cardinals
one road trip in the preseason is a trip to
play the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August sixteenth, well, the
Thursday ahead of that game. A joint practice, just a
single joint practice, is what we are being told. So
(01:51):
last year it was two joint practices against the Colts
in Indie before the game on Saturday, which I think
was a benefit for both teams. Now it's shortened to
just one. But do you think it breaks up what
training camp becomes, and that is the daily grind. But
at least now you're going somewhere else, facing into different
color jersey. And we have seen and we have heard
(02:12):
from what Jag likes to say, the coaches get more
out of those joint practices or in this case, the
single practice than they will on game day.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
I'm curious why it's become just one practice. If they
are as beneficial as they are, why that's just one
and that could be one coach, that could be both
coaches for whatever reason. Nobody really played in that game
against the Colts, the actual preseason game, because they had
two full joint practices. So if you only have one
against the Broncos, does that mean in the second preseason
(02:43):
game we're going to see starters? I think we will
surely see them week one when you're facing the Chiefs
and head coach Andy Reid is known for playing his
starters much more than many other coaches are in the preseason,
and when you look at the amount of different faces
specifically on this defense, makes you think, I think that
a lot of these players brought in could be starters.
(03:03):
Are you gonna want to see them out there in
some sort of game action?
Speaker 1 (03:07):
I do hope.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
It's always fun when you do a.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
Joint practice, right, it's different, it's competitive. I'll just be
curious what I guess they get out of one practice
as opposed to too.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
I do hope that there is a different a different
thought process, a different schedule when it comes to preseason games,
because I like you believe that again, how do you
get better playing football? Well, you play football, you don't
sit there watch on the sideline. So does that change
from the previous couple of seasons where typically you don't
see a lot of the big names, even if it
(03:38):
is just for a series or two. I do think
it helps. Again, you want to condition your body to
get ready for the regular season, and how do you
do that. Well, you got to feel the hit, you
got to get tackled, you got to go out there
and go one hundred percent. And I do think more
and more teams would benefit with that mindset, and then
(03:59):
you're not getting a lot of sloppiness in the first
couple of games.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
The argument against that is injuries, right, So it's pro
and con and I can see both sides, and that
will be something to keep an eye on as we
get closer to that later on training camp, as we
get closer to the preseason of is that something that
is tweeked, Because that's what we heard early in the
offseason as soon as the season ended, that head coach
Jonathan Gannon and his staff after every year evaluate everything
(04:26):
under the umbrella, not just the play on the field
from players, also the coaches and the logistics and the
decisions that are made throughout their process from start to finish.
And we heard a lot about looking into what exactly
led to the downfall after the bye week when you
went two and five, right, So I would imagine it's
(04:47):
all encompassing, and does that start as early as preseason
and maybe you have players starters play more snaps than
the preseason, so that the comfortability of who you are
next to on the field, of the communication your body
even getting a few snaps, and the recovery process of
that is different.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
I'm curious, and I do think it's beneficial, especially going
up against the Broncos, because if you're Kyler Murray, you're
Marvin Harrison junior, it's Zach Allen on the other side,
it's Patrick's or Tan on the other side, it's Vance
Joseph on the other side, your former defensive coordinator now
calling plays. So I do think again, and it is
(05:27):
a different defense than you typically see on an everyday
basis going against the Cardinals defense. So just some different
things to think about as you go into that week.
Might not see it on Saturday, could very well see
it on Thursday.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Sure, But I mean the argument of going against your
former defensive coordinator. Is how many players on this offense
were here when he was here.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
I'm just talking about what Vance likes to do scheme
wise and throw different things. Not No, it's not the
as we were talking during our schedule release show, the
revenge factor or the you know, none of that stuff.
Just again familiar face, but again a much much different
looking defensive coordinator and what Vance likes to do as
opposed what Nick Rawlis likes.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Yeah, that was the intention of working with the Colts
last year. That that's I would assume that is going
to be the thought process moving forward with Gannett as
the head coach.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Enjoy Denver, it will be I would I would think
a little bit cooler. You won't have to worry about
knock on wood any rain like you did last year
in Indianapolis.
Speaker 4 (06:27):
I mean, we'll see probably hopefully you just said it.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
So probably I'm not speaking anything into existence. I refuse
to do that here on Cardinals Cover two presented by
Hundai Proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. All right, so
that's that's training camp. Well, before we get to training camp,
there is mini camp, and then there is what is
going to be happening next week, and that is phase
three of the off season strength and conditioning program otherwise
(06:50):
known as Organized Team Activities OTAs. And now you can
actually have teams line up against one another, meaning offense
versus defense, eleven on eleven, seven on seven, nine on seven.
It's still not in full pads, it's still not quite
full speed, but at least what you're going to see
in the next two weeks and mini camp is a
(07:12):
little bit more of football, just still shorts T shirts,
but you can still utilize what you're learning in the classroom,
take it out of the football field, and actually, as
Buddhabaka likes to say, okay, do you know it or
do you know it what we're doing offensively and defensively.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
From our standpoint, what we're going to be seeing is
what are the early thoughts of groupings, What are the
early alignments going to look like? What is the grouping
of your defensive lineman. That's not to say whoever we
see out there the first snap is who we're going
to see out there the first snap Week one in
New Orleans by any means, it's just getting an idea
(07:50):
of where is the starting point for this coaching staff
with the players that they have out there and where
they are aligned. And while you're not going to get
full true pressure, you might get a little bit more
in your quarterbacks face. It's not necessarily just the routes
versus air. You're gonna have at least somewhat of a
defense to go against, whether that's someone in the pocket,
(08:11):
that's you know, someone outside going up against a receiver.
So it's gonna get a little more difficult and that sense,
and that's what Baker means when he says, do you
know know it? It's one thing when you have nobody
defending you whatsoever of Okay, do you know your route?
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Do you know your timing?
Speaker 4 (08:26):
Do you know your footwork? Now, when you've got someone
in your face who's making it a little more difficult,
you really got to know it.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
There's resistance and what they're doing right now here in
phase two there is no resistance. It's routes on air,
but at least you have someone no contact, but at
least you'll have someone in your way, so to speak,
whether offense or defense. So ahead of next week, I
thought that we'd preview what we hope to see, maybe
even hope to hear over the next two weeks leading
(08:52):
up to mini camp. Again, this is what we want
to see. There's no guarantee we will, and to be honest,
I think a lot of what we'll discuss here we
might not really get answers to until training camp. And
keep this in mind, burg Gang OTAs voluntary. So I'll
all say this, there's been excellent participation through this entire
(09:12):
offseason strength and conditioning program. But even though we only
have maybe a day or two out there, you don't
see someone there on a Tuesday, doesn't mean they weren't
there Wednesday and Thursday. So that's again what OTAs are.
So as we break this up, we want to go
offense defense or is there some more certain player or
position group that maybe you have your eye on more
(09:34):
than another as we get ready for actually seeing both
sides of the of the team on on the football.
Speaker 4 (09:40):
Field, defense one hundred percent, the offense looks exact same.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
They're running it back.
Speaker 4 (09:45):
And with how limited you're going to be, OTA's well,
yes you can still have resistance. I'm curious what exactly
you have your eye on for offense.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Offense For me is again whether we see this or not.
But again, some of the questions that I have is,
all right, what's the competition look like at gart what
are the guys, what's the who do we see at
right guard? If we do it all? But again, these
are the questions that I have going into this next
phase and even in mini camp. All right, who's lining
(10:15):
up over there? What does the competition look like?
Speaker 4 (10:17):
I don't think there is competition right right now. I
think it is Isaiah Adams's position to lose. What player
have they brought in that would make you think differently?
Speaker 3 (10:26):
At this point in the off season.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
The only one who has experience, and it's limited experience
is Royce Newman. Now that's a it's not a sexy name,
and it's not someone that people know a lot about.
But he was brought here for a reason, so at least, yeah,
you're right, all right, let's pencil in Isaiah Adams. But
I don't know if I would go as far as
(10:48):
to say it's his job to lose. I do think
you're going to see whether that's Royce. I'd even throw
in a John Gaines, Hayden Connor. How much can he
really learn right now and jump in and learn the
playbook and show that physicality and be a part of
the mix in the.
Speaker 4 (11:05):
Most respectful way. I don't think it's fair to make
an assumption that a six round draft pick can come
in and make competition at one of your guard spots
right off the bat for the first practice of OTAs.
I don't think that's fair at all. I think, yes,
he's recovering, so it makes sense to not have Will Hernandez.
There's a reason they did not bring back Tristan Cologne.
I think they like what they saw in Adams and
he didn't even play a full year as a rookie.
(11:26):
You want to develop your younger players, and that is
what they're doing. And so the fact that they haven't
fully addressed specifically right guard, with the exception of really
adding Newman, tells me they like the projection that Adams
is on. They like the track he's on. So I
think that is his position to lose. Is their competition there, Yes,
is their competition for your six round pick to come
(11:48):
in and be your starting right or left guard week
one of OTA's No, that is just not realistic when
you're looking at the size and the experience with the
league and with this team, specifically that you are you
have in that room.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
I'm not saying it's win or lose next week, but
I'm talking about as we start to think about that
position you're you're at. I'm not disagreeing to you with Isaiah.
If I'm going to do a pecking order, yeah, I
would go Isaiah Adams, Royce Newman, and again he's your guy.
(12:21):
I've kind of adopted him in as well. I'm very
curious what this team decides to do with John Gaines
and his versatility on the interior. Is it at center?
Speaker 4 (12:33):
We haven't really seen him at guard much. I think
that's been clear that he's going to be your backup center.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
The other item on offensive line is all right, Jonah Williams.
Is he healthy? How healthy is he? Can you count
on him to be your right tackle or is it
going to be Calvin Beacham or someone else? Or is
that a position that you get closer to training camp
in preseason? All right, well, we might need to go
(13:00):
out and find someone because they're not one hundred percent
confident in one the health or the ability of those players. Again,
we were told Darren met with Monti Austin Fords in
the annual league meeting, and the question was asked about
Jonah and beach because they both ended or say, Jonah
(13:20):
and Paris both end of the season on IR and
Mani said, yeah, they we expect them ready for week one.
Now does that mean next week? I have no idea,
But that's another area about Okay, keep an eye on
that right side of the offensive line.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Sure. I mean they brought in Jonah Williams for a
reason when they had Kelvin Beacham on the roster. So
if you're asking what the starting point is, they probably
feel more comfortable about Williams being your starting right tackle
than they do Beacham, who they feel very comfortable with
as your swing tackle. So if all things are even
and Williams is healthy and they feel like he can
be healthy again, not necessarily a spot I think is
(13:57):
true competition. I can understand why you're you know, you
want to find something on the offensive line, or you're
looking at depth or things like that. I just when
you're looking at offensive defense from a starting position, I
don't think there are a lot of spots up for
grabs for competition on the offensive side of the ball.
They kept the consistency they kept the pieces there from
(14:17):
last year for a reason.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Yeah, And the only new face Week one, twenty twenty
five versus twenty twenty four would be your right guard.
That would be the only change offensively, as we say,
running it back, that's the only difference last season to
this season, because everything else quarterback, running back, wide receiver,
tight end, offensive line outside of the right guard, it's
(14:41):
a mirror image of one and a Now within that
wide receiver room the other we stay on offense here
the wide receivers, though, is okay the pecking order behind Marvin,
behind Michael? Could someone push Michael Wilson a little bit?
Zay Jones? He's actually going to be here at the
(15:01):
start of the season. He wasn't last season. Is there
more of an expanded role for him? But when I
talk about wide receiver, it's and I mentioned this earlier,
when everyone talks about bringing in an outside guy or
a veteran, well, that veteran or that other wide receiver,
you're the fifth offensive weapon.
Speaker 4 (15:21):
Probably won't be brought in to be the fifth offensive weapon.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
And that's my argument for everyone that wants.
Speaker 4 (15:26):
To bring in a veteran, bring in a veteran, you're
going to bring in a number two receiver. That's what
it is. You're not going to bring in a receiver
to replace Za Jones if Michael Wilson is still going
to be your number two, because what would that veteran
bring in that Jay Jones doesn't add to this roster again,
a player that they liked enough to bring back. If
you're going to bring in a veteran receiver to create
(15:47):
some competition opposite of Harrison to make the passing game
more formidable, which was inconsistent last season, they're not coming
in to be your third or fourth receiver. They're coming
in to be that number two.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
And I say fifth option that's behind in no particular order,
that's behind Trey McBride, Marvin James, Connor, Kyler Murray. Now
could I count Kyler as an offensive weapon running the
football just as a defense making sure you keep him accountable?
(16:20):
And the fifth is okay, is that Michael Wilson? And
is there someone out there that's better than Michael Okay?
But within this offense, standy. You know, if you're going
to be on that football field as a skilled player,
you have to be able to block. And I don't
know if all those names that are out there still
on the market, and there's a reason why they're still
(16:41):
on the market. Are you willing to come in to
be a team guy? Maybe not get as many targets,
have to get your hands dirty a little bit blocking,
and then all of a sudden, maybe get the occasional
target or not.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
This staff absolutely prioritized as a receiver who can block.
I'm cure if they feel strongly enough with the weapons
and the offense as a whole, are you comfortable and
confident bringing in a receiver who you don't necessarily care
as much as a big blocker, because you know, even
if they go out there and that tells the defense,
(17:14):
hey it's a passing play. They're so good and they
are so consistent at winning their one zero one matchups,
it's not going to hinder you at all. I think
there are very few veteran receivers that that would apply to,
where you are so good as a receiver as a
pass catcher, we're gonna put you out there and you're
not going to be our name, our main blocking receiver.
(17:35):
We will up your blocking right, but you're not gonna
be our main blocking receiver like they've been using with
Michael Wilson. Again, that's a few, that's a short list
of veteran receivers that I think that would apply to
where blocking is not so much one of the top
skill sets. So I understand, and it's probably going to
be someone more along what you were saying of that
(17:57):
full package, not someone who just has a speed, just
has the hands. It is a peculiar situation that they
are in, given what we heard from so many players
and coaches last year about needing to be better and
then not making any changes in that room in the
offseason thus.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Far, internal changes or internal improvement, because I think we're
all in agreement this team, this offense is run first,
and how do you get better as an offense? It's
the downfield passing game. Can you find some more chunk
throws twenty plus yards? Thirty plus yards? And is that
receiver on the roster is that Michael Wilson, Is that
(18:36):
Jay Jones Xavier Weaver who we saw late in the
season that connection quite wasn't there, but not a lot
of reps between Kyler and Zay and then the newcomer
and all of this is Simmy Feyjoko, who has good size,
six four to two eighteen, a special teams guy. He
did give him some decent money to leave the Chargers.
(18:57):
What's his catch ability, his speed to where all of
a sudden it's a different wrinkle, if you will, because
I do think that's what's missing from this offense is
where are those chunk throws? James connerd Trey Benson. They're
going to take care of the chunk runs Kyler two.
But where are those chunk throws coming from? Is it
(19:18):
just simply Marvin going into year two and don't forget
about Trey and his ability to run after the catch? Yeah,
it could be just that easy too.
Speaker 4 (19:26):
Yes, it is needing more consistency from your number one receiver.
It is needing a big step up from year two
to year three for Wilson and continuing to rely on
arguably the best tight end in the league. I just
it's too soon for me to, I think, make a
commitment on what that new wrinkle could be, because what
(19:46):
is Semi Fajoco giving you that Greg georche doesn't. That's
been talked about for years as a wrinkle in this
offense that could give you an advantage. I think there
are questions that it's going to take some time to
still be answered in that room internally.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
All right, So that's offense defense, which I think again
that's been where the most change was from last year. OTAs,
what do we see? What do we want to notice?
What do we want to hear? Again voluntary non contact,
So it's you're not gonna be able to know, all right,
how does someone rush the past or how does someone
(20:21):
beat someone off the line of scrimmage? Now you're not
going to see any of that, But to your point,
as far as all right, what's the initial groupings? Who
does this coaching staff believe are your first three or
four defensive lineman? What's the outside linebacker room look like?
What this cornerback look like? How do you how are
you lining up? And if you're not privy to seeing
(20:42):
eleven on eleven, pay attention to the drills because a
year ago everyone wondered, all right, how are you going
to line up? Well, typically your starters are at the
front of the line, and then you can kind of
make guesses off of that and make notices or little
details and all of a sudden, right, what I say
I saw in May and June, does that show up
(21:02):
again when we get to training camp in July.
Speaker 4 (21:04):
It's voluntary, So just because someone's not out there doesn't
mean that something is wrong per se quote unquote, or
there's an injury. But with the people who are out there,
I want to see how involved can you be someone
like Darius Robinson defensive lineman who played the final six
games of last season that calf. Are you able to
(21:25):
be fully active to the point that you can't be
for OTAs. I want to see where Dalvin Tomlinson and
Kalaeis Campbell line up on that defensive line. Where are
they thinking of placing Walter Nolan right? Where is he
going to be in this rotation? And also Justin Jones
and Malal Nichols, who played in combined nine games last
season after being brought in in last year's wave of
(21:46):
free agency. Are they out there and how active are
they able to be? If they're out there, it's mostly
the groupings where people are lined up and physically, what
are you able to do. It'll be our first chance
to really see the Will Johnson move because rookie minicamp,
all we were out there for media was stretching. That
was truly it was seeing stretching from afar on the
(22:07):
far field, so this will be a better look at
how he is moving. Those are what you're looking for.
It's not gonna be anything sexy or surprising, right, it's
just those little things of Okay, I'm going to add
up all these pieces to get an idea of what
the bigger picture is. Something else though, when you're seeing
all of this, if not everybody is out there, that's
(22:30):
going to make things look different, specifically in the trenches.
If you don't have Justin Jones, Blon Nichols, Kalaeius Campbell
for whatever reason, you can't get over your skis. If
you've got Darius Robinson and Walternle in the third out,
there is your quote unquote starters, because at some point
you need bodies, right, So you have to take everything
you see with somewhat of a grain of salt.
Speaker 1 (22:52):
Yeah, what you see is in May is not necessarily
what you'll see week one in September. You brought up Darius,
and I think that's a great first name to bring up,
because he certainly did even in OTAs and Mini camp
year ago. Look the part coming out of Missouri certainly
filled out a uniform and then in training camp dominated.
(23:15):
He looked very, very good. Now we're not gonna see
him full speed going up against an offensive lineman in OTAs.
But to your point, all right, how is he moving?
Is he beyond the calf injury? Does he trust the injury?
Does he trust the calf to go be a little
explosive odd of his stance or is there some hesitation
(23:38):
still here? Early in the offseason, you.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
Sparked something of me. A name I want to see
at OTAs. Cornerback Elijah Jones didn't play a single snap
as a rookie, practiced a handful of times dealing with
an injury. That's a name I would love to see
out there because we haven't seen him. It's almost out
of side, out of mind when we're talking about the
competition in that cornerbacks room.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
Those are from last year's draft class. Those might be
the two names because we got a glimpse of Darius.
We didn't get a glimpse from Elijah Jones. He practiced
what two, three, maybe four times, and then all of
a sudden, that foot and heel just weren't able to
(24:22):
keep him on the football field. But you invested a
third round pick on a pretty sizable cornerback. He has
all the measurables. We've had limited interaction with him, he
certainly seems like he knows what he's doing, has a
good head on his shoulders. And again, the affinity for
(24:44):
defensive backs for this front office, at least in the draft.
I believe it's nine defensive backs out of the twenty
eight draft picks that Monty ostin Ford has made in
his three years now as GM. So you are selected
for a reason on Day two. This is not some
sixth seventh round guy. This was a third round pick.
(25:05):
But now all of a sudden, Max Melton year two,
well Johnson a second round pick. Can't forget about Starling
Thomas Denzel Burke another guy that was selected in the draft.
And oh, by the way, you have the veteran and
Sean Murphy Bunting still out there as well. And how
do you figure out who are your three four guys?
(25:27):
And again I do not include Garrett Williams in this
conversation at all. I think I brought this up to
you once before. He's a slot corner, He's going to
be on the field. He is not part of the
cornerback discussion at all because he knows his role and
he is going to be on the football field. I
just don't know who's going to be outside of him
or on the other side playing cornerback.
Speaker 4 (25:49):
Great question, Well Williams can play outside he hasn't, and
considering how good he was and Pro Football Focus had
him ranked as one of the top cornerbacks last year,
I can't imagine them vastly changing his role coming off
the year year and a half. Really, that second half
is rookie year where he was able to play that
he is from the rookies as a whole. Confidence, that's
(26:11):
what you're looking for. A name like linebacker Cody Simon
stands out. That's a position room where there is opportunity
for him to come in and make an impact. There's
an opportunity if he can handle it, to wear the
green dot. And you need a lot of confidence. You
need confidence in yourself and your ability to know that
playbook inside and out based on what is being called.
You need confidence and being able to tell your teammates,
(26:36):
including nine year veteran Buddha Baker, where to go and
make sure that he is in the right spot and
if he's not, you can tell him where to go.
And to do that in a clear and concise way
while catching your breath and lining up and making a play. Again,
it's early, we're not going to see a lot but
confidence as a.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
Rookie, how do you carry yourself amongst your teammates and
some of those older teammates, if you're coming in and
as a Cody Simon or a Will Johnson, And because
if you're going to be on that football field, you
have confidence in your own ability, but do others around
you have confidence in you?
Speaker 4 (27:08):
And if you get beat, can you turn the page
quickly and make a play on the next opportunity?
Speaker 1 (27:13):
And whether or not we're able to hear it, if
you're Cody Simon or Kem Davis Gaither or Michael Walker,
if you're one of those inside linebackers, are you showing
command in the huddle or command of the defense and
getting everyone where they're supposed to be? Again, from our perspective,
for our vantage point watching these practices, we might not
be able to hear that, but certainly your body language,
(27:38):
how you emotion how do you get everyone in place?
Are you directing traffic much like a quarterback with the
signals and everything? Can Cody Simon do that out of
the gate or is it someone else brand new?
Speaker 4 (27:49):
Maybe Paul CALVISI got answers to our questions when he
had Cody Simon on the Big Red Rage this week,
So you can tune in Thursday.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Good tease ahead.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:57):
By the way, the name that we have not men
mentioned here defensively probably the name that not that we
overlooked the big ticket item in free agency, Josh.
Speaker 3 (28:11):
So I'm thinking who on earthway?
Speaker 1 (28:14):
Because again, this happened so long ago, back in March,
the middle of March. We've heard from Josh once and
all of a sudden, as you get further and further
away from that sign, you kind of forget a little
bit about who was brought in because you focus on
the most recent transactions. But nothing against Josh how much?
(28:37):
And again you're not going to see a whole lot,
But how does he look on the football field.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
He can still win reps, he can still find his
way into the backfield pass an offensive lineman, and I
am excited to see those competitions.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Just completely forgot about it, you truly.
Speaker 4 (28:54):
And now I've got this huge smile. You're right, like,
oh my gosh, I wish we were already past Ota,
so I could see him really put the pads.
Speaker 3 (29:00):
On a move.
Speaker 1 (29:01):
And that's again that's the aspects of this defense.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
How do we go this far without naming him?
Speaker 1 (29:08):
My goodness, apologies, I will put BJ ahead of Josh
Sweat just because we know what Josh what is capable
of doing. We've seen it. We don't quite know what
BJ is capable of doing. We think we do. We
have seen again training camp a year ago. He looked very,
(29:29):
very good until he went down with that ACL injury,
and then you lose sight and you lose memory of
those guys. They're gone and almost forgotten. Anytime you're on IR,
you don't feel like you're a part of the team.
So yeah, I would put BJ Jali up there high
on the list of players I would like to see
(29:49):
on that football field.
Speaker 4 (29:50):
Gone but not forgotten. Craig, it's been almost a year
since we have seen Ojalaris. This is really going to
be your two for him. Even now it's year three,
year two, he's got a new position coach, so I
am very excited to see him out on the football
field again. How active can he be? Where is he
(30:11):
at in his recovery? Process from that knee injury and
what are the steps that are going to be taken
before training camp starts, because that's the goal of when
you would like to see Ojelari be out there and
be one hundred percent a year off and you never
really know, right, every injury, every recovery is different. Okay, Yeah,
So if we're if we're going back and we're looking
at top names, we want to see how active they
(30:33):
can be in OTA's to the point that they can be.
Defensive lineman Darius Robinson, it's like linebacker b Jji, cornerback
Elijah Jones. Those have got to be some of your
top three.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
The faces that we didn't see enough from last year.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
And then let's see right justin Jones, Blond Nichols on
that D lane. Are you out there at all?
Speaker 1 (30:54):
How much are you capable of doing? Again, this is
all voluntary, So as Danny mentioned, I'll reiterate, if you're
seeing them on Tuesday or you don't see them on Tuesday,
doesn't mean they're not here Wednesday Thursday. And that's just
how this works until you get to mandatory mini camp.
But you look at the names that were brought in
versus the names that we didn't see a whole heck
(31:16):
of a lot of. I mean, it's a hefty list
as far as players who were brought in in free
agency a year ago that you were counting on and
just didn't get on the football field enough, and Jones
and Nichols and all of a sudden, now you got Dallan, Tomlinson,
Kalas Campbell, Walter Nolan's like, okay, I mean it's it's
it's a stacked room. At least it looks to be
(31:37):
a stacked room on paper.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
Careful, crag, you're making me excited for OTAs.
Speaker 1 (31:42):
Will I will? You know what? I can't remind you
about it next?
Speaker 3 (31:45):
I know you're on.
Speaker 1 (31:47):
Yeah, it's a programming note. I mean, Cardinals Cover two
will continue despite my absence, because that's what it is. No,
there's no beat team. There's enough people here to kind
of handle things while I'm gone for a week or so.
Speaker 3 (31:58):
We will do our best.
Speaker 4 (32:01):
One of the items here, want me to FaceTime you
in during practice for OTAs. You know what, why don't
you just keep an eye on Paul's Twitter and look
at the video In the video pol he's gonna be posting, but.
Speaker 1 (32:11):
Have you noticed, though, quick right hand turn. Here there
is a new phone and the video quality is a
lot better. I think Paul has turned the corner here
on his.
Speaker 3 (32:24):
He doesn't have an Android anymore.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
I don't believe.
Speaker 4 (32:26):
So what the son of a TEXTI if it's blue
or green?
Speaker 1 (32:30):
Oh? Still an android? Our associate producer Cody Finiser says,
still an android. But I believe it's an I believe
it's an upgraded phone because the video quality is better.
Speaker 4 (32:41):
If I ask him, he's going to be offended.
Speaker 1 (32:43):
His screen is no longer cracked. How about that? So
you did get a new phone. I just don't know
what kind of.
Speaker 4 (32:48):
Okay, we'll keep your keep your eye out for Paul's
videos while you're gone for OTAs.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Last, the last item here the spring league Spring League
meeting in Minnesota. The owners have met and by the way,
I don't know if you saw, but a tip of
the cap to the Philadelphia Eagles social media team because
they are loving the announcement. On Wednesday, the post on
social media was push on.
Speaker 4 (33:13):
And I believe they posted a long video of all
their tush pushes as well.
Speaker 1 (33:18):
Yes, the toush push lives on the proposal to ban
the move. Actually, I noticed that the Packers who had
proposed it re erote it or added some language the
day before about Okay, it's not just the toush push,
it's assisting the runner. Wherever you're on the field. You
can't push, you can't pull. Trey McBride scoring that touchdown
(33:39):
from ten yards out when he was pushed into the
end zone, that would be not allowed, but the vote failed.
Needed twenty four votes, got twenty two, so you'll still
see Jalen Hurts getting pushed for that one yard near
a first down or near the goal line. And again,
I'm okay with this because it certainly seemed like you
(34:00):
are singling out one team because the thirty one other
teams just couldn't figure out how to stop it. Not
that you can't do it yourself, but hey, we can't
stop it, so we're just going to ban it. And no,
you want to ban the assisting of a runner, I'm
okay with that, but not one particular.
Speaker 4 (34:16):
Move or better start warming up.
Speaker 1 (34:20):
I think you'll see it. Jacoby Brissett.
Speaker 4 (34:24):
Maybe that's the first question we asked when we had
a chance to talk to the backup QB uncomfortable are
you on.
Speaker 1 (34:29):
The push pushed? That's that's that might be the line
of that might be the line of the off season.
So yeah, the touch push will remain. The on side
kick has been tweaked a little bit. Now trailing teams
can declare anytime, not just in the fourth quarter, which
(34:51):
I think benefit. I still don't like the having to
declare because you line up as a normal kickoff. But
I get it.
Speaker 3 (34:56):
You're not waiting until the first half.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
You're not waiting until the fourth quarter. You could do
it in the second quarter if you wanted to. But
the whole idea of declaring it's the on site kick
is supposed to be a surprise.
Speaker 3 (35:07):
Yeah, it's the element of it.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
But hey, Danny, here it comes.
Speaker 3 (35:11):
Okay, I'll be ready.
Speaker 1 (35:13):
It just doesn't do it for me.
Speaker 4 (35:14):
I wait to talk to a Special Teams cordinator Jeff Rogers.
Speaker 1 (35:18):
The proposed to resee the playoffs. That was pulled before
a vote. So the Lions proposal to recede after the
first round, Oh no, just receie. Just you know, you
win the division, you get a playoff spot. You just
don't guarantee the host a playoff.
Speaker 4 (35:33):
Yeah, the Lions wanted to be overall records, right, which
makes sense because the NFC North had an incredible season
last year.
Speaker 1 (35:41):
Winning the division though, still should matter for reed.
Speaker 4 (35:45):
Agreed, that's part of it. Like you're in a competitive division,
like that is just what it is. That's part of
the fun. That's also how you get better. I mean,
it's the same right with like a weather game, right,
like advantage your disadvantage. I just I'm right there with you.
I like the fact that if you win the division,
it stands for something.
Speaker 1 (36:05):
It means, you know, if I understand, maybe if you
want to say, all right, win the division, you're in
the postseason, but you don't get a playoff game if
you have a worse record than someone ahead of you.
That I can sort of understand. But winning a division
unless you're going to change how you schedule your seventeen
(36:27):
games because you play six within the division. And I'm
sorry if my division is harder than yours, or hey,
look we went six and zho because our three other
teams they're not very good this season. But that's just
that's just the way it is, and it's it's unfortunate,
but sorry.
Speaker 4 (36:44):
I'm right there with you.
Speaker 1 (36:46):
So, by the way, Hard Knocks. Did you see this?
Speaker 4 (36:50):
I did the Buffalo bills for priests for Trading Camp
and then the NFC.
Speaker 1 (36:55):
East for in season Hard Knocks, which but I don't think.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
That's all year, right, I mean they start showing the
episodes what November.
Speaker 1 (37:02):
You're right, you're right. But at some point now I
have to wait and see where Week nine falls into
this filming, because the Cardinals play at the Cowboys.
Speaker 3 (37:11):
And I mean, I'll be up.
Speaker 4 (37:13):
I'll be curious to see how much our game makes
it in with three other teams and all the different storylines,
including the defending Super Bowl champions and new head coach
in Dallas and the excitement around Jane Daniels and the.
Speaker 3 (37:28):
Question marks in New York. There's a chance.
Speaker 1 (37:31):
Yeah, we'll wait and see. Just yeah, I guess all
just depends on to your point, get the Super Bowl
champions and then okay, how how good are the other
teams in the division or by that Monday night game
with the Cowboys three and five? Don't ask me four, four,
two and six.
Speaker 4 (37:51):
If you ask them, ain't no, no, it's there. It's
their year, Craig. Is that what they always say?
Speaker 1 (37:56):
Yeah? I believe they always say that around October, though
fair look ahead to next year. We look ahead to
a little vacation here. But the seat will not be
cold while I'm away. It's either of you, Paul, Zach, Darren, whomever,
but Cardinals Cover two will live on.
Speaker 3 (38:15):
As they say, We're going to do our best.
Speaker 4 (38:17):
Don't feel like you need to listen in enjoy your vacation.
I know you are going to enjoy your vacation.
Speaker 1 (38:23):
Okay, I appreciate that very much. Will you miss me?
Speaker 4 (38:26):
Sure?
Speaker 1 (38:27):
Okay, make sure you clip that. On that note, we'll
put a lid on This edition of Cardinals Cover two
presented by Hyundai, proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. As always,
special thanks to our executive producer Joe mom Andre our
associate producer Coddy Fincher for Danny Surrek, I'm Craig Real Lou.
We'll talk to you next time here on Cardinals Cover two.
Getting ready for the third and final phase of the offseason.
Welcome Bird Gang. On today's show, Danny Surrek joins me,
we look ahead to phase three, when an offense can
line up against the defense. Yes, it looks like football.
What do we want to see? What do we hope
to see? What players or position groups will we have
our eye on? Also, the late is from the spring
league meeting. And how does Danny feel about Denver in August?
(00:27):
It's Cardinals Cover two, Episode eight eighty six, and it
starts now.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Welcome to Cardinals Cover two?
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Who to Baker?
Speaker 3 (00:37):
What Heart?
Speaker 1 (00:38):
What rent? This guy's unbelievable.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
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 1 (00:53):
He's at the ten half of five pas it again,
so more hurry magic whow here's Craig. So, Danny, how
do you feel about spending a week in Denver in
the middle of August as opposed to a week in
Arizona in the middle of August?
Speaker 4 (01:14):
Is there a right answer? Because Denver is gonna be.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Alfo a practice. It's a good point.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Oh, I guess I'd rather be in Arizona, be.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Home in your own bed as opposed to a hotel bed.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Yes, and the humidity in Denver. Thankfully it's not a
full week.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
What are we talking about? All right? Well, it was
announced earlier this week that the Arizona Cardinals preseason schedule
has been finalized, and it's part of that. The cardinals
one road trip in the preseason is a trip to
play the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August sixteenth, well, the
Thursday ahead of that game. A joint practice, just a
single joint practice, is what we are being told. So
(01:51):
last year it was two joint practices against the Colts
in Indie before the game on Saturday, which I think
was a benefit for both teams. Now it's shortened to
just one. But do you think it breaks up what
training camp becomes, and that is the daily grind. But
at least now you're going somewhere else, facing into different
color jersey. And we have seen and we have heard
(02:12):
from what Jag likes to say, the coaches get more
out of those joint practices or in this case, the
single practice than they will on game day.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
I'm curious why it's become just one practice. If they
are as beneficial as they are, why that's just one
and that could be one coach, that could be both
coaches for whatever reason. Nobody really played in that game
against the Colts, the actual preseason game, because they had
two full joint practices. So if you only have one
against the Broncos, does that mean in the second preseason
(02:43):
game we're going to see starters? I think we will
surely see them week one when you're facing the Chiefs
and head coach Andy Reid is known for playing his
starters much more than many other coaches are in the preseason,
and when you look at the amount of different faces
specifically on this defense, makes you think, I think that
a lot of these players brought in could be starters.
(03:03):
Are you gonna want to see them out there in
some sort of game action?
Speaker 1 (03:07):
I do hope.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
It's always fun when you do a.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
Joint practice, right, it's different, it's competitive. I'll just be
curious what I guess they get out of one practice
as opposed to too.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
I do hope that there is a different a different
thought process, a different schedule when it comes to preseason games,
because I like you believe that again, how do you
get better playing football? Well, you play football, you don't
sit there watch on the sideline. So does that change
from the previous couple of seasons where typically you don't
see a lot of the big names, even if it
(03:38):
is just for a series or two. I do think
it helps. Again, you want to condition your body to
get ready for the regular season, and how do you
do that. Well, you got to feel the hit, you
got to get tackled, you got to go out there
and go one hundred percent. And I do think more
and more teams would benefit with that mindset, and then
(03:59):
you're not getting a lot of sloppiness in the first
couple of games.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
The argument against that is injuries, right, So it's pro
and con and I can see both sides, and that
will be something to keep an eye on as we
get closer to that later on training camp, as we
get closer to the preseason of is that something that
is tweeked, Because that's what we heard early in the
offseason as soon as the season ended, that head coach
Jonathan Gannon and his staff after every year evaluate everything
(04:26):
under the umbrella, not just the play on the field
from players, also the coaches and the logistics and the
decisions that are made throughout their process from start to finish.
And we heard a lot about looking into what exactly
led to the downfall after the bye week when you
went two and five, right, So I would imagine it's
(04:47):
all encompassing, and does that start as early as preseason
and maybe you have players starters play more snaps than
the preseason, so that the comfortability of who you are
next to on the field, of the communication your body
even getting a few snaps, and the recovery process of
that is different.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
I'm curious, and I do think it's beneficial, especially going
up against the Broncos, because if you're Kyler Murray, you're
Marvin Harrison junior, it's Zach Allen on the other side,
it's Patrick's or Tan on the other side, it's Vance
Joseph on the other side, your former defensive coordinator now
calling plays. So I do think again, and it is
(05:27):
a different defense than you typically see on an everyday
basis going against the Cardinals defense. So just some different
things to think about as you go into that week.
Might not see it on Saturday, could very well see
it on Thursday.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Sure, But I mean the argument of going against your
former defensive coordinator. Is how many players on this offense
were here when he was here.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
I'm just talking about what Vance likes to do scheme
wise and throw different things. Not No, it's not the
as we were talking during our schedule release show, the
revenge factor or the you know, none of that stuff.
Just again familiar face, but again a much much different
looking defensive coordinator and what Vance likes to do as
opposed what Nick Rawlis likes.
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Yeah, that was the intention of working with the Colts
last year. That that's I would assume that is going
to be the thought process moving forward with Gannett as
the head coach.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Enjoy Denver, it will be I would I would think
a little bit cooler. You won't have to worry about
knock on wood any rain like you did last year
in Indianapolis.
Speaker 4 (06:27):
I mean, we'll see probably hopefully you just said it.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
So probably I'm not speaking anything into existence. I refuse
to do that here on Cardinals Cover two presented by
Hundai Proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. All right, so
that's that's training camp. Well, before we get to training camp,
there is mini camp, and then there is what is
going to be happening next week, and that is phase
three of the off season strength and conditioning program otherwise
(06:50):
known as Organized Team Activities OTAs. And now you can
actually have teams line up against one another, meaning offense
versus defense, eleven on eleven, seven on seven, nine on seven.
It's still not in full pads, it's still not quite
full speed, but at least what you're going to see
in the next two weeks and mini camp is a
(07:12):
little bit more of football, just still shorts T shirts,
but you can still utilize what you're learning in the classroom,
take it out of the football field, and actually, as
Buddhabaka likes to say, okay, do you know it or
do you know it what we're doing offensively and defensively.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
From our standpoint, what we're going to be seeing is
what are the early thoughts of groupings, What are the
early alignments going to look like? What is the grouping
of your defensive lineman. That's not to say whoever we
see out there the first snap is who we're going
to see out there the first snap Week one in
New Orleans by any means, it's just getting an idea
(07:50):
of where is the starting point for this coaching staff
with the players that they have out there and where
they are aligned. And while you're not going to get
full true pressure, you might get a little bit more
in your quarterbacks face. It's not necessarily just the routes
versus air. You're gonna have at least somewhat of a
defense to go against, whether that's someone in the pocket,
(08:11):
that's you know, someone outside going up against a receiver.
So it's gonna get a little more difficult and that sense,
and that's what Baker means when he says, do you
know know it? It's one thing when you have nobody
defending you whatsoever of Okay, do you know your route?
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Do you know your timing?
Speaker 4 (08:26):
Do you know your footwork? Now, when you've got someone
in your face who's making it a little more difficult,
you really got to know it.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
There's resistance and what they're doing right now here in
phase two there is no resistance. It's routes on air,
but at least you have someone no contact, but at
least you'll have someone in your way, so to speak,
whether offense or defense. So ahead of next week, I
thought that we'd preview what we hope to see, maybe
even hope to hear over the next two weeks leading
(08:52):
up to mini camp. Again, this is what we want
to see. There's no guarantee we will, and to be honest,
I think a lot of what we'll discuss here we
might not really get answers to until training camp. And
keep this in mind, burg Gang OTAs voluntary. So I'll
all say this, there's been excellent participation through this entire
(09:12):
offseason strength and conditioning program. But even though we only
have maybe a day or two out there, you don't
see someone there on a Tuesday, doesn't mean they weren't
there Wednesday and Thursday. So that's again what OTAs are.
So as we break this up, we want to go
offense defense or is there some more certain player or
position group that maybe you have your eye on more
(09:34):
than another as we get ready for actually seeing both
sides of the of the team on on the football.
Speaker 4 (09:40):
Field, defense one hundred percent, the offense looks exact same.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
They're running it back.
Speaker 4 (09:45):
And with how limited you're going to be, OTA's well,
yes you can still have resistance. I'm curious what exactly
you have your eye on for offense.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
Offense For me is again whether we see this or not.
But again, some of the questions that I have is,
all right, what's the competition look like at gart what
are the guys, what's the who do we see at
right guard? If we do it all? But again, these
are the questions that I have going into this next
phase and even in mini camp. All right, who's lining
(10:15):
up over there? What does the competition look like?
Speaker 4 (10:17):
I don't think there is competition right right now. I
think it is Isaiah Adams's position to lose. What player
have they brought in that would make you think differently?
Speaker 3 (10:26):
At this point in the off season.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
The only one who has experience, and it's limited experience
is Royce Newman. Now that's a it's not a sexy name,
and it's not someone that people know a lot about.
But he was brought here for a reason, so at least, yeah,
you're right, all right, let's pencil in Isaiah Adams. But
I don't know if I would go as far as
(10:48):
to say it's his job to lose. I do think
you're going to see whether that's Royce. I'd even throw
in a John Gaines, Hayden Connor. How much can he
really learn right now and jump in and learn the
playbook and show that physicality and be a part of
the mix in the.
Speaker 4 (11:05):
Most respectful way. I don't think it's fair to make
an assumption that a six round draft pick can come
in and make competition at one of your guard spots
right off the bat for the first practice of OTAs.
I don't think that's fair at all. I think, yes,
he's recovering, so it makes sense to not have Will Hernandez.
There's a reason they did not bring back Tristan Cologne.
I think they like what they saw in Adams and
he didn't even play a full year as a rookie.
(11:26):
You want to develop your younger players, and that is
what they're doing. And so the fact that they haven't
fully addressed specifically right guard, with the exception of really
adding Newman, tells me they like the projection that Adams
is on. They like the track he's on. So I
think that is his position to lose. Is their competition there, Yes,
is their competition for your six round pick to come
(11:48):
in and be your starting right or left guard week
one of OTA's No, that is just not realistic when
you're looking at the size and the experience with the
league and with this team, specifically that you are you
have in that room.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
I'm not saying it's win or lose next week, but
I'm talking about as we start to think about that
position you're you're at. I'm not disagreeing to you with Isaiah.
If I'm going to do a pecking order, yeah, I
would go Isaiah Adams, Royce Newman, and again he's your guy.
(12:21):
I've kind of adopted him in as well. I'm very
curious what this team decides to do with John Gaines
and his versatility on the interior. Is it at center?
Speaker 4 (12:33):
We haven't really seen him at guard much. I think
that's been clear that he's going to be your backup center.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
The other item on offensive line is all right, Jonah Williams.
Is he healthy? How healthy is he? Can you count
on him to be your right tackle or is it
going to be Calvin Beacham or someone else? Or is
that a position that you get closer to training camp
in preseason? All right, well, we might need to go
(13:00):
out and find someone because they're not one hundred percent
confident in one the health or the ability of those players. Again,
we were told Darren met with Monti Austin Fords in
the annual league meeting, and the question was asked about
Jonah and beach because they both ended or say, Jonah
(13:20):
and Paris both end of the season on IR and
Mani said, yeah, they we expect them ready for week one.
Now does that mean next week? I have no idea,
But that's another area about Okay, keep an eye on
that right side of the offensive line.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
Sure. I mean they brought in Jonah Williams for a
reason when they had Kelvin Beacham on the roster. So
if you're asking what the starting point is, they probably
feel more comfortable about Williams being your starting right tackle
than they do Beacham, who they feel very comfortable with
as your swing tackle. So if all things are even
and Williams is healthy and they feel like he can
be healthy again, not necessarily a spot I think is
(13:57):
true competition. I can understand why you're you know, you
want to find something on the offensive line, or you're
looking at depth or things like that. I just when
you're looking at offensive defense from a starting position, I
don't think there are a lot of spots up for
grabs for competition on the offensive side of the ball.
They kept the consistency they kept the pieces there from
(14:17):
last year for a reason.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Yeah, And the only new face Week one, twenty twenty
five versus twenty twenty four would be your right guard.
That would be the only change offensively, as we say,
running it back, that's the only difference last season to
this season, because everything else quarterback, running back, wide receiver,
tight end, offensive line outside of the right guard, it's
(14:41):
a mirror image of one and a Now within that
wide receiver room the other we stay on offense here
the wide receivers, though, is okay the pecking order behind Marvin,
behind Michael? Could someone push Michael Wilson a little bit?
Zay Jones? He's actually going to be here at the
(15:01):
start of the season. He wasn't last season. Is there
more of an expanded role for him? But when I
talk about wide receiver, it's and I mentioned this earlier,
when everyone talks about bringing in an outside guy or
a veteran, well, that veteran or that other wide receiver,
you're the fifth offensive weapon.
Speaker 4 (15:21):
Probably won't be brought in to be the fifth offensive weapon.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
And that's my argument for everyone that wants.
Speaker 4 (15:26):
To bring in a veteran, bring in a veteran, you're
going to bring in a number two receiver. That's what
it is. You're not going to bring in a receiver
to replace Za Jones if Michael Wilson is still going
to be your number two, because what would that veteran
bring in that Jay Jones doesn't add to this roster again,
a player that they liked enough to bring back. If
you're going to bring in a veteran receiver to create
(15:47):
some competition opposite of Harrison to make the passing game
more formidable, which was inconsistent last season, they're not coming
in to be your third or fourth receiver. They're coming
in to be that number two.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
And I say fifth option that's behind in no particular order,
that's behind Trey McBride, Marvin James, Connor, Kyler Murray. Now
could I count Kyler as an offensive weapon running the
football just as a defense making sure you keep him accountable?
(16:20):
And the fifth is okay, is that Michael Wilson? And
is there someone out there that's better than Michael Okay?
But within this offense, standy. You know, if you're going
to be on that football field as a skilled player,
you have to be able to block. And I don't
know if all those names that are out there still
on the market, and there's a reason why they're still
(16:41):
on the market. Are you willing to come in to
be a team guy? Maybe not get as many targets,
have to get your hands dirty a little bit blocking,
and then all of a sudden, maybe get the occasional
target or not.
Speaker 4 (16:53):
This staff absolutely prioritized as a receiver who can block.
I'm cure if they feel strongly enough with the weapons
and the offense as a whole, are you comfortable and
confident bringing in a receiver who you don't necessarily care
as much as a big blocker, because you know, even
if they go out there and that tells the defense,
(17:14):
hey it's a passing play. They're so good and they
are so consistent at winning their one zero one matchups,
it's not going to hinder you at all. I think
there are very few veteran receivers that that would apply to,
where you are so good as a receiver as a
pass catcher, we're gonna put you out there and you're
not going to be our name, our main blocking receiver.
(17:35):
We will up your blocking right, but you're not gonna
be our main blocking receiver like they've been using with
Michael Wilson. Again, that's a few, that's a short list
of veteran receivers that I think that would apply to
where blocking is not so much one of the top
skill sets. So I understand, and it's probably going to
be someone more along what you were saying of that
(17:57):
full package, not someone who just has a speed, just
has the hands. It is a peculiar situation that they
are in, given what we heard from so many players
and coaches last year about needing to be better and
then not making any changes in that room in the
offseason thus.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Far, internal changes or internal improvement, because I think we're
all in agreement this team, this offense is run first,
and how do you get better as an offense? It's
the downfield passing game. Can you find some more chunk
throws twenty plus yards? Thirty plus yards? And is that
receiver on the roster is that Michael Wilson, Is that
(18:36):
Jay Jones Xavier Weaver who we saw late in the
season that connection quite wasn't there, but not a lot
of reps between Kyler and Zay and then the newcomer
and all of this is Simmy Feyjoko, who has good size,
six four to two eighteen, a special teams guy. He
did give him some decent money to leave the Chargers.
(18:57):
What's his catch ability, his speed to where all of
a sudden it's a different wrinkle, if you will, because
I do think that's what's missing from this offense is
where are those chunk throws? James connerd Trey Benson. They're
going to take care of the chunk runs Kyler two.
But where are those chunk throws coming from? Is it
(19:18):
just simply Marvin going into year two and don't forget
about Trey and his ability to run after the catch? Yeah,
it could be just that easy too.
Speaker 4 (19:26):
Yes, it is needing more consistency from your number one receiver.
It is needing a big step up from year two
to year three for Wilson and continuing to rely on
arguably the best tight end in the league. I just
it's too soon for me to, I think, make a
commitment on what that new wrinkle could be, because what
(19:46):
is Semi Fajoco giving you that Greg georche doesn't. That's
been talked about for years as a wrinkle in this
offense that could give you an advantage. I think there
are questions that it's going to take some time to
still be answered in that room internally.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
All right, So that's offense defense, which I think again
that's been where the most change was from last year. OTAs,
what do we see? What do we want to notice?
What do we want to hear? Again voluntary non contact,
So it's you're not gonna be able to know, all right,
how does someone rush the past or how does someone
(20:21):
beat someone off the line of scrimmage? Now you're not
going to see any of that, But to your point,
as far as all right, what's the initial groupings? Who
does this coaching staff believe are your first three or
four defensive lineman? What's the outside linebacker room look like?
What this cornerback look like? How do you how are
you lining up? And if you're not privy to seeing
(20:42):
eleven on eleven, pay attention to the drills because a
year ago everyone wondered, all right, how are you going
to line up? Well, typically your starters are at the
front of the line, and then you can kind of
make guesses off of that and make notices or little
details and all of a sudden, right, what I say
I saw in May and June, does that show up
(21:02):
again when we get to training camp in July.
Speaker 4 (21:04):
It's voluntary, So just because someone's not out there doesn't
mean that something is wrong per se quote unquote, or
there's an injury. But with the people who are out there,
I want to see how involved can you be someone
like Darius Robinson defensive lineman who played the final six
games of last season that calf. Are you able to
(21:25):
be fully active to the point that you can't be
for OTAs. I want to see where Dalvin Tomlinson and
Kalaeis Campbell line up on that defensive line. Where are
they thinking of placing Walter Nolan right? Where is he
going to be in this rotation? And also Justin Jones
and Malal Nichols, who played in combined nine games last
season after being brought in in last year's wave of
(21:46):
free agency. Are they out there and how active are
they able to be? If they're out there, it's mostly
the groupings where people are lined up and physically, what
are you able to do. It'll be our first chance
to really see the Will Johnson move because rookie minicamp,
all we were out there for media was stretching. That
was truly it was seeing stretching from afar on the
(22:07):
far field, so this will be a better look at
how he is moving. Those are what you're looking for.
It's not gonna be anything sexy or surprising, right, it's
just those little things of Okay, I'm going to add
up all these pieces to get an idea of what
the bigger picture is. Something else though, when you're seeing
all of this, if not everybody is out there, that's
(22:30):
going to make things look different, specifically in the trenches.
If you don't have Justin Jones, Blon Nichols, Kalaeius Campbell
for whatever reason, you can't get over your skis. If
you've got Darius Robinson and Walternle in the third out,
there is your quote unquote starters, because at some point
you need bodies, right, So you have to take everything
you see with somewhat of a grain of salt.
Speaker 1 (22:52):
Yeah, what you see is in May is not necessarily
what you'll see week one in September. You brought up Darius,
and I think that's a great first name to bring up,
because he certainly did even in OTAs and Mini camp
year ago. Look the part coming out of Missouri certainly
filled out a uniform and then in training camp dominated.
(23:15):
He looked very, very good. Now we're not gonna see
him full speed going up against an offensive lineman in OTAs.
But to your point, all right, how is he moving?
Is he beyond the calf injury? Does he trust the injury?
Does he trust the calf to go be a little
explosive odd of his stance or is there some hesitation
(23:38):
still here? Early in the offseason, you.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
Sparked something of me. A name I want to see
at OTAs. Cornerback Elijah Jones didn't play a single snap
as a rookie, practiced a handful of times dealing with
an injury. That's a name I would love to see
out there because we haven't seen him. It's almost out
of side, out of mind when we're talking about the
competition in that cornerbacks room.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
Those are from last year's draft class. Those might be
the two names because we got a glimpse of Darius.
We didn't get a glimpse from Elijah Jones. He practiced
what two, three, maybe four times, and then all of
a sudden, that foot and heel just weren't able to
(24:22):
keep him on the football field. But you invested a
third round pick on a pretty sizable cornerback. He has
all the measurables. We've had limited interaction with him, he
certainly seems like he knows what he's doing, has a
good head on his shoulders. And again, the affinity for
(24:44):
defensive backs for this front office, at least in the draft.
I believe it's nine defensive backs out of the twenty
eight draft picks that Monty ostin Ford has made in
his three years now as GM. So you are selected
for a reason on Day two. This is not some
sixth seventh round guy. This was a third round pick.
(25:05):
But now all of a sudden, Max Melton year two,
well Johnson a second round pick. Can't forget about Starling
Thomas Denzel Burke another guy that was selected in the draft.
And oh, by the way, you have the veteran and
Sean Murphy Bunting still out there as well. And how
do you figure out who are your three four guys?
(25:27):
And again I do not include Garrett Williams in this
conversation at all. I think I brought this up to
you once before. He's a slot corner, He's going to
be on the field. He is not part of the
cornerback discussion at all because he knows his role and
he is going to be on the football field. I
just don't know who's going to be outside of him
or on the other side playing cornerback.
Speaker 4 (25:49):
Great question, Well Williams can play outside he hasn't, and
considering how good he was and Pro Football Focus had
him ranked as one of the top cornerbacks last year,
I can't imagine them vastly changing his role coming off
the year year and a half. Really, that second half
is rookie year where he was able to play that
he is from the rookies as a whole. Confidence, that's
(26:11):
what you're looking for. A name like linebacker Cody Simon
stands out. That's a position room where there is opportunity
for him to come in and make an impact. There's
an opportunity if he can handle it, to wear the
green dot. And you need a lot of confidence. You
need confidence in yourself and your ability to know that
playbook inside and out based on what is being called.
You need confidence and being able to tell your teammates,
(26:36):
including nine year veteran Buddha Baker, where to go and
make sure that he is in the right spot and
if he's not, you can tell him where to go.
And to do that in a clear and concise way
while catching your breath and lining up and making a play. Again,
it's early, we're not going to see a lot but
confidence as a.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
Rookie, how do you carry yourself amongst your teammates and
some of those older teammates, if you're coming in and
as a Cody Simon or a Will Johnson, And because
if you're going to be on that football field, you
have confidence in your own ability, but do others around
you have confidence in you?
Speaker 4 (27:08):
And if you get beat, can you turn the page
quickly and make a play on the next opportunity?
Speaker 1 (27:13):
And whether or not we're able to hear it, if
you're Cody Simon or Kem Davis Gaither or Michael Walker,
if you're one of those inside linebackers, are you showing
command in the huddle or command of the defense and
getting everyone where they're supposed to be? Again, from our perspective,
for our vantage point watching these practices, we might not
be able to hear that, but certainly your body language,
(27:38):
how you emotion how do you get everyone in place?
Are you directing traffic much like a quarterback with the
signals and everything? Can Cody Simon do that out of
the gate or is it someone else brand new?
Speaker 4 (27:49):
Maybe Paul CALVISI got answers to our questions when he
had Cody Simon on the Big Red Rage this week,
So you can tune in Thursday.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Good tease ahead.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (27:57):
By the way, the name that we have not men
mentioned here defensively probably the name that not that we
overlooked the big ticket item in free agency, Josh.
Speaker 3 (28:11):
So I'm thinking who on earthway?
Speaker 1 (28:14):
Because again, this happened so long ago, back in March,
the middle of March. We've heard from Josh once and
all of a sudden, as you get further and further
away from that sign, you kind of forget a little
bit about who was brought in because you focus on
the most recent transactions. But nothing against Josh how much?
(28:37):
And again you're not going to see a whole lot,
But how does he look on the football field.
Speaker 4 (28:42):
He can still win reps, he can still find his
way into the backfield pass an offensive lineman, and I
am excited to see those competitions.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Just completely forgot about it, you truly.
Speaker 4 (28:54):
And now I've got this huge smile. You're right, like,
oh my gosh, I wish we were already past Ota,
so I could see him really put the pads.
Speaker 3 (29:00):
On a move.
Speaker 1 (29:01):
And that's again that's the aspects of this defense.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
How do we go this far without naming him?
Speaker 1 (29:08):
My goodness, apologies, I will put BJ ahead of Josh
Sweat just because we know what Josh what is capable
of doing. We've seen it. We don't quite know what
BJ is capable of doing. We think we do. We
have seen again training camp a year ago. He looked very,
(29:29):
very good until he went down with that ACL injury,
and then you lose sight and you lose memory of
those guys. They're gone and almost forgotten. Anytime you're on IR,
you don't feel like you're a part of the team.
So yeah, I would put BJ Jali up there high
on the list of players I would like to see
(29:49):
on that football field.
Speaker 4 (29:50):
Gone but not forgotten. Craig, it's been almost a year
since we have seen Ojalaris. This is really going to
be your two for him. Even now it's year three,
year two, he's got a new position coach, so I
am very excited to see him out on the football
field again. How active can he be? Where is he
(30:11):
at in his recovery? Process from that knee injury and
what are the steps that are going to be taken
before training camp starts, because that's the goal of when
you would like to see Ojelari be out there and
be one hundred percent a year off and you never
really know, right, every injury, every recovery is different. Okay, Yeah,
So if we're if we're going back and we're looking
at top names, we want to see how active they
(30:33):
can be in OTA's to the point that they can be.
Defensive lineman Darius Robinson, it's like linebacker b Jji, cornerback
Elijah Jones. Those have got to be some of your
top three.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
The faces that we didn't see enough from last year.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
And then let's see right justin Jones, Blond Nichols on
that D lane. Are you out there at all?
Speaker 1 (30:54):
How much are you capable of doing? Again, this is
all voluntary, So as Danny mentioned, I'll reiterate, if you're
seeing them on Tuesday or you don't see them on Tuesday,
doesn't mean they're not here Wednesday Thursday. And that's just
how this works until you get to mandatory mini camp.
But you look at the names that were brought in
versus the names that we didn't see a whole heck
(31:16):
of a lot of. I mean, it's a hefty list
as far as players who were brought in in free
agency a year ago that you were counting on and
just didn't get on the football field enough, and Jones
and Nichols and all of a sudden, now you got Dallan, Tomlinson,
Kalas Campbell, Walter Nolan's like, okay, I mean it's it's
it's a stacked room. At least it looks to be
(31:37):
a stacked room on paper.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
Careful, crag, you're making me excited for OTAs.
Speaker 1 (31:42):
Will I will? You know what? I can't remind you
about it next?
Speaker 3 (31:45):
I know you're on.
Speaker 1 (31:47):
Yeah, it's a programming note. I mean, Cardinals Cover two
will continue despite my absence, because that's what it is. No,
there's no beat team. There's enough people here to kind
of handle things while I'm gone for a week or so.
Speaker 3 (31:58):
We will do our best.
Speaker 4 (32:01):
One of the items here, want me to FaceTime you
in during practice for OTAs. You know what, why don't
you just keep an eye on Paul's Twitter and look
at the video In the video pol he's gonna be posting, but.
Speaker 1 (32:11):
Have you noticed, though, quick right hand turn. Here there
is a new phone and the video quality is a
lot better. I think Paul has turned the corner here
on his.
Speaker 3 (32:24):
He doesn't have an Android anymore.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
I don't believe.
Speaker 4 (32:26):
So what the son of a TEXTI if it's blue
or green?
Speaker 1 (32:30):
Oh? Still an android? Our associate producer Cody Finiser says,
still an android. But I believe it's an I believe
it's an upgraded phone because the video quality is better.
Speaker 4 (32:41):
If I ask him, he's going to be offended.
Speaker 1 (32:43):
His screen is no longer cracked. How about that? So
you did get a new phone. I just don't know
what kind of.
Speaker 4 (32:48):
Okay, we'll keep your keep your eye out for Paul's
videos while you're gone for OTAs.
Speaker 1 (32:52):
Last, the last item here the spring league Spring League
meeting in Minnesota. The owners have met and by the way,
I don't know if you saw, but a tip of
the cap to the Philadelphia Eagles social media team because
they are loving the announcement. On Wednesday, the post on
social media was push on.
Speaker 4 (33:13):
And I believe they posted a long video of all
their tush pushes as well.
Speaker 1 (33:18):
Yes, the toush push lives on the proposal to ban
the move. Actually, I noticed that the Packers who had
proposed it re erote it or added some language the
day before about Okay, it's not just the toush push,
it's assisting the runner. Wherever you're on the field. You
can't push, you can't pull. Trey McBride scoring that touchdown
(33:39):
from ten yards out when he was pushed into the
end zone, that would be not allowed, but the vote failed.
Needed twenty four votes, got twenty two, so you'll still
see Jalen Hurts getting pushed for that one yard near
a first down or near the goal line. And again,
I'm okay with this because it certainly seemed like you
(34:00):
are singling out one team because the thirty one other
teams just couldn't figure out how to stop it. Not
that you can't do it yourself, but hey, we can't
stop it, so we're just going to ban it. And no,
you want to ban the assisting of a runner, I'm
okay with that, but not one particular.
Speaker 4 (34:16):
Move or better start warming up.
Speaker 1 (34:20):
I think you'll see it. Jacoby Brissett.
Speaker 4 (34:24):
Maybe that's the first question we asked when we had
a chance to talk to the backup QB uncomfortable are
you on.
Speaker 1 (34:29):
The push pushed? That's that's that might be the line
of that might be the line of the off season.
So yeah, the touch push will remain. The on side
kick has been tweaked a little bit. Now trailing teams
can declare anytime, not just in the fourth quarter, which
(34:51):
I think benefit. I still don't like the having to
declare because you line up as a normal kickoff. But
I get it.
Speaker 3 (34:56):
You're not waiting until the first half.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
You're not waiting until the fourth quarter. You could do
it in the second quarter if you wanted to. But
the whole idea of declaring it's the on site kick
is supposed to be a surprise.
Speaker 3 (35:07):
Yeah, it's the element of it.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
But hey, Danny, here it comes.
Speaker 3 (35:11):
Okay, I'll be ready.
Speaker 1 (35:13):
It just doesn't do it for me.
Speaker 4 (35:14):
I wait to talk to a Special Teams cordinator Jeff Rogers.
Speaker 1 (35:18):
The proposed to resee the playoffs. That was pulled before
a vote. So the Lions proposal to recede after the
first round, Oh no, just receie. Just you know, you
win the division, you get a playoff spot. You just
don't guarantee the host a playoff.
Speaker 4 (35:33):
Yeah, the Lions wanted to be overall records, right, which
makes sense because the NFC North had an incredible season
last year.
Speaker 1 (35:41):
Winning the division though, still should matter for reed.
Speaker 4 (35:45):
Agreed, that's part of it. Like you're in a competitive division,
like that is just what it is. That's part of
the fun. That's also how you get better. I mean,
it's the same right with like a weather game, right,
like advantage your disadvantage. I just I'm right there with you.
I like the fact that if you win the division,
it stands for something.
Speaker 1 (36:05):
It means, you know, if I understand, maybe if you
want to say, all right, win the division, you're in
the postseason, but you don't get a playoff game if
you have a worse record than someone ahead of you.
That I can sort of understand. But winning a division
unless you're going to change how you schedule your seventeen
(36:27):
games because you play six within the division. And I'm
sorry if my division is harder than yours, or hey,
look we went six and zho because our three other
teams they're not very good this season. But that's just
that's just the way it is, and it's it's unfortunate,
but sorry.
Speaker 4 (36:44):
I'm right there with you.
Speaker 1 (36:46):
So, by the way, Hard Knocks. Did you see this?
Speaker 4 (36:50):
I did the Buffalo bills for priests for Trading Camp
and then the NFC.
Speaker 1 (36:55):
East for in season Hard Knocks, which but I don't think.
Speaker 4 (36:58):
That's all year, right, I mean they start showing the
episodes what November.
Speaker 1 (37:02):
You're right, you're right. But at some point now I
have to wait and see where Week nine falls into
this filming, because the Cardinals play at the Cowboys.
Speaker 3 (37:11):
And I mean, I'll be up.
Speaker 4 (37:13):
I'll be curious to see how much our game makes
it in with three other teams and all the different storylines,
including the defending Super Bowl champions and new head coach
in Dallas and the excitement around Jane Daniels and the.
Speaker 3 (37:28):
Question marks in New York. There's a chance.
Speaker 1 (37:31):
Yeah, we'll wait and see. Just yeah, I guess all
just depends on to your point, get the Super Bowl
champions and then okay, how how good are the other
teams in the division or by that Monday night game
with the Cowboys three and five? Don't ask me four, four,
two and six.
Speaker 4 (37:51):
If you ask them, ain't no, no, it's there. It's
their year, Craig. Is that what they always say?
Speaker 1 (37:56):
Yeah? I believe they always say that around October, though
fair look ahead to next year. We look ahead to
a little vacation here. But the seat will not be
cold while I'm away. It's either of you, Paul, Zach, Darren, whomever,
but Cardinals Cover two will live on.
Speaker 3 (38:15):
As they say, We're going to do our best.
Speaker 4 (38:17):
Don't feel like you need to listen in enjoy your vacation.
I know you are going to enjoy your vacation.
Speaker 1 (38:23):
Okay, I appreciate that very much. Will you miss me?
Speaker 4 (38:26):
Sure?
Speaker 1 (38:27):
Okay, make sure you clip that. On that note, we'll
put a lid on This edition of Cardinals Cover two
presented by Hyundai, proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. As always,
special thanks to our executive producer Joe mom Andre our
associate producer Coddy Fincher for Danny Surrek, I'm Craig Real Lou.
We'll talk to you next time here on Cardinals Cover two.
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If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.