Cardinals Cover 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ep. 891 - More points. Less turnovers. Of course, that’s the easy answer. But what else might ‘efficient’ look like, and, by the way, that’s the word Jonathan Gannon used when talking about the offense going into this upcoming season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck have their own thoughts on what to expect from an offense that is running it back from a year ago, at least in terms of personnel. Also, on the eve of mandatory minicamp, what, and maybe better said, who do Craig and Dani want to see on the field? Will there be anything shown over the next three days that give hints as to what the 2025 Arizona Cardinals might look like both offensively and defensively? This is the final week of work before the start of training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 890 - His individual numbers may not jump off the stat page, but Zaven Collins brings more than just numbers to the defense. He brings versatility. More importantly, he’s earned the trust of both head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. They see value in Collins more so than perhaps fans and many in the media. Craig Grialou, back from vacation, and Darren Urban discuss Collins’ importance to the team. Also, how often do Craig and Darren expect to see Josh Sweat on the field this season, especially given recent comments by Rallis? Finally, the guys shout-out Dennis Gardeck, who after seven seasons in Arizona is reportedly joining the Jacksonville JaguarsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 889 - The Cardinals will be back out on the practice field this week as Week Two of OTA’s are set to begin. What do we want to see? What are we expecting to see? Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman give their thoughts. Plus, the two discuss the depth at offensive line and how the starting line might look come Week 1; what offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had to say about Kyler Murray’s unscheduled runs; and how the Cardinals offense is poised to take the next step in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 888 - As OTAs continue to roll along for the Cardinals, the conversation surrounding the team’s depth continues to be discussed. Zach Gershman and Darren Urban (yes, you read that correctly) talk about the latest on Cardinals Cover 2. With the arrival of Jacoby Brissett, what does that mean for Clayton Tune in the backup quarterback competition? Can Trey Benson take that sophomore season leap even while James Conner plays at a high level? Also, Zach and Darren share which player from the 2024 draft class they are most eager to see take a step forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 887 - The Cardinals are back on the field as Phase Three begins with the start of OTAs. Paul Calvisi, Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman fill the shoes of the vacationing Craig Grialou to discuss what stood out to them the most from the first practice; what a Year 1 to Year 2 jump can look like for Darius Robinson; the new look defensive line as a whole; who will challenge for the starting right guard position; Drew Petzing's thoughts on the continuity of his offense; and Paul learns what epsom salts are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 885 - A new look Marvin Harrison Jr. met the media on Monday. He “added some muscle” he told reporters. And there was a very specific reason why. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what Harrison had to say; why it was important for him to get stronger, how he’s treating his first full offseason, what a successful Year 2 looks like for him, and in Year 2 it’ll be good for him to see his No. 18 jersey in the stands. Also, some notes on the just released schedule, specifically the end of the schedule when compared to the rest of the NFC West and what NFL owners are discussing, perhaps even deciding, at the Spring League Meeting later this week in MinnesotaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 884 - And now we know the when. The Arizona Cardinals schedule is out. It was released with much fanfare – more on that later. The who and the where have been known for months and on Wednesday, we got the when. Craig Grialou, Dani Sureck and Paul Calvisi dive into the 18-week, 17-game schedule. What do they like? What do they not like? How many primetime games did the Cardinals get? When is the bye week? And how many ‘revenge’ games are there? (Yes, Paul is keeping track.) Now, about the fanfare. “Rocketship,” aka inside linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., rapped the schedule. That’s right, rapped. To hear the song and to see the video, visit the Cardinals YouTube page or download the audio by searching Arizona Cardinals Music on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 883 - Rookies. Veterans. The entire team is together for the first time. That’s what Monday signaled, the next step in the offseason. (By the way, shout-out GM Monti Ossenfort, the architect of said team; he delivered the commencement address at his alma mater on Saturday.) After giving Monti his due, Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss rookie minicamp; why Hayden Conner may be an early candidate for Paul’s breakout player of camp; wonder if a move is needed in the wide receiver room; and then look ahead to Wednesday’s schedule release. The Cardinals are playing the NFC South, AFC South and third place teams from the NFC North (Packers), NFC East (Cowboys) and AFC North (Bengals).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 882 - It’s been a busy two days for Jordan Burch. He, and the other rookies, arrived Thursday. Then Friday the seven-player draft class and six undrafted free agents gathered on the practice field for the start of rookie minicamp. In addition, Burch added a stop in the radio studio to speak with Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck about his time at Oregon, expectations for Year 1 with the Cardinals, learning the playbook, first impressions of the coaching staff, reuniting with high school teammate Xavier Thomas and the differences he sees between putting his hand in the dirt versus standing up on the edge. Also, Craig and Dani discuss what they saw while they were allowed to watch the rookies practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 881 - Two weeks after they heard their names selected, the Arizona Cardinals’ seven-player draft class arrives at the Dignity Health Training Center on Thursday. Ahead of rookie minicamp, which also will include a half dozen undrafted free agents and a handful of tryout players, Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss who they are most looking forward to seeing on the field. Obviously, first-round defensive lineman Walter Nolen III is a given. And then there’s cornerback Will Johnson, how does he carry himself? What about outside linebacker Jordan Burch, does he look the part? Does linebacker Cody Simon command the field? And what about the undrafted rookies, might one or more impress?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 880 - Six free agents. Six draft picks. In just two months, the Arizona Cardinals have added 12 new players to the defense. And now, it’s up to Nick Rallis to figure out how they all fit together. While he does that - and he’s got four months before the season starts - Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi have a way-too-early conversation about the defense. What will it look like? Might there be a scheme change or adjustment based on the new personnel? How do draft picks Walter Nolen III, Will Johnson and Jordan Burch factor in? Also, can Ohio State teammates Cody Simon and Denzel Burke, a pair of Day 3 selections, make enough of an impression in the offseason to have a role, or maybe even start, in Week 1?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 879 - To players, to fans; yes, numbers matter. Specifically, jersey numbers. On Wednesday, the Cardinals’ seven-player draft class received their first jersey numbers. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what numbers stood out, like Cody Simon being issued No. 50; does this mean he’ll be in the middle of the defense as an inside linebacker? And how cool is it that Will Johnson will wear ‘0’ as an outside cornerback? There are other numbers to mention; Calais Campbell (93) and Dalvin Tomlinson (94) will continue to sport the digits they’ve worn their entire pro careers; Josh Sweat (10) and Baron Browning (5) are changing their numbers; while Jacoby Brissett (7) will wear a familiar number to Cardinals fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 878 - The grades are in. So, how do the experts feel GM Monti Ossenfort did with his selections in the 2025 NFL Draft? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss some of what has been written since the end of the draft on Saturday. A lot of the words written has focused on the Cardinals’ first three picks: DT Walter Nolen III, CB Will Johnson, and Edge Jordan Burch. In total, Ossenfort made seven picks, six on the defensive side of the ball, which, depending on what you read, received either an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade. Also, Craig and Zach go over the six rookie free agents signed on Monday. Three of the six were offensive lineman, including Josh Fryar out of Ohio State, where his position coach was current Cardinals offensive line coach Justin Frye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.