1 00:00:03,760 --> 00:00:07,040 Speaker 1: It's not true in the regular season, but the preseason, Yes, 2 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:10,320 Speaker 1: practice can be more important than the game. And that's 3 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:13,960 Speaker 1: definitely true. This week, Welcome Bird Gang. On today's show, 4 00:00:14,080 --> 00:00:17,239 Speaker 1: Zach Ershman joins me. Together we discuss the upcoming joint 5 00:00:17,239 --> 00:00:20,840 Speaker 1: practices with the Colts and why they are so important. Also, 6 00:00:20,920 --> 00:00:23,040 Speaker 1: the more you see and the more you hear from 7 00:00:23,120 --> 00:00:26,120 Speaker 1: Darius Robinson, the more you like the person and really 8 00:00:26,160 --> 00:00:29,960 Speaker 1: get excited about the player. It's Cardinals Cover two, episode 9 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:32,320 Speaker 1: seven eighty three, and it starts now. 10 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:40,400 Speaker 2: Welcome to Cardinals Cover two. Buda Baker, What Heart? What Rent? 11 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:41,960 Speaker 2: This guy's unbelievable. 12 00:00:42,159 --> 00:00:46,479 Speaker 3: Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of 13 00:00:46,520 --> 00:00:52,480 Speaker 3: the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals 14 00:00:52,560 --> 00:00:54,320 Speaker 3: dot com slash podcast. 15 00:00:54,440 --> 00:00:56,720 Speaker 2: He's ad the ten half of five. He's it again, 16 00:00:57,240 --> 00:00:59,320 Speaker 2: so more hurry magic. 17 00:00:59,120 --> 00:01:02,000 Speaker 3: Whow Here's Craig Railer. 18 00:01:06,480 --> 00:01:12,200 Speaker 1: Two very intense, hard, long practices. That's how Jonathan Gannon 19 00:01:12,240 --> 00:01:15,560 Speaker 1: described what is happening later on Wednesday and then again 20 00:01:15,640 --> 00:01:19,880 Speaker 1: on Thursday nights joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts. And 21 00:01:19,959 --> 00:01:22,800 Speaker 1: you got a sense just from hearing JG. Earlier in 22 00:01:22,840 --> 00:01:27,640 Speaker 1: the week on how much value and importance he is 23 00:01:27,640 --> 00:01:30,760 Speaker 1: putting on these two days compared to what is gonna 24 00:01:30,760 --> 00:01:33,679 Speaker 1: be happening on Saturday when the Cardinals play the Colts 25 00:01:33,680 --> 00:01:34,560 Speaker 1: in a preseason game. 26 00:01:34,680 --> 00:01:36,920 Speaker 2: Right now, this is the closest you're gonna get to 27 00:01:37,319 --> 00:01:40,120 Speaker 2: a regular season game because you're gonna have ones going 28 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:43,000 Speaker 2: against ones. It's good on good situations here, and you 29 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:46,440 Speaker 2: get to learn a lot about your team. Obviously it's 30 00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:50,240 Speaker 2: well documented the fights and the the scuffles that happened 31 00:01:50,320 --> 00:01:53,880 Speaker 2: during these training camp joint practices that you're gonna have 32 00:01:53,960 --> 00:01:57,320 Speaker 2: that sort of intensity in a game, even more so 33 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:00,200 Speaker 2: during a game because the wins and losses are to 34 00:02:00,240 --> 00:02:02,720 Speaker 2: me what get players and get teams into the playoffs 35 00:02:02,720 --> 00:02:06,080 Speaker 2: and get people paid as well. So it'll be very exciting. 36 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:10,799 Speaker 2: The long hard intents, all the different adjectives that John 37 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:14,880 Speaker 2: Deagana used, they're definitely they're gonna experience it. They already 38 00:02:14,919 --> 00:02:16,960 Speaker 2: had their taste of it in Minnesota. Now they get 39 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:18,560 Speaker 2: to do it in Indianapolis. 40 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:20,880 Speaker 1: And I'm glad you brought up Minnesota. Remember a year ago, 41 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:23,240 Speaker 1: it was a little bit later in the month of August, 42 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:27,640 Speaker 1: But what did we learn well, Isaiah Simmons traded, josh 43 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:33,079 Speaker 1: Jones traded Joshua Dobbs acquired all three of those moves 44 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:37,760 Speaker 1: happening around the same time in Minnesota, not all because 45 00:02:37,960 --> 00:02:41,000 Speaker 1: of the two joint practices, but a big reason why, 46 00:02:41,120 --> 00:02:44,239 Speaker 1: especially when it came to watching Colt McCoy throw against 47 00:02:44,240 --> 00:02:47,320 Speaker 1: the Vikings defense. Now, what do you learn here in 48 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:50,040 Speaker 1: these two practices which are going to be at nights 49 00:02:50,040 --> 00:02:52,360 Speaker 1: which is a little bit different. But I like what 50 00:02:52,440 --> 00:02:56,040 Speaker 1: Starlin Thomas had to say on Monday, because these practices 51 00:02:56,120 --> 00:02:59,320 Speaker 1: will show you where you are at as a player 52 00:02:59,680 --> 00:03:02,799 Speaker 1: and as a team. And it's a lot probably more 53 00:03:02,840 --> 00:03:05,200 Speaker 1: so the one on one as far as O line, 54 00:03:05,240 --> 00:03:09,600 Speaker 1: D line wide receiver, quarterback, running back, blitz pick up 55 00:03:09,919 --> 00:03:13,360 Speaker 1: those battles because it's not your own teammate, maybe you 56 00:03:13,400 --> 00:03:16,000 Speaker 1: go a little bit, just a little bit harder, with 57 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:18,800 Speaker 1: a little bit more intensity because it's not your teammate 58 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:20,440 Speaker 1: and it's a different color uniform. 59 00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:22,640 Speaker 2: Of course, and that's what motivates people. And there's gonna 60 00:03:22,639 --> 00:03:25,200 Speaker 2: be some trash talking that's gonna motivate players as well 61 00:03:25,280 --> 00:03:27,399 Speaker 2: to want to perform to the best of their ability. 62 00:03:27,880 --> 00:03:31,440 Speaker 2: And we've seen it before when it comes to the 63 00:03:31,440 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 2: backup quarterback situation with both Clayton Tune and Desmond Ritter, 64 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:39,160 Speaker 2: they both talked about finally in the week leading into 65 00:03:39,240 --> 00:03:41,840 Speaker 2: the game against the New Orleans Saints, they both talked 66 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:46,480 Speaker 2: about the benefits from a quarterbacks perspective of reading a 67 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:49,520 Speaker 2: different defense. You know what Nick rollis is gonna throw 68 00:03:49,560 --> 00:03:52,200 Speaker 2: your way when you guys are at State Farm Stadium. 69 00:03:52,440 --> 00:03:56,000 Speaker 2: What is Shane Stiken's defense gonna be trying to show you? 70 00:03:56,040 --> 00:03:58,280 Speaker 2: Are they gonna show all their cards? Are they gonna 71 00:03:58,360 --> 00:04:01,160 Speaker 2: keep it very closed and play a base defense? What 72 00:04:01,240 --> 00:04:03,800 Speaker 2: is it going to be? Who knows? But as a quarterback, 73 00:04:04,080 --> 00:04:06,240 Speaker 2: that's when you're able to really start to pick apart 74 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:09,560 Speaker 2: what your opponents are starting to do outside of how 75 00:04:09,600 --> 00:04:11,600 Speaker 2: you prepare for a game during the week. 76 00:04:12,080 --> 00:04:16,719 Speaker 1: Given the relationship that Jag has with Shane stikeen together 77 00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:20,400 Speaker 1: in Philadelphia coordinators on the offense and defensive side of 78 00:04:20,400 --> 00:04:23,240 Speaker 1: the ball, your beloved Philadelphia Eagles, can we still say that? 79 00:04:23,279 --> 00:04:24,800 Speaker 2: Are we we done with that bird gang? 80 00:04:24,839 --> 00:04:27,039 Speaker 1: Okay, yeah, We're done with that. I don't get the 81 00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:30,400 Speaker 1: sense and the players have brought it up yet. It's intense, 82 00:04:31,160 --> 00:04:34,120 Speaker 1: but scuffles. If there's a couple of pushes and shoves, 83 00:04:34,160 --> 00:04:37,760 Speaker 1: not a big deal. But as far as real fisticuffs 84 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:40,159 Speaker 1: like we saw between the Lions and Giants, I'm not 85 00:04:40,240 --> 00:04:43,800 Speaker 1: expecting that at all. My guess is the message will 86 00:04:43,839 --> 00:04:46,680 Speaker 1: be sent on both sides, whether that's the Cardinals or 87 00:04:46,720 --> 00:04:50,640 Speaker 1: the Colts, very clear message we don't fight. It takes 88 00:04:50,640 --> 00:04:54,039 Speaker 1: away reps, You're only hurting yourself and it's just not 89 00:04:54,200 --> 00:04:56,760 Speaker 1: something that is one going to be tolerated. And now 90 00:04:56,800 --> 00:05:00,400 Speaker 1: the league is paying attention. They're now cracking down on 91 00:05:00,440 --> 00:05:01,320 Speaker 1: these joint practices. 92 00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:03,400 Speaker 2: Yeah, with the fines that they imposed on both the 93 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:07,080 Speaker 2: Giants and the Lions, the league has their eyes set 94 00:05:07,160 --> 00:05:09,799 Speaker 2: on this, and I think out of all the joint practices, 95 00:05:09,839 --> 00:05:11,720 Speaker 2: this is probably the one, in my opinion, that they 96 00:05:11,760 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 2: should not keep an eye on, because I don't even 97 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:17,479 Speaker 2: expect for it to happen because of the sort of 98 00:05:17,520 --> 00:05:20,440 Speaker 2: reverence and respect that JG and Shane Stike can have 99 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:22,880 Speaker 2: for one another during both of their times in that 100 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:27,400 Speaker 2: Philadelphia Eagles locker room. And we've seen too in so 101 00:05:27,480 --> 00:05:30,719 Speaker 2: many ways you'll see the pushing and shoving at practices. 102 00:05:30,839 --> 00:05:33,720 Speaker 2: John Agannon puts a stop to it right away when 103 00:05:33,760 --> 00:05:36,400 Speaker 2: there was an instance, earlier on in training camp, JG 104 00:05:36,640 --> 00:05:38,600 Speaker 2: sent the two players right back to the locker room, 105 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:41,200 Speaker 2: didn't have time for discussions, didn't really care to have 106 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:45,599 Speaker 2: a conversation about it. It's non negotiable, as he shouted 107 00:05:45,640 --> 00:05:47,840 Speaker 2: out the players, and they are very aware of that. 108 00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:50,760 Speaker 2: This is something that's talked about during OTA's this is 109 00:05:50,760 --> 00:05:53,839 Speaker 2: something I've talked about during mandatory mini camp and obviously 110 00:05:53,960 --> 00:05:56,479 Speaker 2: in the start and throughout training camp. Because you do 111 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:58,520 Speaker 2: that during a game, you penalize your team, You give 112 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:01,560 Speaker 2: the opponent a first down potentially worse, and when that 113 00:06:01,680 --> 00:06:05,400 Speaker 2: does happen, it doesn't. It's putting you before the team. 114 00:06:05,480 --> 00:06:07,800 Speaker 2: And that's not one of these values that they have 115 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:09,320 Speaker 2: print on the walls here in Tempe. 116 00:06:09,400 --> 00:06:12,680 Speaker 1: Yeah, it's team before you and that's what is to 117 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:16,120 Speaker 1: be expected coming up on Wednesday and Thursday. And then 118 00:06:16,120 --> 00:06:18,600 Speaker 1: the question was asked, all right, how how do these 119 00:06:18,640 --> 00:06:21,680 Speaker 1: practices maybe point to the direction as far as who 120 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:25,040 Speaker 1: might or might not play in the game on Saturday, 121 00:06:25,040 --> 00:06:27,839 Speaker 1: which is four pm, twelve thirty pre game on the 122 00:06:27,880 --> 00:06:30,839 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals Radio network. And my guess is, yeah, JG 123 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:32,600 Speaker 1: does have a sense on who will and who will 124 00:06:32,640 --> 00:06:35,800 Speaker 1: not play, But he also wants to see how this 125 00:06:35,920 --> 00:06:39,400 Speaker 1: team does, how individuals do Wednesday and Thursday. Maybe there's 126 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:42,480 Speaker 1: some bumps and bruises which can factor in decisions, But 127 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:45,640 Speaker 1: my guess is the starters that did not play against 128 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:48,400 Speaker 1: the Saints, we'll see a lot of reps Wednesday, a 129 00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:51,120 Speaker 1: lot of reps on Thursday, and then we'll go through 130 00:06:51,160 --> 00:06:54,480 Speaker 1: pregame warm ups and then be spectators once the game starts. 131 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:56,760 Speaker 2: Of course, when you look at you know what your 132 00:06:56,800 --> 00:06:58,440 Speaker 2: cornerback room is going to be. This is going to 133 00:06:58,480 --> 00:07:01,120 Speaker 2: be a great test. Yes, they've gone again Marvin Harrison 134 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:03,880 Speaker 2: Junior and Michael Wilson and Za Jones and Greg Dorch. 135 00:07:04,120 --> 00:07:06,240 Speaker 2: But now when you're going against a Michael Pittman junior, 136 00:07:06,320 --> 00:07:09,920 Speaker 2: for example, it's a difference. It makes a big difference 137 00:07:09,960 --> 00:07:12,440 Speaker 2: because you start to pick up the tendencies and Starling 138 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:15,080 Speaker 2: Thomas spoke on Monday and said, when he's gone beat 139 00:07:15,160 --> 00:07:17,160 Speaker 2: on the route, he's gone up to Marvin, or he's 140 00:07:17,160 --> 00:07:19,720 Speaker 2: gone up to Michael Wilson and said, hey, what did 141 00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:22,600 Speaker 2: you do there to So he doesn't necessarily get that 142 00:07:22,640 --> 00:07:25,240 Speaker 2: opportunity with a different type of opponent. Right now, now, 143 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:27,480 Speaker 2: you want to be able to show everything. And for 144 00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:31,360 Speaker 2: those borderline guys where you believe that Starling Thomas is 145 00:07:31,360 --> 00:07:33,480 Speaker 2: going to crack the fifty three man roster, he is 146 00:07:33,520 --> 00:07:36,200 Speaker 2: good enough to make that happen. The perseverance that he's 147 00:07:36,200 --> 00:07:38,440 Speaker 2: shown all throughout his life, he is good enough to 148 00:07:38,480 --> 00:07:42,200 Speaker 2: make that happen. But that CB two spot, that's what 149 00:07:42,320 --> 00:07:44,680 Speaker 2: he's now fighting for, it seems, and these type of 150 00:07:44,760 --> 00:07:48,080 Speaker 2: joint practices are a really good measuring stick to see 151 00:07:48,080 --> 00:07:50,800 Speaker 2: where you're at, especially in those competition battles. 152 00:07:50,840 --> 00:07:54,080 Speaker 1: It will give the front office the coaching staff some 153 00:07:54,160 --> 00:07:58,000 Speaker 1: good film. Speaking of film, I found it very interesting 154 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:01,680 Speaker 1: and maybe not surprising, but we had an opportunity to 155 00:08:01,680 --> 00:08:05,400 Speaker 1: hear from Darius Robinson on Monday about his ten snaps 156 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:06,160 Speaker 1: on Saturday. 157 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:07,200 Speaker 2: Not a lot, but. 158 00:08:07,200 --> 00:08:09,960 Speaker 1: As we discussed earlier this week here on Cardinals Cover 159 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:13,040 Speaker 1: two presented by Hyundai, proudly partner of the Arizona Cardinals, 160 00:08:13,120 --> 00:08:16,440 Speaker 1: in those ten snaps, Robinson did show up. He had 161 00:08:16,480 --> 00:08:18,960 Speaker 1: a tackle on the game's first play from scrimmage and 162 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:22,880 Speaker 1: then he drew a holding penalty. And to hear Darius 163 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:26,480 Speaker 1: talk about his game, thought he played solid. But then 164 00:08:27,320 --> 00:08:30,440 Speaker 1: having to be having the ability to watch those ten 165 00:08:30,520 --> 00:08:34,920 Speaker 1: snaps while the game is going on. His day is done, 166 00:08:35,280 --> 00:08:38,240 Speaker 1: yet he's on the sideline, still paying attention to his teammates, 167 00:08:38,480 --> 00:08:41,240 Speaker 1: but watching those ten snaps something he said he couldn't 168 00:08:41,280 --> 00:08:43,920 Speaker 1: do in college because they don't allow that in college. 169 00:08:43,920 --> 00:08:46,400 Speaker 1: But in the NFL, you've got the Microsoft Surface tablet 170 00:08:46,600 --> 00:08:49,480 Speaker 1: and you can watch these snaps. And he was able 171 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:52,199 Speaker 1: to watch it and then watch it again, and then 172 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:55,040 Speaker 1: watch it later that night, and then again the next morning, 173 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:57,840 Speaker 1: and I just and then he said, it's not that deep. 174 00:08:58,559 --> 00:09:00,760 Speaker 1: Is not that deep, But he also had it. I 175 00:09:00,760 --> 00:09:03,720 Speaker 1: ain't got nothing else to do but watch the tape. 176 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:07,240 Speaker 1: So you love his attention to detail, which we realize 177 00:09:07,640 --> 00:09:09,959 Speaker 1: off the top when he was drafted and that post 178 00:09:10,040 --> 00:09:12,240 Speaker 1: draft press conference in which he went for two and 179 00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:15,720 Speaker 1: a half three minutes talking about his weekly preparation for 180 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:20,040 Speaker 1: game day. Darius Robinson is all about the details and 181 00:09:20,080 --> 00:09:22,320 Speaker 1: he just loves this game. 182 00:09:22,480 --> 00:09:24,520 Speaker 2: See this guy. When you talk to him, it's like 183 00:09:24,640 --> 00:09:27,520 Speaker 2: everything's inn interview with him, it's like no, no, Darius, 184 00:09:27,559 --> 00:09:29,760 Speaker 2: Like tell us straight up, like how you're feeling, and 185 00:09:29,800 --> 00:09:33,480 Speaker 2: he will say exactly that. It's not just marketing fluff. 186 00:09:33,679 --> 00:09:38,520 Speaker 2: He's very he wants to be the best Darius Robinson possible, 187 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:41,960 Speaker 2: and that is what motivates him. That's what fuels him 188 00:09:42,040 --> 00:09:44,280 Speaker 2: day in and day out. And if he feels that 189 00:09:44,280 --> 00:09:47,600 Speaker 2: there's even a point oh oh one percent chance of 190 00:09:47,600 --> 00:09:50,199 Speaker 2: getting better, he's the type of player to say, all right, well, 191 00:09:50,200 --> 00:09:53,240 Speaker 2: I'm gonna put everything into that point one percent to 192 00:09:53,320 --> 00:09:56,120 Speaker 2: become the best version of Darius Robinson. He is so 193 00:09:56,440 --> 00:09:59,480 Speaker 2: obsessed with football and a lot of players say, oh, 194 00:09:59,480 --> 00:10:02,199 Speaker 2: I'm upset with football. In the third quarter, I saw 195 00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:05,320 Speaker 2: him on the sidelines holding a Microsoft tablet, and now 196 00:10:05,360 --> 00:10:07,679 Speaker 2: to know that that's probably because he was watching film 197 00:10:07,880 --> 00:10:10,240 Speaker 2: for the third time since being out on the field 198 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:15,200 Speaker 2: literally only about thirty minutes prior. He's an impressive young 199 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:18,200 Speaker 2: man and it's exciting to have not only the player, 200 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:19,840 Speaker 2: but the person in that locker room. 201 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:22,559 Speaker 1: Because you are rewarded with the work that you put 202 00:10:22,640 --> 00:10:25,280 Speaker 1: in during the week. You hear coaches say you play 203 00:10:25,280 --> 00:10:28,800 Speaker 1: how you practice, and I think Darius Robinson has taken. 204 00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:30,040 Speaker 2: That to heart. 205 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:33,080 Speaker 1: What he does during the week will help him on 206 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:37,320 Speaker 1: game day. And he gets very detailed. If you ask 207 00:10:37,440 --> 00:10:41,120 Speaker 1: him a question about technique or hand placement, expect a 208 00:10:41,280 --> 00:10:46,200 Speaker 1: very detailed, maybe above level conversation. But that's just who 209 00:10:46,280 --> 00:10:47,520 Speaker 1: he is as a player. 210 00:10:47,559 --> 00:10:50,520 Speaker 2: I remember right after we right after the Cardinals selected him, 211 00:10:50,520 --> 00:10:53,520 Speaker 2: all the media members got around a conference centerphone call 212 00:10:53,559 --> 00:10:54,959 Speaker 2: and we got him on the phone and I asked 213 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:58,360 Speaker 2: him about his versatility playing along the line, and that 214 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:00,559 Speaker 2: was our first taste as an Arizon on a media 215 00:11:00,600 --> 00:11:03,679 Speaker 2: market to get to know who Darius Robinson is. And 216 00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:06,440 Speaker 2: he went on that two minute tangent about hand placement 217 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:09,840 Speaker 2: and playing with violence and motor and it was everything 218 00:11:09,880 --> 00:11:12,120 Speaker 2: that if I'm Nick Raulis, I'm sitting back and I 219 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:14,280 Speaker 2: just had my hands behind my head, legs kicked up 220 00:11:14,280 --> 00:11:16,640 Speaker 2: on the table because I know that I just got 221 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:19,559 Speaker 2: a gem in Darius Robinson. He is obsessed with it. 222 00:11:19,920 --> 00:11:22,960 Speaker 2: He talks about the game like a ten year veteran, 223 00:11:23,360 --> 00:11:25,720 Speaker 2: just a way that he goes through his routine. He's 224 00:11:25,840 --> 00:11:29,480 Speaker 2: very routine oriented, it seems. And that's going to change 225 00:11:29,480 --> 00:11:32,440 Speaker 2: a lot as he does become that ten year veteran 226 00:11:32,720 --> 00:11:36,080 Speaker 2: literally and not just the hypothetical one of just talking 227 00:11:36,080 --> 00:11:38,360 Speaker 2: about his routine in scenarios. But it's all going to 228 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:41,480 Speaker 2: be changing and growing as he grows in the league. 229 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:43,839 Speaker 2: But to start off where he has started off, it's 230 00:11:43,880 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 2: impressive and I. 231 00:11:44,960 --> 00:11:48,280 Speaker 1: Liked his response. Darren Urban asked him about pushing to 232 00:11:48,280 --> 00:11:51,120 Speaker 1: be a starter, and I've made it very clear on 233 00:11:51,280 --> 00:11:54,240 Speaker 1: defensive on the defensive side of the ball, specifically the 234 00:11:54,320 --> 00:11:57,040 Speaker 1: D line, it doesn't matter to me who starts who 235 00:11:57,080 --> 00:12:00,400 Speaker 1: doesn't pay attention to the snap count, how many reps 236 00:12:00,400 --> 00:12:02,760 Speaker 1: are you getting on game day. Yet players like to 237 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:04,880 Speaker 1: hear their name called. They like that little star next 238 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:06,760 Speaker 1: to their name when you can say I started all 239 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:10,200 Speaker 1: seventeen games or twelve out of seventeen games during the 240 00:12:10,240 --> 00:12:14,400 Speaker 1: course of a regular season. But Darius's response was I 241 00:12:14,559 --> 00:12:17,040 Speaker 1: just want to be the best Darius Robinson, And that 242 00:12:17,160 --> 00:12:20,120 Speaker 1: is the perfect response going back to the culture that 243 00:12:20,160 --> 00:12:22,400 Speaker 1: has been set here from the top of the front 244 00:12:22,440 --> 00:12:24,960 Speaker 1: office to the coaching staff as far as what is 245 00:12:25,480 --> 00:12:28,200 Speaker 1: the best for the team, not for me as an 246 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:31,920 Speaker 1: individual player, but for the team. If that means me starting, great, 247 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:34,079 Speaker 1: If it means me coming off the bench, fine, Does 248 00:12:34,120 --> 00:12:37,800 Speaker 1: that mean me being playing inside? Okay, I'll play inside 249 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:40,839 Speaker 1: or I'll play outside. Just let me play. And I 250 00:12:40,880 --> 00:12:43,440 Speaker 1: think that's the sense you get from Darius is like, 251 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:45,520 Speaker 1: as long as I'm on the field, I'm. 252 00:12:45,400 --> 00:12:48,640 Speaker 2: Good handing the dirt bull rushing off the edge, whatever 253 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:51,440 Speaker 2: it is, Darius Robinson wants to make an impact. And 254 00:12:52,000 --> 00:12:55,840 Speaker 2: he's the type of player where there were so many instances, 255 00:12:56,040 --> 00:12:58,360 Speaker 2: especially in the game against New Orleans Saints where he 256 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:01,640 Speaker 2: did have that one tap and you mentioned the one 257 00:13:01,679 --> 00:13:04,640 Speaker 2: holding penalty he drew, but he was also getting double team. 258 00:13:04,960 --> 00:13:06,600 Speaker 2: His name is not going to pop up in the 259 00:13:06,600 --> 00:13:09,960 Speaker 2: stat sheet anywhere courtesy of that double team, but knowing 260 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:12,439 Speaker 2: that he's opening up the defense for his teammates to 261 00:13:12,480 --> 00:13:14,200 Speaker 2: make a play and for them to make a tackle, 262 00:13:14,200 --> 00:13:17,719 Speaker 2: whether that's a Roy Lopez or Nikwon Jones, whoever it is, 263 00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:21,959 Speaker 2: Dadrian Taylor Demerson coming off from the safety, rushing and 264 00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:24,400 Speaker 2: blitzing all the way down and making a play on 265 00:13:24,440 --> 00:13:28,280 Speaker 2: the goal line. Darius Robinson poses a threat to opposing 266 00:13:28,320 --> 00:13:31,240 Speaker 2: offensive lines because he's able to get to the backfield 267 00:13:31,280 --> 00:13:33,240 Speaker 2: and it might not always pop up on the stat sheet, 268 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:35,520 Speaker 2: but he's making an impact right away. 269 00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:37,760 Speaker 1: And he has that football IQ to where he can 270 00:13:37,840 --> 00:13:40,319 Speaker 1: play inside and outside. And I don't think it's too 271 00:13:40,440 --> 00:13:43,040 Speaker 1: much for him to handle as far as having too 272 00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:47,160 Speaker 1: much information to process, because I think he feeds off 273 00:13:47,200 --> 00:13:49,160 Speaker 1: of that. And then now, okay, now you have to 274 00:13:49,559 --> 00:13:52,160 Speaker 1: execute what is being coached to you. So I do 275 00:13:52,240 --> 00:13:54,680 Speaker 1: like the sense that he is an open book and 276 00:13:54,760 --> 00:13:57,120 Speaker 1: that aspect and then figure out what I can what 277 00:13:57,200 --> 00:13:59,320 Speaker 1: I can't do, what do I need to improve upon. 278 00:13:59,559 --> 00:14:03,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, we've seen him throughout training camp standing off to 279 00:14:03,040 --> 00:14:06,959 Speaker 2: the side with Ben Stilley or Justin Jones, literally from 280 00:14:06,960 --> 00:14:10,679 Speaker 2: the top down, and he's constantly going through the previous 281 00:14:10,760 --> 00:14:13,760 Speaker 2: rep trying his best to just be a sponge and 282 00:14:13,800 --> 00:14:17,679 Speaker 2: soak up as much knowledge as possible. Everyone in that 283 00:14:17,800 --> 00:14:21,280 Speaker 2: room outside of Miles Murphy has had more experience than 284 00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:24,600 Speaker 2: Darius Robinson in the league. So he has gone up 285 00:14:24,600 --> 00:14:29,000 Speaker 2: to everybody, and not just your defensive line teammates. He's 286 00:14:29,000 --> 00:14:31,680 Speaker 2: gone up to the linebackers like Kaizier White. He's talked 287 00:14:31,720 --> 00:14:34,560 Speaker 2: to Buddha Baker. He also mentioned during the first week 288 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:37,360 Speaker 2: of OTA's Kyler Murray pulled him aside and when Kyler 289 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:39,760 Speaker 2: Murray spoke to him, that was like a huge deal 290 00:14:39,800 --> 00:14:42,320 Speaker 2: for him. Oh my god, Kyler Murray. I played with 291 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:45,920 Speaker 2: him in Madden. Everything that everybody said about their veteran 292 00:14:46,200 --> 00:14:49,160 Speaker 2: or now veteran quarterback and Kyler Murray, they were so 293 00:14:49,520 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 2: enamored by him. But that leadership that they got and 294 00:14:52,600 --> 00:14:55,760 Speaker 2: the wisdom that they're learning from them. It's gonna make 295 00:14:55,840 --> 00:14:57,760 Speaker 2: a difference come game days, and I think you could 296 00:14:57,800 --> 00:15:00,720 Speaker 2: already start to see some of that happ and I'm 297 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:05,120 Speaker 2: sure by this point with the joint practices in Indianapolis, 298 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:07,520 Speaker 2: the cults are going to meet Darius Robinson very early. 299 00:15:07,640 --> 00:15:11,840 Speaker 1: And I can see him starting alongside Justin Jones or 300 00:15:11,880 --> 00:15:15,360 Speaker 1: Balal Nichols or Roy Lopez, or he could be a 301 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:19,560 Speaker 1: rotation piece with LJ. Collier or Dante Stills. But you 302 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:23,720 Speaker 1: have six defensive linemen that you can rotate and they 303 00:15:23,720 --> 00:15:27,840 Speaker 1: are all going to have significant impact on this defense. 304 00:15:27,880 --> 00:15:30,840 Speaker 1: You brought up Roy Lopez earlier, and the question was 305 00:15:30,880 --> 00:15:34,720 Speaker 1: asked to Jag on Monday about Roy and someone who 306 00:15:34,880 --> 00:15:38,360 Speaker 1: we here locally all familiar with is a hometown kid. 307 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:41,400 Speaker 1: Loves the fact that he is playing in front of 308 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:45,000 Speaker 1: his family and friends every single week at State Farm Stadium, 309 00:15:45,320 --> 00:15:48,000 Speaker 1: and he seems a lot more comfortable. He's had a 310 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,960 Speaker 1: full off season, a healthy off season, and able to 311 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:53,960 Speaker 1: dive into the playbook as far as what Nick Rolis 312 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:56,040 Speaker 1: is asking him to do, and you get a sense 313 00:15:56,080 --> 00:15:59,240 Speaker 1: that maybe statistically he's not going to wow you at 314 00:15:59,280 --> 00:16:01,440 Speaker 1: the end of the game. But the coaches understand the 315 00:16:01,480 --> 00:16:04,920 Speaker 1: importance of having ninety eight on the football field because, yeah, 316 00:16:04,960 --> 00:16:07,280 Speaker 1: he takes up a lot of space at six two 317 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:10,080 Speaker 1: three eighteen. But to hear JG say, it's not just 318 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:13,520 Speaker 1: stuffing the run, but his ability now to pass rush 319 00:16:13,720 --> 00:16:17,120 Speaker 1: and get some push up the middle to force those 320 00:16:17,160 --> 00:16:20,200 Speaker 1: offensive linemen back towards the quarterback to where now that 321 00:16:20,280 --> 00:16:22,720 Speaker 1: QB has got to go await a second and that space, 322 00:16:22,800 --> 00:16:25,400 Speaker 1: that pocket starts to collapse. I think that's the next 323 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 1: step for Roy Lopez is to become not just a 324 00:16:29,080 --> 00:16:31,600 Speaker 1: run defender but also a pass rusher. 325 00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:34,560 Speaker 2: When we've seen instances, especially in the run, where he's 326 00:16:34,680 --> 00:16:37,800 Speaker 2: you know, jabbed his left arm into an offensive lineman 327 00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:40,360 Speaker 2: shoulder pad and then was able to swoon it over 328 00:16:40,400 --> 00:16:43,800 Speaker 2: to the other side and make some noise in the backfield. 329 00:16:44,120 --> 00:16:48,000 Speaker 2: He has caused a lot of problems for opposing offenses 330 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:50,720 Speaker 2: because he does take up so much space there when 331 00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:52,760 Speaker 2: it comes to the passing. When it comes to the pass, 332 00:16:52,880 --> 00:16:55,600 Speaker 2: it all starts with the defensive line, and there were 333 00:16:55,680 --> 00:16:58,960 Speaker 2: multiple moments last season where Roy Lopez was your guy 334 00:16:59,080 --> 00:17:01,880 Speaker 2: on the defensive line. Now, when you add the players 335 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:05,040 Speaker 2: that you just previously mentioned, the Justin Jones, of Blall Nichols, 336 00:17:05,040 --> 00:17:07,520 Speaker 2: of Darius Robinson, and you line them up right next 337 00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:11,359 Speaker 2: to Roy Lopez, especially in passing situations, that's a lot 338 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:14,240 Speaker 2: more for an offensive line to handle, and that's when 339 00:17:14,359 --> 00:17:16,919 Speaker 2: Roy Lopez could get off his block and get to 340 00:17:16,960 --> 00:17:18,879 Speaker 2: the backfield. There he has looked really good. And that's 341 00:17:18,920 --> 00:17:21,400 Speaker 2: why Johnathan Gannon said he wishes he had a team 342 00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:24,600 Speaker 2: of ninety Roy Lopezes because of just the type of 343 00:17:24,640 --> 00:17:28,680 Speaker 2: person he is. The story getting to come back home 344 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:30,760 Speaker 2: and play in front of his family, and there's something 345 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:33,720 Speaker 2: about that home cooking that brings a player some comfort 346 00:17:33,800 --> 00:17:36,639 Speaker 2: because a lot of these players, especially in the leagues 347 00:17:36,640 --> 00:17:39,240 Speaker 2: where you have to have a mach up personality, they 348 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:41,200 Speaker 2: take where they're from and used as a chip on 349 00:17:41,240 --> 00:17:44,080 Speaker 2: their shoulder. And fortunately for Cardinals fans, they got a 350 00:17:44,119 --> 00:17:45,760 Speaker 2: taste of that right here in the valley with Roy 351 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:46,840 Speaker 2: Lopez being one of their own. 352 00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:49,240 Speaker 1: By the way, just turned twenty eight a couple of 353 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:52,480 Speaker 1: days ago, but someone that was released by the Texans 354 00:17:52,520 --> 00:17:56,280 Speaker 1: in late September wasn't quite one hundred percent, got healthy 355 00:17:56,680 --> 00:18:00,359 Speaker 1: and then played fourteen games, including five star arts. He 356 00:18:00,440 --> 00:18:03,639 Speaker 1: started the last four games of last season, and he 357 00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:07,000 Speaker 1: played better than forty percent of the defensive snaps in 358 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:10,000 Speaker 1: each of the final eight games. Doesn't sound like a 359 00:18:10,040 --> 00:18:11,960 Speaker 1: lot when you compare that to some of the offensive 360 00:18:11,960 --> 00:18:14,800 Speaker 1: players or maybe in the secondary, but forty percent of 361 00:18:14,840 --> 00:18:18,359 Speaker 1: the defensive snaps as a defensive lineman, that's a high 362 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:22,919 Speaker 1: percentage that this defensive coaching staff likes to keep about 363 00:18:22,960 --> 00:18:26,680 Speaker 1: thirty five to forty five that rotation. So you're healthy 364 00:18:26,760 --> 00:18:29,000 Speaker 1: first of all, and then you're fresh going into the 365 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:30,400 Speaker 1: third and fourth quarters exactly. 366 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:32,879 Speaker 2: And that's it's not going to be that high this season, 367 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:34,879 Speaker 2: at least I don't expect for it to be. And 368 00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:36,720 Speaker 2: that's not a knock on Roy Lopez saying that he 369 00:18:36,760 --> 00:18:38,600 Speaker 2: won't be out there just because of the other pieces 370 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:41,520 Speaker 2: you have in your rotation, because of the players. We 371 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:45,080 Speaker 2: mentioned how Mani Austin for really made it a point 372 00:18:45,080 --> 00:18:47,639 Speaker 2: of emphasis throughout free agency and throughout the draft to 373 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:50,600 Speaker 2: really hone in on that position group and try to 374 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:53,639 Speaker 2: upgrade it. And their is the room is upgraded now 375 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:56,200 Speaker 2: the players again, al j Colli or they're going to 376 00:18:56,240 --> 00:18:58,480 Speaker 2: say that it's just a different room, and it is 377 00:18:58,520 --> 00:19:00,920 Speaker 2: a different room, but it's an improved room because of 378 00:19:00,960 --> 00:19:03,320 Speaker 2: the free agency pieces that you were able to bring in. 379 00:19:03,520 --> 00:19:06,440 Speaker 2: So Roy Lopez was out there a lot, and he's 380 00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:08,639 Speaker 2: gonna still be out there a lot. He won't be 381 00:19:08,640 --> 00:19:11,440 Speaker 2: out there nearly as much, but that's not a problem 382 00:19:11,680 --> 00:19:14,720 Speaker 2: because you know that the players you're replacing him with, 383 00:19:14,800 --> 00:19:18,679 Speaker 2: you're rotating him in with, they're gonna be quality rotational 384 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:22,320 Speaker 2: pieces that could also make a similar impact to Roy Lopez. 385 00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:26,080 Speaker 1: And Roy played a lot on Saturday comparatively speaking with 386 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:28,880 Speaker 1: a preseason game. Dante Stills was out there a lot 387 00:19:28,920 --> 00:19:32,160 Speaker 1: comparatively speaking, and that's because Justin Jones Blon Nichols did 388 00:19:32,160 --> 00:19:36,040 Speaker 1: not play. So somebody has to play along that defensive front. Plus, 389 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:40,120 Speaker 1: considering where they are in their careers versus a Justin 390 00:19:40,200 --> 00:19:43,440 Speaker 1: Jones and Blond Nichols a little bit more of a resume, 391 00:19:44,040 --> 00:19:48,240 Speaker 1: they need some of those snaps within this defense. And look, 392 00:19:48,480 --> 00:19:51,560 Speaker 1: if those two talking about Roy Lopez and Dante Stills here, 393 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:54,320 Speaker 1: you get someone in Roy Lopez who you got off 394 00:19:54,359 --> 00:19:58,280 Speaker 1: the street. And then Dante Still's a Day three pick. 395 00:19:58,440 --> 00:20:01,640 Speaker 1: Late on Day three who did what. I don't think 396 00:20:01,680 --> 00:20:04,879 Speaker 1: a lot of people expected or perhaps anticipated, but the 397 00:20:04,960 --> 00:20:08,920 Speaker 1: opportunity to presented itself because of injuries along that defensive line. 398 00:20:08,960 --> 00:20:11,560 Speaker 1: Then all of a sudden, Dante stills, Hey, you're the guy. 399 00:20:11,920 --> 00:20:13,560 Speaker 1: What are you gonna do with that opportunity? And now 400 00:20:13,640 --> 00:20:16,000 Speaker 1: we're talking about him a year later as far as Hey, 401 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:18,160 Speaker 1: you're a key piece, You're one of those top six 402 00:20:18,440 --> 00:20:19,000 Speaker 1: on the line. 403 00:20:19,040 --> 00:20:22,160 Speaker 2: I remember speaking to Dante last year in the State 404 00:20:22,200 --> 00:20:24,800 Speaker 2: Farm Stadium locker room after a training camp practice and 405 00:20:25,160 --> 00:20:27,480 Speaker 2: we were on the sidelines. I remember Derek Leblond was 406 00:20:28,080 --> 00:20:31,399 Speaker 2: coaching him up very, very hard, as any good coach 407 00:20:31,440 --> 00:20:34,520 Speaker 2: would do. And afterwards we put in the request to 408 00:20:34,520 --> 00:20:36,640 Speaker 2: speak to some of these players, and I'm like, ah, 409 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:38,680 Speaker 2: I'm not sure how much Dante's going to want to 410 00:20:38,720 --> 00:20:41,439 Speaker 2: talk about his spot potentially being a part of the 411 00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:44,320 Speaker 2: fifty three man roster or not being on it at all. 412 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:46,520 Speaker 2: Where is he going to fit in? And when we 413 00:20:46,560 --> 00:20:49,639 Speaker 2: spoke to one another, he was just so grateful of 414 00:20:49,680 --> 00:20:51,840 Speaker 2: the opportunity and was truly trying to make the most 415 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:53,720 Speaker 2: of it and he was able to crack that fifty 416 00:20:53,720 --> 00:20:56,359 Speaker 2: three man roster, and I remember how upset he was 417 00:20:56,560 --> 00:20:58,640 Speaker 2: that he was a healthy scratch in that opening game 418 00:20:58,640 --> 00:21:02,720 Speaker 2: against the Washington Commanders down there in that back out 419 00:21:02,760 --> 00:21:06,000 Speaker 2: east and the next week because of injuries, he was 420 00:21:06,040 --> 00:21:08,639 Speaker 2: suited up, ready to go, and he did not stop 421 00:21:08,720 --> 00:21:09,879 Speaker 2: until the end of the year when he had that 422 00:21:09,960 --> 00:21:13,960 Speaker 2: knee injury. But it's it's encouraging because he's no longer 423 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:16,240 Speaker 2: the guy. He's a big part of this rotational piece, 424 00:21:17,280 --> 00:21:20,959 Speaker 2: rotational unit, and it's exciting to see a second year player, 425 00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:23,439 Speaker 2: a Day three selection, still finding a way to make 426 00:21:23,480 --> 00:21:26,640 Speaker 2: an impact because whether it's the scouts here in the building, 427 00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:29,040 Speaker 2: they have been able to find some gems, whether it's 428 00:21:29,040 --> 00:21:31,639 Speaker 2: a Mari de Mercado, Keetro Clark playing a lot of 429 00:21:31,640 --> 00:21:34,840 Speaker 2: meaningful snaps, Dante Stills, a lot of your players that 430 00:21:34,920 --> 00:21:37,200 Speaker 2: you drafted Day three or were not drafted at all, 431 00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:39,480 Speaker 2: they have made an impact and they found a home 432 00:21:39,520 --> 00:21:40,120 Speaker 2: here in the valley. 433 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:44,400 Speaker 1: And hopefully we're talking about this defensive line, whether that's 434 00:21:44,680 --> 00:21:48,400 Speaker 1: Thursday or Friday, or even on Saturday for that preseason game. 435 00:21:48,840 --> 00:21:53,840 Speaker 1: But those defensive linemen show up against the Indianapolis Colts 436 00:21:53,880 --> 00:21:58,280 Speaker 1: and what we think this defensive line can be and 437 00:21:58,320 --> 00:22:00,879 Speaker 1: we saw it a little bit against the Saints. Now, okay, 438 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:04,679 Speaker 1: now these joint practices again, just how far along is 439 00:22:04,720 --> 00:22:08,119 Speaker 1: this d line compared to where they were a year ago. Now, 440 00:22:08,200 --> 00:22:10,400 Speaker 1: knock on wood, they stay healthy and we're not starting 441 00:22:10,920 --> 00:22:13,760 Speaker 1: I say wee, but the Cardinals aren't starting three. 442 00:22:13,640 --> 00:22:16,600 Speaker 2: Defenses, aren't starting the trench. That's true. We are. 443 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:19,960 Speaker 1: We're not starting three or four defensive lineman in Week 444 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:23,119 Speaker 1: eighteen that weren't even on the roster in Week one. 445 00:22:23,280 --> 00:22:26,280 Speaker 1: That's I think that's that's the jump that I want 446 00:22:26,320 --> 00:22:29,520 Speaker 1: to see here in twenty twenty four with that defensive line. 447 00:22:29,600 --> 00:22:31,600 Speaker 2: You still want to see if Phil Hoskins or a 448 00:22:31,680 --> 00:22:34,359 Speaker 2: Ben Stilly makes them make some noise during these joint 449 00:22:34,359 --> 00:22:37,639 Speaker 2: practices because they're fighting to make that fifty three man roster. 450 00:22:37,960 --> 00:22:40,879 Speaker 2: Both players practice squad and then they were elevated to 451 00:22:40,960 --> 00:22:44,040 Speaker 2: the active roster throughout the season, especially when the injury 452 00:22:44,119 --> 00:22:47,639 Speaker 2: bug kept biting the Cardinals towards the latter half of 453 00:22:47,680 --> 00:22:50,719 Speaker 2: the season, towards Week seventeen, week eighteen, and then they 454 00:22:50,800 --> 00:22:53,520 Speaker 2: started to play a lot of meaningful snaps. But they 455 00:22:53,800 --> 00:22:57,600 Speaker 2: the intensia that they bring. It's We're gonna obviously keep 456 00:22:57,600 --> 00:23:01,520 Speaker 2: our eyes on Darius Robinson and Justin Jones, bilom Nichols 457 00:23:01,560 --> 00:23:03,159 Speaker 2: and a lot of the players that we mentioned, but 458 00:23:03,240 --> 00:23:07,159 Speaker 2: how about a Kyrie's tonga a free agency, a product 459 00:23:07,160 --> 00:23:09,440 Speaker 2: a free agency that you brought in. He has kind 460 00:23:09,440 --> 00:23:11,840 Speaker 2: of gone under the radar a little bit because of 461 00:23:11,880 --> 00:23:14,360 Speaker 2: the amount of other players in that defensive line room. 462 00:23:14,520 --> 00:23:17,760 Speaker 2: How can he stand out going against different offensive linemen. 463 00:23:18,080 --> 00:23:20,800 Speaker 2: That's going to be another critical point to see how 464 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:21,679 Speaker 2: it unfolds. 465 00:23:21,760 --> 00:23:25,159 Speaker 1: One other piece defensively ahead of these joint practices that 466 00:23:25,359 --> 00:23:28,240 Speaker 1: I hope to see is the pass rush. And again, 467 00:23:28,280 --> 00:23:31,119 Speaker 1: you're not going to be allowed to sack the Colts quarterbacks, 468 00:23:31,119 --> 00:23:34,440 Speaker 1: but can you make things uncomfortable? Are we seeing highlights 469 00:23:34,560 --> 00:23:37,679 Speaker 1: or are we seeing from those that are at these practices. 470 00:23:37,720 --> 00:23:40,359 Speaker 1: Are they talking up some of these pass rushers, not 471 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:42,760 Speaker 1: the Xavi and collinses and the Dennis Gardack. 472 00:23:42,760 --> 00:23:44,720 Speaker 2: I hope they're talking them up too, Yes. 473 00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:47,840 Speaker 1: But I'm more looking at the Tyreek Smith who flashed 474 00:23:47,880 --> 00:23:51,639 Speaker 1: against the Saints, or Xavier Thomas who flashed against the 475 00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:56,880 Speaker 1: Saints and then asked about xt Darius Robinson's eyes lit up, 476 00:23:57,160 --> 00:23:59,160 Speaker 1: And I think a lot of that is because same 477 00:23:59,240 --> 00:24:02,640 Speaker 1: draft class, and you can see those two perhaps being 478 00:24:02,680 --> 00:24:05,520 Speaker 1: part of the foundation of this defense moving forward along 479 00:24:05,560 --> 00:24:08,800 Speaker 1: that front seven and just the fact that we did 480 00:24:08,840 --> 00:24:13,040 Speaker 1: see Thomas push a right tackle back on his heels 481 00:24:13,080 --> 00:24:16,240 Speaker 1: to the quarterback and it doesn't have to end in 482 00:24:16,280 --> 00:24:20,080 Speaker 1: a sack, but that quarterback and I don't believe everythink 483 00:24:20,080 --> 00:24:23,880 Speaker 1: it was Jake Hayner threw it incomplete. There was tight 484 00:24:23,920 --> 00:24:27,520 Speaker 1: coverage with Starling Thomas on the wide receiver, but through 485 00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:31,399 Speaker 1: it before the receiver was ready. And that's that's what 486 00:24:31,480 --> 00:24:34,560 Speaker 1: you see after the fact sometimes when you get a 487 00:24:34,640 --> 00:24:37,439 Speaker 1: chance to rewatch these games. But that's what you want 488 00:24:37,560 --> 00:24:38,479 Speaker 1: in an edge rusher. 489 00:24:38,520 --> 00:24:40,560 Speaker 2: And then he had then he beat the left tackle 490 00:24:40,640 --> 00:24:43,960 Speaker 2: to get the sack. So we've seen how the ability 491 00:24:44,000 --> 00:24:46,080 Speaker 2: to move on both sides of the line for your 492 00:24:46,160 --> 00:24:48,400 Speaker 2: edge rushers, how they're able to get around the tackles 493 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:51,760 Speaker 2: and make some noise there in the backfield. It's encouraging 494 00:24:51,840 --> 00:24:55,000 Speaker 2: because so many players way we talk about the versatility, 495 00:24:55,040 --> 00:24:56,840 Speaker 2: a lot of guys around the league are kind of 496 00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:00,800 Speaker 2: locked in on one side of the ball, and Nick Ralis, 497 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:04,360 Speaker 2: Rob Rodriguez, they make sure that they're outside linebackers. Their 498 00:25:04,440 --> 00:25:07,919 Speaker 2: edge rushers are capable of getting to the quarterback on 499 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:09,960 Speaker 2: both sides of the ball, both on the right side, 500 00:25:10,440 --> 00:25:12,840 Speaker 2: round the right tackleing around the left tackle. So that's 501 00:25:12,840 --> 00:25:16,720 Speaker 2: been encouraging, but you hope to see Xavier Thomas continue 502 00:25:16,720 --> 00:25:19,840 Speaker 2: that that stride. He has looked really sharp. Coach JG 503 00:25:20,040 --> 00:25:23,879 Speaker 2: said that he has stood out. Nick Rowis said in 504 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:26,320 Speaker 2: the last week going into that game against the Saints, 505 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:29,240 Speaker 2: he's quote let it rip a lot more So when 506 00:25:29,240 --> 00:25:31,919 Speaker 2: that does happen, you hope that the confidence and the 507 00:25:31,960 --> 00:25:36,560 Speaker 2: motivation continues to push Exavier Thomas forward, and you also 508 00:25:36,600 --> 00:25:39,600 Speaker 2: hope that it motivates other guys in that room. Victor d. Mucage, 509 00:25:39,720 --> 00:25:43,040 Speaker 2: Jesse Luketta, Cam Thomas. You have a rookie, a fifth 510 00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:45,520 Speaker 2: round selection that's coming in right now. They're making a noise, 511 00:25:45,680 --> 00:25:48,760 Speaker 2: they're making their their play, they're making their push to 512 00:25:48,800 --> 00:25:51,680 Speaker 2: making that fifty three man roster, which means they're potentially 513 00:25:51,680 --> 00:25:54,080 Speaker 2: taking my spot. So you have to start to use 514 00:25:54,080 --> 00:25:55,720 Speaker 2: that as motivation towards one another. 515 00:25:55,840 --> 00:25:59,119 Speaker 1: And what we're seeing from Thomas, I figure do we 516 00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:02,120 Speaker 1: call him xt is is that his nick I've heard 517 00:26:02,200 --> 00:26:02,840 Speaker 1: him call Zay. 518 00:26:03,240 --> 00:26:05,720 Speaker 2: Zay is the name I've heard, but I think Zay 519 00:26:05,720 --> 00:26:07,280 Speaker 2: Weaver is who they go with. 520 00:26:07,560 --> 00:26:11,160 Speaker 1: Zay Okay, Yeah, it's it's X squared once these players 521 00:26:11,240 --> 00:26:15,479 Speaker 1: are in the quote unquote normal locker room. We can 522 00:26:15,560 --> 00:26:18,040 Speaker 1: ask these players, Okay, what would you like to be 523 00:26:18,119 --> 00:26:21,080 Speaker 1: referred to? Is this okay to call you this? 524 00:26:21,200 --> 00:26:25,639 Speaker 2: But remember what Xavier Thomas said first day. He's at 525 00:26:25,800 --> 00:26:28,600 Speaker 2: the podium and he said, people normally think I'm mean, 526 00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:32,200 Speaker 2: I'm actually quite nice. So we should go up to 527 00:26:32,280 --> 00:26:35,280 Speaker 2: him and say, high nice person. He does have this. 528 00:26:35,280 --> 00:26:39,240 Speaker 1: This is my friend's career year presence that says, don't 529 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:40,080 Speaker 1: bother me right now. 530 00:26:40,480 --> 00:26:43,480 Speaker 2: He does. It's part of the tattoos, which he recognized. 531 00:26:43,680 --> 00:26:47,240 Speaker 1: And that's just a lot of these defensive players. The 532 00:26:47,359 --> 00:26:49,560 Speaker 1: football players are athletes in general, because you get so 533 00:26:50,119 --> 00:26:53,200 Speaker 1: focused and narrow minded. I got a job to do 534 00:26:53,320 --> 00:26:56,199 Speaker 1: and I can't be distracted. Yet when you talk to 535 00:26:56,280 --> 00:26:59,200 Speaker 1: them just off to the side or whatever about something 536 00:26:59,240 --> 00:27:01,560 Speaker 1: else that's not football related, then all of a sudden, 537 00:27:01,560 --> 00:27:03,480 Speaker 1: it's like, oh, you're just a big teddy bear. 538 00:27:03,720 --> 00:27:06,600 Speaker 2: You're lack of Benard. Yeah, I mean like Darius Robinson. 539 00:27:06,840 --> 00:27:10,199 Speaker 2: I love talking to Darius and we talk about a 540 00:27:10,200 --> 00:27:13,200 Speaker 2: lot of different things. And Christian Jones, for example, big 541 00:27:13,280 --> 00:27:15,840 Speaker 2: right tackle that you're kind of like, oh, but when 542 00:27:15,840 --> 00:27:18,520 Speaker 2: he sat down and he smiles and it just like 543 00:27:18,560 --> 00:27:21,840 Speaker 2: irradiates the room. It's incredible. But that goes back to 544 00:27:21,880 --> 00:27:25,480 Speaker 2: the personalities that you're bringing into the organization, the type 545 00:27:25,520 --> 00:27:27,600 Speaker 2: of people that you're bringing in. How are they going 546 00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:30,320 Speaker 2: to mesh in with one another? And many Austin Ford 547 00:27:30,359 --> 00:27:33,560 Speaker 2: has has not missed yet he has not. 548 00:27:34,440 --> 00:27:37,280 Speaker 1: And for all those people, I'm just gonna make a 549 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:40,520 Speaker 1: broad generalization here, for all those on the outside that 550 00:27:40,560 --> 00:27:43,560 Speaker 1: are looking or waiting for this team to do something 551 00:27:43,680 --> 00:27:48,120 Speaker 1: defensively because bjo Julari is out for the season, keep 552 00:27:48,160 --> 00:27:50,800 Speaker 1: this in mind, and I've said it before, I've heard 553 00:27:50,880 --> 00:27:53,880 Speaker 1: others say it as well. There is a certain person 554 00:27:54,280 --> 00:27:57,359 Speaker 1: this organization is looking for to add to that locker 555 00:27:57,440 --> 00:28:01,520 Speaker 1: room and then they look at the player person first, 556 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:05,320 Speaker 1: then the player, and I think that's the order. And 557 00:28:05,359 --> 00:28:08,280 Speaker 1: you heard it, and we've seen it from all of 558 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:10,960 Speaker 1: these draft picks the last two years, where they start 559 00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:15,639 Speaker 1: repeating one another the same message over and over again, 560 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:21,159 Speaker 1: and that same mindset that team first, me second, and 561 00:28:21,280 --> 00:28:23,639 Speaker 1: whatever you need me to do, coach, I'll do it. 562 00:28:23,680 --> 00:28:26,960 Speaker 2: I forget who said it, but somebody said that you 563 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:30,000 Speaker 2: could dictate a good culture based off of what your 564 00:28:30,040 --> 00:28:34,240 Speaker 2: players are saying about you publicly. And that's what because 565 00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:37,000 Speaker 2: especially in the NFL, we're talking about a lot of 566 00:28:37,040 --> 00:28:40,600 Speaker 2: money at stake here. Players have no problems speaking their mind. 567 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:43,160 Speaker 2: You look at the situation in Dallas right now with 568 00:28:43,640 --> 00:28:46,440 Speaker 2: contract situations and you see Cedee Lamb talking about the 569 00:28:46,480 --> 00:28:50,520 Speaker 2: owner loll when talking about contract situations. You will not 570 00:28:50,680 --> 00:28:53,640 Speaker 2: see that here with this organization, with this regime because 571 00:28:53,640 --> 00:28:57,080 Speaker 2: of just how locked in and in lockstep everybody is. 572 00:28:57,160 --> 00:29:00,840 Speaker 2: All the way down from JG. Monty to your owner 573 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:03,680 Speaker 2: Michael Bidwell, all the way down to the players. Everybody 574 00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:06,400 Speaker 2: is in lockstep with one another. And there's there's a 575 00:29:06,600 --> 00:29:10,680 Speaker 2: unique sense of enthusiasm and optimism surrounding this team. And 576 00:29:10,720 --> 00:29:13,160 Speaker 2: it's not just stemming from the fan base or from 577 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,600 Speaker 2: the organizational front office leaders. It's stemming from the players too. 578 00:29:16,720 --> 00:29:18,600 Speaker 2: They believe it and they're all bought in. 579 00:29:19,280 --> 00:29:22,040 Speaker 1: And again, bottom line is, you have to win on 580 00:29:22,120 --> 00:29:25,160 Speaker 1: Sundays m HM. And that's what you're ultimately judged on, 581 00:29:25,480 --> 00:29:28,560 Speaker 1: is your win loss record. But it's got to start somewhere, 582 00:29:28,800 --> 00:29:32,000 Speaker 1: and this is where it's starting. And you hope that 583 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:36,160 Speaker 1: that now translates to wins and more wins than losses. 584 00:29:36,280 --> 00:29:39,320 Speaker 2: Yeah, the wins are what get people played and get 585 00:29:39,360 --> 00:29:42,720 Speaker 2: people into the playoffs and you with the end goal 586 00:29:42,880 --> 00:29:47,120 Speaker 2: of hoisting Lombardi. That's something that Kyler Murray has not 587 00:29:47,160 --> 00:29:50,400 Speaker 2: been shy to say that that's the goal, that's the expectation, 588 00:29:50,600 --> 00:29:53,600 Speaker 2: that's the standard that you set out for yourself. Manty 589 00:29:53,600 --> 00:29:55,719 Speaker 2: Austin Ford spent a lot of time in New England. 590 00:29:55,800 --> 00:29:58,720 Speaker 2: He competed and saw a lot of Lombardi trophies go 591 00:29:58,760 --> 00:30:01,680 Speaker 2: through those halls in Foxborough. So because of that, and 592 00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:03,440 Speaker 2: he had to walk by that every single day. And 593 00:30:03,520 --> 00:30:07,720 Speaker 2: that's the standard that Tom Brady, that Bill Belichick set forth. 594 00:30:08,240 --> 00:30:10,200 Speaker 2: Now you want to bring that here. You want to 595 00:30:10,200 --> 00:30:12,760 Speaker 2: bring that standard to this organization. Try to get them 596 00:30:12,760 --> 00:30:14,800 Speaker 2: there first. And it's something that's going to be very 597 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:18,400 Speaker 2: exciting when that does happen, because it will happen someday. 598 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:19,720 Speaker 2: So you hope it's this year. 599 00:30:19,840 --> 00:30:22,479 Speaker 1: Yes, let's hope it's this year. So you and I 600 00:30:22,600 --> 00:30:26,960 Speaker 1: did not make the cut. We are not traveling to Indianapolis. 601 00:30:26,960 --> 00:30:31,080 Speaker 1: I don't travel typically, that's just part of my job description. 602 00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:31,920 Speaker 2: I'm okay with it. 603 00:30:31,960 --> 00:30:34,560 Speaker 1: But we will have boots on the ground, a number 604 00:30:34,600 --> 00:30:38,400 Speaker 1: of people people are will be in Indianapolis and all 605 00:30:38,440 --> 00:30:41,440 Speaker 1: of your coverage for the joint practices Wednesday and Thursday 606 00:30:41,480 --> 00:30:44,840 Speaker 1: Azcardinals dot Com and then again the preseason game is 607 00:30:44,880 --> 00:30:48,560 Speaker 1: on Saturday at four pm. Twelve thirty is the pregame 608 00:30:48,640 --> 00:30:51,800 Speaker 1: on the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network. So just because you 609 00:30:51,880 --> 00:30:54,400 Speaker 1: and I won't be there, it doesn't mean that there's 610 00:30:54,440 --> 00:30:55,200 Speaker 1: nothing happening. 611 00:30:55,320 --> 00:30:58,080 Speaker 2: Oh, we still are gonna have a lot of behind 612 00:30:58,120 --> 00:31:01,040 Speaker 2: the scenes, all access covering on all of our Azy 613 00:31:01,080 --> 00:31:04,640 Speaker 2: Cardinals platforms. So gotta stay locked in because you're not 614 00:31:04,680 --> 00:31:05,480 Speaker 2: gonna want to miss it. 615 00:31:05,640 --> 00:31:08,959 Speaker 1: Speaking of coverage, give you a shout out here before 616 00:31:09,000 --> 00:31:13,160 Speaker 1: we close up shop Cardinals game plan filling in for 617 00:31:13,280 --> 00:31:16,600 Speaker 1: Ron Woofley. So you and Paul Calvic sitting down with 618 00:31:16,640 --> 00:31:17,960 Speaker 1: the head coach this week, I. 619 00:31:17,920 --> 00:31:23,280 Speaker 2: Actually did Paul did it solo okay with Jgar the show. 620 00:31:23,360 --> 00:31:25,960 Speaker 2: Part of the show. I was there on the side, 621 00:31:26,200 --> 00:31:28,600 Speaker 2: just enamored by Paul's hosting ability. 622 00:31:29,080 --> 00:31:32,200 Speaker 1: Uh, you're gonna mark that Cody for a potential clip 623 00:31:32,320 --> 00:31:32,600 Speaker 1: of it. 624 00:31:33,320 --> 00:31:35,520 Speaker 2: But no, a lot of great stoff previewing with the 625 00:31:35,560 --> 00:31:39,760 Speaker 2: head coach, the joint practices and talking about all the 626 00:31:39,880 --> 00:31:42,960 Speaker 2: exciting things that this organization has put forth so far 627 00:31:43,040 --> 00:31:47,240 Speaker 2: throughout the preseason, and then going into preseason game number 628 00:31:47,240 --> 00:31:49,440 Speaker 2: two and talking we have a one on one Danny 629 00:31:49,480 --> 00:31:52,240 Speaker 2: spoke with Kyler, So a lot of great stuff happening. 630 00:31:52,320 --> 00:31:55,640 Speaker 1: Cardinals game plan airs on Arizona's Family. I believe the 631 00:31:55,760 --> 00:31:59,640 Speaker 1: first airing is on Thursday nights and then they repeat 632 00:31:59,640 --> 00:32:03,640 Speaker 1: its as well throughout the course of Friday, Saturday and 633 00:32:03,680 --> 00:32:05,680 Speaker 1: into the weekend. So that kind of gets you a 634 00:32:05,800 --> 00:32:09,040 Speaker 1: set for the game on Saturday, ready to go. 635 00:32:09,160 --> 00:32:12,440 Speaker 2: Absolutely, Football's back. I say it after I've said it 636 00:32:12,480 --> 00:32:14,880 Speaker 2: before and after a lot of different shows that we've done. 637 00:32:14,920 --> 00:32:17,920 Speaker 2: But it's so excited to see the pads clinging against 638 00:32:17,920 --> 00:32:21,080 Speaker 2: one another, and it's a very hopeful time for this 639 00:32:21,200 --> 00:32:22,000 Speaker 2: organization and. 640 00:32:22,000 --> 00:32:26,040 Speaker 1: A much different week with practices against another team which 641 00:32:26,080 --> 00:32:30,240 Speaker 1: will give you another evaluation and maybe a better evaluation 642 00:32:30,480 --> 00:32:33,880 Speaker 1: of the Cardinals, not just in terms of individuals, but 643 00:32:33,920 --> 00:32:36,720 Speaker 1: the team as well. So anxious to see what happens 644 00:32:36,720 --> 00:32:39,880 Speaker 1: and what we hear out of those two joint practices. Again, 645 00:32:39,920 --> 00:32:42,960 Speaker 1: all the information and all the details, all the news 646 00:32:42,960 --> 00:32:46,280 Speaker 1: on Azcardinals dot com. And on that note, we will 647 00:32:46,280 --> 00:32:48,479 Speaker 1: put a lid on this edition of Cardinals Cover two 648 00:32:48,520 --> 00:32:51,920 Speaker 1: presented by Yundai, partner of the Arizona Cardinals. As always, 649 00:32:51,920 --> 00:32:55,160 Speaker 1: special thanks to our executive producer Jim Amahundra, our associate 650 00:32:55,200 --> 00:32:57,960 Speaker 1: producer Cody Fincher. For Zach Kershman, I'm Greig real Loom. 651 00:32:58,000 --> 00:33:00,280 Speaker 1: We'll talk to you next time here on Cardinals Come two.