1 00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:06,320 Speaker 1: Welcome bird Gang. On today's show, Danny Surrek joins me 2 00:00:06,519 --> 00:00:09,400 Speaker 1: to help review week eighteen. That's right, the end of 3 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:12,760 Speaker 1: the regular season, the end of JJ Watt's career, maybe 4 00:00:12,800 --> 00:00:17,200 Speaker 1: even aj Green change is coming just how much? Well 5 00:00:17,239 --> 00:00:20,279 Speaker 1: we'll know that soon enough. First, though, there is a 6 00:00:20,360 --> 00:00:23,360 Speaker 1: game to play against the forty nine ers. It's Cardinals 7 00:00:23,360 --> 00:00:28,000 Speaker 1: Cover two, Episode six thirty four, and it starts now. 8 00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:33,680 Speaker 1: Welcome to Cardinals Cover two. Hitting the backfield and Downey 9 00:00:33,720 --> 00:00:37,040 Speaker 1: goes for a loss. JJ Watt nailed it. Cardinals Cover 10 00:00:37,159 --> 00:00:40,640 Speaker 1: two is presented by Hun Day, proud partner of the 11 00:00:40,680 --> 00:00:46,640 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcasts. Visit Acy Cardinals 12 00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:49,840 Speaker 1: dot com Slash Podcasts. He's at the ten half of five. 13 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:55,840 Speaker 1: Hes in again, so for Harry Magic. Whoa, here's Craig Grielou. 14 00:00:59,120 --> 00:01:01,639 Speaker 1: I know I shouldn't do this, Danny, but I am 15 00:01:01,680 --> 00:01:06,080 Speaker 1: anyway because we all care about you here on Cardinals 16 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:10,319 Speaker 1: Cover two. According to weather dot com, showers in the 17 00:01:10,360 --> 00:01:13,720 Speaker 1: morning with some clearing in the afternoon. High as sixty one, 18 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:17,440 Speaker 1: chance of rain forty percent. Now that's is good news 19 00:01:17,760 --> 00:01:20,680 Speaker 1: for Sunday's forecast, because earlier in the week it was 20 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:25,480 Speaker 1: as high as sixty percent, So thanks, Craig. Still pack 21 00:01:25,520 --> 00:01:28,120 Speaker 1: your rain gear. It will be packed. I gotta figure 22 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:30,920 Speaker 1: out the shoes to wear down on the field and 23 00:01:30,959 --> 00:01:34,759 Speaker 1: the mud, and on the off chance that Paul Calvc 24 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:37,720 Speaker 1: is still filling under the weather and I gotta step in, 25 00:01:37,959 --> 00:01:41,200 Speaker 1: I gotta. I mean, I want to ask him how 26 00:01:41,200 --> 00:01:43,720 Speaker 1: he keeps his notes dry. But I've seen his notes 27 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:45,880 Speaker 1: after a raindy game, and I know that he doesn't 28 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:49,080 Speaker 1: keep them dry. So I think it's just gonna take 29 00:01:49,080 --> 00:01:52,320 Speaker 1: a loss there and try and stay warm and dry 30 00:01:52,360 --> 00:01:55,680 Speaker 1: the best I can. Plastic sheets maybe even would laminate 31 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:59,520 Speaker 1: my notes. Well you know what that yes, laminate your 32 00:01:59,560 --> 00:02:02,280 Speaker 1: pregame notes. But as far as taking notes during the game, 33 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:05,840 Speaker 1: that becomes problematic because you can't have an umbrella down 34 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:08,480 Speaker 1: on the sideline, as you learned earlier this year, because 35 00:02:08,520 --> 00:02:10,360 Speaker 1: I thought about that and I learned that's a rule 36 00:02:10,680 --> 00:02:12,960 Speaker 1: which is silly. Should I get Should I get one 37 00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:17,200 Speaker 1: of those hats that has the umbrella on it, that 38 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:22,079 Speaker 1: would be a look I'm picturing it right now. We'll 39 00:02:22,080 --> 00:02:25,200 Speaker 1: see how much rain there is. Hopefully it continues to 40 00:02:25,639 --> 00:02:28,280 Speaker 1: go down. The chance of rains, that is the good 41 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:31,560 Speaker 1: thing here. As Yes, we have reached the end week 42 00:02:31,760 --> 00:02:35,000 Speaker 1: eighteen Cardinals and forty nine Ers will close it out 43 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:39,000 Speaker 1: two twenty five on Sunday ten thirty. Pregame coverage begins 44 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:41,919 Speaker 1: on the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network. Cardinals finishing these last 45 00:02:41,960 --> 00:02:44,920 Speaker 1: two games on the road in Atlanta and now in 46 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:49,200 Speaker 1: San Francisco Levi's Stadium, and to be specific, Santa Clara, 47 00:02:49,280 --> 00:02:52,480 Speaker 1: so not very close to the city. So I don't 48 00:02:52,480 --> 00:02:55,720 Speaker 1: know what your plans are for Saturday, Danny, but depending 49 00:02:55,760 --> 00:02:58,200 Speaker 1: on the weather, you might just be staying put. That's fine, 50 00:02:58,200 --> 00:03:00,200 Speaker 1: I mean, yeah, Darren has made it quite clear that 51 00:03:00,200 --> 00:03:02,639 Speaker 1: we're not going to be in San Francisco, because I say, 52 00:03:02,720 --> 00:03:04,800 Speaker 1: that's the only part of California that I've been to, 53 00:03:04,960 --> 00:03:06,760 Speaker 1: and he's made it quite clear that we're not going 54 00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:09,840 Speaker 1: to be in San Francisco. So I am aware, thank you, 55 00:03:09,919 --> 00:03:12,800 Speaker 1: all right, you're aware about the weather, you're aware about 56 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,160 Speaker 1: the location. You're just not aware of what you'll be 57 00:03:15,200 --> 00:03:18,480 Speaker 1: actually doing on Sunday. I am a game time decision 58 00:03:18,560 --> 00:03:20,400 Speaker 1: Craig perfects, and there are going to be a lot 59 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:23,720 Speaker 1: of players game time decisions, but two players that we 60 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:25,840 Speaker 1: know and one in specific that I do want to 61 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:28,880 Speaker 1: focus on that we'd know will be on the field, 62 00:03:28,919 --> 00:03:31,000 Speaker 1: even though he did pop up on the injury report 63 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:34,520 Speaker 1: with a groin issue on Thursday. I am guaranteeing this 64 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:39,520 Speaker 1: right now. JJ Watt will play on Sunday, even if 65 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:43,240 Speaker 1: it is one snap, but I guarantee it will be 66 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:45,160 Speaker 1: more than one snap, even if they have to roll 67 00:03:45,280 --> 00:03:47,360 Speaker 1: him out there, just to make sure he's on the 68 00:03:47,400 --> 00:03:50,640 Speaker 1: field for his final NFL game. I would imagine it 69 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:53,560 Speaker 1: would have to be excruciating thing to keep jj Watt 70 00:03:53,600 --> 00:03:56,120 Speaker 1: out the entire game would be my thought. In his 71 00:03:56,680 --> 00:03:59,720 Speaker 1: final game, Yeah, it's and in just watching him even 72 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:03,040 Speaker 1: in the open portion on Friday, his final practice and 73 00:04:03,160 --> 00:04:06,080 Speaker 1: to watch him still one be that first guy through 74 00:04:06,160 --> 00:04:11,560 Speaker 1: every position drill, but he attacks it full speed even 75 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:13,960 Speaker 1: though there is no more practice after today for him. 76 00:04:14,160 --> 00:04:16,799 Speaker 1: And that's what you would expect. That's what we've heard 77 00:04:16,839 --> 00:04:20,360 Speaker 1: that he's still been going at going out as hard 78 00:04:20,360 --> 00:04:22,600 Speaker 1: as he has been even though it's his final week. 79 00:04:22,680 --> 00:04:25,200 Speaker 1: And that was something that Zach Allen and I talked about. 80 00:04:25,200 --> 00:04:26,359 Speaker 1: I got a chance to talk with him on this 81 00:04:26,360 --> 00:04:30,440 Speaker 1: week's Sideline Exchange interview of JJ's demeanor this week, and 82 00:04:30,560 --> 00:04:33,440 Speaker 1: Zach said it's been business as usual. He continues to 83 00:04:33,520 --> 00:04:35,599 Speaker 1: work hard and put in that effort and focus on 84 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:40,279 Speaker 1: the game. And that's what makes j JJ is that 85 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:44,159 Speaker 1: work ethic and that mentality. And even though it's his 86 00:04:44,279 --> 00:04:46,520 Speaker 1: last practice and it's going to be his last game, 87 00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:49,120 Speaker 1: and yes, I'm sure he will be feeling all of 88 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:52,080 Speaker 1: that and it won't hit him till afterwards, probably even 89 00:04:52,120 --> 00:04:54,800 Speaker 1: a couple of weeks when he's taking more than just 90 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:59,200 Speaker 1: one day off of the entire year. But this is 91 00:04:59,200 --> 00:05:01,680 Speaker 1: who he is. It's really no surprise that this final 92 00:05:01,720 --> 00:05:04,839 Speaker 1: practice looks no different than the others. What leads the 93 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:08,680 Speaker 1: Cardinals and sacks, quarterback, hits, tackles for loss. He is 94 00:05:08,720 --> 00:05:11,920 Speaker 1: playing very, very well, his best season since twenty eighteen. 95 00:05:12,040 --> 00:05:14,960 Speaker 1: But more importantly, because you mentioned Zach Allen in your 96 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:19,400 Speaker 1: conversation with him earlier in the week, Yeah, JJ phenomenal 97 00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:21,960 Speaker 1: on the field, but it's what he's meant to the 98 00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:24,839 Speaker 1: Cardinals off the field in the locker room these past 99 00:05:24,880 --> 00:05:28,960 Speaker 1: two seasons, specifically with a Zach Allen, Richard Lawrence Lecky, 100 00:05:29,040 --> 00:05:33,240 Speaker 1: foe to Michael Dogby, Cameron Thomas, everyone certainly on that 101 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:36,080 Speaker 1: front seven, and then of course the entire defense, the 102 00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:39,440 Speaker 1: entire team, learning what it takes to be a professional, 103 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:42,680 Speaker 1: learning what it takes to get to the NFL stay 104 00:05:43,000 --> 00:05:45,640 Speaker 1: in the NFL. Yeah, that was something that Zach and 105 00:05:45,640 --> 00:05:48,640 Speaker 1: I talked about, were the useful tips that JJ has 106 00:05:48,680 --> 00:05:50,960 Speaker 1: given him, and also the legacy that JJ is leaving 107 00:05:51,040 --> 00:05:53,320 Speaker 1: behind in this locker room. JJ has only been a 108 00:05:53,360 --> 00:05:55,640 Speaker 1: cardinal for two years, and he was hurt for a 109 00:05:55,680 --> 00:05:57,960 Speaker 1: good amount of last year, but that doesn't mean that 110 00:05:58,600 --> 00:06:01,279 Speaker 1: somebody of that caliber is not leaving behind any sort 111 00:06:01,279 --> 00:06:04,039 Speaker 1: of legacy. And even if that's the players who don't 112 00:06:04,080 --> 00:06:06,480 Speaker 1: spend their entire career in Arizona will go elsewhere and 113 00:06:06,520 --> 00:06:08,479 Speaker 1: take what they've learned from him, And it really has 114 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:10,960 Speaker 1: been that work ethic, how to be a professional on 115 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:13,840 Speaker 1: and off the field, how to go about your business 116 00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:16,239 Speaker 1: day in and day out, take care of your body. 117 00:06:16,640 --> 00:06:19,119 Speaker 1: JJ has been very adamant, he's been very vocal about 118 00:06:19,120 --> 00:06:21,640 Speaker 1: how being a mentor has been really important to him 119 00:06:21,680 --> 00:06:24,559 Speaker 1: these last couple of years in his career. He wants 120 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:27,680 Speaker 1: to help that younger generation, and his words say that 121 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:32,159 Speaker 1: he is preventing them making some of the same mistakes 122 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:35,440 Speaker 1: that he made in his career. Whether that is how 123 00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:40,520 Speaker 1: you're conducting yourself, how you're going about practice, recovery, working out, 124 00:06:40,560 --> 00:06:42,720 Speaker 1: whatever it might be. That's been a big goal of 125 00:06:42,800 --> 00:06:46,839 Speaker 1: his is to mentor that younger generation so they don't 126 00:06:46,839 --> 00:06:48,680 Speaker 1: have to make some of those same mistakes he did 127 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:50,720 Speaker 1: early in his career. And you hope and I do 128 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:53,360 Speaker 1: think that all those players that we mentioned, all those 129 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:57,800 Speaker 1: younger players have their eyes have opened up considerably because 130 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:00,680 Speaker 1: of the work a Zach Allen has done in the 131 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:03,599 Speaker 1: off season to prepare for this season his best although 132 00:07:03,640 --> 00:07:05,839 Speaker 1: he's going to end it not where he wants to be, 133 00:07:05,880 --> 00:07:08,640 Speaker 1: and that's on the sidelines, but he's had his best season. 134 00:07:08,839 --> 00:07:10,880 Speaker 1: Any credits that work in the off season that he 135 00:07:10,960 --> 00:07:14,720 Speaker 1: did upon watching J. J. Watt, Yeah, learning from him 136 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:17,480 Speaker 1: and being next to him and asking whatever questions they 137 00:07:17,520 --> 00:07:19,960 Speaker 1: have to ask him. And that was what Zach said 138 00:07:19,960 --> 00:07:22,640 Speaker 1: that in the thirteen games he played this year, that 139 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:25,120 Speaker 1: was the best his body's ever felt. And he credited 140 00:07:25,160 --> 00:07:28,360 Speaker 1: that success that he has had career highs in just 141 00:07:28,480 --> 00:07:32,480 Speaker 1: thirteen games and sacks, quarterback hits, tackles for loss passes defense. 142 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:36,120 Speaker 1: He credited that work in the off season. Now it's 143 00:07:36,120 --> 00:07:38,160 Speaker 1: just a matter of making sure Zach Allen is under 144 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:41,520 Speaker 1: contract for next season. He's one of the many free agents. 145 00:07:41,560 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 1: And I know that was a question that you attempted 146 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:46,240 Speaker 1: to ask, and he did a nice job of dodging 147 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:49,400 Speaker 1: said question. Yes. I asked him about the mindset as 148 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:51,480 Speaker 1: being a pending free agent for the first time in 149 00:07:51,520 --> 00:07:54,000 Speaker 1: his career. He's coming up on that fourth and final 150 00:07:54,080 --> 00:07:56,640 Speaker 1: year and his contract with the Cardinals, and he's mountain. 151 00:07:56,640 --> 00:07:58,320 Speaker 1: He said, Hey, that's what I've gone aging four. I'm 152 00:07:58,320 --> 00:08:01,760 Speaker 1: going to take some time to regroup and relax and 153 00:08:01,840 --> 00:08:05,200 Speaker 1: focus on myself and just wants to find the right opportunity. 154 00:08:06,080 --> 00:08:08,280 Speaker 1: He didn't say this, This is me saying this. Hopefully 155 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:11,640 Speaker 1: that right opportunity is here in Arizona. Yeah. Absolutely, I 156 00:08:11,680 --> 00:08:14,880 Speaker 1: think he is one of those priority free agents as 157 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:17,760 Speaker 1: far as that you keep in a Cardinals uniform. But 158 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:20,280 Speaker 1: let's swing it back over to JJ Watt here on 159 00:08:20,360 --> 00:08:22,920 Speaker 1: Cardinals Cover two presented by Hunday probab partner of the 160 00:08:22,960 --> 00:08:25,320 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals, and kind of focus on what JJ Watt 161 00:08:25,320 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 1: and the rest of the defense is going to be 162 00:08:27,680 --> 00:08:30,320 Speaker 1: looking at on Sunday when they take on the forty 163 00:08:30,360 --> 00:08:34,360 Speaker 1: nine ers again, who have something to play for on Sunday. 164 00:08:34,440 --> 00:08:38,280 Speaker 1: They win, the Eagles lose, and the forty nine Ers 165 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:40,800 Speaker 1: have the number one seed. If not, then they become 166 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:43,040 Speaker 1: the number two seed. But you look at that forty 167 00:08:43,160 --> 00:08:45,959 Speaker 1: nine Owners offense with rookie brock Party. By the way, 168 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 1: if JJ Watts able to get his hands on Brock 169 00:08:48,679 --> 00:08:52,840 Speaker 1: and bring him down, be the fiftieth different quarterback Watt 170 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:57,120 Speaker 1: has sacked in the regular season and postseason combined. All 171 00:08:57,160 --> 00:08:59,960 Speaker 1: these numbers that we've been getting all week long about j. J. Watt, 172 00:09:00,160 --> 00:09:03,079 Speaker 1: just the number fifty sounds perfect. So I would love 173 00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:05,360 Speaker 1: to see JJ Watt bring down brock Party. That would 174 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:08,040 Speaker 1: be a great number to end on. This is the 175 00:09:08,160 --> 00:09:11,480 Speaker 1: final venue he has yet to cross off his list 176 00:09:11,559 --> 00:09:14,719 Speaker 1: to play a game in, which is pretty crazy. Being 177 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:16,520 Speaker 1: in the league for twelve years and you haven't played 178 00:09:16,559 --> 00:09:18,679 Speaker 1: at every stadium, so they get to cross it off 179 00:09:18,720 --> 00:09:22,320 Speaker 1: the only number that you know. It obviously doesn't mean anything, 180 00:09:22,360 --> 00:09:24,240 Speaker 1: but I think this is his one hundred and fifty 181 00:09:24,280 --> 00:09:26,040 Speaker 1: first game, and it would have been better if it 182 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:28,600 Speaker 1: was one hundred and fifty, and it was, but we'll 183 00:09:28,600 --> 00:09:31,920 Speaker 1: take it one fifty first. I mean, it does doesn't 184 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:34,240 Speaker 1: quite have the round number, but it does no, but 185 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:36,680 Speaker 1: that's okay. The one five one a minute. It good, 186 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:38,920 Speaker 1: it's good, it's fine. It'll do one hundred and fifty 187 00:09:38,920 --> 00:09:42,280 Speaker 1: first fifty different quarterbacks. I can kind of see the 188 00:09:42,280 --> 00:09:44,599 Speaker 1: parallels there. Sure, by the way, it's not going to 189 00:09:44,640 --> 00:09:47,360 Speaker 1: be easy to bring down brock Party or stop this 190 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:51,040 Speaker 1: entire forty nine Ers offense number six in scoring, number 191 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:53,480 Speaker 1: five in total offense, number four, and yards per play. 192 00:09:53,559 --> 00:09:56,360 Speaker 1: They have the eighth best rushing offense, they're number six 193 00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:59,559 Speaker 1: on third downs, and yeah, they do have a rookie quarterback, 194 00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:04,440 Speaker 1: but Purty in his four starts has looked very, very capable. 195 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:06,800 Speaker 1: Now he does have talent around him on both sides 196 00:10:06,800 --> 00:10:09,320 Speaker 1: of the ball, but he's not making the mistakes, and 197 00:10:09,440 --> 00:10:12,559 Speaker 1: that's what you hope happens when you have a rookie 198 00:10:12,679 --> 00:10:15,880 Speaker 1: under center. It's been very impressive what the forty nine 199 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:18,600 Speaker 1: ers have done. They've won nine straight and they've looked 200 00:10:18,600 --> 00:10:21,160 Speaker 1: good doing it. These aren't necessarily wins where they're barely 201 00:10:21,320 --> 00:10:24,920 Speaker 1: getting by or you know, getting lucky by their opponent 202 00:10:25,000 --> 00:10:28,559 Speaker 1: missing a field goal or anything like that. Like, they 203 00:10:28,600 --> 00:10:30,959 Speaker 1: have looked strong on both sides of the ball, and 204 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:33,640 Speaker 1: they've created momentum at the right time of the year 205 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:35,959 Speaker 1: and they are rolling hot and they're finding a way 206 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:40,439 Speaker 1: to be successful with brock Purty, and you're right, they 207 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:43,920 Speaker 1: have weapons around him, and the defense has been playing 208 00:10:43,960 --> 00:10:46,880 Speaker 1: well and they've been relatively healthy, and that I think 209 00:10:46,880 --> 00:10:48,400 Speaker 1: when you look at the Cardinals, you can see the 210 00:10:48,480 --> 00:10:52,199 Speaker 1: kind of difference that makes. But brock Purty hasn't looked 211 00:10:52,240 --> 00:10:55,959 Speaker 1: like a typical rookie quarterback coming in late in the 212 00:10:56,000 --> 00:10:58,720 Speaker 1: season without a lot of experience or you know, a 213 00:10:58,720 --> 00:11:01,160 Speaker 1: backup quarterback or something that he has coming and he's 214 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:05,000 Speaker 1: commanded the offense and he has looked good Arizona. His 215 00:11:05,080 --> 00:11:08,400 Speaker 1: own rock party needs to be mentioned. Queen Creek native 216 00:11:08,440 --> 00:11:11,760 Speaker 1: Perry High School and Gilbert the twenty seventeen Arizona Cardinals 217 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:15,360 Speaker 1: High School Player of the Year, took over Week thirteen 218 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:18,720 Speaker 1: and in the four starts since four no fourth rookie 219 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:22,000 Speaker 1: quarterback to win each of his first four starts five 220 00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:24,920 Speaker 1: straight games because when he came in relief of Jimmy 221 00:11:24,960 --> 00:11:28,840 Speaker 1: Garoppolo five straight games now of at least two passing touchdowns. 222 00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:32,320 Speaker 1: So he does have the knowledge of the offense. And 223 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:35,199 Speaker 1: when you have a Christian McCaffrey at Brandon Ayoke, George 224 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:38,120 Speaker 1: Kittle Deebo Samuel perhaps this week. Yeah, there are a 225 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:41,000 Speaker 1: number of different targets, a number of different ways this 226 00:11:41,240 --> 00:11:43,959 Speaker 1: forty nine Ers offense can go either on the ground 227 00:11:44,080 --> 00:11:45,559 Speaker 1: or through the year. I don't have the number in 228 00:11:45,640 --> 00:11:47,040 Speaker 1: front of me, but I wish I did. How many 229 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:51,800 Speaker 1: games do the Cardinals have with multiple passing touchdowns your head? 230 00:11:51,840 --> 00:11:53,640 Speaker 1: I wanted at the top of my head, probably not 231 00:11:56,480 --> 00:11:59,160 Speaker 1: sixteen games going into the seventeenth. That's a that's a 232 00:11:59,280 --> 00:12:01,800 Speaker 1: very good one. Dan have to take a look on that. 233 00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:06,440 Speaker 1: Stumping me here on Cardinals Cover two. I'm sorry, no, 234 00:12:06,559 --> 00:12:09,920 Speaker 1: but it does show you where the forty nine Ers 235 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:13,440 Speaker 1: are at twelve and four and where the Cardinals are 236 00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:17,120 Speaker 1: at four and twelve having lost six and a row 237 00:12:17,920 --> 00:12:21,560 Speaker 1: and the lack of a strong aerial attack, regardless of 238 00:12:21,640 --> 00:12:25,839 Speaker 1: it was Kyle Murray, Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley or David 239 00:12:25,880 --> 00:12:29,280 Speaker 1: Blow who will see on Sunday again four different quarterbacks 240 00:12:29,280 --> 00:12:31,800 Speaker 1: and how many times have those quarterbacks thrown two or 241 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:37,080 Speaker 1: more passes in the single game passing touchdowns? Yeah? Yeah, 242 00:12:37,080 --> 00:12:39,880 Speaker 1: I don't know the answer to that, and I think 243 00:12:39,880 --> 00:12:43,840 Speaker 1: that there's equal blame to go around. Again, Obviously, this 244 00:12:43,880 --> 00:12:49,160 Speaker 1: team has been just destroyed by injuries, and that falls 245 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:52,320 Speaker 1: on everybody to adjust, the players who are stepping up, 246 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:56,200 Speaker 1: the coaching staff creating the game plans, and it's hard. 247 00:12:56,360 --> 00:12:58,920 Speaker 1: It's a I don't want to put all the blame 248 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:03,120 Speaker 1: on your top receiver of Hollywood Brown and DeAndre Hopkins, 249 00:13:03,960 --> 00:13:07,440 Speaker 1: but like the it's just hard because you would expect 250 00:13:07,440 --> 00:13:11,200 Speaker 1: those top receivers, regardless of the quarterback, to still be 251 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:13,560 Speaker 1: able to make a difference and get the ball into 252 00:13:13,600 --> 00:13:16,880 Speaker 1: some extent they have. I thought that David Blow had 253 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:20,480 Speaker 1: some good chemistry with Hollywood Brown in Atlanta. Obviously, Trace 254 00:13:20,600 --> 00:13:23,679 Speaker 1: mcsorey struggled with the two of them on Christmas Night 255 00:13:23,760 --> 00:13:25,880 Speaker 1: against the Bucks. And they can only do so much 256 00:13:25,880 --> 00:13:28,000 Speaker 1: with a quarterback that they don't have that chemistry with 257 00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:32,079 Speaker 1: or maybe doesn't have that same ability that Kyler Murray does. 258 00:13:32,080 --> 00:13:34,440 Speaker 1: But even when Kyler was playing, there was struggle with 259 00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:37,000 Speaker 1: the deep ball and with chemistry and connection. It's just 260 00:13:37,040 --> 00:13:40,160 Speaker 1: something that don't matter the quarterback, don't matter the receiver. 261 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:44,120 Speaker 1: It has been a struggle all year, quick research on 262 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:48,680 Speaker 1: the fly. That's why you're the best appreciate that Kyler 263 00:13:48,760 --> 00:13:53,800 Speaker 1: Murray five times this season has had games in which 264 00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:59,240 Speaker 1: he's thrown two or more passing touchdowns five times. Okay, 265 00:13:59,520 --> 00:14:02,200 Speaker 1: those are the only five games in which a Cardinals 266 00:14:02,240 --> 00:14:06,000 Speaker 1: quarterback has thrown multiple touchdown passes in the same game. 267 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:08,440 Speaker 1: So brock Party has done it in five straight games. 268 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:13,199 Speaker 1: Cardinals quarterbacks have done it five times total. Kyler Murray 269 00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:18,000 Speaker 1: accounting for all five instances. That's a nice little nugget 270 00:14:18,040 --> 00:14:19,800 Speaker 1: that would just stumbled upon here. I like that. And 271 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:22,320 Speaker 1: how many games did Kyler plan when he got hurt? 272 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:24,880 Speaker 1: How many was that at? What is Kyler Murray at 273 00:14:24,920 --> 00:14:27,800 Speaker 1: as far as number of games played? Yeah, that's again 274 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:32,040 Speaker 1: five games in. Let's see here again research on the fly. Here, 275 00:14:32,080 --> 00:14:35,480 Speaker 1: you gotta love it. Let's see Kyler Murray. It is 276 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:43,200 Speaker 1: eleven five games and eleven starts. So not great all around. No, no, 277 00:14:43,320 --> 00:14:45,840 Speaker 1: it's not. And why again the Cardinals are four and 278 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:48,960 Speaker 1: twelve and the forty nine Ers are twelve and four. Yeah, 279 00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:50,960 Speaker 1: it helps when you find the end zone, Craig, that's 280 00:14:50,960 --> 00:14:53,320 Speaker 1: for sure. I heard that if you can score points. 281 00:14:53,320 --> 00:14:55,520 Speaker 1: And again the forty nine Ers scoring almost twenty six 282 00:14:55,640 --> 00:14:59,040 Speaker 1: points a game. But during this six game or it 283 00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:01,680 Speaker 1: should say, nine game Whinney streak, they've scored at least 284 00:15:01,720 --> 00:15:05,920 Speaker 1: thirty points six times, and I think coming up on Sunday, 285 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:07,840 Speaker 1: when you know that the forty nine ers are gonna 286 00:15:07,840 --> 00:15:10,320 Speaker 1: go all out, they've got something to play for. And 287 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:12,520 Speaker 1: we heard Vance Joseph talk about it earlier in the 288 00:15:12,560 --> 00:15:16,880 Speaker 1: week when you had a Christian McCaffrey, who this season 289 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:19,160 Speaker 1: with the forty nine ers has looked very, very good. 290 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:21,080 Speaker 1: The Cardinals got to look at him earlier in the 291 00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:24,520 Speaker 1: year in Mexico City. But McCaffrey coming off a one 292 00:15:24,560 --> 00:15:27,960 Speaker 1: hundred and ninety three total yard performance last week in 293 00:15:28,040 --> 00:15:32,040 Speaker 1: that overtime when against the Raiders, I think that's got 294 00:15:32,040 --> 00:15:34,840 Speaker 1: to be priority number one. If your vanch Joseph is 295 00:15:34,880 --> 00:15:37,000 Speaker 1: looking as far as what do you want to do 296 00:15:37,040 --> 00:15:40,160 Speaker 1: to kind of slow down this forty nine ers juggernaut, Well, 297 00:15:40,200 --> 00:15:42,800 Speaker 1: here's the problem is how do you decide is it 298 00:15:43,040 --> 00:15:46,400 Speaker 1: Christian McCaffrey, is it George Kittle, is it Brandon Aiyuk 299 00:15:46,560 --> 00:15:49,560 Speaker 1: is it? I mean, there's there's so many options, and 300 00:15:49,600 --> 00:15:53,760 Speaker 1: that's what's tough to begin with. That's what's tough when 301 00:15:53,880 --> 00:15:57,280 Speaker 1: this defense has suddenly been hit with injuries. For the 302 00:15:57,320 --> 00:15:59,440 Speaker 1: first half, maybe more than half the season, it was 303 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:02,080 Speaker 1: all offense that was taking a hit, and now your defense, 304 00:16:02,120 --> 00:16:05,640 Speaker 1: you likely won't have your top three starting cornerbacks. We 305 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:08,320 Speaker 1: know Buyer Murphy's on IR with a back, but Antonio 306 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:11,080 Speaker 1: Hamilton miss last week's game with a hip and Marco 307 00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:13,320 Speaker 1: Wilson with a neck, and we did not see them 308 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:16,000 Speaker 1: out at practice on Friday, which is not a great sign. 309 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:20,400 Speaker 1: So you'll likely have to have three backups again with 310 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:23,760 Speaker 1: your secondary, which also doesn't have Buddha Baker, who is 311 00:16:23,800 --> 00:16:27,360 Speaker 1: on IR with the shoulder. Some of your defensive lineman 312 00:16:27,680 --> 00:16:31,280 Speaker 1: are now getting banged up, so an already tough job 313 00:16:31,400 --> 00:16:33,960 Speaker 1: is now going to be tougher for Vance Joseph and 314 00:16:34,080 --> 00:16:38,160 Speaker 1: this defense. And I will say that they have found 315 00:16:38,200 --> 00:16:41,520 Speaker 1: a way to stop Christian McCaffrey so far this year, 316 00:16:41,560 --> 00:16:44,280 Speaker 1: the first with the Panthers and then in Mexico City, 317 00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:47,160 Speaker 1: which obviously that was just a horrible game, but the 318 00:16:47,240 --> 00:16:49,680 Speaker 1: Cardinals have held him to twenty seven and thirty nine 319 00:16:49,720 --> 00:16:54,520 Speaker 1: rushing yards, respectively, So it's not impossible. It's just if 320 00:16:54,520 --> 00:16:57,080 Speaker 1: you're going to stop Christian McCaffrey, you got to stop 321 00:16:57,120 --> 00:16:59,840 Speaker 1: the other pieces. With McCaffrey, the danger is what he 322 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:02,320 Speaker 1: do out of the backfield or lined up in the slot, 323 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:06,400 Speaker 1: as a receiver that's always been if the ground game 324 00:17:06,440 --> 00:17:09,360 Speaker 1: isn't working. You can account for Christian McCaffrey as far 325 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:12,200 Speaker 1: as catching the ball, and yeah, stopped him for thirty 326 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,600 Speaker 1: nine yards on the ground. But in that game against 327 00:17:14,680 --> 00:17:18,719 Speaker 1: the Cardinals in Mexico City, he had sixty nine receiving 328 00:17:18,960 --> 00:17:22,840 Speaker 1: yards and a lot of those yards were the catch. 329 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:25,960 Speaker 1: That's where this forty nine Ers offense really excels, either 330 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:29,240 Speaker 1: after the catch after contact. That's what really hurt the 331 00:17:29,280 --> 00:17:31,919 Speaker 1: Cardinals in that first meeting is a number of times 332 00:17:31,960 --> 00:17:34,880 Speaker 1: that either a miss tackle, missed assignment, and you saw 333 00:17:34,920 --> 00:17:37,840 Speaker 1: a forty nine Ers player with the football running behind 334 00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:40,719 Speaker 1: the defense. I mean, it all comes down to fundamentals, 335 00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:43,720 Speaker 1: and we hear that after a games where tackling is 336 00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:47,200 Speaker 1: an issue, which has been a consistent issue for this defense, 337 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:52,040 Speaker 1: it's gonna be tough. I think that this is a 338 00:17:52,119 --> 00:17:57,720 Speaker 1: game where the Cardinals have a chance to keep themselves 339 00:17:57,720 --> 00:17:59,800 Speaker 1: in it. I think a lot of that does fall 340 00:18:00,200 --> 00:18:03,080 Speaker 1: on the defense. But to be quite honest with you, Craig, 341 00:18:03,119 --> 00:18:06,399 Speaker 1: I also see this game going sideways very quickly because 342 00:18:06,440 --> 00:18:10,520 Speaker 1: of the huge discrepancies on both sides of the ball 343 00:18:10,560 --> 00:18:14,560 Speaker 1: between these teams talents is the talent discrepancy is what 344 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:18,360 Speaker 1: The Cardinals just aren't healthy. Well yeah, I mean if 345 00:18:18,359 --> 00:18:20,480 Speaker 1: the Cardinals were as healthy as the forty niners were, 346 00:18:20,520 --> 00:18:22,680 Speaker 1: I think that would be a totally different discussion. I 347 00:18:22,680 --> 00:18:24,679 Speaker 1: think the Cardinals would be in a very different place 348 00:18:24,960 --> 00:18:27,680 Speaker 1: than they are right now. And that's just the unfortunate 349 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:29,760 Speaker 1: reality going into the final game of the regular season. 350 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:34,000 Speaker 1: It wasn't that long ago. In Mexico City on November 351 00:18:34,040 --> 00:18:36,720 Speaker 1: twenty first, Cardinals kept it close. It was only a 352 00:18:36,800 --> 00:18:40,439 Speaker 1: seven point deficit at halftime, but the script flipped in 353 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:42,200 Speaker 1: the second half when the forty nine ers just said 354 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:44,200 Speaker 1: we're going to run the football. They only had seven 355 00:18:44,280 --> 00:18:46,680 Speaker 1: Russian attempts in the first half. They ran the ball 356 00:18:46,720 --> 00:18:50,480 Speaker 1: seven times on that opening drive to begin the second half, 357 00:18:50,680 --> 00:18:53,440 Speaker 1: and it just became a route after that, and it 358 00:18:54,160 --> 00:18:57,440 Speaker 1: didn't look good. It was noticed on the national broadcast 359 00:18:57,440 --> 00:19:00,320 Speaker 1: by Troy Aikman on Monday Night Football. It was handled, 360 00:19:00,560 --> 00:19:03,160 Speaker 1: and we saw it on Hard Knocks in season later 361 00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:05,720 Speaker 1: on the couple of days after. And you do know that, 362 00:19:06,200 --> 00:19:10,399 Speaker 1: and Antonio Hamilton probably not going to play this week, 363 00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:15,560 Speaker 1: but those defensive players who are healthy, just make sure 364 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:19,880 Speaker 1: it's full speed because you will get called out if 365 00:19:19,920 --> 00:19:21,960 Speaker 1: your effort isn't there, and that's something we haven't seen 366 00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:24,399 Speaker 1: a lot this season. Yeah, but I will say I 367 00:19:24,440 --> 00:19:27,880 Speaker 1: do think that this team has had good fight even 368 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:30,240 Speaker 1: when they have been out of the games, even when 369 00:19:30,240 --> 00:19:33,960 Speaker 1: they have had the adversity and having four different starting 370 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:37,320 Speaker 1: quarterbacks and said many weeks and everything that they've dealt with. 371 00:19:37,359 --> 00:19:40,600 Speaker 1: I think that has been a big change from last year. 372 00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:44,359 Speaker 1: This team, and Cliff Kingsbury has said it himself, this 373 00:19:44,520 --> 00:19:49,000 Speaker 1: Cardinals team is built to play from ahead, and they 374 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,000 Speaker 1: have not been playing from ahead. I mean, there's it's 375 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:52,960 Speaker 1: only a matter of minutes that this team has had 376 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:55,800 Speaker 1: a lead all season. That's not me being dramatic, that 377 00:19:55,960 --> 00:19:59,520 Speaker 1: is a fact. So this team has just put itself 378 00:19:59,520 --> 00:20:04,320 Speaker 1: in a really difficult spot. But I think a difference 379 00:20:04,359 --> 00:20:08,639 Speaker 1: from last year was when the team was playing from behind, 380 00:20:08,760 --> 00:20:14,360 Speaker 1: you could see mentally players checking out or giving up, 381 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:16,959 Speaker 1: not really feeling like there was anything worth fighting for. 382 00:20:17,080 --> 00:20:18,840 Speaker 1: And I don't think you can say the same about 383 00:20:18,920 --> 00:20:23,240 Speaker 1: this team this year. It becomes much more difficults when 384 00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:25,720 Speaker 1: you have to play catchup, and especially for this Cardinals 385 00:20:25,720 --> 00:20:28,080 Speaker 1: team that has had to play catchup for most of 386 00:20:28,080 --> 00:20:32,560 Speaker 1: this season again Week eighteen, Cardinals and forty nine Ers 387 00:20:32,640 --> 00:20:35,080 Speaker 1: kicking off at two twenty five. So we talked about 388 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:39,280 Speaker 1: JJ Watt's final game. We know AJ Green speaking to 389 00:20:39,359 --> 00:20:42,320 Speaker 1: reporters earlier this week brought up the possibility that this 390 00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:45,960 Speaker 1: might be his final game, not just with the Arizona Cardinals, 391 00:20:45,960 --> 00:20:49,760 Speaker 1: but period same draft class. JJ Watt the eleventh overall pick, 392 00:20:50,080 --> 00:20:53,760 Speaker 1: AJ Green the fourth overall pick. Not a great season 393 00:20:53,880 --> 00:20:58,280 Speaker 1: for him, in fact, his career worst numbers. But I 394 00:20:58,320 --> 00:21:01,720 Speaker 1: think let's make sure that we give aj Green his 395 00:21:01,840 --> 00:21:05,080 Speaker 1: just due because his first seven seasons in the league, 396 00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:07,960 Speaker 1: he was a pro bowler six of those seven seasons, 397 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:11,800 Speaker 1: one thousand receiving yards, and he did perform very well 398 00:21:11,960 --> 00:21:15,480 Speaker 1: last season for the Cardinals. It just wasn't utilized. He 399 00:21:15,520 --> 00:21:18,400 Speaker 1: wasn't utilized this season like he was a year ago. 400 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:22,960 Speaker 1: That's something to keep in mind, is having that respect 401 00:21:23,280 --> 00:21:26,359 Speaker 1: for the player that he has been and the person 402 00:21:26,359 --> 00:21:28,920 Speaker 1: that he has been and what he's given to this game. 403 00:21:28,960 --> 00:21:31,480 Speaker 1: And I understand that AJ Green has not been productive 404 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:35,240 Speaker 1: this year. I've said that on these podcasts, but he 405 00:21:35,359 --> 00:21:39,000 Speaker 1: has been a big player in the league. And you 406 00:21:39,119 --> 00:21:41,280 Speaker 1: just touched on some of those stats and that doesn't 407 00:21:41,320 --> 00:21:46,120 Speaker 1: mean that because he wasn't utilized properly or wasn't as productive, 408 00:21:46,160 --> 00:21:49,439 Speaker 1: that he's not a good player, or that he doesn't 409 00:21:49,480 --> 00:21:54,600 Speaker 1: deserve the recognition or respect, because he absolutely does. He 410 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:58,400 Speaker 1: is much more of a reserved, quiet guy. I would 411 00:21:58,480 --> 00:22:02,600 Speaker 1: imagine part of him is probably glad that it's all 412 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:06,399 Speaker 1: about JJ retiring because maybe that takes some of the 413 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:09,399 Speaker 1: questions off of him and if that's going to be 414 00:22:09,440 --> 00:22:12,199 Speaker 1: what his decision is when the season comes to a 415 00:22:12,240 --> 00:22:15,800 Speaker 1: close very soon. But he's the kind of guy that 416 00:22:15,920 --> 00:22:18,800 Speaker 1: just he said before you know, I'd be ready for 417 00:22:18,800 --> 00:22:21,040 Speaker 1: the next chapter of my life and I'll figure it 418 00:22:21,080 --> 00:22:23,680 Speaker 1: out as I go, And I like that. I wish 419 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:25,399 Speaker 1: we would have seen more from him on this week's 420 00:22:25,400 --> 00:22:27,439 Speaker 1: episode of Hard Knocks. We got a little bit watching 421 00:22:27,440 --> 00:22:30,720 Speaker 1: his son play flag football, but I liked the interaction 422 00:22:30,760 --> 00:22:34,560 Speaker 1: of just AJ Green is not is not old. He 423 00:22:34,640 --> 00:22:37,879 Speaker 1: might be older in football terms, but the interaction he 424 00:22:37,960 --> 00:22:40,200 Speaker 1: was having with Isaiah Simmons and Hollywood Brown out on 425 00:22:40,240 --> 00:22:43,640 Speaker 1: the practice field of them using huddle as a form 426 00:22:43,720 --> 00:22:48,760 Speaker 1: to create tape highlights to get recruited, and Aj saying, 427 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:50,080 Speaker 1: my mom was out there worth a camera and we 428 00:22:50,160 --> 00:22:52,479 Speaker 1: put it on VHS tape and Hollywood was like, so 429 00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:55,119 Speaker 1: you couldn't even circle yourself, like they were having to 430 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:58,480 Speaker 1: find you on film, and He's like, yes, they had 431 00:22:58,480 --> 00:23:00,080 Speaker 1: to find me and watch what I could do and 432 00:23:00,119 --> 00:23:02,879 Speaker 1: it was on VHS and like just the differences of 433 00:23:02,920 --> 00:23:06,320 Speaker 1: that is like so funny to me. But AJ Green, 434 00:23:07,280 --> 00:23:10,200 Speaker 1: I think would prefer to kind of go quietly into 435 00:23:10,240 --> 00:23:13,280 Speaker 1: the night, and maybe that's what's happening. Not unlike Larry 436 00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:16,320 Speaker 1: Fitzgerald a few years back. Still havn't got the quote 437 00:23:16,400 --> 00:23:20,280 Speaker 1: unquote official retirement announcement from number eleven. But AJ Green 438 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:24,480 Speaker 1: a solid NFL pro on and off the field, and 439 00:23:24,520 --> 00:23:26,880 Speaker 1: more off the field this season because of what he's 440 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:28,280 Speaker 1: had to deal with as far as the up and 441 00:23:28,320 --> 00:23:30,719 Speaker 1: down nature of his playing time. And you hope that 442 00:23:30,720 --> 00:23:34,680 Speaker 1: those wide receivers in that Cardinal's locker room, a Hollywood Brown, 443 00:23:34,960 --> 00:23:38,320 Speaker 1: a Greg Dorch, Andre Bachelli, who will see on Sunday 444 00:23:38,880 --> 00:23:42,280 Speaker 1: the most healthy of wide receivers along with AJ Green, 445 00:23:42,800 --> 00:23:46,000 Speaker 1: that they learn much like what the defensive line has 446 00:23:46,080 --> 00:23:49,200 Speaker 1: learned from a JJ Watt. So how much we see 447 00:23:49,200 --> 00:23:52,600 Speaker 1: of Aj I would like to see him maybe get 448 00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:55,439 Speaker 1: in the end zone. It would be his seventieth career 449 00:23:55,560 --> 00:23:57,720 Speaker 1: touchdown if he's able to find a way to get 450 00:23:57,760 --> 00:24:00,560 Speaker 1: into the end zone, just kind of put a cap 451 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:03,080 Speaker 1: if this is his final season. But it's going to 452 00:24:03,119 --> 00:24:06,199 Speaker 1: be difficult against a very stout forty nine Ers defense 453 00:24:06,280 --> 00:24:08,720 Speaker 1: that has made its his mission to stop the run. 454 00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:11,000 Speaker 1: And if you stop the run now all of a sudden, 455 00:24:11,040 --> 00:24:16,240 Speaker 1: David Blow one dimensional offense. You got to worry about 456 00:24:16,280 --> 00:24:18,520 Speaker 1: that defensive front of the forty nine Ers as far 457 00:24:18,600 --> 00:24:21,800 Speaker 1: as protection and then giving Blow time to find an 458 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:25,480 Speaker 1: AJ Green or a Hollywood Brown for a potential touchdown pass. 459 00:24:25,640 --> 00:24:28,680 Speaker 1: This isn't just an evaluation process at the quarterback spot, 460 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:31,320 Speaker 1: even though both Cliff Kingsbury and David Blow himself said 461 00:24:31,359 --> 00:24:33,680 Speaker 1: they don't see this necessarily as an audition for QB 462 00:24:33,800 --> 00:24:36,800 Speaker 1: three for next year. Because we know that Kyler Murray, 463 00:24:36,800 --> 00:24:40,040 Speaker 1: who had what we've been told was successful surgery this week, 464 00:24:40,480 --> 00:24:42,159 Speaker 1: there's a good chance he's not going to be ready 465 00:24:42,520 --> 00:24:45,399 Speaker 1: to start next season. So that's played a role as 466 00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:48,560 Speaker 1: to why you are being cautious sitting Colt McCoy, although 467 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:50,680 Speaker 1: he has been dealing with concussion symptoms and he was 468 00:24:50,720 --> 00:24:54,040 Speaker 1: in concussion protocol recently, so I absolutely liked the idea 469 00:24:54,040 --> 00:24:58,200 Speaker 1: of making sure he is healthy and safe. If you're 470 00:24:58,240 --> 00:25:00,280 Speaker 1: going to start with Colt McCoy next year, you're going 471 00:25:00,320 --> 00:25:02,560 Speaker 1: to need a backup. You're going to need a QB three. 472 00:25:02,560 --> 00:25:04,840 Speaker 1: And even though they're saying this they don't see this 473 00:25:04,880 --> 00:25:07,800 Speaker 1: as an audition, you know this still helps deciding if 474 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:10,520 Speaker 1: you want to at least keep tracing Sorely or David 475 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:13,440 Speaker 1: Blow as sort of a competition, even if you bring 476 00:25:13,520 --> 00:25:17,679 Speaker 1: someone else in to compete with them next year. But 477 00:25:18,800 --> 00:25:21,399 Speaker 1: it's also an evaluation process in my eyes, to the 478 00:25:21,440 --> 00:25:26,760 Speaker 1: offensive line. Your starters, most of them are either pending 479 00:25:26,800 --> 00:25:31,800 Speaker 1: free agents or likely considering retiring some of them both. 480 00:25:32,359 --> 00:25:35,040 Speaker 1: So when you're going up against a very stout forty 481 00:25:35,080 --> 00:25:38,200 Speaker 1: nine ers defense against Nick Bosa, who leads the league 482 00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:40,720 Speaker 1: with seventeen and a half sacks, which is more than 483 00:25:40,800 --> 00:25:43,320 Speaker 1: half the total sacks that the Cardinals have this season 484 00:25:43,359 --> 00:25:46,640 Speaker 1: at thirty two, this is also an evaluation process of 485 00:25:46,920 --> 00:25:49,200 Speaker 1: who do we like enough to bring back and kind 486 00:25:49,200 --> 00:25:53,520 Speaker 1: of start creating building this new offensive line around David 487 00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:55,480 Speaker 1: Blow is going to have to step up. These receivers 488 00:25:55,520 --> 00:25:56,959 Speaker 1: are going to have to step up. If you have 489 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:59,399 Speaker 1: to be one to one dimensional and it's going to 490 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:01,320 Speaker 1: be a question because James Connor's been dealing with a 491 00:26:01,400 --> 00:26:04,280 Speaker 1: shin injury. However, we saw him out at practice on Friday. 492 00:26:04,720 --> 00:26:07,679 Speaker 1: It's if you don't have a James Connor, do you 493 00:26:07,720 --> 00:26:10,680 Speaker 1: rely on a Corey Clements, a Keyanta Ingram who only 494 00:26:10,720 --> 00:26:14,920 Speaker 1: got one offensive snap a week ago in Atlanta. That 495 00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:18,280 Speaker 1: makes it much more difficult. Although, as we saw on 496 00:26:18,359 --> 00:26:21,480 Speaker 1: Hard Knocks in season, if it's Cliff Kingsbury, you tell 497 00:26:21,560 --> 00:26:23,240 Speaker 1: David Blah, hey, we're just going to air it out 498 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:25,720 Speaker 1: and just just see get that ball out quick like 499 00:26:25,760 --> 00:26:29,200 Speaker 1: we've seen with Colton McCoy two seconds, less than two seconds, 500 00:26:29,280 --> 00:26:33,600 Speaker 1: and make it more of a run game with the pass, 501 00:26:33,960 --> 00:26:37,280 Speaker 1: and you hope that a Hollywood Brown, a Greg Dortch, 502 00:26:38,160 --> 00:26:41,000 Speaker 1: whomever catches that ball, whether it's a quick screen or 503 00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:43,560 Speaker 1: a quick slant. Tray McBride, who's really stepped up these 504 00:26:43,600 --> 00:26:46,440 Speaker 1: past couple of weeks, put the ball in their hands 505 00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:48,919 Speaker 1: and see what they can do against this forty nine 506 00:26:48,960 --> 00:26:52,520 Speaker 1: ers defense. It sounds easy, now, yes, it does. It's 507 00:26:52,560 --> 00:26:54,320 Speaker 1: just going to be a matter of can they actually 508 00:26:54,320 --> 00:26:56,639 Speaker 1: go out and can they execute forty nine ers number 509 00:26:56,640 --> 00:27:00,560 Speaker 1: one defense in scoring, number three in total defense number 510 00:27:00,560 --> 00:27:03,760 Speaker 1: one against the run. They have the fourth most takeaways 511 00:27:03,920 --> 00:27:06,560 Speaker 1: this season. And you brought up Nick Bosa. Not only 512 00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:08,960 Speaker 1: does he lead the league in sacks but also quarterback hits. 513 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:11,520 Speaker 1: He's second in tackles for loss. And this is going 514 00:27:11,560 --> 00:27:13,600 Speaker 1: to be a big test. Going back to your offensive 515 00:27:13,600 --> 00:27:16,840 Speaker 1: line conversation, not so much with Kelvin Beacham. You know 516 00:27:17,040 --> 00:27:19,679 Speaker 1: what you have in him, he's one of those impending 517 00:27:19,760 --> 00:27:22,720 Speaker 1: free agents. Do you want him back? I would certainly 518 00:27:22,760 --> 00:27:26,440 Speaker 1: say yes, but in what role? As a starter, as 519 00:27:26,480 --> 00:27:29,800 Speaker 1: a backup? Because you've got DJ Humphreys and Josh Jones. 520 00:27:30,280 --> 00:27:33,239 Speaker 1: Is it time for Josh Jones to perhaps become one 521 00:27:33,280 --> 00:27:36,080 Speaker 1: of those starting tackles. You think that Kelvin Beacham would 522 00:27:36,080 --> 00:27:38,760 Speaker 1: come back as a starter or sorry, as a backup? 523 00:27:39,119 --> 00:27:43,440 Speaker 1: That would be a conversation that you'd have to have now. Now, 524 00:27:43,680 --> 00:27:46,960 Speaker 1: would you say, beach we'd love to have you back. 525 00:27:47,560 --> 00:27:50,639 Speaker 1: You're gonna have to fight for that position because we 526 00:27:50,760 --> 00:27:54,159 Speaker 1: look in we're looking now at Josh Jones as potential 527 00:27:54,440 --> 00:27:58,760 Speaker 1: that right tackle and if you're him, he's getting to 528 00:27:58,840 --> 00:28:00,879 Speaker 1: that point at thirty four year years old. Do I 529 00:28:00,920 --> 00:28:03,919 Speaker 1: want to come in and compete? Do you want to uproot, 530 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:06,200 Speaker 1: my family goes somewhere else where I know him the starter, 531 00:28:06,680 --> 00:28:09,080 Speaker 1: it's a it's a. I would just hope you have 532 00:28:09,080 --> 00:28:13,960 Speaker 1: an honors conversation with the player like him. From my 533 00:28:14,119 --> 00:28:18,199 Speaker 1: understanding is I would think that Beecham, it would be 534 00:28:18,240 --> 00:28:20,560 Speaker 1: more about the thought of am I ready to be 535 00:28:20,640 --> 00:28:23,560 Speaker 1: done playing or moving his family if he were decide 536 00:28:23,600 --> 00:28:26,560 Speaker 1: to come back, knowing it would be as a backup 537 00:28:26,680 --> 00:28:28,800 Speaker 1: or fighting for that spot. But the reality is that 538 00:28:28,880 --> 00:28:31,640 Speaker 1: Calvin Beecham was technically fighting for that spot this year 539 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:34,560 Speaker 1: and he beat out Josh Jones. So I don't think 540 00:28:34,560 --> 00:28:39,080 Speaker 1: that would necessarily like stop him because he's proven what 541 00:28:39,160 --> 00:28:41,760 Speaker 1: he can do. I think it just comes down to 542 00:28:42,480 --> 00:28:45,040 Speaker 1: the Cardinals have decided that DJ Humphreys is their left 543 00:28:45,080 --> 00:28:47,560 Speaker 1: tackle for the future. He got that big contract extension 544 00:28:47,680 --> 00:28:51,240 Speaker 1: training camp this year. That's where Josh Jones has said 545 00:28:51,280 --> 00:28:53,959 Speaker 1: he feels comfortable. However, he's played on the right side. 546 00:28:54,480 --> 00:28:57,800 Speaker 1: So now this coaching staff in the front office and 547 00:28:58,280 --> 00:29:01,840 Speaker 1: however that is going to shake out out, is going 548 00:29:01,880 --> 00:29:04,400 Speaker 1: to have to make the decision with Josh Jones of 549 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:08,360 Speaker 1: are they going to have him play right tackle or 550 00:29:08,400 --> 00:29:11,560 Speaker 1: if he's so comfortable and he's so versatile and if 551 00:29:11,680 --> 00:29:15,200 Speaker 1: Justin Pugh was going to retire coming off this ACL injury, 552 00:29:15,920 --> 00:29:18,440 Speaker 1: is Josh Jones an option at left guard and he's 553 00:29:18,440 --> 00:29:21,640 Speaker 1: playing next to DJ Humphries but still can swing wherever 554 00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:24,720 Speaker 1: you need him to him. Maybe that affects what you 555 00:29:24,800 --> 00:29:27,000 Speaker 1: decide to do with Calvin Beacham and what he wants. 556 00:29:27,280 --> 00:29:30,600 Speaker 1: I don't think it's that simple of I guess, just 557 00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:33,280 Speaker 1: deciding between Beecham and Jones. I think there's a lot 558 00:29:33,320 --> 00:29:36,920 Speaker 1: of other moving parts on where you see Josh Jones 559 00:29:37,000 --> 00:29:38,960 Speaker 1: as the best fit. And I think at this point 560 00:29:39,040 --> 00:29:41,080 Speaker 1: in his career, this is year three with him with 561 00:29:41,120 --> 00:29:44,280 Speaker 1: the Cardinals, You're going to have to find a spot 562 00:29:44,320 --> 00:29:47,280 Speaker 1: for him, and you're going to have to start giving 563 00:29:47,360 --> 00:29:51,000 Speaker 1: him that sense of consistency so he can really focus 564 00:29:51,040 --> 00:29:54,360 Speaker 1: on that spot. He's been, you know, back up, and 565 00:29:54,360 --> 00:29:57,040 Speaker 1: he's been filling in and been that depth role. But 566 00:29:57,080 --> 00:29:59,960 Speaker 1: if you drafted him and you like what you see 567 00:30:00,040 --> 00:30:02,360 Speaker 1: and him and you want him to be a pillar 568 00:30:02,360 --> 00:30:05,600 Speaker 1: in this offensive line moving forward, you have to give 569 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:08,200 Speaker 1: him that chance to really focus on one spot and 570 00:30:08,280 --> 00:30:10,360 Speaker 1: see what he can do. And I think this is 571 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:11,680 Speaker 1: the time that you do that. As you have to 572 00:30:11,680 --> 00:30:13,080 Speaker 1: figure out where you want to plan him, and you 573 00:30:13,160 --> 00:30:15,680 Speaker 1: have to really give him that chance to really grow 574 00:30:15,720 --> 00:30:18,040 Speaker 1: there and build around that. You invested a third round 575 00:30:18,080 --> 00:30:20,840 Speaker 1: pick in Josh Jones, and it almost reminds me, Danny 576 00:30:21,080 --> 00:30:26,920 Speaker 1: of Zaven Collins and Jordan Hicks, because if Hicks is 577 00:30:26,960 --> 00:30:30,960 Speaker 1: going was going to be on this roster, I don't 578 00:30:31,040 --> 00:30:34,200 Speaker 1: know where Zaven Collins would be at this point. That 579 00:30:34,440 --> 00:30:38,280 Speaker 1: was part of it. They made a decision. Zaven's our guy. Jordan, 580 00:30:38,760 --> 00:30:42,800 Speaker 1: if we have you on this roster, We're not quite sure. Yes, 581 00:30:43,000 --> 00:30:46,680 Speaker 1: you are less athletic than a Zaven Collins, but you 582 00:30:46,720 --> 00:30:49,960 Speaker 1: know this defense better. And it was almost in order 583 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:54,240 Speaker 1: for Zaven to succeed and flourish, Jordan Hicks needed to 584 00:30:54,240 --> 00:30:56,280 Speaker 1: be out of the picture because Zaven needed to get 585 00:30:56,320 --> 00:30:59,600 Speaker 1: those reps, He needed to learn mistakes through reps. And 586 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:02,240 Speaker 1: and look at how well Zaven has played this year 587 00:31:02,240 --> 00:31:05,880 Speaker 1: and calling the defense and has made those incredible improvements. 588 00:31:06,240 --> 00:31:09,200 Speaker 1: I just think you owe Josh Jones the opportunity to 589 00:31:09,200 --> 00:31:12,000 Speaker 1: give him a spot on the offensive line and really 590 00:31:12,080 --> 00:31:14,840 Speaker 1: work there and see what he can do. And if 591 00:31:14,880 --> 00:31:16,959 Speaker 1: he is more comfortable on the left side, maybe that 592 00:31:17,000 --> 00:31:20,040 Speaker 1: means being a left guard, but it might mean being 593 00:31:20,080 --> 00:31:23,040 Speaker 1: a right tackle, but I don't see at this point 594 00:31:23,040 --> 00:31:25,040 Speaker 1: and why you would just continue to have Josh Jones 595 00:31:25,080 --> 00:31:28,920 Speaker 1: as a backup left tackle and a depth piece at 596 00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:33,000 Speaker 1: this point. No, you need to see you've invested so 597 00:31:33,080 --> 00:31:35,560 Speaker 1: much that he needs to be a part of this 598 00:31:35,640 --> 00:31:40,280 Speaker 1: offensive line and figure out if it is beyond that 599 00:31:40,440 --> 00:31:43,680 Speaker 1: four year rookie contract that he received. Yeah. I think 600 00:31:43,680 --> 00:31:45,400 Speaker 1: he's played well to filling the last couple of weeks 601 00:31:45,400 --> 00:31:49,680 Speaker 1: for DJ Humphries and a huge test the Sunday against 602 00:31:49,800 --> 00:31:52,520 Speaker 1: Nick Bosa. Now, Bosa does move around a little bit, 603 00:31:52,560 --> 00:31:56,000 Speaker 1: but you're right. You protect the quarterbacks blindside on that 604 00:31:56,080 --> 00:32:00,240 Speaker 1: left tackle spot. If Josh Jones can hold up, I 605 00:32:00,280 --> 00:32:03,480 Speaker 1: wouldn't say shut down, but at least hold his own 606 00:32:04,040 --> 00:32:07,440 Speaker 1: I think that bodes wealth for him wherever he might 607 00:32:07,480 --> 00:32:09,760 Speaker 1: be whe the left side, right side. As far as 608 00:32:09,800 --> 00:32:12,680 Speaker 1: and you talk about it, it's not the momentum, but 609 00:32:12,720 --> 00:32:15,440 Speaker 1: it's the confidence that you want these young players to 610 00:32:15,680 --> 00:32:19,280 Speaker 1: have going into an off season maybe the most uncertain 611 00:32:19,320 --> 00:32:22,720 Speaker 1: offseason this organization has ever had from the top down 612 00:32:23,040 --> 00:32:26,479 Speaker 1: as far as who's making those decisions and telling Josh Jones, yes, 613 00:32:26,520 --> 00:32:28,600 Speaker 1: you are are starting right tackle. No, we want to 614 00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:30,880 Speaker 1: see what you can do on the left side, perhaps 615 00:32:31,000 --> 00:32:36,120 Speaker 1: at left guard, but no idea. Only time will tell. Yes, 616 00:32:36,480 --> 00:32:40,760 Speaker 1: speaking of time, two twenty five kickoff on Sunday at 617 00:32:40,840 --> 00:32:44,120 Speaker 1: Levi's Stadium ten thirty Pregame coverage begins on the Arizona 618 00:32:44,120 --> 00:32:48,680 Speaker 1: Cardinals Radio Network. And yes, rain potentially can be a factor, 619 00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:53,320 Speaker 1: but not for Danny because she will be well prepared Sunday. 620 00:32:53,440 --> 00:32:56,440 Speaker 1: Speaking into existence, Thank you, I will do my best. 621 00:32:56,720 --> 00:32:59,160 Speaker 1: I always try, we always look out, appreciate, we look 622 00:32:59,160 --> 00:33:02,560 Speaker 1: out for certain individuals here on Cardinals cover two, one 623 00:33:02,560 --> 00:33:04,560 Speaker 1: of those individuals. I am so glad to hear that. 624 00:33:04,600 --> 00:33:07,120 Speaker 1: Whatever relief, Thank you, You're welcome. And on that note, 625 00:33:07,480 --> 00:33:09,680 Speaker 1: we will put a lid on this edition of Cardinals 626 00:33:09,680 --> 00:33:12,800 Speaker 1: Cover two presented by Hunday, partner of the Arizona Cardinals. 627 00:33:13,000 --> 00:33:16,160 Speaker 1: As always, special thanks to our executive producer Jim Almahundro 628 00:33:16,360 --> 00:33:18,560 Speaker 1: for Danny Serek, I'm Craig Riel Lou. We'll talk to 629 00:33:18,560 --> 00:33:20,600 Speaker 1: you next time here on Cardinals Cover two.