1 00:00:05,760 --> 00:00:09,320 Speaker 1: Welcome Bird Gang, and Welcome to a football Friday. Ahead 2 00:00:09,320 --> 00:00:12,520 Speaker 1: of one of the bigger regular season matchups in recent memory. 3 00:00:12,720 --> 00:00:15,640 Speaker 1: On today's show, we'll break down the Cardinals Rams Monday 4 00:00:15,680 --> 00:00:19,000 Speaker 1: night football game. Mike Jarecki has his three keys to victory. 5 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:22,760 Speaker 1: There's certainly a lot at stake in Week fourteen. First 6 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:26,720 Speaker 1: and foremost, a win clinches a playoff spot. It's Cardinals 7 00:00:26,720 --> 00:00:29,920 Speaker 1: Cover two, Episode five O eight, and it starts now. 8 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:37,599 Speaker 1: Welcome to Cardinals Cover two with Craig Grigolu and Mike Jarecki. 9 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:42,239 Speaker 1: Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyunday, proud partner of 10 00:00:42,280 --> 00:00:47,440 Speaker 1: the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcasts. Visit asy 11 00:00:47,520 --> 00:00:51,400 Speaker 1: Cardinals dot com, Slash Podcasts. Going for Hopkins one hand 12 00:00:51,479 --> 00:00:56,400 Speaker 1: to catch in a touchdown DeAndre Hopkins. Here's Craig Griolu 13 00:00:56,640 --> 00:01:01,520 Speaker 1: and Mike Jarecki. It's been in real interesting to hear 14 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:04,479 Speaker 1: how fans and the media talk about this game on 15 00:01:04,520 --> 00:01:08,640 Speaker 1: Monday compared to the players. Because fans of media, MJ 16 00:01:08,800 --> 00:01:12,360 Speaker 1: we're focusing on the playoffs, getting into the postseason for 17 00:01:12,360 --> 00:01:15,959 Speaker 1: the first time since twenty fifteen, sweeping the regular season 18 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:18,319 Speaker 1: series from the Ram something they have not done since 19 00:01:18,360 --> 00:01:23,760 Speaker 1: twenty fourteen. Players though, they're focused more on obviously one 20 00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:27,360 Speaker 1: week at a time, but playing better at home. They 21 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:30,400 Speaker 1: have lost their last two games at State Farm Stadium 22 00:01:30,440 --> 00:01:32,600 Speaker 1: three and two overall, And yes, when you only have 23 00:01:32,720 --> 00:01:36,520 Speaker 1: two losses, those losses get magnified, but it does seem 24 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:41,959 Speaker 1: a point of emphasis this week. Play better beginning on Monday. Yeah, 25 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:44,199 Speaker 1: and if this team is going to be a high seat, 26 00:01:44,240 --> 00:01:46,640 Speaker 1: you're gonna be hosting a playoff game, possibly in the 27 00:01:46,680 --> 00:01:50,560 Speaker 1: division around or even the conference championship if they get 28 00:01:50,600 --> 00:01:53,040 Speaker 1: to that point. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but 29 00:01:53,120 --> 00:01:55,680 Speaker 1: that this has been the mindset all year. And you 30 00:01:55,800 --> 00:01:58,040 Speaker 1: lost to a Packer team that obviously didn't have their 31 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:01,120 Speaker 1: top wideouts, but they ran the balls. So and losing 32 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:03,480 Speaker 1: to Aaron Rodgers isn't the worst thing. I think the 33 00:02:03,520 --> 00:02:05,880 Speaker 1: game that sticks out is losing to Carolina's just how 34 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:09,080 Speaker 1: they came out and they got boat raced when it 35 00:02:09,120 --> 00:02:11,519 Speaker 1: came to the run game. And you know Cam Newton 36 00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:14,600 Speaker 1: and p J. Walker and Christian McCaffrey, so again, you 37 00:02:14,720 --> 00:02:17,000 Speaker 1: usually have one of those a year. Didn't see it coming, 38 00:02:17,639 --> 00:02:20,280 Speaker 1: but I know there's team's wired differently in than previous teams, 39 00:02:20,280 --> 00:02:23,520 Speaker 1: and it'd be nice to sweep the Rams because you know, 40 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:25,800 Speaker 1: the Rams have been a thorn their side for you know, 41 00:02:25,840 --> 00:02:28,600 Speaker 1: the last few years when it comes to beating them 42 00:02:28,760 --> 00:02:32,600 Speaker 1: homer away, cluding in London, and then obviously the Cardinals 43 00:02:32,720 --> 00:02:34,679 Speaker 1: been dealing with the forty nine ers and Seahawks. It'd 44 00:02:34,720 --> 00:02:37,560 Speaker 1: be nice to take that, you know, that that opportunity 45 00:02:37,639 --> 00:02:40,640 Speaker 1: to clinch a playoff berth and then when they had 46 00:02:40,680 --> 00:02:43,040 Speaker 1: to Detroit, hopefully get a chance to win the division. 47 00:02:43,120 --> 00:02:45,959 Speaker 1: But you're going to see a desperate Rams team. They've 48 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,359 Speaker 1: added some new weapons on both sides of the ball. 49 00:02:48,360 --> 00:02:51,040 Speaker 1: Odell Beckham Junior and we'll get into some of the 50 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:53,760 Speaker 1: matches and then Von Miller. So you know, I don't 51 00:02:53,760 --> 00:02:55,480 Speaker 1: know how much we can take from the first game, 52 00:02:56,160 --> 00:02:58,080 Speaker 1: but I do like the fact that Kyler Murray and 53 00:02:58,080 --> 00:03:02,120 Speaker 1: DeAndre Hopkins played their first time in a long time 54 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:04,519 Speaker 1: last week in Chicago, so maybe we'll see a little 55 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:07,360 Speaker 1: bit more. Obviously, playing indoors, they should be able to 56 00:03:07,400 --> 00:03:10,160 Speaker 1: spin the ball down the field. It's our job, though, 57 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:13,040 Speaker 1: right to kind of hype up these games, and that's 58 00:03:13,120 --> 00:03:16,600 Speaker 1: what happens because you have only have so many of these. 59 00:03:16,680 --> 00:03:19,840 Speaker 1: You only have seventeen of them, so each one and 60 00:03:19,880 --> 00:03:23,000 Speaker 1: I like what Christian Kirk keeps saying, each game is 61 00:03:23,120 --> 00:03:25,600 Speaker 1: bigger than the previous game, But there are some that 62 00:03:25,680 --> 00:03:28,280 Speaker 1: get more talked about, and I think this is one, obviously, 63 00:03:28,360 --> 00:03:31,560 Speaker 1: because it's the Rams, it's on Monday Night Football, the 64 00:03:31,639 --> 00:03:35,000 Speaker 1: national stage, the Cardinals. The last time the Nations saw 65 00:03:35,040 --> 00:03:38,480 Speaker 1: the Cardinals in primetime losing to the Packers on Thursday 66 00:03:38,520 --> 00:03:41,200 Speaker 1: Night Football. For a lot of people MJ, especially nationally, 67 00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:44,640 Speaker 1: that's their first and only glimpse of the twenty twenty 68 00:03:44,640 --> 00:03:46,880 Speaker 1: one Cardinals. Yeah, and I think, you know, there's some 69 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:49,920 Speaker 1: out there maybe they don't believe in the Cardinals, but 70 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:52,600 Speaker 1: again again, they're probably the most complete team in the league. 71 00:03:52,640 --> 00:03:54,720 Speaker 1: They don't beat themselves. You know, they were putting up 72 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:56,760 Speaker 1: big numbers, but now it's not about that. It's not 73 00:03:56,840 --> 00:03:59,640 Speaker 1: style points. And you know, I guess if you get 74 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:01,880 Speaker 1: a chance to win this game, the next game is 75 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:03,680 Speaker 1: going to be bigger and you're playing the Lions, and 76 00:04:03,720 --> 00:04:07,520 Speaker 1: again they're playing for a high seed there, so it's 77 00:04:07,560 --> 00:04:09,600 Speaker 1: Monday Night Football. I think the two best games of 78 00:04:09,720 --> 00:04:12,480 Speaker 1: the week are the Cardinals playing the Rams, and I 79 00:04:12,520 --> 00:04:15,640 Speaker 1: would say the Bills and Buccaneers, and I'm sure you 80 00:04:15,640 --> 00:04:18,720 Speaker 1: know when you look at Dallas in Washington, you've got 81 00:04:18,720 --> 00:04:21,200 Speaker 1: that round robin tournament. Seems like over the next couple 82 00:04:21,200 --> 00:04:24,200 Speaker 1: of weeks for the NFC East, obviously teams are jockeying 83 00:04:24,320 --> 00:04:28,400 Speaker 1: for position when it comes to Baltimore and Pittsburgh and Cleveland, 84 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:31,400 Speaker 1: and then we'll see if the Chiefs can continue. So 85 00:04:31,520 --> 00:04:33,600 Speaker 1: you've got a lot of quality games, but I think 86 00:04:33,600 --> 00:04:35,760 Speaker 1: the two top games. People are wondering how the Bills 87 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:38,760 Speaker 1: is going to respond. In the Bucks, we know that 88 00:04:38,839 --> 00:04:41,840 Speaker 1: obviously they're going to try to stay in contention. They're 89 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:44,279 Speaker 1: gonna win their division. But I think the Cardinals rams 90 00:04:44,279 --> 00:04:47,160 Speaker 1: because it's really the only game that night, and so 91 00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:51,320 Speaker 1: they'll get the national stage. Some comments from players Kyler Murray, 92 00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:53,880 Speaker 1: I don't think we're making it more than what it is. 93 00:04:54,080 --> 00:04:57,320 Speaker 1: Max Garcia not trying to prove anything to the world. 94 00:04:57,600 --> 00:05:00,640 Speaker 1: I like what we're hearing coming to that locker. But 95 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:04,640 Speaker 1: there is that emphasis on winning at home. Everyone has 96 00:05:04,920 --> 00:05:08,279 Speaker 1: been asked that question this week. No one has an answer, 97 00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:12,720 Speaker 1: but statistically speaking, there are two main reasons for the 98 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:16,960 Speaker 1: Cardinals not having as much success at home as they 99 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:21,480 Speaker 1: have on the road. One start better. Cardinals are the 100 00:05:21,520 --> 00:05:24,919 Speaker 1: best team as far as first quarter scoring is concerned. 101 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:29,160 Speaker 1: They have scored a league best eighty seven first quarter points. 102 00:05:29,200 --> 00:05:32,520 Speaker 1: Sixty six of those have come on the road. The 103 00:05:32,640 --> 00:05:35,320 Speaker 1: second best team on the road as far as first 104 00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:39,279 Speaker 1: quarter scoring the Eagles at forty eight. There is no 105 00:05:39,360 --> 00:05:42,680 Speaker 1: other team that has hit the fifty point mark on 106 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:45,919 Speaker 1: the road, So sixty six points scored on the road 107 00:05:46,320 --> 00:05:50,720 Speaker 1: to just twenty one at home. So those first fifteen 108 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:54,039 Speaker 1: minutes and the first fifteen minutes against the Panthers, what happened? 109 00:05:54,040 --> 00:05:57,280 Speaker 1: You're down fourteen nothing, seventeen nothing into the second quarter. 110 00:05:57,360 --> 00:06:00,920 Speaker 1: So a better start. It's not always about scoring the 111 00:06:00,960 --> 00:06:05,000 Speaker 1: most points. But don't trail like we've seen this team 112 00:06:05,080 --> 00:06:07,520 Speaker 1: at home trail and we haven't seen the team trail 113 00:06:07,560 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 1: a lot on the road. No, And really you go 114 00:06:09,960 --> 00:06:12,680 Speaker 1: back to those two losses. I mean they give up 115 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:15,800 Speaker 1: four point five yards and first down to the Packers 116 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:18,200 Speaker 1: and I want to say four or seven four against 117 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:20,560 Speaker 1: five floor while against the Panthers, and it looked like 118 00:06:20,600 --> 00:06:23,520 Speaker 1: that with the McCaffrey and you know, obviously then being 119 00:06:23,560 --> 00:06:26,440 Speaker 1: able to kind of run the ball between the tackles 120 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:30,000 Speaker 1: and provide him in the screen game, so and then 121 00:06:30,200 --> 00:06:32,640 Speaker 1: you know, again, the thing is, you know teams are 122 00:06:32,640 --> 00:06:33,880 Speaker 1: going to be able to move the ball from the 123 00:06:33,920 --> 00:06:35,840 Speaker 1: twenty to twenty. When you get in the red zone, 124 00:06:35,839 --> 00:06:38,560 Speaker 1: things get a little bit tighter. Obviously, the field gets shorter, 125 00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:40,560 Speaker 1: and that's where the Cardinals got to get him off 126 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:44,440 Speaker 1: the field. But you know, obviously run defense and being 127 00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:46,520 Speaker 1: able to run the football when we get to this 128 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:48,480 Speaker 1: time of the year, Craig, it's really the game's one 129 00:06:48,520 --> 00:06:50,760 Speaker 1: in the trenches. It's one in the trenches all year. 130 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:53,480 Speaker 1: But there's sometimes where you get a lead and all 131 00:06:53,520 --> 00:06:56,039 Speaker 1: of a sudden, you know the other team may have 132 00:06:56,080 --> 00:06:57,760 Speaker 1: to open up, and that's where the Cardinals are forced 133 00:06:57,800 --> 00:06:59,880 Speaker 1: some turnovers on the road. But when you get to 134 00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:02,400 Speaker 1: December football, you have to run the ball and you 135 00:07:02,440 --> 00:07:06,000 Speaker 1: have to stop the run in Again. Yes, they're they're 136 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:11,120 Speaker 1: given up over four five on the ground, but they're 137 00:07:11,240 --> 00:07:14,640 Speaker 1: but they're only given up one hundred and thirteen overall overall. 138 00:07:14,840 --> 00:07:17,440 Speaker 1: If this was one sixty five, it would be an issue, 139 00:07:17,480 --> 00:07:19,000 Speaker 1: and I don't think they would be ten and two. 140 00:07:19,160 --> 00:07:22,200 Speaker 1: So they got some things to clean up. But you know, 141 00:07:22,360 --> 00:07:25,840 Speaker 1: obviously they feel comfortable with their front seven and we've 142 00:07:26,200 --> 00:07:28,560 Speaker 1: definitely focus on the secondary and what they provide for 143 00:07:28,960 --> 00:07:32,080 Speaker 1: more on the scoring. As far as the output on 144 00:07:32,120 --> 00:07:35,160 Speaker 1: the road versus at home Cardinals, we know they've won 145 00:07:35,200 --> 00:07:38,200 Speaker 1: all seven of their road games by double figures. Only 146 00:07:38,280 --> 00:07:41,280 Speaker 1: one home game won by double figures. That was the 147 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:44,760 Speaker 1: Texans game. The two other wins were by one possession. 148 00:07:45,240 --> 00:07:48,280 Speaker 1: Five of the seven road games the Cardinals led wire 149 00:07:48,360 --> 00:07:51,640 Speaker 1: to wire. Only one home game did they accomplish that, 150 00:07:51,800 --> 00:07:53,920 Speaker 1: and that was in the win over the forty nine ers, 151 00:07:53,960 --> 00:07:56,440 Speaker 1: and that was a real struggle seventeen to ten. What 152 00:07:56,600 --> 00:08:00,920 Speaker 1: to make of those numbers, those are just facts, and 153 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:04,600 Speaker 1: I don't know if it always explains why this team 154 00:08:04,680 --> 00:08:09,560 Speaker 1: is not doing as well or at home versus on 155 00:08:09,600 --> 00:08:12,800 Speaker 1: the road. But the big stat is what we kind 156 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:16,600 Speaker 1: of touched on, and that is takeaways this team as 157 00:08:16,640 --> 00:08:20,240 Speaker 1: far as turnover differential, they are plus seventeen on the 158 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:24,800 Speaker 1: road minus five at home. It's very simple, bird Gang. 159 00:08:25,120 --> 00:08:28,240 Speaker 1: You keep possession of the football, you score points. You 160 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:32,240 Speaker 1: don't have possession of the football, sorry it hasn't been done. 161 00:08:32,360 --> 00:08:36,160 Speaker 1: You can't score. So if you're looking for statistics as 162 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:38,520 Speaker 1: far as to explain the three and two home record 163 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:41,440 Speaker 1: versus seven and oh, on the road. That's what you're 164 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:44,640 Speaker 1: looking at. First quarter scoring and turning the ball over. Now, 165 00:08:44,920 --> 00:08:48,440 Speaker 1: why that is happening. That's a bigger picture that no 166 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:50,880 Speaker 1: one's been able to put their finger on MJ And 167 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:54,720 Speaker 1: as Cliff Kingsbury always says, if I knew, we would 168 00:08:54,720 --> 00:08:57,320 Speaker 1: correct it. And so it's still I think something that 169 00:08:57,360 --> 00:09:00,600 Speaker 1: they're trying to figure out and hopefully that is happening 170 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:03,680 Speaker 1: this Monday. Yeah, and again I think it's been a 171 00:09:03,720 --> 00:09:06,319 Speaker 1: point of emphasis with the team. You can just tell 172 00:09:06,320 --> 00:09:09,559 Speaker 1: the way they're you know, speaking about the game again, 173 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:13,000 Speaker 1: they know what's at stake right here, and it's just 174 00:09:13,040 --> 00:09:15,160 Speaker 1: one of those things where you know, we know how 175 00:09:15,160 --> 00:09:18,520 Speaker 1: well they play on the road, and Chandlers said, you know, 176 00:09:18,679 --> 00:09:20,680 Speaker 1: maybe I gotta make a play, maybe I got to 177 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,160 Speaker 1: change how I play it at home versus on the road. 178 00:09:23,160 --> 00:09:25,240 Speaker 1: And I'm like, I don't know how you do that, 179 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:29,080 Speaker 1: but maybe getting a quick sack, getting the crowd in 180 00:09:29,120 --> 00:09:30,920 Speaker 1: the game because we know the Red Sea is gonna 181 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:34,280 Speaker 1: show up. I mean it's Monday night football, So yeah, 182 00:09:34,280 --> 00:09:36,720 Speaker 1: I mean it's really it's hard to put your finger 183 00:09:36,760 --> 00:09:40,920 Speaker 1: on it because you know those games though, and even 184 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:44,360 Speaker 1: the Minnesota game probably should have lost, but they couldn't 185 00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:48,160 Speaker 1: control Greg Joseph missing the pick. There are the field 186 00:09:48,160 --> 00:09:51,360 Speaker 1: goal there. So yeah, it's just you know, I think 187 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:54,120 Speaker 1: this team, they've made strides in a lot of different 188 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:57,480 Speaker 1: areas this year, and when we talk about point of emphasis, 189 00:09:57,840 --> 00:10:00,160 Speaker 1: I think we're gonna see it. I think they, you know, 190 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:01,840 Speaker 1: get enough to a lead would go a long way 191 00:10:01,880 --> 00:10:03,840 Speaker 1: in this game. I mean, crowd gets into it. You 192 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:06,240 Speaker 1: don't let them get any momentum. And I'm not saying 193 00:10:06,280 --> 00:10:08,240 Speaker 1: you gotta score twenty one points in the first quarter, 194 00:10:08,559 --> 00:10:11,400 Speaker 1: but get have two possessions, you get a touchdown in 195 00:10:11,440 --> 00:10:13,040 Speaker 1: a field goal, and I has ten nothing, and all 196 00:10:13,040 --> 00:10:15,640 Speaker 1: of a sudden you can start teeing off on Matthew 197 00:10:15,679 --> 00:10:18,439 Speaker 1: Stafford and pin the Ears back on the defensive line. 198 00:10:18,640 --> 00:10:21,240 Speaker 1: My only concern with what Chandler Jones had to say, 199 00:10:21,240 --> 00:10:25,480 Speaker 1: and I totally understand his thinking, is if everyone has 200 00:10:25,600 --> 00:10:28,840 Speaker 1: that same thought process, I need to make a play, 201 00:10:29,160 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 1: then all of a sudden, you try to do too 202 00:10:31,080 --> 00:10:33,880 Speaker 1: much and what do we always here? Do your job? 203 00:10:34,440 --> 00:10:38,800 Speaker 1: Don't do something extra. And when you do something extra 204 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:42,400 Speaker 1: sometimes a lot of the times that's when mistakes happen. 205 00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:44,800 Speaker 1: And then all of a sudden, defensively, a two yard 206 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 1: run becomes twelve fifteen yards behind you. You don't want 207 00:10:48,920 --> 00:10:51,959 Speaker 1: that to happen. But I totally understand, especially when you're 208 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:56,520 Speaker 1: talking about a Chandler Jones or a Buddha Baker, you know, 209 00:10:56,559 --> 00:10:59,640 Speaker 1: the five star players you always talk about five star 210 00:10:59,720 --> 00:11:02,559 Speaker 1: players need to step up and have five star games. 211 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:05,960 Speaker 1: And we've seen it at times at home, but just 212 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:09,440 Speaker 1: not enough five star players picking up their game. But 213 00:11:09,480 --> 00:11:12,800 Speaker 1: I don't want guys to to overdo it. Just let 214 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:16,840 Speaker 1: it come naturally, don't don't force it, because if anyone 215 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:19,640 Speaker 1: on this team offense or defense, tries to force the 216 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:22,960 Speaker 1: issue on Monday, they're gonna get burned because you can't 217 00:11:23,120 --> 00:11:25,679 Speaker 1: do that against the quality opponent like the Rams. Yeah, 218 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:29,200 Speaker 1: and I don't think you know, the leaders on that 219 00:11:29,280 --> 00:11:31,840 Speaker 1: side of the ball, starting with Jordan Hicks and Corey 220 00:11:31,880 --> 00:11:35,200 Speaker 1: Peters and Chandler Jones and Marcus Golden and Buddha Baker, 221 00:11:36,679 --> 00:11:39,319 Speaker 1: you know, I don't think they'll allow that to happen. 222 00:11:39,360 --> 00:11:41,760 Speaker 1: It's just like you said, do your job. If all 223 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:44,400 Speaker 1: eleven guys are doing their job, then you're not gonna 224 00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:46,480 Speaker 1: You're gonna eliminate the big plays that you know eliminate 225 00:11:46,520 --> 00:11:48,480 Speaker 1: the chunk plays and you don't have to really, but 226 00:11:48,600 --> 00:11:53,040 Speaker 1: I feel like, you know, it's just this conversation won't 227 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:55,040 Speaker 1: be taken place if they can win these next couple 228 00:11:55,120 --> 00:11:58,480 Speaker 1: home games. And clearly this is a big one because 229 00:11:58,520 --> 00:12:00,880 Speaker 1: of what's that state. You got the Rams and then 230 00:12:00,920 --> 00:12:02,840 Speaker 1: you get the Colts and you wrap up with the 231 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:06,560 Speaker 1: Seahawks on January night. Three home games left. In this 232 00:12:06,720 --> 00:12:10,160 Speaker 1: twenty twenty one regular season Cardinals cover two presented by 233 00:12:10,240 --> 00:12:13,600 Speaker 1: Hunday Proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals, will get into 234 00:12:13,640 --> 00:12:16,560 Speaker 1: Mike Jarecki's three Keys to Victory, the X Factor and 235 00:12:16,840 --> 00:12:20,240 Speaker 1: his Intangible for this Week fourteen matchup. A reminder, though, 236 00:12:20,240 --> 00:12:23,080 Speaker 1: the Cardinals are hosting a toy drive prior to the 237 00:12:23,120 --> 00:12:27,400 Speaker 1: Cardinals Rams game collect new unwrapped toys for Arizona Helping Hands. 238 00:12:27,559 --> 00:12:30,640 Speaker 1: There will be drop off locations around State Farm Stadium. 239 00:12:30,760 --> 00:12:33,200 Speaker 1: A QR code will also be placed at the drop 240 00:12:33,280 --> 00:12:36,160 Speaker 1: off locations for those who wish to make a monetary 241 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:40,880 Speaker 1: contribution instead. Goodasy Cardinals dot com for more information, especially 242 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:43,480 Speaker 1: if you want to contribute even though you might not 243 00:12:43,559 --> 00:12:47,960 Speaker 1: be attending the game on Monday. There is another practice 244 00:12:48,160 --> 00:12:51,320 Speaker 1: before this game on Monday. It is on Saturday. So 245 00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:53,719 Speaker 1: right now, what we know about the health of this 246 00:12:53,760 --> 00:12:57,600 Speaker 1: team is one, it's very good. Everyone presents at practice 247 00:12:57,760 --> 00:13:01,440 Speaker 1: on Friday during the open portion, but defensive lineman Zach Kerr, 248 00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:05,640 Speaker 1: who was out once again with rib injuries. So this team, 249 00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:10,680 Speaker 1: knock on Wood is healthy and perhaps Chase Edmonds, Aaron Brewer, 250 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:15,319 Speaker 1: Charles Washington, and Richard Lawrence four players designated to return 251 00:13:15,360 --> 00:13:18,920 Speaker 1: over the past two weeks, they practiced and perhaps could 252 00:13:18,960 --> 00:13:22,520 Speaker 1: be activated ahead of Monday's kickoff. Yeah, and you know, 253 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:25,200 Speaker 1: I was told earlier in the week they wanted to 254 00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:27,839 Speaker 1: make sure that Chase Edmonds was healthy. Now he put 255 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:30,079 Speaker 1: a lot of work in rehab and we got a 256 00:13:30,160 --> 00:13:32,280 Speaker 1: chance to him on the field during the open portion. 257 00:13:32,440 --> 00:13:34,880 Speaker 1: He looks like he's, you know, back to Chase Seedmons. 258 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:37,199 Speaker 1: So we'll just have to wait in and see because 259 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:40,640 Speaker 1: they definitely need him for the stretch run. Charles Washington 260 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:44,640 Speaker 1: maybe he's still a week away, but I think Jonathan Ward, 261 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:49,640 Speaker 1: possibly Richard Lawrence if he don't have Zach Kerr, could 262 00:13:49,679 --> 00:13:52,440 Speaker 1: be options. And you know, Ward is more of a 263 00:13:52,480 --> 00:13:55,960 Speaker 1: special teams player. You know, we'll see if if Chase 264 00:13:56,120 --> 00:13:59,559 Speaker 1: is up and that would mean also an opportunity for 265 00:13:59,640 --> 00:14:03,480 Speaker 1: you know, Benjamin, maybe he returns kicks. So I thought 266 00:14:03,520 --> 00:14:05,400 Speaker 1: he looked good in practice, but I know earlier in 267 00:14:05,480 --> 00:14:07,960 Speaker 1: the week they wanted to see, you know, can he 268 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:10,080 Speaker 1: knock off the russ? And he looked fast to me. 269 00:14:10,559 --> 00:14:13,360 Speaker 1: I watched him in a couple of drills today, catching 270 00:14:13,360 --> 00:14:16,040 Speaker 1: the ball in the backfield. I watched him going from 271 00:14:16,120 --> 00:14:20,040 Speaker 1: drill to drill, no hesitation. So again they have more 272 00:14:20,080 --> 00:14:22,360 Speaker 1: information than we do. And you know, it was nice 273 00:14:22,400 --> 00:14:26,400 Speaker 1: to see Justin Pubeck out there. And on this Friday 274 00:14:26,640 --> 00:14:30,200 Speaker 1: is their normal Thursday, so a full padded practice, And 275 00:14:30,400 --> 00:14:32,880 Speaker 1: that was what Kingsbury alluded to when he addressed the 276 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:36,440 Speaker 1: media on Wednesday. It's okay, how do they move around? 277 00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:38,600 Speaker 1: How do they look in full pads? And then it's 278 00:14:38,640 --> 00:14:41,440 Speaker 1: also all right, we wake up Friday or excuse me, 279 00:14:41,520 --> 00:14:45,080 Speaker 1: wake up Saturday morning. How do you respond to having 280 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:48,040 Speaker 1: a practice in full spad now than not going full speed? 281 00:14:48,280 --> 00:14:50,280 Speaker 1: But it is a difference when you're walking around in 282 00:14:50,360 --> 00:14:53,120 Speaker 1: shorts versus having the pads on. It becomes a little 283 00:14:53,160 --> 00:14:55,960 Speaker 1: bit more heavy and more intense of a practice. Yeah, 284 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:58,880 Speaker 1: and they've been very consistent normally they've done it on 285 00:14:58,920 --> 00:15:01,240 Speaker 1: a Thursday because they're playing on Monday night. They did 286 00:15:01,360 --> 00:15:05,600 Speaker 1: it on a Friday, and that's when they get to 287 00:15:05,600 --> 00:15:09,360 Speaker 1: tomorrow's practice. It will be about more eighty percent than 288 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:11,880 Speaker 1: one hundred percent today because you got the game plan 289 00:15:11,960 --> 00:15:13,600 Speaker 1: in and we know a Cliff puts a lot of 290 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:16,840 Speaker 1: emphasis on what happens during practice when they're going up tempo, 291 00:15:17,640 --> 00:15:20,280 Speaker 1: and that would be the padded practice they had this morning. 292 00:15:20,680 --> 00:15:23,440 Speaker 1: So Saturday has more about eighty percent, just to make 293 00:15:23,440 --> 00:15:25,400 Speaker 1: sure everyone's on the same page when it comes to 294 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 1: the game plan. Obviously the different rotations are going to 295 00:15:28,640 --> 00:15:31,480 Speaker 1: go with all that will be you know discussed, and 296 00:15:31,520 --> 00:15:33,920 Speaker 1: then obviously the team will have a you know, check 297 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:36,120 Speaker 1: in a hotel on Sunday and get ready for Monday 298 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:38,840 Speaker 1: Night football. All right, let's us get ready for Monday 299 00:15:38,880 --> 00:15:42,480 Speaker 1: Night football. Six fifteen is the kickoff two thirty Pregame 300 00:15:42,480 --> 00:15:46,360 Speaker 1: coverage begins on the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network. Cardinals ten 301 00:15:46,560 --> 00:15:51,040 Speaker 1: and two Rams, eights and four Rams have one six 302 00:15:51,320 --> 00:15:56,800 Speaker 1: straight games at State Farm Stadium. Six. Now that covers 303 00:15:57,120 --> 00:16:00,720 Speaker 1: three different head coaches, three different rosters, same head coach 304 00:16:00,760 --> 00:16:07,080 Speaker 1: for the Rams, but six, yeah, well they six I understand, 305 00:16:07,120 --> 00:16:12,040 Speaker 1: but let's go back to Week four. Okay, they go 306 00:16:12,080 --> 00:16:14,800 Speaker 1: on the road and they hate they haven't beat them 307 00:16:14,880 --> 00:16:17,640 Speaker 1: at eight straight times, and that week I just I said, 308 00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:21,440 Speaker 1: that has no bearing on this game. Six times has 309 00:16:21,480 --> 00:16:25,840 Speaker 1: no bearing on this game. So I understand. And again, 310 00:16:26,720 --> 00:16:28,880 Speaker 1: let's focus on this season. You got a chance to 311 00:16:28,920 --> 00:16:32,320 Speaker 1: sweep the Rams, you swept the Niners, and on paper, 312 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:36,240 Speaker 1: you should sweep the Seahawks. So and that's impressive because 313 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:38,480 Speaker 1: every year you're going into the season and last year 314 00:16:38,480 --> 00:16:39,840 Speaker 1: I got off to a two and oh start to 315 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:42,880 Speaker 1: beat the Niners and Seahawks within the first month of 316 00:16:42,920 --> 00:16:44,920 Speaker 1: the season, and they finished two and four. We know 317 00:16:44,960 --> 00:16:48,400 Speaker 1: what happened in week sixteen and seventeen, so that that 318 00:16:48,520 --> 00:16:51,520 Speaker 1: tells me they're making progress. And the fact is, you know, 319 00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:55,080 Speaker 1: they're unbeaten on the road, which is remarkable. So I 320 00:16:55,160 --> 00:16:57,200 Speaker 1: just kind of like where they're at. And it makes 321 00:16:57,240 --> 00:17:01,760 Speaker 1: total sense. Third year, third year. But that's head coach coordinators. 322 00:17:02,600 --> 00:17:05,240 Speaker 1: You know, we know the identity of this football team. 323 00:17:05,600 --> 00:17:09,960 Speaker 1: Run the ball, stop the run, score points, play complimentary football. 324 00:17:10,040 --> 00:17:15,040 Speaker 1: So again, I think the Cardinals are the better team. Now, 325 00:17:15,080 --> 00:17:17,199 Speaker 1: who plays better on Monday is going to win the 326 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:19,800 Speaker 1: football game? All right? So that leads us to you 327 00:17:20,080 --> 00:17:23,760 Speaker 1: and your homework assignment here on Cardinals Covered two presented 328 00:17:23,760 --> 00:17:26,840 Speaker 1: by Unday, proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. If the 329 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:30,040 Speaker 1: Cardinals are to accomplish all of that, clinch a playoff, 330 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:32,679 Speaker 1: Spots sweep the regular season series with Rams, end a 331 00:17:32,760 --> 00:17:35,960 Speaker 1: six game home losing streak to the Rams snap a 332 00:17:36,040 --> 00:17:39,880 Speaker 1: two game current home losing streak. Here in twenty twenty one, 333 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:44,040 Speaker 1: what is Mike Jarecki's first key to victory? Three keys 334 00:17:44,119 --> 00:17:48,160 Speaker 1: for the Cardinals victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Establish 335 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:51,280 Speaker 1: the run to slow down the Rams pass rush. In 336 00:17:51,359 --> 00:17:54,159 Speaker 1: other words, if they do have Chase Edmonds and you 337 00:17:54,240 --> 00:17:57,760 Speaker 1: got Connor and I think you know, based on when 338 00:17:57,800 --> 00:18:02,360 Speaker 1: I'm listening from Kingsbury, be surprised with Kyler Murray. I'm 339 00:18:02,359 --> 00:18:04,640 Speaker 1: not saying design runs, but if you know, if he's 340 00:18:04,680 --> 00:18:08,400 Speaker 1: getting rush outside the pocket, I do think he'll take 341 00:18:08,400 --> 00:18:10,720 Speaker 1: off a little bit. But establish a run so you 342 00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:14,120 Speaker 1: can slow that pass rush down. And that means obviously 343 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:18,159 Speaker 1: you got to face Aaron Donald Reader in the middle. 344 00:18:18,720 --> 00:18:22,760 Speaker 1: He's a good player. And then obviously Leonard Floyd is 345 00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:24,680 Speaker 1: really one of their pass rushers, and then you throw 346 00:18:24,720 --> 00:18:28,840 Speaker 1: him Von Miller and they'll drop Jalen Ramsey in the box. 347 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:33,160 Speaker 1: Sometimes he'll come off the edge, so to me established 348 00:18:33,200 --> 00:18:35,359 Speaker 1: a run so you can slow that pass rush down, 349 00:18:35,720 --> 00:18:38,720 Speaker 1: and it would start with Connor if Evans is playing, 350 00:18:38,720 --> 00:18:41,879 Speaker 1: and then Kyler Murray and that Rams pass rush thirty 351 00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:46,320 Speaker 1: two sacks, fourth most in the league. Leonard Floyd eight sacks, 352 00:18:46,400 --> 00:18:50,400 Speaker 1: Aaron Donald seven sacks. And we know, yes, the Cardinals 353 00:18:50,440 --> 00:18:52,919 Speaker 1: held Donald in check in the first meeting. I'd be 354 00:18:52,960 --> 00:18:55,480 Speaker 1: surprised if they're able to do it for a second 355 00:18:55,560 --> 00:18:58,240 Speaker 1: straight game, at least as far as that effectiveness. Now, 356 00:18:58,240 --> 00:19:01,240 Speaker 1: you can limit what number nine nine does, and I 357 00:19:01,280 --> 00:19:05,000 Speaker 1: think that's the goal of Rodney Hudson, Justin Pugh or 358 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:08,399 Speaker 1: Sean Harlowe at left guard and Max Garcia at right 359 00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:12,200 Speaker 1: guard because mostly he's lining up in the interior, although 360 00:19:12,200 --> 00:19:14,280 Speaker 1: we've seen him on the outside as well, matched up 361 00:19:14,280 --> 00:19:17,960 Speaker 1: against either Calvin Beecham or DJ Humphreys. Yeah, and the 362 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:21,119 Speaker 1: main thing is protect Kyler Murray. Don't let anybody get 363 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:23,720 Speaker 1: any free shots on him because he was just dealt 364 00:19:23,720 --> 00:19:26,280 Speaker 1: with a high ankle sprain and you got to protect 365 00:19:26,560 --> 00:19:29,360 Speaker 1: the franchise there, So don't let them get to Kyler 366 00:19:29,440 --> 00:19:31,920 Speaker 1: Murray or free hit from the backside where all of 367 00:19:31,960 --> 00:19:33,879 Speaker 1: a sudden he can't see it coming, all right, So 368 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:36,760 Speaker 1: establish the run, and again we'll wait and see what 369 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:40,160 Speaker 1: happens with Chase Edmonds. He can be elevated as soon 370 00:19:40,400 --> 00:19:44,359 Speaker 1: as or as late as Monday early afternoon. We have 371 00:19:44,440 --> 00:19:47,880 Speaker 1: seen roster moves on game day on Monday night game days, 372 00:19:47,920 --> 00:19:51,320 Speaker 1: so that's a possibility if we don't hear anything during 373 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:55,040 Speaker 1: Saturday or Sundays. What's number two your second key, Kyler 374 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:59,080 Speaker 1: Murray's skill position players versus the Rams secondary and I'm 375 00:19:59,119 --> 00:20:02,680 Speaker 1: talking running back, wide receivers and tight ends. So I 376 00:20:03,119 --> 00:20:07,840 Speaker 1: believe if he just take away Jalen Ramsey in Taylor Rap, 377 00:20:08,920 --> 00:20:12,240 Speaker 1: I think there's I think there's a downward spiral effect 378 00:20:12,240 --> 00:20:14,600 Speaker 1: that they can establish. And if you go four wide, 379 00:20:14,600 --> 00:20:18,280 Speaker 1: and we know that Rondel moore can take the ball 380 00:20:18,320 --> 00:20:21,320 Speaker 1: out of the backfield, Christian Kirk's probably one more underrated 381 00:20:21,359 --> 00:20:23,520 Speaker 1: players on this roster this year, So when I look 382 00:20:23,520 --> 00:20:26,800 Speaker 1: at that from that standpoint, I think they can spread 383 00:20:26,800 --> 00:20:31,040 Speaker 1: these guys out. But again, establishing the run utilizes play actions, 384 00:20:31,080 --> 00:20:33,679 Speaker 1: so I like their chances spread them out, and I 385 00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:36,879 Speaker 1: think you can attack that secondary. But It all starts 386 00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:39,320 Speaker 1: with protecting Murray to where he has time to throw 387 00:20:39,440 --> 00:20:43,240 Speaker 1: and attacking that secondary with as many options that Kyler 388 00:20:43,320 --> 00:20:46,000 Speaker 1: Murray has. You look at the first meeting, AJ Green, 389 00:20:46,160 --> 00:20:50,280 Speaker 1: Max Williams, DeAndre Hopkins, Chase Edmonds, Rondell Moore, James Connor, 390 00:20:50,359 --> 00:20:54,480 Speaker 1: Christian Kirk. I just rattled off seven different pass catchers, 391 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:57,560 Speaker 1: all with at least one catch, but no one with 392 00:20:57,680 --> 00:21:00,960 Speaker 1: more than five catches, spreading the ball around. And I 393 00:21:00,960 --> 00:21:03,760 Speaker 1: don't care who you are, no team has that many 394 00:21:03,880 --> 00:21:08,720 Speaker 1: defensive backs to take care of seven different wide receivers. Yeah, 395 00:21:08,920 --> 00:21:11,320 Speaker 1: and I think the Cardinals are really effective if they 396 00:21:11,320 --> 00:21:13,080 Speaker 1: can pick up a first down on a drive and 397 00:21:13,119 --> 00:21:15,359 Speaker 1: then go with the up temple and that's when they 398 00:21:15,359 --> 00:21:18,080 Speaker 1: can go, you know, four wide. You can have a 399 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:20,359 Speaker 1: Connor in there, and if Admints is out there, you 400 00:21:20,359 --> 00:21:23,080 Speaker 1: can have that. And again, they got to defend the 401 00:21:23,240 --> 00:21:26,080 Speaker 1: entire field fifty three in a thirty yards from sideline 402 00:21:26,119 --> 00:21:29,000 Speaker 1: to sidelines. So that's where I think the matchups could be. 403 00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:32,080 Speaker 1: But again, it's all starts with them protecting Colin Murray 404 00:21:32,160 --> 00:21:35,280 Speaker 1: and Murray in that first meeting twenty four of thirty two, 405 00:21:35,359 --> 00:21:37,879 Speaker 1: two hundred and sixty eight yards two touchdowns. Again, not 406 00:21:37,920 --> 00:21:40,320 Speaker 1: a lot of passing yards, but he didn't need to 407 00:21:40,359 --> 00:21:43,560 Speaker 1: throw the ball three hundred yards because of a running game. 408 00:21:43,760 --> 00:21:46,159 Speaker 1: So it was a nice balance against the Rams in 409 00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:48,560 Speaker 1: Week four. Yeah, kind of the recipe we were able 410 00:21:48,600 --> 00:21:50,840 Speaker 1: to see against the Titans and a few other teams 411 00:21:50,840 --> 00:21:54,080 Speaker 1: where they including against the Rams, forty rushes for two 412 00:21:54,160 --> 00:21:57,280 Speaker 1: hundred and thirteen yards, was it. And so, I mean, 413 00:21:57,400 --> 00:21:59,920 Speaker 1: they didn't have to, but they're capable of doing that, 414 00:22:00,320 --> 00:22:02,040 Speaker 1: and when they get a lead in the fourth quarter, 415 00:22:02,480 --> 00:22:05,520 Speaker 1: it's tough for teams to stop this team. And Lyman 416 00:22:05,640 --> 00:22:08,080 Speaker 1: loved that. Just let us, let us block. We don't 417 00:22:08,080 --> 00:22:10,600 Speaker 1: want to have to worry about pass protection. Protect the ball, 418 00:22:10,920 --> 00:22:13,080 Speaker 1: and we'll run the ball down their throat. And I'm 419 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:17,000 Speaker 1: curious on how much we'll see Jalen Ramsey matched up 420 00:22:17,040 --> 00:22:20,720 Speaker 1: against DeAndre Hopkins. If I'm not mistaken, the number was eight. 421 00:22:21,200 --> 00:22:23,639 Speaker 1: As far as how many times how many plays we 422 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:27,080 Speaker 1: actually got that one on one matchup in the first meeting, 423 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:30,240 Speaker 1: that's not a lot when you're talking about seventy five 424 00:22:30,440 --> 00:22:34,440 Speaker 1: offensive plays that the Cardinals ran back earlier in the year. Yeah, 425 00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:36,840 Speaker 1: I mean it's you know, that's what football is about 426 00:22:36,880 --> 00:22:39,639 Speaker 1: you take your number one corner who obviously they you know, 427 00:22:39,680 --> 00:22:42,040 Speaker 1: went out and spent a lot of money on and 428 00:22:42,400 --> 00:22:45,119 Speaker 1: draft picks, and again Cardinals went out and made a trade. 429 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:49,040 Speaker 1: Wasn't as steep as obviously the Ramsey trade, but you know, 430 00:22:49,080 --> 00:22:51,480 Speaker 1: Iron sharp AND's Iron. I'm sure hops looking forward to 431 00:22:51,520 --> 00:22:53,600 Speaker 1: the matchup, but don't force it if he's not there. 432 00:22:53,800 --> 00:22:56,520 Speaker 1: There's so many other options, and you know, Kyler really 433 00:22:56,520 --> 00:22:59,840 Speaker 1: hasn't had a lot of opportunities. I think he had 434 00:23:00,119 --> 00:23:02,879 Speaker 1: Houston game maybe when it came to zach Ertz. So 435 00:23:02,920 --> 00:23:05,439 Speaker 1: I'd like to see zach Ertz become a third down weapon, 436 00:23:05,640 --> 00:23:08,240 Speaker 1: safety net, safety valve, and then when you get in 437 00:23:08,280 --> 00:23:10,720 Speaker 1: the red zone, I love the shuffle pass. Probably it's 438 00:23:10,720 --> 00:23:12,359 Speaker 1: on film now, so you probably won't be able to 439 00:23:12,400 --> 00:23:15,120 Speaker 1: do that, but you know, I think zach Ertz could 440 00:23:15,119 --> 00:23:17,199 Speaker 1: be a guy that you know, picks up third downs 441 00:23:17,240 --> 00:23:19,480 Speaker 1: and who helps move the sticks. Well, you talk about 442 00:23:19,520 --> 00:23:22,840 Speaker 1: plug and play and just replace Max Williams. Was zach 443 00:23:22,960 --> 00:23:26,479 Speaker 1: Ertz Max Williams in that first meeting five catches sixty 444 00:23:26,560 --> 00:23:31,000 Speaker 1: six yards. So there's no reason why zach Ertz can't 445 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:33,520 Speaker 1: do that. No, because they got so much eye candy 446 00:23:33,560 --> 00:23:36,920 Speaker 1: out there and the way they motion, and they if 447 00:23:36,920 --> 00:23:39,480 Speaker 1: they can get positive of three or four yards on 448 00:23:39,680 --> 00:23:43,440 Speaker 1: first down and all of a sudden, they can run 449 00:23:43,480 --> 00:23:46,399 Speaker 1: the ball or they can throw it where they're not 450 00:23:46,560 --> 00:23:48,720 Speaker 1: forced to. Hey, we gotta we gotta be in the 451 00:23:48,760 --> 00:23:51,040 Speaker 1: gun half the day and we're gonna throw it around 452 00:23:51,040 --> 00:23:54,360 Speaker 1: the yard. That's not what they do. They play complimentary football, 453 00:23:54,560 --> 00:23:58,199 Speaker 1: establish a run, play action, get your weapons involved in 454 00:23:58,200 --> 00:24:01,520 Speaker 1: the passing game. All right, So we're two thirds into 455 00:24:01,960 --> 00:24:04,920 Speaker 1: your three keys to victory. What is number three for 456 00:24:04,960 --> 00:24:08,119 Speaker 1: the Cardinals to pick up that eleventh win on Monday Night? Well, 457 00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:12,320 Speaker 1: I'm say make the Rams one dimensional. Another words for 458 00:24:13,160 --> 00:24:15,800 Speaker 1: Matthew Stafford to beat you. We know he's coming off 459 00:24:15,800 --> 00:24:19,159 Speaker 1: a really good game. Obviously it's a there's a there was. 460 00:24:19,240 --> 00:24:22,920 Speaker 1: That was a get back game. He was very effective, 461 00:24:22,960 --> 00:24:26,159 Speaker 1: a lot of play action, he got everyone involved. M 462 00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:31,080 Speaker 1: Sony Michelle was out there, Beckham, Cooper Cup, So that 463 00:24:31,640 --> 00:24:33,639 Speaker 1: was a get back game. But again they were all 464 00:24:33,720 --> 00:24:35,800 Speaker 1: and three in the month of November and there were 465 00:24:35,800 --> 00:24:37,879 Speaker 1: a lot of issues there. I still don't think they 466 00:24:38,680 --> 00:24:40,600 Speaker 1: are the same running team they were in the past. 467 00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:44,240 Speaker 1: But Sony Michelle, he's kind of like maybe the Rondel Moore. 468 00:24:44,560 --> 00:24:47,680 Speaker 1: He can go. He can run from inside the backfield. 469 00:24:48,520 --> 00:24:51,840 Speaker 1: His size allows him. Maybe the linebackers don't see him. 470 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:53,880 Speaker 1: He can line up in the slot, he can line 471 00:24:53,920 --> 00:24:56,760 Speaker 1: up in that wheelhouse route. So he is a weapon. 472 00:24:57,280 --> 00:25:01,080 Speaker 1: And you know my ex factor. We'll get into who 473 00:25:01,080 --> 00:25:03,200 Speaker 1: I think is going to cover each guy, but make 474 00:25:03,240 --> 00:25:06,280 Speaker 1: them one dimensional. And we know that Vans had a 475 00:25:06,359 --> 00:25:08,840 Speaker 1: really good job the first time where they were able 476 00:25:08,840 --> 00:25:10,840 Speaker 1: to get Stafford off his spot and he was making 477 00:25:11,040 --> 00:25:14,679 Speaker 1: millif ice throws. You bring up Sony Michelle. He was 478 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:17,359 Speaker 1: not a huge factor in that first meeting. It was 479 00:25:17,440 --> 00:25:20,399 Speaker 1: Darryl Henderson. He did not play last week against the 480 00:25:20,480 --> 00:25:23,560 Speaker 1: Jaguars because of a thigh injury. It's still bothering him 481 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:27,639 Speaker 1: this week in practice. But Michelle, without Darryl Henderson on 482 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:30,719 Speaker 1: the football field over one hundred rushing yards on twenty 483 00:25:30,720 --> 00:25:34,520 Speaker 1: four tempts, that's gonna be a new wrinkle that now 484 00:25:34,560 --> 00:25:37,280 Speaker 1: all of a sudden, vanch Joseph and the Cardinals defense 485 00:25:37,320 --> 00:25:39,240 Speaker 1: have to account for, because it's gonna be a different 486 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:43,000 Speaker 1: running back most likely, or if you've got both of them, 487 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:45,639 Speaker 1: much like Chase Edmonds and James Connor, that one A 488 00:25:45,800 --> 00:25:52,000 Speaker 1: one B. Yeah, and really James White Sony Michelle was 489 00:25:52,040 --> 00:25:54,199 Speaker 1: really more James White when it comes to what he 490 00:25:54,240 --> 00:25:56,600 Speaker 1: did in New England. But it's not like he just 491 00:25:56,640 --> 00:25:59,040 Speaker 1: says one thing. They can move him around and so 492 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:01,480 Speaker 1: they're looking for match and there could be a time 493 00:26:01,520 --> 00:26:04,399 Speaker 1: where he's in the backfield, goes out in motion and 494 00:26:04,600 --> 00:26:07,560 Speaker 1: if you're the inside linebacker, you have to go out there. 495 00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:10,320 Speaker 1: So sometimes that would be Jordan Hicks. And again that 496 00:26:10,359 --> 00:26:14,240 Speaker 1: wheelhouse route, it's easy for a quarterback to make that 497 00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:17,120 Speaker 1: throat to only the right side where only one guy 498 00:26:17,160 --> 00:26:20,000 Speaker 1: can catch it, or a back shoulder fate. Now when 499 00:26:20,040 --> 00:26:22,280 Speaker 1: it comes to a tight ends, I would assume Isaiah 500 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:25,480 Speaker 1: Simmons gonna draw that assignment, all right. So Mike Jarecki's 501 00:26:25,680 --> 00:26:29,199 Speaker 1: three keys to victory. Number one, establish the run to 502 00:26:29,280 --> 00:26:33,159 Speaker 1: slow down the Rams pass rush. Number two Kyle the Murray, 503 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:36,919 Speaker 1: DeAndre Hopkins, the rest of the skilled position players against 504 00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:40,840 Speaker 1: a Ram secondary and number three forced Matthew Stafford to 505 00:26:40,920 --> 00:26:45,200 Speaker 1: beat you. Cardinals intercepted Stafford early in that first meeting. 506 00:26:45,240 --> 00:26:47,000 Speaker 1: In fact, it was Byron Murphy doing a good job 507 00:26:47,080 --> 00:26:49,920 Speaker 1: onto Sean Jackson on a deep ball. Cardinals were able 508 00:26:49,960 --> 00:26:53,159 Speaker 1: to convert that interception to a touchdown. That kind of 509 00:26:53,320 --> 00:26:57,520 Speaker 1: swift flip the script, if you will, early in that contest, 510 00:26:57,640 --> 00:27:00,439 Speaker 1: a big play by the defense setting up the offense, 511 00:27:00,520 --> 00:27:03,320 Speaker 1: which has been the m O since Week one for 512 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:06,560 Speaker 1: this team. But when Matthew Stafford gets in trouble and 513 00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:10,240 Speaker 1: that means turning the ball over, it just kind of 514 00:27:10,520 --> 00:27:13,840 Speaker 1: knows dies the rest of the team because he has 515 00:27:13,880 --> 00:27:16,679 Speaker 1: not been good. The Rams have not been good. And 516 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:20,520 Speaker 1: it goes without saying with most quarterbacks, but his turnovers 517 00:27:20,560 --> 00:27:23,399 Speaker 1: it's harder for the Rams to overcome, it seems like 518 00:27:23,440 --> 00:27:26,119 Speaker 1: based off the numbers this season. Yeah, and if you 519 00:27:26,160 --> 00:27:29,159 Speaker 1: look at his touchdown interception ratio, it's pretty good. I 520 00:27:29,200 --> 00:27:32,119 Speaker 1: mean he's only throwing eight interceptions. Was he at thirty touchdowns? 521 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:34,960 Speaker 1: Thirty touchdowns nine in or something? Nine interceptions? Okay, So 522 00:27:36,119 --> 00:27:38,680 Speaker 1: but again get him off his spot. All right, it's 523 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:42,560 Speaker 1: my X factor. It's gonna be Byron Murphy on Cooper 524 00:27:42,600 --> 00:27:48,280 Speaker 1: Cup and Robert Alford on OBJ. I want Robert Alford 525 00:27:48,320 --> 00:27:51,400 Speaker 1: to be physical. We know Obj is a guy that's, 526 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:54,480 Speaker 1: you know, kind of learning on the fly. Here. He 527 00:27:54,520 --> 00:27:56,920 Speaker 1: does run good routes. He's got this double move where 528 00:27:56,920 --> 00:27:59,040 Speaker 1: you met you better make sure your eyes are on him. 529 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:02,440 Speaker 1: So I'm looking forward to Byron Murphy on Cooper Cup 530 00:28:02,680 --> 00:28:05,159 Speaker 1: and then Robert Alford, and then we'll just have to 531 00:28:05,160 --> 00:28:07,960 Speaker 1: wait and see if Marcol Wilson. If they're playing zone, 532 00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:10,679 Speaker 1: then it's whoever lines up on that side, they'll have 533 00:28:10,720 --> 00:28:13,600 Speaker 1: that assignment. But I think Marco Wilson, because of his speed, 534 00:28:14,320 --> 00:28:16,000 Speaker 1: he may get a chance to cover a guy like 535 00:28:16,080 --> 00:28:20,840 Speaker 1: Van Jefferson. Alford is the veteran in that secondary with 536 00:28:20,920 --> 00:28:23,520 Speaker 1: respects to the cornerbacks, maybe not the veteran as far 537 00:28:23,520 --> 00:28:26,120 Speaker 1: as snaps. Wearing a Cardinal's uniform. This is his first 538 00:28:26,160 --> 00:28:28,919 Speaker 1: season playing, but he's been playing very very well, and 539 00:28:28,960 --> 00:28:31,119 Speaker 1: it's kind of gotten lost in the shuffle when we 540 00:28:31,160 --> 00:28:34,400 Speaker 1: focus on Byron Murphy and we focus on Marco Wilson 541 00:28:34,440 --> 00:28:38,480 Speaker 1: and everyone else. But Robert Alford very quietly has put 542 00:28:38,520 --> 00:28:42,720 Speaker 1: together a very very good season. Happy for him and 543 00:28:42,760 --> 00:28:45,440 Speaker 1: I think the entire team is. But he's needed. He's 544 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:48,280 Speaker 1: not playing a ton of snaps as a third corner, 545 00:28:48,640 --> 00:28:51,160 Speaker 1: but we might see him more as we get further 546 00:28:51,240 --> 00:28:54,840 Speaker 1: into the regular season and into the postseason. Yeah, Currently 547 00:28:54,840 --> 00:28:57,959 Speaker 1: he's only given up five yards per target this season 548 00:28:58,120 --> 00:29:02,680 Speaker 1: among eighty defensive players. They've defense at least fifty targets. 549 00:29:02,720 --> 00:29:05,240 Speaker 1: He ranks third in the NFL. He's not getting the 550 00:29:05,240 --> 00:29:08,280 Speaker 1: credit because of Murphy's getting the interceptions. And then you 551 00:29:08,360 --> 00:29:11,080 Speaker 1: got you know, Jalen Thompson, you know, a tackling machine 552 00:29:11,080 --> 00:29:15,160 Speaker 1: and Buddha Baker. But Robert Alford, he's physical and that's 553 00:29:15,160 --> 00:29:18,680 Speaker 1: one thing that maybe Wilson eventually will get. He's more 554 00:29:18,680 --> 00:29:21,320 Speaker 1: of a finesse player where he's really good on turning 555 00:29:21,400 --> 00:29:24,600 Speaker 1: his hips and Murphy's kind of both. He's got physicality 556 00:29:25,360 --> 00:29:28,120 Speaker 1: and he can run with any receiver. And I'm glad 557 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:30,680 Speaker 1: you mentioned that play. He looked like Stafford had underthrown 558 00:29:30,720 --> 00:29:32,880 Speaker 1: to Sean Jackson. Of course he had just got there. 559 00:29:33,400 --> 00:29:35,520 Speaker 1: But Murphy was able to read to play and go 560 00:29:35,640 --> 00:29:37,960 Speaker 1: over and make get that pick. And that's watching film 561 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:39,840 Speaker 1: and that's instincts. And I give him for a lot 562 00:29:39,840 --> 00:29:42,080 Speaker 1: of credit because that's at the tone in that game fans. 563 00:29:42,200 --> 00:29:46,040 Speaker 1: Joseph asked about Robert Alford. Quote, I'm not surprised at 564 00:29:46,120 --> 00:29:49,080 Speaker 1: all end quote, with respects to how well Alford has 565 00:29:49,120 --> 00:29:51,920 Speaker 1: played this season. Doesn't get beat much. He can cover 566 00:29:52,040 --> 00:29:56,520 Speaker 1: as man and coach Joseph mentioned the physicality and when 567 00:29:56,560 --> 00:29:59,080 Speaker 1: you're playing a little bit more man or even with 568 00:29:59,240 --> 00:30:02,120 Speaker 1: some zone act with guys coming across. It doesn't hurt 569 00:30:02,480 --> 00:30:06,160 Speaker 1: within five yards obviously, so you flag, but don't make 570 00:30:06,200 --> 00:30:09,080 Speaker 1: it a easier route. Don't make it a comfortable route. 571 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:11,840 Speaker 1: Impede the progress if you will, within the rules. Yeah, 572 00:30:11,880 --> 00:30:13,640 Speaker 1: and trying to keep everything in front of you, because 573 00:30:13,640 --> 00:30:15,760 Speaker 1: I gotta assume if they're going to try to run 574 00:30:15,800 --> 00:30:19,920 Speaker 1: the ball, regardless who the back is, you're gonna probably 575 00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:22,400 Speaker 1: drop either Jalen Thompson or Boodha in the box. So 576 00:30:22,480 --> 00:30:24,520 Speaker 1: you make sure you get you know, don't let these 577 00:30:24,520 --> 00:30:27,000 Speaker 1: guys get behind you where all of a sudden you 578 00:30:27,040 --> 00:30:29,800 Speaker 1: think you got him in space in you know, a 579 00:30:29,840 --> 00:30:32,720 Speaker 1: forty yard or a forty yard pass becomes a touchdown. 580 00:30:32,840 --> 00:30:35,800 Speaker 1: So again, the secondary is going to be the strength 581 00:30:35,840 --> 00:30:38,280 Speaker 1: this week. But it all starts off front with the 582 00:30:38,320 --> 00:30:40,880 Speaker 1: front seven. Yeah, what do you say? It's on a 583 00:30:41,000 --> 00:30:43,520 Speaker 1: string if the if the front seven gets the quarterback, 584 00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:46,600 Speaker 1: they got less time to throw the ball, less time 585 00:30:46,640 --> 00:30:50,360 Speaker 1: for the defensive backs to cover, and vice versa, because 586 00:30:50,600 --> 00:30:53,160 Speaker 1: if they're doing the coverage right, then the quarterback hangs 587 00:30:53,160 --> 00:30:54,800 Speaker 1: onto the ball a little bit longer and the pass 588 00:30:54,880 --> 00:30:56,680 Speaker 1: rush you can get to the quarterback and they and 589 00:30:56,800 --> 00:30:59,360 Speaker 1: you know one thing that's I notice is very noticeable, 590 00:31:00,080 --> 00:31:02,440 Speaker 1: not only in the Cardinals game against the Rams in 591 00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:05,600 Speaker 1: Week four, just watching him this year, you know, because 592 00:31:05,800 --> 00:31:07,920 Speaker 1: you know sometimes Cardinals were playing in the morning, they 593 00:31:07,920 --> 00:31:10,840 Speaker 1: would play in the late game. Jerk Goff was a 594 00:31:11,200 --> 00:31:15,360 Speaker 1: He was a killer on these bootlegs. And Stafford's kind 595 00:31:15,360 --> 00:31:17,360 Speaker 1: of a killer when it comes to play action. And 596 00:31:17,800 --> 00:31:20,440 Speaker 1: if he's if he's rolling, he could be accurate. But 597 00:31:20,720 --> 00:31:22,400 Speaker 1: the whole idea is to get him off his spot. 598 00:31:23,240 --> 00:31:26,200 Speaker 1: Cardinals Covered two presented by Hunday, proud partner of the 599 00:31:26,240 --> 00:31:29,800 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals. All right, we've got the three keys to victory, 600 00:31:29,800 --> 00:31:32,320 Speaker 1: the X factor, what you're intangible here in this week 601 00:31:32,360 --> 00:31:35,760 Speaker 1: fourteen prime time matchup the bright lights of Monday night 602 00:31:35,800 --> 00:31:39,080 Speaker 1: foot I'm gonna keep it simple. Win the turnover battle, 603 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:43,200 Speaker 1: don't go a long way. If they want to stop 604 00:31:43,240 --> 00:31:46,520 Speaker 1: talking about only three and two at home, you went 605 00:31:46,520 --> 00:31:50,400 Speaker 1: through the numbers rightfully. So and again, if if the 606 00:31:50,440 --> 00:31:53,120 Speaker 1: Cardinals don't happen to win this game, it's gonna come 607 00:31:53,160 --> 00:31:55,920 Speaker 1: down to, you know, how many times they turned the 608 00:31:55,960 --> 00:31:58,040 Speaker 1: ball over? As Murray get hit or he's got to 609 00:31:58,080 --> 00:32:00,440 Speaker 1: get rid of the ball and that becomes a pick six. 610 00:32:01,360 --> 00:32:03,760 Speaker 1: But I Kylo has done a really good job this 611 00:32:03,840 --> 00:32:07,440 Speaker 1: year protecting the ball. Cardinals are only given up maybe 612 00:32:07,440 --> 00:32:09,880 Speaker 1: two and a half sacks a game, which is very 613 00:32:09,880 --> 00:32:13,000 Speaker 1: good last year. Last week he wasn't even touched, so 614 00:32:13,040 --> 00:32:16,160 Speaker 1: that will help with his obviously knocking off some of 615 00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:20,040 Speaker 1: that rust. But when the turnal will battle, and again, 616 00:32:20,080 --> 00:32:22,560 Speaker 1: if you're minus two or three against a Ram's a 617 00:32:22,680 --> 00:32:25,520 Speaker 1: desperate team, that probably won't bothe well. For the Cardinals, 618 00:32:25,680 --> 00:32:28,520 Speaker 1: it's not a must win, and I don't want to 619 00:32:28,520 --> 00:32:31,520 Speaker 1: get into the definition of must win. But as far 620 00:32:31,720 --> 00:32:36,520 Speaker 1: as the conversation that will happen beginning Monday nights into 621 00:32:36,560 --> 00:32:39,520 Speaker 1: Tuesday morning and the rest of the week, I'm reminded 622 00:32:39,560 --> 00:32:42,880 Speaker 1: about the conversation we had going into the Seattle game 623 00:32:43,200 --> 00:32:46,080 Speaker 1: right before the bye week. You don't want a two 624 00:32:46,120 --> 00:32:48,960 Speaker 1: game losing streak three out of four going into the 625 00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:52,080 Speaker 1: bye and having two weeks a discussion wondering what's wrong 626 00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:55,880 Speaker 1: with the Arisona Cardinals, not saying that the narrative will 627 00:32:55,920 --> 00:32:58,320 Speaker 1: be what's wrong with the Ariosona Cardinals. But if you've 628 00:32:58,360 --> 00:33:01,080 Speaker 1: only seen the Cardinals on third, the night football against 629 00:33:01,080 --> 00:33:03,880 Speaker 1: the Packers and then on Monday Night football against the Rams, 630 00:33:04,160 --> 00:33:07,440 Speaker 1: and both those are losses, regardless of if it's a 631 00:33:07,520 --> 00:33:10,680 Speaker 1: blowout or a close loss like it was against the Packers. 632 00:33:10,920 --> 00:33:14,360 Speaker 1: Then all of a sudden, the conversation changes, and obviously 633 00:33:14,800 --> 00:33:18,120 Speaker 1: the lead in the NFC West shrinks, the lead in 634 00:33:18,160 --> 00:33:22,200 Speaker 1: the NFC shrinks. But all of a sudden, it's not 635 00:33:22,240 --> 00:33:26,520 Speaker 1: what's wrong, but can the Cardinals continue this with five 636 00:33:26,600 --> 00:33:29,120 Speaker 1: games left to go, with four games left to go, 637 00:33:29,200 --> 00:33:32,320 Speaker 1: with three games left to go? Are they the Pittsburgh 638 00:33:32,360 --> 00:33:35,560 Speaker 1: Steelers of twenty twenty. They get off to an eleven 639 00:33:35,640 --> 00:33:37,840 Speaker 1: ze start and then they just collapse. I'm not saying 640 00:33:37,840 --> 00:33:41,320 Speaker 1: the Cardinals will collapse, but when you have seven days 641 00:33:41,400 --> 00:33:45,000 Speaker 1: between games, six games, six days between games, people need 642 00:33:45,000 --> 00:33:46,920 Speaker 1: to come up with something to talk about. That's going 643 00:33:46,960 --> 00:33:50,680 Speaker 1: to be the conversation. Well, you hit on it when 644 00:33:50,680 --> 00:33:53,360 Speaker 1: the Cardinals won that game going into the bye week 645 00:33:53,400 --> 00:33:56,080 Speaker 1: and they would have been the Seahawks game, And to me, 646 00:33:56,200 --> 00:33:58,280 Speaker 1: that was huge because we know this team has not 647 00:33:58,400 --> 00:34:00,760 Speaker 1: played well coming out of the bye week for different reasons. 648 00:34:00,800 --> 00:34:02,560 Speaker 1: You go back to last year after the Buffalo game, 649 00:34:02,560 --> 00:34:06,400 Speaker 1: they went on a losing streak. Kingsbury, you know, in 650 00:34:06,440 --> 00:34:09,560 Speaker 1: the scouting department and the analytics did some research and 651 00:34:09,880 --> 00:34:12,640 Speaker 1: how they can improve. But I just think this team's 652 00:34:12,640 --> 00:34:15,239 Speaker 1: wired differently. They're not they're not looking ahead. They're not 653 00:34:15,280 --> 00:34:17,520 Speaker 1: looking at the Lions game to where they know it's 654 00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:20,200 Speaker 1: a hat and T shirt game. They're looking at this 655 00:34:20,280 --> 00:34:24,560 Speaker 1: game right here. So they've stayed grounded, and the focus is, 656 00:34:24,760 --> 00:34:27,040 Speaker 1: you know, tunnel vision until you get to game day 657 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:29,840 Speaker 1: and just focus on one game. But you know this, 658 00:34:30,239 --> 00:34:33,160 Speaker 1: they're going to face a desperate team and whoever you 659 00:34:33,160 --> 00:34:35,799 Speaker 1: know can take that first punch, you're the woman beca 660 00:34:35,800 --> 00:34:38,319 Speaker 1: just standing at the end. And of course if you win, 661 00:34:38,640 --> 00:34:41,080 Speaker 1: not only on Monday Night, but you keep winning over 662 00:34:41,160 --> 00:34:44,800 Speaker 1: these final handful of games, then all of a sudden 663 00:34:44,920 --> 00:34:49,360 Speaker 1: it's become all right, MVP talk for Kyler Murray, Comeback 664 00:34:49,400 --> 00:34:51,960 Speaker 1: Player the Year talk for James Connor, which might have 665 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:55,319 Speaker 1: already been clinched depending on who else might be up for. 666 00:34:55,440 --> 00:34:58,080 Speaker 1: But I heard that earlier this week when James Connor 667 00:34:58,160 --> 00:35:01,480 Speaker 1: was on the NFL Network. All of these postseason honors 668 00:35:01,560 --> 00:35:04,399 Speaker 1: come when you win in the regular season Pro Bowl 669 00:35:04,480 --> 00:35:07,200 Speaker 1: voting as well as we keep talking about it here 670 00:35:07,239 --> 00:35:09,799 Speaker 1: on Cardinals Cover two presented by Hunday, proud partner of 671 00:35:09,840 --> 00:35:12,920 Speaker 1: the Arizona Cardinals. Less than a week remains in voting. 672 00:35:13,040 --> 00:35:16,319 Speaker 1: NFL dot Com Slash Pro Bowl Vote. NFL dot Com 673 00:35:16,480 --> 00:35:19,440 Speaker 1: Slash Pro Bowl Vote, Send your favorite Cardinals players to 674 00:35:19,640 --> 00:35:23,480 Speaker 1: Las Vegas Sunday, February sixth at Allegian Stadium if you 675 00:35:23,480 --> 00:35:25,720 Speaker 1: want to see the Arizona Cardinals in the twenty twenty 676 00:35:25,719 --> 00:35:28,040 Speaker 1: two Pro Bowl. It's funny because I looked this up 677 00:35:28,080 --> 00:35:31,200 Speaker 1: this morning and odds to win the twenty twenty one 678 00:35:31,239 --> 00:35:35,759 Speaker 1: ap NFL Comeback of the Year Award Dad Prescott one, 679 00:35:36,760 --> 00:35:42,280 Speaker 1: Joe Burrow, Cofa torn Acl Carson Wentz, James Conner's fourth, 680 00:35:42,760 --> 00:35:45,200 Speaker 1: Chandler Jones is on this list. A little bit further 681 00:35:45,280 --> 00:35:51,760 Speaker 1: down Darwin James, Christian McCaffrey's out, Von Miller, Nick Bosa, 682 00:35:51,960 --> 00:35:54,680 Speaker 1: say Quon Barkley, but Barkley hasn't been able to stay healthy. 683 00:35:54,680 --> 00:35:59,360 Speaker 1: But right now the best odds is Joe Burrow, I'm sorry, Prescott, 684 00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:03,160 Speaker 1: Burrow and Connor's number four. Comeback Player of the Year 685 00:36:03,200 --> 00:36:07,680 Speaker 1: typically is a player who gets hurt, misses a season, 686 00:36:08,160 --> 00:36:10,840 Speaker 1: three quarters of a season, most of the season. Alex 687 00:36:10,840 --> 00:36:16,440 Speaker 1: Smith it's not a player that exceeds his mark from 688 00:36:16,440 --> 00:36:19,600 Speaker 1: a year ago. Yes, James Connor didn't play a full 689 00:36:19,680 --> 00:36:21,840 Speaker 1: sixteen games last year, but he played a lot. I 690 00:36:21,840 --> 00:36:24,279 Speaker 1: think it was eleven or twelve, so it's not like 691 00:36:24,360 --> 00:36:26,759 Speaker 1: he was out of side, out of mind like a 692 00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:29,719 Speaker 1: Dak Prescott at Joe Burrow, even Chandler Jones. So I 693 00:36:29,800 --> 00:36:32,359 Speaker 1: understand all of that, but it's hard to argue when 694 00:36:32,360 --> 00:36:36,320 Speaker 1: you have fourteen total touchdowns. Again, not the per carry average, 695 00:36:36,360 --> 00:36:40,440 Speaker 1: not the rushing total, but scoring touchdowns getting into the 696 00:36:40,520 --> 00:36:43,520 Speaker 1: end zone more than any other player in the National 697 00:36:43,560 --> 00:36:46,360 Speaker 1: Football League. Well, I mean we all give credit to 698 00:36:46,400 --> 00:36:50,480 Speaker 1: Colton McCoy and give the staff credit because they got 699 00:36:50,520 --> 00:36:53,080 Speaker 1: him ready to play and he accepted his role. But 700 00:36:53,560 --> 00:36:55,600 Speaker 1: I don't know if his team would have ten wins 701 00:36:56,200 --> 00:36:59,440 Speaker 1: when Kyler and Hopper out with al James Conner. I mean, 702 00:36:59,480 --> 00:37:01,319 Speaker 1: the quarterback gets all the credit and all the blame, 703 00:37:02,080 --> 00:37:04,040 Speaker 1: but what he's been able to do and to wear 704 00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:07,040 Speaker 1: these teams down the fourth quarter, it's been oppressive. I mean, 705 00:37:07,920 --> 00:37:10,280 Speaker 1: at the end of the year, usually tally up who's 706 00:37:10,280 --> 00:37:12,600 Speaker 1: the MVP. I mean, if you want to go Offensive 707 00:37:12,600 --> 00:37:14,759 Speaker 1: Player of the Year, you know you can look at 708 00:37:14,760 --> 00:37:17,600 Speaker 1: Hopkins last year almost over fourteen hundred yards, over one 709 00:37:17,680 --> 00:37:20,319 Speaker 1: hundred catches, only six touchdowns, but he was able to 710 00:37:20,320 --> 00:37:22,719 Speaker 1: move this ball and give this team an option. But 711 00:37:23,000 --> 00:37:25,560 Speaker 1: I would have to think if Kyler is the team's MVP, 712 00:37:26,480 --> 00:37:28,600 Speaker 1: James Connor should be the Offensive Player of the Year. 713 00:37:28,800 --> 00:37:31,279 Speaker 1: There's no question at least he's got our vote here 714 00:37:31,440 --> 00:37:34,600 Speaker 1: on Cardinals Covered two presented by Hunday proud partner the 715 00:37:34,680 --> 00:37:39,520 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals, a reminder very simple, when and the Cardinals 716 00:37:39,640 --> 00:37:44,480 Speaker 1: are in, and there's also a way for the Cardinals 717 00:37:44,480 --> 00:37:47,560 Speaker 1: to kind of back into the postseason. That is, if 718 00:37:47,560 --> 00:37:51,320 Speaker 1: the forty nine Ers lose, the Saints lose or tie, 719 00:37:51,600 --> 00:37:54,879 Speaker 1: and the Panthers and Falcons game ends in a tie. 720 00:37:54,920 --> 00:37:59,040 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, MJ. Those three things are not going to happen. 721 00:37:59,440 --> 00:38:02,200 Speaker 1: You have a better chance of a Cardinals Rams tie, 722 00:38:02,280 --> 00:38:05,560 Speaker 1: which would also clinch a playoff spot. But as you said, 723 00:38:05,800 --> 00:38:09,640 Speaker 1: win and you're in. Just win, baby, that's it. That's 724 00:38:09,680 --> 00:38:12,719 Speaker 1: the goal. That's the goal every single week, and out 725 00:38:12,760 --> 00:38:15,960 Speaker 1: of twelve games, they succeed at ten of those. So 726 00:38:16,040 --> 00:38:18,920 Speaker 1: let's get number eleven. Sounds good to me. As we 727 00:38:19,280 --> 00:38:21,800 Speaker 1: take a look at what else is going on within 728 00:38:21,880 --> 00:38:24,600 Speaker 1: the NFC West and the NFC before we head on 729 00:38:24,640 --> 00:38:28,240 Speaker 1: out of here and really focus on Monday Night football. 730 00:38:28,280 --> 00:38:30,480 Speaker 1: But a chance now for you Bird gang to kind 731 00:38:30,480 --> 00:38:35,000 Speaker 1: of sit back and watch everyone helps play on Sunday. 732 00:38:35,120 --> 00:38:38,719 Speaker 1: Forty nine Ers at the Bengals on Sunday, the Seahawks 733 00:38:38,840 --> 00:38:42,520 Speaker 1: at the Texans. Yes, the Seahawks still alive. The forty 734 00:38:42,560 --> 00:38:44,720 Speaker 1: nine Ers took a hit last week when they lost 735 00:38:44,760 --> 00:38:47,919 Speaker 1: to the Seahawks, but an opportunity here for the forty 736 00:38:48,000 --> 00:38:49,799 Speaker 1: nine ers to get right. You look, they've still got 737 00:38:49,800 --> 00:38:52,640 Speaker 1: the Falcons, the Titans, the Texans and Rams to close 738 00:38:52,680 --> 00:38:55,759 Speaker 1: out the regular season. Seahawks, even though they're four and eight, 739 00:38:56,280 --> 00:38:58,960 Speaker 1: there's still a lot of optimism. But that's tough sledding 740 00:38:59,000 --> 00:39:02,440 Speaker 1: when you got the Texans, Rams, Bears, Lions, and Cardinals. 741 00:39:02,760 --> 00:39:06,080 Speaker 1: Although on paper the one that really stands out is 742 00:39:06,120 --> 00:39:08,560 Speaker 1: the Rams game and a couple of weeks or a 743 00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:12,919 Speaker 1: week from Sunday and then maybe that week nineteen, week 744 00:39:13,000 --> 00:39:16,399 Speaker 1: eighteen game against the Cardinals is meaningless from enters from 745 00:39:16,440 --> 00:39:20,760 Speaker 1: aor's on a standpoint, Yeah, selfishly, I'm rooting for the Bills. 746 00:39:21,320 --> 00:39:24,800 Speaker 1: Give the Bucks another loss because they're gonna win their division. 747 00:39:24,920 --> 00:39:27,120 Speaker 1: And now it's going to come down to and clearly 748 00:39:27,160 --> 00:39:29,040 Speaker 1: the Cardinals have a two game lead them. They have 749 00:39:29,120 --> 00:39:32,239 Speaker 1: four losses, so but it'd be nice to get another one, 750 00:39:32,360 --> 00:39:35,239 Speaker 1: because you know, not to get ahead of ourselves, but 751 00:39:35,320 --> 00:39:37,120 Speaker 1: you get that first round, by all of a sudden, 752 00:39:37,120 --> 00:39:39,200 Speaker 1: you're you're gonna probably have to play the Packers or 753 00:39:39,239 --> 00:39:41,400 Speaker 1: the Bucks at some point, whether it's a division, a 754 00:39:41,480 --> 00:39:44,880 Speaker 1: round or a conference championship. Again, take care of business 755 00:39:44,880 --> 00:39:48,400 Speaker 1: at home, beat the Lions, you win the division, and 756 00:39:48,440 --> 00:39:50,560 Speaker 1: then we'll tally up where the seating is. All right, 757 00:39:50,560 --> 00:39:53,560 Speaker 1: you brought up the conference. Here are the conference standings 758 00:39:53,640 --> 00:39:57,839 Speaker 1: behind the Cardinals, a game back the Packers and Buccaneers, 759 00:39:57,880 --> 00:40:01,880 Speaker 1: two games back the Cowboys and Ms, then Washington the 760 00:40:01,960 --> 00:40:04,600 Speaker 1: forty nine Ers the seven seed, and by way of 761 00:40:04,680 --> 00:40:07,720 Speaker 1: their win on Thursday Night Football, the Vikings now ahead 762 00:40:07,760 --> 00:40:10,560 Speaker 1: of the Eagles as far as knocking on the door 763 00:40:10,600 --> 00:40:14,160 Speaker 1: in the postseason, forty nine or seven Vikings eight Eagles, 764 00:40:14,320 --> 00:40:18,320 Speaker 1: number nine, Packers host the Bears, Buccaneers host the Bills, 765 00:40:18,320 --> 00:40:21,560 Speaker 1: and the Cowboys are at Washington. I like your thinking. 766 00:40:21,760 --> 00:40:25,040 Speaker 1: Go Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills make rights. What 767 00:40:25,200 --> 00:40:28,560 Speaker 1: didn't happen on Monday Night football. Do the Cardinals a 768 00:40:28,680 --> 00:40:32,640 Speaker 1: solid I don't know about the Bears and Packers contest, 769 00:40:32,680 --> 00:40:35,279 Speaker 1: and why not Ron Rivera in Washington? Do the do 770 00:40:35,320 --> 00:40:37,560 Speaker 1: a solid for the Cardinals against the Cowboys? Although they 771 00:40:37,640 --> 00:40:41,160 Speaker 1: keep slipping and with two games back of the Cardinals, 772 00:40:41,400 --> 00:40:43,520 Speaker 1: they're six and one of the conference. Cardinals are six 773 00:40:43,560 --> 00:40:45,920 Speaker 1: and two in the conference. So that's also something to 774 00:40:45,960 --> 00:40:48,920 Speaker 1: pay attention to. What a difference a week makes. Justin 775 00:40:49,000 --> 00:40:53,200 Speaker 1: Fields is starting. We've been saying that a lot with 776 00:40:53,280 --> 00:40:56,479 Speaker 1: respects to which team is the team of the week, 777 00:40:56,560 --> 00:41:00,360 Speaker 1: because very rarely has we've heard nationally the same team 778 00:41:00,360 --> 00:41:04,320 Speaker 1: talked about in such high regard in consecutive weeks. Yeah, 779 00:41:04,360 --> 00:41:06,879 Speaker 1: but you know last week it was Andy Dalton, Thank 780 00:41:06,920 --> 00:41:11,400 Speaker 1: you Andy Dalton. It was a Frederson said he looked 781 00:41:11,400 --> 00:41:14,480 Speaker 1: like Santa Claus because he was given presents away at 782 00:41:14,560 --> 00:41:18,560 Speaker 1: least four right, yeah, yeah, Now justin Fields and we'll 783 00:41:18,600 --> 00:41:21,400 Speaker 1: see what transpires are as a season unfolds, because I 784 00:41:21,400 --> 00:41:23,080 Speaker 1: don't know if Matt Naggie's going to be able to 785 00:41:23,080 --> 00:41:26,040 Speaker 1: save his job. So it will be a fun weekend, 786 00:41:26,120 --> 00:41:28,880 Speaker 1: a nice weekend for Cardinal fans. And then the work 787 00:41:28,880 --> 00:41:33,360 Speaker 1: week kicks off with Monday night football. Yeah, do you 788 00:41:34,000 --> 00:41:37,520 Speaker 1: quickly before we go? You mentioned Dallas in Washington and 789 00:41:37,800 --> 00:41:41,080 Speaker 1: seems like they're all gonna play each other between Philadelphia 790 00:41:41,080 --> 00:41:43,240 Speaker 1: and the Giants. This is the way it is, obviously, 791 00:41:43,360 --> 00:41:45,719 Speaker 1: whether there's always a factor. I don't know if the 792 00:41:45,760 --> 00:41:49,680 Speaker 1: scheme's in Dallas or Washington, but Washington, Washington. Okay. Do 793 00:41:49,760 --> 00:41:54,160 Speaker 1: you have any issues with Mike McCarthy saying did he 794 00:41:54,280 --> 00:41:56,799 Speaker 1: guaranteed to win? I only read it, so I don't 795 00:41:56,840 --> 00:41:59,200 Speaker 1: know how it was stated. I know there was an 796 00:41:59,200 --> 00:42:02,399 Speaker 1: extra setting attached to it. I feel confident or I'm 797 00:42:02,400 --> 00:42:06,880 Speaker 1: paraphrasing a little bit, but again, what manner was it recorded? 798 00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:10,759 Speaker 1: What was his facial expression? I understand, you know what 799 00:42:10,800 --> 00:42:12,880 Speaker 1: else is he supposed to say? And oh, coaches just 800 00:42:12,880 --> 00:42:14,840 Speaker 1: don't go there, and players just don't go there. I 801 00:42:14,840 --> 00:42:16,680 Speaker 1: mean he opened up a door that you typically you 802 00:42:16,719 --> 00:42:19,080 Speaker 1: don't walk through. That's what you tell your team because 803 00:42:19,080 --> 00:42:22,000 Speaker 1: he's smashed watermelons, He's done a lot of different things 804 00:42:22,040 --> 00:42:27,040 Speaker 1: to motivate his team. That's my thing is that you 805 00:42:27,120 --> 00:42:30,480 Speaker 1: better back it up and now and now you bullets 806 00:42:30,520 --> 00:42:32,600 Speaker 1: and board material. This is the way I feel about that. 807 00:42:32,680 --> 00:42:35,560 Speaker 1: If you need bulletin board material. At this level, you 808 00:42:35,560 --> 00:42:39,680 Speaker 1: should probably get into another profession because you should be 809 00:42:39,719 --> 00:42:42,759 Speaker 1: motivated to represent your team. And the name on the 810 00:42:42,800 --> 00:42:45,759 Speaker 1: back of your jersey is your family. So I don't 811 00:42:45,760 --> 00:42:48,360 Speaker 1: know what it means, but I have no problem with 812 00:42:48,440 --> 00:42:52,480 Speaker 1: him telling the team that. But hey, I guess a 813 00:42:52,520 --> 00:42:55,000 Speaker 1: lot of people are saying, well, what's he expect to say? 814 00:42:55,040 --> 00:42:56,960 Speaker 1: We're going to go there to tie, We're going there 815 00:42:57,000 --> 00:42:59,560 Speaker 1: to lose. No, we're going there to win. But I 816 00:42:59,560 --> 00:43:03,200 Speaker 1: wouldn't guaranteed anything. Well, no head coach comes out during 817 00:43:03,239 --> 00:43:05,799 Speaker 1: the week and says that to the media. There's there's 818 00:43:05,840 --> 00:43:08,399 Speaker 1: no coach at all that says we're gonna win this week. Now, 819 00:43:08,440 --> 00:43:10,320 Speaker 1: this is what we have to do. The goal is 820 00:43:10,360 --> 00:43:13,120 Speaker 1: to win, yeah, every week. But I think also he 821 00:43:13,200 --> 00:43:17,319 Speaker 1: was excited to be back in the building and his team. Yeah. 822 00:43:17,440 --> 00:43:19,360 Speaker 1: I mean, he's been staying in a hotel because his 823 00:43:19,640 --> 00:43:23,520 Speaker 1: entire family got COVID and so it's probably been miserable. 824 00:43:23,600 --> 00:43:28,719 Speaker 1: But hey, if Jerry Jones, you know, Jerry Jones had 825 00:43:28,760 --> 00:43:30,520 Speaker 1: no issue with it, and that guy he has the 826 00:43:30,560 --> 00:43:34,680 Speaker 1: answer to that's true. Week fourteen kicked off with Thursday 827 00:43:34,760 --> 00:43:38,480 Speaker 1: Night Football. It ends with Monday Night Football. Featuring the 828 00:43:38,520 --> 00:43:42,360 Speaker 1: Cardinals and Rams again. Six thirty Excuse me six fifteen 829 00:43:43,040 --> 00:43:45,960 Speaker 1: is kick off two thirty Pregame coverage begins on the 830 00:43:45,960 --> 00:43:48,600 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals Radio Network and a reminder if you are 831 00:43:48,640 --> 00:43:51,799 Speaker 1: heading to the game, the Cardinals are hosting a toy 832 00:43:51,960 --> 00:43:55,799 Speaker 1: drive new unwrapped toys for Arizona Helping Hands that will 833 00:43:55,840 --> 00:43:59,360 Speaker 1: be drop off locations around State Farm Stadium. A QR 834 00:43:59,400 --> 00:44:02,080 Speaker 1: code all so will be placed at drop off locations 835 00:44:02,080 --> 00:44:05,200 Speaker 1: for those who wish to make a monetary contribution instead. 836 00:44:05,440 --> 00:44:09,760 Speaker 1: Goodasy cardinals dot com for more information and on that notes, 837 00:44:09,920 --> 00:44:12,600 Speaker 1: we will put a lid on this edition of Cardinals 838 00:44:12,600 --> 00:44:15,440 Speaker 1: Cover two presented by Hunday, proud partner of the Arizona 839 00:44:15,480 --> 00:44:18,799 Speaker 1: Cardinals as Alwing Special thanks to our executive producer Jim 840 00:44:18,800 --> 00:44:21,839 Speaker 1: Alma Hundre or Mike Jarecki. I'm Craig rail Loup. We'll 841 00:44:21,840 --> 00:44:24,439 Speaker 1: talk to you next time here on Cardinals Cover two.