1 00:00:05,880 --> 00:00:08,680 Speaker 1: Welcome Bird Gang. On today's show. It may not be 2 00:00:08,760 --> 00:00:11,559 Speaker 1: the most pressing need on offense, but it's up there, 3 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:15,160 Speaker 1: especially if James Connor and or Chase Edmonds don't return. 4 00:00:15,360 --> 00:00:19,160 Speaker 1: We talked the running back position, but first unfortunately, yes, 5 00:00:19,320 --> 00:00:22,400 Speaker 1: they are the last team standing. It's Cardinals Covered two, 6 00:00:22,440 --> 00:00:29,560 Speaker 1: episode five thirty six, and it starts now. Welcome to 7 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:34,000 Speaker 1: Cardinals Cover two with Craig Griolou and Mike Jarecki. Cardinals 8 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:37,800 Speaker 1: Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of the 9 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:43,440 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcasts. Visit Easy Cardinals 10 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:46,960 Speaker 1: dot com, Slash podcasts. Going for Hopkins one hand to 11 00:00:47,080 --> 00:00:52,159 Speaker 1: catch at a touchdown DeAndre Hopkins. Here's Craig Griolou and 12 00:00:52,400 --> 00:00:56,440 Speaker 1: Mike Jarecki. Well, everyone who wanted to be able to 13 00:00:56,440 --> 00:00:59,600 Speaker 1: say the Cardinals loss of the Super Bowl champions got 14 00:00:59,640 --> 00:01:03,440 Speaker 1: their way. It wasn't what I wanted, MJ. I think 15 00:01:03,480 --> 00:01:06,840 Speaker 1: I made that perfectly clear. And the days leading up 16 00:01:06,880 --> 00:01:10,399 Speaker 1: to Super Bowl fifty six and the Rams the last 17 00:01:10,400 --> 00:01:14,119 Speaker 1: team standing, the only team in the National Football League 18 00:01:14,160 --> 00:01:17,840 Speaker 1: that can say they ended their season happy as far 19 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:21,400 Speaker 1: as accomplishing what every team wants to be able to 20 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:25,400 Speaker 1: say Super Bowl Champions. Yeah, I was pulling for Cincinnati. 21 00:01:25,520 --> 00:01:29,240 Speaker 1: I really enjoyed, you know, kind of learn more about 22 00:01:29,360 --> 00:01:32,080 Speaker 1: Joe Burrow and Zach Taylor and some of those other players. 23 00:01:32,319 --> 00:01:34,760 Speaker 1: Obviously in a different conference. Cardinals did play him a 24 00:01:34,800 --> 00:01:38,920 Speaker 1: couple of years ago, so for the most part. But yeah, 25 00:01:38,959 --> 00:01:40,400 Speaker 1: I mean, I you know, I don't know if it 26 00:01:40,440 --> 00:01:41,920 Speaker 1: was a great game. I think it was a great 27 00:01:41,959 --> 00:01:46,080 Speaker 1: finish and went back and forth. And what I learned 28 00:01:46,240 --> 00:01:48,480 Speaker 1: in you know, over the last month or so is 29 00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:52,280 Speaker 1: you really don't have to run the football. Rams ran 30 00:01:52,360 --> 00:01:54,560 Speaker 1: the ball twenty three times for forty three yards and 31 00:01:54,960 --> 00:01:57,400 Speaker 1: Cincinnati ran at twenty for seventy nine. Now you have 32 00:01:57,600 --> 00:02:00,800 Speaker 1: to show the run. It sets up the pass. And 33 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:03,600 Speaker 1: Joe Burrow he threw it thirty three times and Matthew 34 00:02:03,640 --> 00:02:06,520 Speaker 1: Stafford through it forty times. But what can you say 35 00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:10,480 Speaker 1: about Stafford? I mean, you know, he was Zoe and 36 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:13,120 Speaker 1: three took him thirteen years to win a playoff game. 37 00:02:14,480 --> 00:02:17,919 Speaker 1: His numbers in the fourth quarter are remarkable. Didn't turn 38 00:02:17,919 --> 00:02:21,320 Speaker 1: the ball over I want to say, fourteen touchdowns and 39 00:02:21,480 --> 00:02:23,440 Speaker 1: that's the reason why they went out there and got him. 40 00:02:23,440 --> 00:02:25,320 Speaker 1: So you got to give them credit. We talked about 41 00:02:25,360 --> 00:02:27,400 Speaker 1: them going all in, and I've been tongue in cheek 42 00:02:27,440 --> 00:02:31,160 Speaker 1: about their arrogance, but they proved them on the football field. 43 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:34,040 Speaker 1: And if you're the owner of the Rams and Stan Cronkie, 44 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:37,840 Speaker 1: they made all the right moves. I will give the 45 00:02:37,919 --> 00:02:42,560 Speaker 1: Rams credit. It's again not what I was hoping would 46 00:02:42,600 --> 00:02:45,600 Speaker 1: happen because I don't buy into that. Ah well, yeah, 47 00:02:45,840 --> 00:02:48,720 Speaker 1: you know you lost to the team that one at all. 48 00:02:49,360 --> 00:02:51,920 Speaker 1: That doesn't matter to me. You did split with this 49 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:55,160 Speaker 1: team in the regular season. You re bounced in the 50 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:58,720 Speaker 1: wild card game by the Rams. But this was their year. 51 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:01,320 Speaker 1: This is what they focused on. It wasn't just to 52 00:03:02,040 --> 00:03:04,920 Speaker 1: win the division, get into the postseason, even get to 53 00:03:04,919 --> 00:03:07,440 Speaker 1: the super Bowl. It was to win the whole darn thing. 54 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:10,440 Speaker 1: And they did that. They accomplished it. So tip of 55 00:03:10,440 --> 00:03:13,600 Speaker 1: the cap to the Los Angeles Rams. Cooper Cup, Aaron 56 00:03:13,639 --> 00:03:18,160 Speaker 1: Donald MVP for you. Now, bird gang, let's be honest. 57 00:03:18,280 --> 00:03:20,840 Speaker 1: This is a vote that has done what in the 58 00:03:20,919 --> 00:03:24,440 Speaker 1: last four or five minutes of the fourth quarter, So 59 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:26,120 Speaker 1: it's not at the end of the game. You know, 60 00:03:26,120 --> 00:03:28,200 Speaker 1: there's only I think I saw Peter King mentioned it 61 00:03:28,520 --> 00:03:31,880 Speaker 1: on Football Morning in America. That are sixteen voters, but 62 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:36,320 Speaker 1: the NFL likes to know kind of soon or at 63 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:38,880 Speaker 1: least at some point in that fourth quarter. So I 64 00:03:38,960 --> 00:03:41,160 Speaker 1: understand people saying, well, it should have been Aaron Donald, 65 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:43,680 Speaker 1: but Cooper Cup. It's hard to go wrong with what 66 00:03:43,760 --> 00:03:47,720 Speaker 1: he accomplished, especially on that final drive. Yeah, I mean 67 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:51,800 Speaker 1: two touchdowns. You know, obviously Aaron Donald, he was a 68 00:03:51,840 --> 00:03:55,840 Speaker 1: wrecking Bowl again. Yeah, I mean, I just think the 69 00:03:56,120 --> 00:03:59,520 Speaker 1: Cooper Cup, not being the MVP of the regular season 70 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:02,360 Speaker 1: that used he goes to a quarterback. He set the 71 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:08,600 Speaker 1: triple crown for catches, yards and touchdowns, and so to me, 72 00:04:08,640 --> 00:04:10,840 Speaker 1: it was very fitting, you know, kind of a full 73 00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:14,720 Speaker 1: circle for him. But at the same time, though, I mean, 74 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:17,600 Speaker 1: they wouldn't be where they were without that defense. And 75 00:04:17,640 --> 00:04:19,560 Speaker 1: you could say that, but a lot of teams on 76 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:24,080 Speaker 1: the final drive, Cooper Cup four catches for thirty nine yards, 77 00:04:24,120 --> 00:04:28,200 Speaker 1: plus ran seven yards to convert a crucial fourth and one. 78 00:04:28,279 --> 00:04:32,960 Speaker 1: He was targeted seven times on that final drive, caught 79 00:04:32,960 --> 00:04:35,480 Speaker 1: the game winning passed with a minute twenty five to go. 80 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:41,760 Speaker 1: And you talk about a championship drive fifteen plays seventy 81 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:44,760 Speaker 1: nine yards all in four forty eight. I mean, you 82 00:04:44,920 --> 00:04:50,440 Speaker 1: run fifteen plays in less than five minutes. That's impressive. Yeah, 83 00:04:50,480 --> 00:04:53,760 Speaker 1: and you know, again you start looking at just their 84 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:56,920 Speaker 1: offense as a whole. You know, the Sony Michelle was 85 00:04:56,960 --> 00:04:58,520 Speaker 1: kind of the guy and then all of a sudden, 86 00:04:58,560 --> 00:05:01,320 Speaker 1: you know, they lose their tight end and you know 87 00:05:01,360 --> 00:05:05,360 Speaker 1: Odell Beckham goes down. I mean, thinking, man, who's gonna 88 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:08,920 Speaker 1: throw too? But you know that was Stafford. You're talking 89 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:12,760 Speaker 1: about clutch second quarterback in NFL history, with three game 90 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:16,479 Speaker 1: winning drives in the postseason, highest QBR in the NFL 91 00:05:16,960 --> 00:05:21,159 Speaker 1: in the fourth quarter, one score games, fourteen touchdowns, zero 92 00:05:21,200 --> 00:05:24,960 Speaker 1: interceptions in the fourth quarter. You talk about getting it done. 93 00:05:25,320 --> 00:05:29,039 Speaker 1: Thirty six fourth quarter comeback wins and his career regular 94 00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:32,400 Speaker 1: season and postseason combined. Yeah, so he's got that monkey 95 00:05:32,400 --> 00:05:35,520 Speaker 1: off his back. Can he win a big game? He's 96 00:05:35,560 --> 00:05:38,320 Speaker 1: done all that, And you know when they made that trade, 97 00:05:38,360 --> 00:05:40,200 Speaker 1: this is not just for one year. You're going to 98 00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:42,719 Speaker 1: see him get a contract extension. And there was a 99 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:44,960 Speaker 1: lot of chattered yesterday that you know, Sean McVay made 100 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:48,800 Speaker 1: some comments that you know he eventually is as they're 101 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:50,320 Speaker 1: going to have a child and he likes to spend 102 00:05:50,360 --> 00:05:52,839 Speaker 1: more time. But I'm sure you know he can work 103 00:05:52,839 --> 00:05:56,120 Speaker 1: in the networks. But I gotta think, if you're standing cronkie, 104 00:05:56,120 --> 00:05:59,080 Speaker 1: you're writing a fat check to keep Sean McVay as 105 00:05:59,080 --> 00:06:02,719 Speaker 1: the head coach. I wouldn't mind if Sean McVay walked away. 106 00:06:03,400 --> 00:06:07,480 Speaker 1: I wouldn't mind if Aaron Donald ding ding Ding walked away. 107 00:06:07,640 --> 00:06:13,279 Speaker 1: And that was I turned on the pregame show what 108 00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:15,400 Speaker 1: was at eleven am noon or whatever it was, So 109 00:06:15,480 --> 00:06:17,760 Speaker 1: I had it on in the background doing some stuff 110 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:20,760 Speaker 1: and it was what two hours before kickoff, and there's 111 00:06:20,839 --> 00:06:24,120 Speaker 1: Rodney Harrison and all of a sudden saying, yeah, Aaron Donald, 112 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:27,120 Speaker 1: you know he might contemplate retirement. I like, it's like, 113 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:30,600 Speaker 1: what really? Well, and then it became a thing the 114 00:06:30,760 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaker 1: entire game and post game well, and it was interesting 115 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:36,279 Speaker 1: the guy you interviewed him, I don't know if that's 116 00:06:36,360 --> 00:06:39,880 Speaker 1: Jay Collinsworth um that he was doing. He goes, you're 117 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:43,360 Speaker 1: gonna go virals. Yeah, and it became a story wow, 118 00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:46,480 Speaker 1: because it was just came out. I didn't hear anything 119 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:50,479 Speaker 1: all week, No, and you were thinking, you know, obviously 120 00:06:51,560 --> 00:06:56,000 Speaker 1: he works so hard, he's got a family, he's going 121 00:06:56,040 --> 00:06:59,960 Speaker 1: out on top. But if he stopped playing that, he's 122 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:03,120 Speaker 1: Hall of Famer, right, oh, there's no question. First ballot. 123 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:05,600 Speaker 1: I mean, yeah, and this now because you had you know, 124 00:07:05,839 --> 00:07:08,720 Speaker 1: even though he's been Defensive Player of the Year like 125 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:11,680 Speaker 1: JJ Watt and all that, but getting this ring on 126 00:07:11,800 --> 00:07:14,760 Speaker 1: the national stage, and again what they were able to 127 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:19,600 Speaker 1: do in the postseason. I mean, I enjoy watching him play, 128 00:07:19,800 --> 00:07:24,160 Speaker 1: except when he plays the Cardinals. There was nothing left. 129 00:07:24,440 --> 00:07:28,040 Speaker 1: There is nothing left for Aaron Donald to accomplish. This 130 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:30,960 Speaker 1: was what he wanted, is what every player wants to 131 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:35,600 Speaker 1: be able to win a championship. But at least in 132 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:39,080 Speaker 1: my lifetime, I'm gonna date myself here bird game. I'm 133 00:07:39,080 --> 00:07:42,040 Speaker 1: old enough to remember Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White. Didn't 134 00:07:42,080 --> 00:07:46,160 Speaker 1: watch them as much as I watched the game now. 135 00:07:46,920 --> 00:07:51,680 Speaker 1: But for me, Aaron Donald is the most dominant defensive 136 00:07:51,680 --> 00:07:56,520 Speaker 1: player that I have seen, right there next to Lawrence Taylor, 137 00:07:56,960 --> 00:08:01,040 Speaker 1: Reggie White. And that's if he walks way right now, 138 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:05,200 Speaker 1: what eight seasons, six time first team All Pro, three 139 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:10,320 Speaker 1: time Defensive Player of the Year he is. You said 140 00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:13,240 Speaker 1: it a one man wrecking ball. You have to account 141 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:16,960 Speaker 1: for number ninety nine. And that's not an outside linebacker, 142 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:19,560 Speaker 1: that's not a corner, that's not a defensive it you're 143 00:08:19,560 --> 00:08:23,320 Speaker 1: talking about someone in the middle of that defensive line, 144 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:26,560 Speaker 1: A defensive tackle knows Tackle'll call it whatever you want. 145 00:08:26,760 --> 00:08:30,240 Speaker 1: He lines up over the guard center. That's where he 146 00:08:30,320 --> 00:08:32,840 Speaker 1: does most of his damage and we saw that in 147 00:08:32,920 --> 00:08:37,840 Speaker 1: the fourth quarter on that final possession of the Cincinnati Bengals. Yeah, 148 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:41,040 Speaker 1: and he was asked a question after the game, and 149 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:43,839 Speaker 1: you know, like any player, I'm going to enjoy the moment. 150 00:08:43,920 --> 00:08:45,920 Speaker 1: So maybe if he takes a couple of weeks off. 151 00:08:47,320 --> 00:08:50,080 Speaker 1: But a lot of people say, you know, once you 152 00:08:50,120 --> 00:08:52,800 Speaker 1: start thinking about it, it's a matter of time. And 153 00:08:53,480 --> 00:08:55,719 Speaker 1: I always go back to Larry. I mean, he had 154 00:08:55,840 --> 00:08:58,120 Speaker 1: been thinking about it, you know that last year, especially 155 00:08:58,160 --> 00:09:03,320 Speaker 1: COVID and couldn't finish the season. No fans, but it's 156 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:06,079 Speaker 1: just I want to see him play more. I mean, 157 00:09:06,280 --> 00:09:08,840 Speaker 1: but hey, he's got to do its best. And really, 158 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:13,320 Speaker 1: at this point, considering the position he plays, we have 159 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:16,040 Speaker 1: no idea how many times he's been concussed quality of 160 00:09:16,080 --> 00:09:18,680 Speaker 1: life at this point for your family, He's made enough money. 161 00:09:19,880 --> 00:09:22,559 Speaker 1: Maybe he has some side businesses to where he keep 162 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:25,600 Speaker 1: himself busy, but to me, it's about quality of life, 163 00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:28,800 Speaker 1: especially when you have kids. Now general manager less sneed quote. 164 00:09:28,840 --> 00:09:32,480 Speaker 1: I'm not buying it. End quote. But we'll see where 165 00:09:32,520 --> 00:09:34,760 Speaker 1: this story develops and if we can get a campaign 166 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:37,920 Speaker 1: going here, burd gang to get Aaron Donald to retire. 167 00:09:38,160 --> 00:09:41,320 Speaker 1: Nothing else, just leave the division, leave the conference. That's 168 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:44,800 Speaker 1: not gonna happen. Now, we do expect Andrew Whitworth to 169 00:09:44,960 --> 00:09:48,480 Speaker 1: retire and walk away on top of the former Cincinnati 170 00:09:48,520 --> 00:09:52,200 Speaker 1: Bengal beats his former team wins the Walter Payton NFL 171 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:56,360 Speaker 1: Man of the Year Award, gave an outstanding speech on 172 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,160 Speaker 1: Thursday Nights, and it's a great way for him to 173 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:03,280 Speaker 1: pull a John Elway and walk off into the sunset 174 00:10:03,520 --> 00:10:06,240 Speaker 1: winning a Super Bowl. Yeah, you know, he was asked 175 00:10:06,360 --> 00:10:10,400 Speaker 1: and he says, you know, obviously they're confident they were 176 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:12,079 Speaker 1: going to win the game, but he still got to 177 00:10:12,120 --> 00:10:14,200 Speaker 1: go out there and do it. And somebody asked, you know, 178 00:10:14,920 --> 00:10:18,160 Speaker 1: is this your last game? And the thought was, if 179 00:10:18,160 --> 00:10:19,920 Speaker 1: we win this game, it's gonna be in the last game. 180 00:10:20,040 --> 00:10:23,959 Speaker 1: Now again, I think he would have retired regardless. I mean, 181 00:10:25,120 --> 00:10:28,280 Speaker 1: he's what the first left tackle to play at the 182 00:10:28,320 --> 00:10:30,800 Speaker 1: age of forty years old, especially in a Super Bowl 183 00:10:30,840 --> 00:10:33,800 Speaker 1: or a playoff. I mean, those guys usually retire thirty five. 184 00:10:33,960 --> 00:10:36,319 Speaker 1: I mean to imagine all the hits he's taken over 185 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:39,000 Speaker 1: the years, but he's he's he was a great addition. 186 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:41,920 Speaker 1: I mean to get him out of the division, out 187 00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:45,800 Speaker 1: of the division now and retire because you know, Chandler 188 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:47,880 Speaker 1: and him had their moments, but there were a lot 189 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:50,880 Speaker 1: of times that he was able to protect the blindside 190 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:53,480 Speaker 1: for Jerikoff and Matthew Stafford, so it was hard to 191 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:57,360 Speaker 1: get to the quarterback again. Not happy that the Rams 192 00:10:57,640 --> 00:11:02,800 Speaker 1: won at all. Am happy for those players, Matthew Stafford, 193 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:07,600 Speaker 1: Aaron Donald, Andrew Whitworth. Stories like that where they put 194 00:11:07,640 --> 00:11:10,440 Speaker 1: in the time, they put in the effort, all the hours, 195 00:11:10,440 --> 00:11:14,080 Speaker 1: the hard work, and it pays off. Also very happy 196 00:11:14,520 --> 00:11:18,840 Speaker 1: for Van Jefferson. And this is a unique story because 197 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:21,959 Speaker 1: you find out about stuff after the ball game, i e. 198 00:11:22,200 --> 00:11:25,560 Speaker 1: Taylor Rapp proposing to his girlfriend in the middle of 199 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:28,480 Speaker 1: the field of the celebration and then Van Jefferson getting 200 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:30,679 Speaker 1: told immediately after the ball game, hey, your wife went 201 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:35,760 Speaker 1: into labor and he immediately bolts the stadium with his dad, 202 00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:40,240 Speaker 1: Sean Jefferson, the Cardinals wide receivers coach who is now 203 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:44,720 Speaker 1: a grandfather. So congratulations to Sean Jefferson. Van Jefferson the 204 00:11:44,840 --> 00:11:49,000 Speaker 1: entire Jefferson family. Here was Van Jefferson on Instagram. MJ quote, 205 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:52,320 Speaker 1: it was a great day, bro. I got three prizes today, 206 00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:56,559 Speaker 1: my wife, my son, and the super Bowl end of post. 207 00:11:57,120 --> 00:12:00,360 Speaker 1: That is amazing. And that's the story that he'll have 208 00:12:00,559 --> 00:12:03,839 Speaker 1: for his entire life, the entire family. And wait till 209 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:05,680 Speaker 1: that kid gets a little bit older. And just knowing 210 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:08,080 Speaker 1: that he played in the game that day and she 211 00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:12,600 Speaker 1: gave birth and congratulations and that was awesome. I did 212 00:12:12,679 --> 00:12:15,000 Speaker 1: see a video of him leaving the stadium and he 213 00:12:15,040 --> 00:12:17,640 Speaker 1: was in a hurry. Well, and I guess his wife 214 00:12:17,640 --> 00:12:21,080 Speaker 1: had told RAMS officials, Hey, if this I'm not missing 215 00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:23,280 Speaker 1: this game, but if I do happen to go into labor, 216 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:27,440 Speaker 1: don't tell my husband. Wait until the game is over with. 217 00:12:27,760 --> 00:12:30,960 Speaker 1: So I don't. At some point during the game, you know, 218 00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:35,319 Speaker 1: she leaves and then all of a sudden, it's like, oh, congratulations, Van, 219 00:12:35,559 --> 00:12:37,480 Speaker 1: you're a super Bowl champion. Oh and you're about to 220 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:40,360 Speaker 1: become a father. So he might want to leave, you know, 221 00:12:40,679 --> 00:12:43,600 Speaker 1: exit stage left, as they liked to say, Well, I mean, obviously, 222 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:45,280 Speaker 1: you know they have plenty of time. When they get 223 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:48,520 Speaker 1: their rings. Usually that comes a couple months later. I'm 224 00:12:48,559 --> 00:12:50,600 Speaker 1: sure he's going to have a chance to watch the game, 225 00:12:50,640 --> 00:12:53,520 Speaker 1: but right now he's probably gonna be busy. So if 226 00:12:53,559 --> 00:12:57,000 Speaker 1: there's not a consolation but the fact that he wasn't 227 00:12:57,040 --> 00:13:00,360 Speaker 1: able to celebrate and he's bringing a newborn into this world, 228 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:02,559 Speaker 1: I don't think you could have hit. He could have 229 00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:05,160 Speaker 1: hit an home run. That was a grand slam. By 230 00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:08,200 Speaker 1: the way, we mentioned the Cardinal connection with Sean Jefferson, 231 00:13:08,200 --> 00:13:11,520 Speaker 1: there's also a Cardinals connection with Cooper Cup. Did you 232 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:15,000 Speaker 1: realize this, Mike Treky, I did not until I heard 233 00:13:15,040 --> 00:13:20,040 Speaker 1: it during that extremely long pregame show. Cooper Cup's dad, 234 00:13:20,440 --> 00:13:25,120 Speaker 1: Craig Cup, played for the Phoenix Cardinals in nineteen ninety 235 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:29,079 Speaker 1: and nineteen ninety one. Was a quarterback. In fact, played 236 00:13:29,200 --> 00:13:34,120 Speaker 1: his only professional game wearing a Cardinals uniform, went three 237 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:36,760 Speaker 1: of seven for twenty three yards in the fourth quarter 238 00:13:36,800 --> 00:13:41,520 Speaker 1: of a Week three loss against Washington. But otherwise that 239 00:13:41,600 --> 00:13:43,920 Speaker 1: was it. Never stepped on the football field in a 240 00:13:43,960 --> 00:13:47,440 Speaker 1: regular season game outside of that fourth quarter with the 241 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:51,480 Speaker 1: Phoenix Cardinals back in nineteen ninety nineteen ninety one. I 242 00:13:51,520 --> 00:13:54,120 Speaker 1: moved here in eighty eight. I do remember the name, 243 00:13:54,320 --> 00:13:57,280 Speaker 1: but I didn't connect the connection. Yeah, and oh, by 244 00:13:57,280 --> 00:13:59,839 Speaker 1: the way, everyone says, you know, the Rams of his 245 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:03,960 Speaker 1: see the value, you know, going after Matthew Stafford given 246 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:06,400 Speaker 1: up draft picks. Cooper Cup was a third round pick. 247 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:13,120 Speaker 1: It is possible to find gems on Day two D 248 00:14:13,200 --> 00:14:16,080 Speaker 1: and third round. Yeah. Yeah. And now if you're looking 249 00:14:16,600 --> 00:14:19,320 Speaker 1: on the other side of the field and the Cincinnati 250 00:14:19,360 --> 00:14:22,760 Speaker 1: Bengals and hope that they can get back there and 251 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:25,920 Speaker 1: everyone And I saw earlier on Monday that Dan Marino 252 00:14:26,040 --> 00:14:29,680 Speaker 1: is trending on Twitter because advanced to the Super Bowl 253 00:14:29,720 --> 00:14:34,400 Speaker 1: year two. Never advanced that far again. And I like 254 00:14:34,480 --> 00:14:36,920 Speaker 1: what Joe Burrow had to say, quote, we're a young team, 255 00:14:36,960 --> 00:14:39,360 Speaker 1: so we'd like to think we'll be back multiple times 256 00:14:39,360 --> 00:14:41,840 Speaker 1: over the course of the next few years. End quote. 257 00:14:42,120 --> 00:14:44,480 Speaker 1: That's always the hope, that's always the goal, but it's 258 00:14:44,520 --> 00:14:50,080 Speaker 1: not guaranteed. No, And you know, you take away the 259 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:52,920 Speaker 1: Rams versus the Cardinals real quick. The Rams won every 260 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:59,920 Speaker 1: game by three points every postseason after after the wild 261 00:15:00,040 --> 00:15:03,360 Speaker 1: card game all came down to three points. The thing is, 262 00:15:04,600 --> 00:15:08,440 Speaker 1: we've talked about that conference at the quarterbacks Mahomes is. 263 00:15:08,880 --> 00:15:12,040 Speaker 1: I mean, they're probably disappointed they didn't make it because 264 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:13,480 Speaker 1: a lot of people thought they were gonna make it 265 00:15:13,520 --> 00:15:15,040 Speaker 1: just based on what they did in the postseason. You 266 00:15:15,120 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 1: got Josh Allen. You know, we'll see what Derek Carkin do. 267 00:15:19,120 --> 00:15:21,400 Speaker 1: I mean with a new head coach, and they had 268 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:24,120 Speaker 1: the talent and if Rogers ends up in the in 269 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:27,520 Speaker 1: the AFC or it stays in Green Bay. But yeah, 270 00:15:27,560 --> 00:15:31,200 Speaker 1: I mean, the thing is they're not gonna be picking 271 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:33,560 Speaker 1: as high as they were, but they do still have 272 00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:36,840 Speaker 1: Duke Tobin there and some of these guys, even though 273 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:39,160 Speaker 1: they brought in Trey Hendrickson and they've done a nice 274 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:42,800 Speaker 1: job drafting. Some guys are gonna want to get paid 275 00:15:42,800 --> 00:15:44,520 Speaker 1: and they won't be able to retain all those guys. 276 00:15:44,520 --> 00:15:47,520 Speaker 1: And I gotta think the offensive line, Oh what a question. 277 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:50,120 Speaker 1: I mean, you're gonna have to draft like four offensive 278 00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:52,720 Speaker 1: line they could go. It would be attractive for an 279 00:15:52,720 --> 00:15:55,960 Speaker 1: offensive line to go there because of Joe Burrow in 280 00:15:56,000 --> 00:16:00,200 Speaker 1: the offense. But nineteen times he was sacked in the postseason, 281 00:16:00,440 --> 00:16:05,960 Speaker 1: seven times in the Super Bowl, seventy times regular season 282 00:16:06,000 --> 00:16:11,160 Speaker 1: and postseason combined, seventy's That sounds like David Carr wasn't 283 00:16:11,200 --> 00:16:14,480 Speaker 1: a seventy six seventy six that yeah, regular season, regular 284 00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:17,440 Speaker 1: and yeah, exactly that was the only regular season but 285 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:22,160 Speaker 1: seventy third highest number for a quarterback to be sacked 286 00:16:22,720 --> 00:16:25,160 Speaker 1: regular season and if you want to count postseason. But yeah, 287 00:16:25,200 --> 00:16:28,680 Speaker 1: David Carr is the as the leader on that. I 288 00:16:28,680 --> 00:16:31,120 Speaker 1: got to think that, you know, after those games, he 289 00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:32,600 Speaker 1: must just like woke up in the middle of the 290 00:16:32,680 --> 00:16:37,000 Speaker 1: night like, no, don't hit me. You hope now that 291 00:16:37,720 --> 00:16:43,200 Speaker 1: Burrow is okay because he grabbed that knee immediately, and 292 00:16:43,360 --> 00:16:46,320 Speaker 1: you wonder about him, You wonder about Odell Beckham junior, 293 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:50,200 Speaker 1: especially with OBJ going into free agency at his age, 294 00:16:50,320 --> 00:16:54,400 Speaker 1: Burrow is gonna be fine. But if it is something significant, 295 00:16:54,440 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 1: that's two knee injuries in two seasons for a young quarterback. 296 00:16:58,840 --> 00:17:01,600 Speaker 1: That ideal, and you know, we'll just have to wait 297 00:17:01,640 --> 00:17:04,440 Speaker 1: and see what the results are. Hopefully it's nothing serious, 298 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:06,760 Speaker 1: but I mean that that would put them behind the 299 00:17:07,119 --> 00:17:10,040 Speaker 1: eight ball going into the season because clearly, you know, 300 00:17:10,119 --> 00:17:14,200 Speaker 1: he's the face of the franchise. People gravitate to him, 301 00:17:14,280 --> 00:17:18,960 Speaker 1: his personality. Just what you think of his outfit, the suit, 302 00:17:19,240 --> 00:17:21,919 Speaker 1: it's what about the suit and the hat. It's not 303 00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:25,400 Speaker 1: something I would wear, no, but it's but that's his personality. 304 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:27,600 Speaker 1: He'd been doing it all season, right, but I'm thinking, 305 00:17:28,200 --> 00:17:30,600 Speaker 1: you better win this game. Now. He didn't come in 306 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:33,560 Speaker 1: with the hat, he had the suit on. He said 307 00:17:33,600 --> 00:17:35,320 Speaker 1: he didn't bring any to me. I would have went 308 00:17:35,320 --> 00:17:40,280 Speaker 1: out there in sweats, Bengals sweats. But he stood up 309 00:17:40,280 --> 00:17:42,760 Speaker 1: there and answer the questions. And here's Matthew Stafford coming 310 00:17:42,800 --> 00:17:46,800 Speaker 1: into a T shirt. Hey dressed to be comfortable or 311 00:17:46,960 --> 00:17:50,600 Speaker 1: dressed to impress butt and Burrow has been doing that, yeah, 312 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:52,720 Speaker 1: a lot this season. But for a lot of people, 313 00:17:52,760 --> 00:17:54,480 Speaker 1: it's the first time seeing it. You're like, what do 314 00:17:54,520 --> 00:17:56,240 Speaker 1: you well? It is the Super Bowl. But that's kind 315 00:17:56,240 --> 00:17:58,800 Speaker 1: of his personality, in his style, that's how he kind 316 00:17:58,800 --> 00:18:01,720 Speaker 1: of walks around. We're both fifty six again, a one 317 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,320 Speaker 1: possession ball game, twenty three to twenty. But you look 318 00:18:04,520 --> 00:18:07,040 Speaker 1: at these past two Super Bowls and we always talk 319 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:11,400 Speaker 1: about scoring points. He needed a good quarterback. But last year, 320 00:18:11,440 --> 00:18:15,359 Speaker 1: what would we just discuss after the Buccaneers beat the Chiefs, 321 00:18:16,119 --> 00:18:19,640 Speaker 1: Tampa Bay's defense and what are we talking about here 322 00:18:20,040 --> 00:18:23,080 Speaker 1: the day after Super Bowl fifty six? The Rams defense 323 00:18:23,119 --> 00:18:27,800 Speaker 1: but specifically one player, Aaron Donald. And last year it 324 00:18:27,960 --> 00:18:32,280 Speaker 1: was the Buccaneers inside linebackers. And now it's the defensive 325 00:18:32,320 --> 00:18:34,359 Speaker 1: tackle that everyone wants to be able to get to 326 00:18:34,480 --> 00:18:41,160 Speaker 1: disrupt an offense hard to find. And again, Aaron Donald 327 00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:43,960 Speaker 1: wasn't a top ten pick. He was a first round pick, 328 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:47,800 Speaker 1: but he was not top ten. But that is a 329 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:51,040 Speaker 1: position that the Cardinals would love to be able to 330 00:18:51,119 --> 00:18:56,040 Speaker 1: find someone not of the Aaron Donald caliber. I mean 331 00:18:56,080 --> 00:18:58,360 Speaker 1: that would be the great, but someone who could come 332 00:18:58,400 --> 00:19:05,160 Speaker 1: in and really have an effect on an opposing team offense. Yeah, 333 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:07,920 Speaker 1: and you know, as we get closer to free agency 334 00:19:07,960 --> 00:19:11,240 Speaker 1: in the draft, I gotta think interior defense line is 335 00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:15,480 Speaker 1: a priority. Offense, interior line is a priority. Finding a 336 00:19:15,520 --> 00:19:19,000 Speaker 1: pass rusher is going to be a priority. Finding a corner, 337 00:19:19,080 --> 00:19:22,240 Speaker 1: finding a wide receiver. Because when you look at the Rams, 338 00:19:22,240 --> 00:19:25,800 Speaker 1: they have all those attributes, they have an interior line 339 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:28,960 Speaker 1: they had they bring in Beckham, so all of a sudden, 340 00:19:28,960 --> 00:19:32,200 Speaker 1: took a ton of pressure off of Cooper Cup And 341 00:19:32,240 --> 00:19:36,680 Speaker 1: then you look at their corners. Jalen Ramsey didn't. I 342 00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:38,600 Speaker 1: don't think we've got the matchup. We were looking for 343 00:19:38,680 --> 00:19:41,639 Speaker 1: him and Jamar Chase, but um yeah, I mean you 344 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:45,680 Speaker 1: just look at the positions I mentioned the Rams, and 345 00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:49,159 Speaker 1: for the most part, Cincinnati can check those boxes like 346 00:19:49,440 --> 00:19:52,119 Speaker 1: it's Cincinnati's just going to hit the reset button because 347 00:19:52,160 --> 00:19:55,600 Speaker 1: they're going to add to that roster. Cardinals certainly have 348 00:19:55,880 --> 00:19:59,000 Speaker 1: a lot of needs going into this offseason with the 349 00:19:59,040 --> 00:20:03,360 Speaker 1: hopes of getting back into the postseason, and we'll discuss 350 00:20:03,440 --> 00:20:07,640 Speaker 1: that's all the way this offseason here on Cardinals Covered two, 351 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,840 Speaker 1: presented by Honday, proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. One 352 00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:15,359 Speaker 1: last notes on the Super Bowl. It is official. The 353 00:20:15,800 --> 00:20:20,719 Speaker 1: ceremonial handoff has been made. Larry Fitzgerald made one last 354 00:20:21,000 --> 00:20:24,560 Speaker 1: reception if you will, fits the executive chairperson of the 355 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:29,840 Speaker 1: Arizona Super Bowl and early on Monday morning, Commissioner Roger 356 00:20:29,880 --> 00:20:34,000 Speaker 1: Goodell telling Arizona quotes, you are officially on the clock. 357 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:39,600 Speaker 1: Market Downburg Gang Sunday, February twenty twenty three, Super Bowl 358 00:20:39,640 --> 00:20:44,160 Speaker 1: fifty seven at State Farm Stadium. Here we go three 359 00:20:44,320 --> 00:20:48,880 Speaker 1: hundred and sixty three days from today, and well it's 360 00:20:48,920 --> 00:20:53,120 Speaker 1: gonna be talked about at length. Two years ago, Tampa 361 00:20:53,119 --> 00:20:55,359 Speaker 1: went on the road for the first three got a 362 00:20:55,440 --> 00:20:59,240 Speaker 1: chance of playing in their own stadium, won the Super Bowl, Rams, 363 00:21:00,240 --> 00:21:04,560 Speaker 1: they won the division and they end up posting the 364 00:21:05,720 --> 00:21:08,879 Speaker 1: conference championship game because they won the division and they 365 00:21:08,920 --> 00:21:12,200 Speaker 1: win the Super Bowl so the pressures on the Cardinals. 366 00:21:12,320 --> 00:21:15,400 Speaker 1: I mean, it's happened twice. Now, it hadn't happened ever. 367 00:21:15,560 --> 00:21:19,320 Speaker 1: Now you had games in Los Angeles. Maybe, but and 368 00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:22,720 Speaker 1: don't forget now the Rams will open up the season 369 00:21:22,840 --> 00:21:26,360 Speaker 1: on Thursday Night Football. And now the question as far 370 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:28,119 Speaker 1: as who will they play. I saw the list of 371 00:21:28,440 --> 00:21:30,959 Speaker 1: home opponents, nothing really stood out. I know a lot 372 00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:33,960 Speaker 1: of people were talking about Rams and Bills potentially, just 373 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:36,680 Speaker 1: as far as I think that was the quote unquote 374 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:40,200 Speaker 1: sexy opponent that was coming to Los Angeles next season, 375 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:43,160 Speaker 1: as far as from the AFC. But yeah, the Rams. 376 00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:46,480 Speaker 1: We will be inundated with Los Angeles Rams as far 377 00:21:46,560 --> 00:21:49,560 Speaker 1: as this entire offseason. But the game or the season, 378 00:21:49,560 --> 00:21:54,040 Speaker 1: the twenty twenty three regular season will begin in Los Angeles. Yeah, 379 00:21:53,800 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 1: yea besides the division games, Bills, Broncos. So if Aaron 380 00:21:57,880 --> 00:22:01,480 Speaker 1: Rodgers goes there, there you go. Raiders, Cowboys, Panthers, and Falcons. 381 00:22:01,560 --> 00:22:05,399 Speaker 1: Now this ship the first game was what Cowboys, and 382 00:22:05,480 --> 00:22:08,879 Speaker 1: I don't think they'd want the Cowboys again, I don't know, 383 00:22:08,920 --> 00:22:14,760 Speaker 1: maybe not who who knows? I mean they are America's team, right, yeah, 384 00:22:14,840 --> 00:22:19,760 Speaker 1: I guess so? Um, I like, man, it Bills or Broncos. 385 00:22:20,040 --> 00:22:23,439 Speaker 1: If Rogers goes there, I mean, that's I mean, whoever 386 00:22:23,480 --> 00:22:25,600 Speaker 1: they play, it's gonna be you know, everyone's gonna be 387 00:22:25,680 --> 00:22:28,920 Speaker 1: jacked up because the season started. Well, yeah, the excitement 388 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:31,320 Speaker 1: is going to be there regardless, Right, But that's the 389 00:22:31,320 --> 00:22:34,360 Speaker 1: first game coming out of the gates with something impressive 390 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:37,919 Speaker 1: to kind of showcase the twenty twenty three regular season, 391 00:22:37,920 --> 00:22:41,800 Speaker 1: which will end up in Glendale and hopefully mj end 392 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:45,280 Speaker 1: up with the Arizona Cardinals in that ball game. Now, 393 00:22:45,680 --> 00:22:48,840 Speaker 1: how does that happen? And we'll discuss that here on 394 00:22:48,960 --> 00:22:51,560 Speaker 1: Cardinals cover too, presented by Hunday, probably partner of the 395 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:55,120 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals looking at maybe I don't know if it's 396 00:22:55,160 --> 00:22:58,680 Speaker 1: the most pressing need on offense, but it's up there 397 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:02,400 Speaker 1: and it's unlikely positioned to be discussing as far as 398 00:23:02,480 --> 00:23:06,160 Speaker 1: a high priority, but it's a high priority because when 399 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:09,119 Speaker 1: you look at the running back position, there are only 400 00:23:09,400 --> 00:23:12,760 Speaker 1: three players under contracts for next season at the moment. 401 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:17,359 Speaker 1: You know, Benjamin Jonathan Ward and Jalen Samuels, the latter 402 00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:19,720 Speaker 1: of whom the Cardinals signed to a future contract, will 403 00:23:19,760 --> 00:23:23,120 Speaker 1: become a full or it should say, will become official 404 00:23:23,480 --> 00:23:27,080 Speaker 1: with him on the roster mid March. But Benjamin and 405 00:23:27,280 --> 00:23:32,000 Speaker 1: Ward twenty two games they played last season, not a 406 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:35,520 Speaker 1: lot of experience. The big names, James Conner and Chase Edmonds, 407 00:23:35,600 --> 00:23:39,479 Speaker 1: both unrestricted free agents Cardinals have made it known at 408 00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:41,800 Speaker 1: least head coach Cliff Kingsbury has made it known he 409 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:45,920 Speaker 1: would love to see both back next season. Hopes both 410 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:50,720 Speaker 1: get paid as they well performed outperformed what they were 411 00:23:50,760 --> 00:23:53,440 Speaker 1: able to do in twenty twenty two. But all of 412 00:23:53,520 --> 00:23:56,960 Speaker 1: a sudden, it's not a key position, but running back 413 00:23:57,000 --> 00:24:00,560 Speaker 1: within this offense, we've seen what Kingsbury wants to do 414 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:04,160 Speaker 1: with that RB one or RB one and two being 415 00:24:04,200 --> 00:24:07,000 Speaker 1: able to throw to them and also turn and hand 416 00:24:07,040 --> 00:24:10,040 Speaker 1: the ball off to them. Curious to see what kind 417 00:24:10,040 --> 00:24:13,359 Speaker 1: of markets out there for Chase Edmonds started eleven or 418 00:24:13,400 --> 00:24:17,040 Speaker 1: twelve games, miss five games, and that's been the knock um. 419 00:24:17,160 --> 00:24:20,399 Speaker 1: Clearly a guy that can run between the twenties. He 420 00:24:20,480 --> 00:24:22,960 Speaker 1: really can get an opportunity to just you know, be 421 00:24:23,040 --> 00:24:25,160 Speaker 1: in a short yard of situation, definitely catch the ball 422 00:24:25,240 --> 00:24:28,760 Speaker 1: the backfield and then James Connor, to me, he would 423 00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:32,760 Speaker 1: be a priority considering he can be a bell cow, 424 00:24:33,119 --> 00:24:37,960 Speaker 1: meaning twenty five targets or touches per game with eighteen 425 00:24:38,000 --> 00:24:40,800 Speaker 1: to nineteen twenty rushes and then maybe five or six 426 00:24:40,840 --> 00:24:44,560 Speaker 1: in the passing game. And to me, you know, Benjamin 427 00:24:44,760 --> 00:24:49,760 Speaker 1: is very similar to Chase Edmonds. To me, you knows 428 00:24:49,760 --> 00:24:52,480 Speaker 1: five nine two oh seven. He can run between the tackles. 429 00:24:53,440 --> 00:24:57,680 Speaker 1: He's actually pretty uh versatile when it comes to pass protection. 430 00:24:57,800 --> 00:25:00,280 Speaker 1: Sometimes you're the safety net when it comes to a quarterback, 431 00:25:00,560 --> 00:25:02,560 Speaker 1: and he can catch the ball to backfield. And I'm 432 00:25:02,560 --> 00:25:06,000 Speaker 1: a big Jonathan Ward fan. I don't think he'll ever 433 00:25:06,080 --> 00:25:08,960 Speaker 1: be the starter, but he's a great backup six ft 434 00:25:08,960 --> 00:25:11,800 Speaker 1: two o two. He's really cut his teeth on special teams. 435 00:25:11,840 --> 00:25:14,040 Speaker 1: But when we got a chance to watch training camp, 436 00:25:14,119 --> 00:25:15,600 Speaker 1: he was getting a lot of carries and I like 437 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:18,440 Speaker 1: the way he runs. And then I'm kind of intrigued 438 00:25:18,480 --> 00:25:21,439 Speaker 1: with Jaylen Samuels. I like the size six two twenty 439 00:25:21,440 --> 00:25:27,119 Speaker 1: five forty five career starts. According to your sheet over here, 440 00:25:27,119 --> 00:25:29,760 Speaker 1: he has a relationship with the running backs coach, James Saxon, 441 00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:32,119 Speaker 1: so that goes a long way, and we're going to 442 00:25:32,119 --> 00:25:34,400 Speaker 1: see him make the roster. But I think he's an 443 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:37,920 Speaker 1: insurance policy if you lose Chase Edmonds. Well, you look 444 00:25:38,080 --> 00:25:42,160 Speaker 1: at Samuel's six feet two twenty five, Connor six one 445 00:25:42,280 --> 00:25:47,720 Speaker 1: two thirty three, Edmunds five nine, and it's the relationship 446 00:25:47,760 --> 00:25:51,159 Speaker 1: with James Saxon, So he's aware much like he was 447 00:25:51,560 --> 00:25:56,600 Speaker 1: with James Connor and then the whole NC state with 448 00:25:56,720 --> 00:26:00,560 Speaker 1: general manager Steve Kim and Adrian Wilson. So all of 449 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:05,040 Speaker 1: that relationships that does play a factor. And I think 450 00:26:05,200 --> 00:26:07,440 Speaker 1: you bring up a nice word as far as being 451 00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:12,080 Speaker 1: interested in or curious about Samuels and his place in 452 00:26:12,119 --> 00:26:15,240 Speaker 1: that running back room depending on what happens I in 453 00:26:15,400 --> 00:26:17,840 Speaker 1: free agency and again with the draft as well. Yeah, 454 00:26:17,880 --> 00:26:21,000 Speaker 1: you know, Benjamin's on a rookie deal. Jonathan Ward's basically 455 00:26:21,280 --> 00:26:25,280 Speaker 1: the Cardinal's own his rights. When you sign a futurist contract, 456 00:26:25,359 --> 00:26:28,439 Speaker 1: you're pretty pretty much on a one year deal. And 457 00:26:28,520 --> 00:26:30,040 Speaker 1: now when you've got to figure out, you know, with 458 00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:33,840 Speaker 1: Connor going to be twenty seven years old, I mean again, 459 00:26:33,960 --> 00:26:36,680 Speaker 1: usually running backs hit the wall at thirty. As long 460 00:26:36,720 --> 00:26:39,160 Speaker 1: as he can stay healthy and the way he runs, 461 00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:41,520 Speaker 1: it's it's pretty impressive that he can play as many 462 00:26:41,520 --> 00:26:44,480 Speaker 1: games as he did, considering he was playing with broken ribs. 463 00:26:45,119 --> 00:26:46,600 Speaker 1: You know, I like to have him all back, but 464 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:50,119 Speaker 1: prioritize wise. I think you know can step in Jonathan Wards, 465 00:26:50,160 --> 00:26:53,119 Speaker 1: Samuels and Connor. And if you would have asked me 466 00:26:53,160 --> 00:26:55,800 Speaker 1: this conversation going into the last year, I would have said, 467 00:26:55,840 --> 00:26:58,120 Speaker 1: Chase Edmans is the guy that I want to keep 468 00:26:58,160 --> 00:27:02,879 Speaker 1: because great locker room guy. Practice is hard, which to 469 00:27:02,960 --> 00:27:06,480 Speaker 1: me can be contagious. He just hasn't been able to 470 00:27:06,480 --> 00:27:08,840 Speaker 1: stay healthy and I never thought he would be the 471 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:10,800 Speaker 1: bell cow. But I do like the one two punch 472 00:27:11,280 --> 00:27:14,680 Speaker 1: that they both provide. Unfortunately we didn't see it down 473 00:27:14,680 --> 00:27:17,400 Speaker 1: the stretches as we are all we're hoping for. Before 474 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:21,000 Speaker 1: we get to Connor and his comments during the Pro Bowl, 475 00:27:22,119 --> 00:27:26,520 Speaker 1: how confidence are you that eno Benjamin is ready? I 476 00:27:26,560 --> 00:27:30,200 Speaker 1: mean he's he's bided his time, he's been the good soldier. 477 00:27:30,520 --> 00:27:33,760 Speaker 1: He's asked for where he can get better, because there 478 00:27:33,920 --> 00:27:36,320 Speaker 1: was there was a stretch there where he might have 479 00:27:36,359 --> 00:27:40,040 Speaker 1: been one and done, and that was after his rookie season. 480 00:27:40,160 --> 00:27:44,879 Speaker 1: But he's value on special teams and he's shown in 481 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:48,760 Speaker 1: brief stints this past season the ability to run between 482 00:27:48,800 --> 00:27:52,840 Speaker 1: the tackles, not afraid of contact, and then the ability 483 00:27:52,880 --> 00:27:54,959 Speaker 1: to catch the ball out of the backfield. So he 484 00:27:55,040 --> 00:27:57,720 Speaker 1: has all the skill set. Now it's okay, can you 485 00:27:57,840 --> 00:28:00,320 Speaker 1: do it? I would say on a consistent base, But 486 00:28:01,000 --> 00:28:04,280 Speaker 1: we have confidence in you to be able to step 487 00:28:04,359 --> 00:28:06,760 Speaker 1: in and be that guy, not just in a pinch, 488 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:09,240 Speaker 1: but be a part of the plan going into that 489 00:28:09,280 --> 00:28:13,639 Speaker 1: week's game. Well after his first year, I just you know, 490 00:28:13,960 --> 00:28:17,959 Speaker 1: there's the term they use a jag, just a guy. 491 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:20,800 Speaker 1: But after his conversation with Steve Kim, as he told 492 00:28:20,840 --> 00:28:22,879 Speaker 1: us on the Red Sea Report there in training camp, 493 00:28:24,280 --> 00:28:26,679 Speaker 1: the general manager believed in him, and I think the 494 00:28:26,720 --> 00:28:28,680 Speaker 1: head coach had to figure out a way to use him. 495 00:28:29,200 --> 00:28:32,480 Speaker 1: And once he got to camp, he worked hard and 496 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:36,200 Speaker 1: I saw some upside. I've always thought Jonathan Ward was 497 00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:39,240 Speaker 1: a better option, but they do two different things, and 498 00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:41,800 Speaker 1: yes they both play on team's wards a little bit 499 00:28:41,840 --> 00:28:45,840 Speaker 1: bigger early, there's there there's a way, you know, similar 500 00:28:45,880 --> 00:28:47,560 Speaker 1: to O two to two oh seven. But it just 501 00:28:47,600 --> 00:28:50,560 Speaker 1: seems like Jonathan Ward's a little bit bigger. But he's 502 00:28:50,560 --> 00:28:54,240 Speaker 1: earned he's earned the trust from me. He knows what's 503 00:28:54,240 --> 00:28:56,640 Speaker 1: at stake here. This is his opportunity. If they don't 504 00:28:56,640 --> 00:28:59,200 Speaker 1: retain Chase Edmonds. Obviously he's gonna have to compete with 505 00:28:59,240 --> 00:29:03,400 Speaker 1: Ward and sam Us, But if you asked me going 506 00:29:03,480 --> 00:29:05,640 Speaker 1: into training camp last year. I don't know if I 507 00:29:05,640 --> 00:29:07,480 Speaker 1: could have counted on the guy, but what I was 508 00:29:07,520 --> 00:29:09,880 Speaker 1: able to see him then, just him coming out of 509 00:29:09,920 --> 00:29:13,520 Speaker 1: his shell and working harder and just waiting for his opportunity. 510 00:29:14,160 --> 00:29:16,120 Speaker 1: I have a lot more confidence in you know, Benjamin, 511 00:29:16,240 --> 00:29:18,840 Speaker 1: maybe I did a year ago. Here's what Benjamin did 512 00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:24,040 Speaker 1: and his nine games of being available meaning he was active, 513 00:29:24,600 --> 00:29:28,840 Speaker 1: thirty four carries for eighteen yards and his first career touchdown, 514 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:33,320 Speaker 1: plus six catches for forty two yards, ninety five snaps 515 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:37,400 Speaker 1: on offense. So again not a lot, but someone that 516 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:42,120 Speaker 1: because Connor missed a couple of games, Edmunds missed five games, 517 00:29:42,720 --> 00:29:46,080 Speaker 1: you needed that number three and Edmonds. Now the question 518 00:29:46,200 --> 00:29:48,440 Speaker 1: is can you go from a number three to a 519 00:29:48,560 --> 00:29:52,520 Speaker 1: number two and keep making that progress from a seventh 520 00:29:52,640 --> 00:29:55,800 Speaker 1: round draft pick to where you were inactive and just 521 00:29:56,040 --> 00:29:58,160 Speaker 1: kind of out of sight, out of mind except for 522 00:29:58,680 --> 00:30:01,320 Speaker 1: Arizona State sund of a hands that wondering where is 523 00:30:01,440 --> 00:30:04,040 Speaker 1: Eno Benjamin to this year? Hey, you have a role 524 00:30:04,080 --> 00:30:07,360 Speaker 1: on special teams, meaning you're active and if needed, you 525 00:30:07,400 --> 00:30:12,000 Speaker 1: can play on offense. The moment that I was convinced 526 00:30:12,080 --> 00:30:16,479 Speaker 1: is when he ran over drey Kirkpatrick like usually some 527 00:30:16,560 --> 00:30:19,640 Speaker 1: guys now he has obviously hasn't had the touches and 528 00:30:19,680 --> 00:30:22,160 Speaker 1: targets to where he's going to try to run around someone. 529 00:30:22,280 --> 00:30:24,640 Speaker 1: But to me, he was able to put his you know, 530 00:30:24,840 --> 00:30:29,120 Speaker 1: his shoulder down and run him over, and that tells 531 00:30:29,120 --> 00:30:31,360 Speaker 1: me he was playing with confidence. Yeah, I mean, I 532 00:30:31,360 --> 00:30:33,960 Speaker 1: think it will come down to Samuel's just because he's 533 00:30:34,000 --> 00:30:39,280 Speaker 1: got more experienced than Benjamin. But again, I think James 534 00:30:39,280 --> 00:30:41,560 Speaker 1: Connor could be the Belle Coyle in this offense. And 535 00:30:41,600 --> 00:30:45,040 Speaker 1: we know that Connor wants to be here or as 536 00:30:45,120 --> 00:30:48,800 Speaker 1: he told our colleague Danny Serek and Las Vegas during 537 00:30:48,840 --> 00:30:53,120 Speaker 1: Pro Bowl practice, quote would love to continue with the Cardinals. 538 00:30:53,640 --> 00:30:55,880 Speaker 1: But then he added, I'm a free agent, so I'm 539 00:30:55,880 --> 00:30:58,000 Speaker 1: excited to see what's next. I'm a man of face, 540 00:30:58,000 --> 00:30:59,800 Speaker 1: so I know it will all work out for me 541 00:31:00,360 --> 00:31:03,640 Speaker 1: end quote. So there is an interest on his parts, 542 00:31:03,920 --> 00:31:06,640 Speaker 1: and I'm sure the Cardinals have an interest in bringing back. 543 00:31:06,880 --> 00:31:10,760 Speaker 1: We heard Cliff Kingsbury the day after the Wildcard game 544 00:31:10,880 --> 00:31:14,040 Speaker 1: he wants James Connor back, he wants Chase Edmonds back, 545 00:31:14,560 --> 00:31:19,080 Speaker 1: And I do think that physicality and toughness that James 546 00:31:19,160 --> 00:31:23,480 Speaker 1: Connor displayed rubbed off on his teammates. And then the 547 00:31:23,520 --> 00:31:27,280 Speaker 1: fact that we learned he turned down the opportunity and 548 00:31:27,360 --> 00:31:30,440 Speaker 1: he mentioned it to Danny as well in Las Vegas. 549 00:31:30,520 --> 00:31:33,959 Speaker 1: He did not want to get a painkiller shot. Quote 550 00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:37,080 Speaker 1: for safety and health reasons. End quote. Well, we know 551 00:31:37,120 --> 00:31:39,360 Speaker 1: what happened with Tyrod Taylor, and that's part of it 552 00:31:39,680 --> 00:31:42,719 Speaker 1: that you're not sure, and you know what, all toughened 553 00:31:42,720 --> 00:31:45,640 Speaker 1: it out and James Connor did only played fourteen snaps 554 00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:47,960 Speaker 1: in that game, but he was on the football field 555 00:31:48,000 --> 00:31:51,200 Speaker 1: and you could just tell he did not want to 556 00:31:51,240 --> 00:31:53,520 Speaker 1: be a spectator in that game. He wanted to be 557 00:31:53,560 --> 00:31:56,280 Speaker 1: able to play. Yeah, again, not a lot of guys 558 00:31:56,360 --> 00:31:58,840 Speaker 1: played well in that game. But I took my cap 559 00:31:58,880 --> 00:32:02,760 Speaker 1: to him because I've had and I don't know how 560 00:32:02,800 --> 00:32:05,360 Speaker 1: many ribs are broken. Sometimes it's the cartilage that hurts. 561 00:32:05,640 --> 00:32:09,240 Speaker 1: And yes, he did not take any medicine. There's there's 562 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:11,360 Speaker 1: devices you could put, you know, like a rib cage 563 00:32:11,400 --> 00:32:14,200 Speaker 1: and all that, but it's difficult when you know somebody. 564 00:32:14,280 --> 00:32:17,400 Speaker 1: And I recall when he got hit his face and 565 00:32:17,520 --> 00:32:19,760 Speaker 1: how he's grimacing going to the sidelines. I mean, he 566 00:32:19,800 --> 00:32:22,880 Speaker 1: took a he took a hit, right to the ribs. 567 00:32:22,920 --> 00:32:24,760 Speaker 1: I mean, there's not a lot of meat around there. 568 00:32:26,120 --> 00:32:28,640 Speaker 1: I just you know, listen, he's earned the right to 569 00:32:28,680 --> 00:32:33,240 Speaker 1: be a free agent. I'm not asking for a hometown discount, 570 00:32:33,320 --> 00:32:35,920 Speaker 1: but I just feel like this offense really tailors to 571 00:32:36,040 --> 00:32:38,720 Speaker 1: what they want to do, and so, you know, the 572 00:32:38,760 --> 00:32:41,360 Speaker 1: grass isn't always greener, but he has a right to 573 00:32:41,400 --> 00:32:43,960 Speaker 1: go out there. And you know, again, at twenty seven 574 00:32:44,040 --> 00:32:46,360 Speaker 1: years old, I don't think anybody's going to give him 575 00:32:46,360 --> 00:32:48,280 Speaker 1: a four or five year deal. Usually you try to 576 00:32:48,320 --> 00:32:50,560 Speaker 1: get out of these contracts after two or three years. 577 00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:54,600 Speaker 1: But I just hope he realizes that this offense fits him, 578 00:32:54,600 --> 00:32:56,720 Speaker 1: and I think he does, and he's got great chemistry 579 00:32:56,800 --> 00:33:01,920 Speaker 1: with Kyler in the offensive line. I'm just I just 580 00:33:01,960 --> 00:33:04,040 Speaker 1: hope that you know, there's at all it takes his 581 00:33:04,120 --> 00:33:06,440 Speaker 1: one team to while you and give you just a 582 00:33:06,520 --> 00:33:08,600 Speaker 1: huge signing bonus, and he's going to do what's best 583 00:33:08,600 --> 00:33:11,760 Speaker 1: for him and his family, which I clearly understand. There's 584 00:33:11,800 --> 00:33:14,160 Speaker 1: not a lot of times that you get a chance to, 585 00:33:14,680 --> 00:33:16,600 Speaker 1: you know, call your shot. He was a free agent. 586 00:33:16,640 --> 00:33:19,440 Speaker 1: Cardinals Signum took a chance on him, and he proved 587 00:33:19,480 --> 00:33:22,440 Speaker 1: what he was worth. So but I just think he 588 00:33:22,480 --> 00:33:27,520 Speaker 1: fits his offense even better than David Johnson did, even 589 00:33:27,560 --> 00:33:30,320 Speaker 1: though under airing and he just hey day. I wasn't 590 00:33:30,360 --> 00:33:32,280 Speaker 1: a big Kenyan Drake fan. The second year when they 591 00:33:32,280 --> 00:33:34,320 Speaker 1: gave eight point two. I thought he was really affective. 592 00:33:34,360 --> 00:33:35,800 Speaker 1: When he came in and played eight games, he was 593 00:33:35,840 --> 00:33:38,560 Speaker 1: trying to hit the home run. This guy is a baller. 594 00:33:38,840 --> 00:33:42,560 Speaker 1: This guy's a bowling ball, and I think it gravitates 595 00:33:42,560 --> 00:33:45,280 Speaker 1: to what they wanted to be as a physical football team. 596 00:33:45,280 --> 00:33:47,880 Speaker 1: In the trenches. Connor led the team in rushing yards, 597 00:33:48,000 --> 00:33:53,640 Speaker 1: scrimmage yards, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and his ability to 598 00:33:53,640 --> 00:33:56,120 Speaker 1: catch the ball out of the backfield averaged a career 599 00:33:56,240 --> 00:34:01,320 Speaker 1: best ten point yards per reception and yards after catch 600 00:34:01,920 --> 00:34:06,440 Speaker 1: ten point zero five yards after catch MJ that ranked 601 00:34:06,560 --> 00:34:10,719 Speaker 1: third best in the National Football League. And a lot 602 00:34:10,760 --> 00:34:14,080 Speaker 1: of his passes were screens out in the flat to 603 00:34:14,160 --> 00:34:17,879 Speaker 1: where two yard pass and then the rest is all 604 00:34:18,560 --> 00:34:21,160 Speaker 1: James Connor. And we saw a lot of one handed grabs. 605 00:34:21,160 --> 00:34:24,959 Speaker 1: So I would love James Connor to come back again. 606 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:26,920 Speaker 1: When you look at the running back position, it's not 607 00:34:27,040 --> 00:34:30,880 Speaker 1: a high priority position, but you look at the player. 608 00:34:31,520 --> 00:34:35,040 Speaker 1: He is a high priority player for me in a 609 00:34:35,080 --> 00:34:37,319 Speaker 1: position to where a lot of people say you can 610 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:42,279 Speaker 1: find a running back anywhere free agency draft because they're 611 00:34:42,360 --> 00:34:44,799 Speaker 1: short lifespan. But I do think the Cardinals may have 612 00:34:44,840 --> 00:34:47,640 Speaker 1: found something with James Connor to where you can extend 613 00:34:47,719 --> 00:34:53,640 Speaker 1: this relationship another couple of seasons. Yeah, and again they'll 614 00:34:53,640 --> 00:34:57,240 Speaker 1: have possibly I want to say eight or nine picks. 615 00:34:58,000 --> 00:35:01,000 Speaker 1: Right now, they've got eight eight, Okay, and that's with 616 00:35:01,360 --> 00:35:05,600 Speaker 1: three compis projected, nothing official yet, but right now they've 617 00:35:05,640 --> 00:35:09,360 Speaker 1: got eight and those are more third day But you 618 00:35:09,360 --> 00:35:12,279 Speaker 1: can also bring in an undrafted free agent. Usually you 619 00:35:12,360 --> 00:35:15,080 Speaker 1: bring six guys to camp. Maybe a guy that maybe 620 00:35:15,719 --> 00:35:18,760 Speaker 1: didn't play last year opted out, so you can always 621 00:35:18,760 --> 00:35:22,799 Speaker 1: add to it. But he's definitely a priority, and you know, 622 00:35:22,800 --> 00:35:25,160 Speaker 1: if it doesn't work out, then I kind of focus 623 00:35:25,239 --> 00:35:28,080 Speaker 1: on Chase Edmonds and then just try to hopefully you 624 00:35:28,120 --> 00:35:31,839 Speaker 1: get something out of Benjamin Ward and Samuels. I'm not 625 00:35:31,880 --> 00:35:34,080 Speaker 1: down on Chase. It's just if you had to ask 626 00:35:34,200 --> 00:35:36,560 Speaker 1: me one of the two, just based on what I witnessed, 627 00:35:36,840 --> 00:35:39,359 Speaker 1: I'll go with Connor. You look at what might be 628 00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:44,040 Speaker 1: available on the free agent markets as far as running backs, 629 00:35:44,160 --> 00:35:48,880 Speaker 1: Sony Michelle, Rashad Penny, Darryl Williams, players that the Cardinals 630 00:35:48,880 --> 00:35:52,239 Speaker 1: are very familiar with. Leonard Fournetts is due to become 631 00:35:52,239 --> 00:35:55,000 Speaker 1: an unrestricted free agent, Melvin Gordon, who's twenty eight. J 632 00:35:55,160 --> 00:35:57,640 Speaker 1: D McKissick another twenty eight year old. So there are 633 00:35:57,640 --> 00:36:00,600 Speaker 1: some names out there you just want as far as 634 00:36:00,640 --> 00:36:04,960 Speaker 1: what they're asking for versus how they fit within this offense. 635 00:36:05,280 --> 00:36:08,560 Speaker 1: And then when you're picking number twenty three running back, 636 00:36:08,920 --> 00:36:12,319 Speaker 1: depending on who you like, could be someone. I mean, 637 00:36:12,360 --> 00:36:15,439 Speaker 1: the Cardinals were linked with Nagi Harris a year ago 638 00:36:15,719 --> 00:36:19,120 Speaker 1: and they were picking sixteenth, So now you drop into 639 00:36:19,160 --> 00:36:23,960 Speaker 1: the twenties maybe. I mean Harris last year was picked 640 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:27,680 Speaker 1: twenty fourth by the Steelers. I mean, it wouldn't be 641 00:36:28,800 --> 00:36:31,680 Speaker 1: on my list of positions, It wouldn't be running back 642 00:36:31,680 --> 00:36:34,200 Speaker 1: as far as top three, top five, but it would 643 00:36:34,280 --> 00:36:37,120 Speaker 1: be something to consider if there's a running back out 644 00:36:37,160 --> 00:36:40,480 Speaker 1: there that either drops or you're very fond of and 645 00:36:40,560 --> 00:36:45,359 Speaker 1: you can see being a major focal point within this offense. Yeah, 646 00:36:45,400 --> 00:36:49,280 Speaker 1: I mean the names you listed Sony Michelle twenty six, 647 00:36:49,960 --> 00:36:53,239 Speaker 1: four Net twenty seven, Penny twenty six, Gordon twenty eight, 648 00:36:53,719 --> 00:36:58,440 Speaker 1: Williams twenty six, MKISSKT twenty eight. Yeah, I don't I 649 00:36:58,440 --> 00:37:00,960 Speaker 1: don't see them signing a running back free agency. I 650 00:37:01,040 --> 00:37:04,759 Speaker 1: just they you gotta retain your own guys, and you 651 00:37:04,840 --> 00:37:07,560 Speaker 1: gotta think they're between Connor and Edmundsen. One is going 652 00:37:07,640 --> 00:37:10,400 Speaker 1: to be here and then you develop, you know, Benjamin 653 00:37:10,440 --> 00:37:15,680 Speaker 1: and Ward. Yeah, I mean, I still think you can't 654 00:37:15,680 --> 00:37:20,600 Speaker 1: find running backs in the middle rounds. Even though Nagie 655 00:37:20,600 --> 00:37:24,280 Speaker 1: Harris twenty four, he's really well, Travis Etn he pretty 656 00:37:24,360 --> 00:37:28,480 Speaker 1: much missed the entire season, Clyde Edwards, Hilaire just kind 657 00:37:28,520 --> 00:37:30,960 Speaker 1: of been okay. Josh Jacobs hasn't been able to stay healthy. 658 00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:33,440 Speaker 1: But I'm not going to use the first round pick. 659 00:37:33,480 --> 00:37:36,520 Speaker 1: But you're right, last year it was possible maybe they 660 00:37:36,560 --> 00:37:40,760 Speaker 1: moved down, but if Collins wasn't on the board based 661 00:37:40,800 --> 00:37:44,680 Speaker 1: on best available player, Harris was ranked right there. And 662 00:37:44,840 --> 00:37:48,080 Speaker 1: when you look at what the Cardinals might do at 663 00:37:48,120 --> 00:37:52,319 Speaker 1: twenty three or that running back position, I mean the 664 00:37:52,440 --> 00:37:56,360 Speaker 1: names that are out there, Isaiah Spiller, Breeze Hall, Kyrie 665 00:37:56,360 --> 00:37:59,080 Speaker 1: and Williams, Rashad White who had a great Senior Bowl 666 00:37:59,239 --> 00:38:01,360 Speaker 1: right down the street Arizona states. There are others some 667 00:38:01,480 --> 00:38:03,560 Speaker 1: names out there, whether it's a Day one, Day two 668 00:38:03,680 --> 00:38:06,000 Speaker 1: or Day three pick, or you like you said, un 669 00:38:06,680 --> 00:38:09,880 Speaker 1: drafted rookie free agent. They're going to add to that 670 00:38:09,960 --> 00:38:12,759 Speaker 1: running back position, and it's just a question of how 671 00:38:12,800 --> 00:38:16,239 Speaker 1: many pieces do they add in the event that a 672 00:38:16,360 --> 00:38:19,919 Speaker 1: James Connor or Chase Edmonds are not here next season. Yeah. 673 00:38:19,920 --> 00:38:23,359 Speaker 1: I like Rachad White. I thought he played well this 674 00:38:23,440 --> 00:38:26,440 Speaker 1: year at the Issue and then he really played well 675 00:38:26,520 --> 00:38:29,000 Speaker 1: to Senior Bowl. He's got good size. I mean, he's 676 00:38:29,000 --> 00:38:32,080 Speaker 1: a good running back. I don't know. I don't think 677 00:38:32,080 --> 00:38:34,000 Speaker 1: he's going to go in the first or second round. Um, 678 00:38:34,080 --> 00:38:36,920 Speaker 1: we'll have to wait and see, but I definitely think 679 00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:39,319 Speaker 1: that he'll get drafted. And it's nice to see that 680 00:38:39,400 --> 00:38:43,600 Speaker 1: the Sun Devils have eight invites to the Combine and 681 00:38:43,640 --> 00:38:45,760 Speaker 1: they haven't had they haven't had that in the years. 682 00:38:45,760 --> 00:38:47,719 Speaker 1: So we'll see a couple of linemen get drafted and 683 00:38:47,719 --> 00:38:49,840 Speaker 1: we'll see it. But I definitely think they're gonna have 684 00:38:49,920 --> 00:38:51,839 Speaker 1: some guys drafted this year, which is really good. Free 685 00:38:51,840 --> 00:38:54,840 Speaker 1: issue Cardinals Covered two presented by Hunday. Probably partner of 686 00:38:54,960 --> 00:38:59,160 Speaker 1: the Arizona Cardinals overall. Looking at that running back position, 687 00:38:59,200 --> 00:39:02,480 Speaker 1: and yes, you count Kyler Murray, I'll beachest to the punch. MG. 688 00:39:02,640 --> 00:39:05,040 Speaker 1: You have to consider Kyler Murray when this team runs 689 00:39:05,040 --> 00:39:09,480 Speaker 1: the football. But the season totals four point two yards 690 00:39:09,560 --> 00:39:14,120 Speaker 1: per carry ranked twenty second best in the league, tenth best, however, 691 00:39:14,160 --> 00:39:16,840 Speaker 1: when it came to rushing yards per game at just 692 00:39:16,920 --> 00:39:19,600 Speaker 1: over one hundred and twenty two and then twenty three 693 00:39:19,640 --> 00:39:23,319 Speaker 1: rushing touchdowns tied for the third most. And that's an 694 00:39:23,320 --> 00:39:28,280 Speaker 1: area where James Connor played a large factor because short yardage, 695 00:39:29,040 --> 00:39:32,040 Speaker 1: a lot of red zone touchdowns, not a lot of 696 00:39:32,080 --> 00:39:33,879 Speaker 1: red zone as far as not a lot of long 697 00:39:34,040 --> 00:39:38,760 Speaker 1: runs from the running back position twenty plus, but inside 698 00:39:38,760 --> 00:39:42,560 Speaker 1: the red zone being able when the field shrinks, having 699 00:39:42,640 --> 00:39:45,600 Speaker 1: someone in the backfield that you can turn, hand the 700 00:39:45,600 --> 00:39:48,319 Speaker 1: ball off to or pitch two and they'll let them 701 00:39:48,360 --> 00:39:51,600 Speaker 1: take it into the end zone for six. And the 702 00:39:51,680 --> 00:39:54,960 Speaker 1: stat that we pointed out all second half of the season, 703 00:39:55,560 --> 00:39:58,239 Speaker 1: you don't have to run the ball a lot as 704 00:39:58,280 --> 00:40:01,359 Speaker 1: far as number of yards, but you do have to 705 00:40:01,400 --> 00:40:06,200 Speaker 1: show it. I e. Rams Bengals neither one great running 706 00:40:06,200 --> 00:40:08,360 Speaker 1: the football, but you have to be able to show 707 00:40:08,360 --> 00:40:11,719 Speaker 1: that you can run the ball. Thirty rushing attempts Cardinals 708 00:40:11,840 --> 00:40:16,520 Speaker 1: nine and oh when hit that magic thirty number in 709 00:40:16,600 --> 00:40:21,399 Speaker 1: twenty twenty two. Yeah, and they're averaging twenty nine two 710 00:40:21,560 --> 00:40:24,839 Speaker 1: rushing attempts, so they're close. And you know, obviously when 711 00:40:24,840 --> 00:40:26,560 Speaker 1: you're seven to zero and ten and two, there were 712 00:40:26,600 --> 00:40:28,279 Speaker 1: times where they are able to run the football in 713 00:40:28,320 --> 00:40:31,160 Speaker 1: the fourth quarter, kind of run out the clock and 714 00:40:31,200 --> 00:40:33,000 Speaker 1: then when you're trailing, you got to throw it more. 715 00:40:33,080 --> 00:40:35,120 Speaker 1: And we just didn't see the offense. I thought the 716 00:40:35,160 --> 00:40:38,640 Speaker 1: offensive line and the quarterback took a step back when 717 00:40:38,640 --> 00:40:40,400 Speaker 1: it came to the last month of the season. Twenty 718 00:40:40,400 --> 00:40:42,359 Speaker 1: twenty one meant to say twenty twenty one. As far 719 00:40:42,400 --> 00:40:45,600 Speaker 1: as thirty or more rushing attempts, the Cardinals were nine 720 00:40:46,120 --> 00:40:49,359 Speaker 1: and oh. But this team and say what you want 721 00:40:49,400 --> 00:40:53,000 Speaker 1: about Cliff Kingsbury and his air raid offense as they 722 00:40:53,120 --> 00:40:56,360 Speaker 1: use air quotes, but two thousand rushing yards and twenty 723 00:40:56,520 --> 00:41:00,279 Speaker 1: rushing touchdowns and back to back seasons, first time in 724 00:41:00,280 --> 00:41:04,520 Speaker 1: team history since nineteen forty eight nineteen forty nine that 725 00:41:04,600 --> 00:41:08,200 Speaker 1: the Cardinals have gone two thousand rushing yards or more 726 00:41:08,480 --> 00:41:12,600 Speaker 1: and twenty rushing touchdowns or more. So every team has 727 00:41:12,640 --> 00:41:14,680 Speaker 1: to be able to run the ball a little bit. 728 00:41:15,640 --> 00:41:18,920 Speaker 1: You need that quarterback that one in two playmakers as 729 00:41:18,960 --> 00:41:21,359 Speaker 1: far as being able to catch the ball, but being 730 00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:24,040 Speaker 1: a successful offense you have to be able to have 731 00:41:24,080 --> 00:41:26,359 Speaker 1: a run game. The Cardinals have shown it the past 732 00:41:26,400 --> 00:41:29,400 Speaker 1: two seasons. Yeah, and you know, we'll see who's going 733 00:41:29,440 --> 00:41:31,920 Speaker 1: to be the right guard. I mean right now they have, 734 00:41:32,040 --> 00:41:35,480 Speaker 1: you know, four guys under contract. I don't think Humph's 735 00:41:35,520 --> 00:41:38,759 Speaker 1: going away and either Beacham's got under contract for one 736 00:41:38,800 --> 00:41:42,400 Speaker 1: more year. They just got to get better in the interior. Obviously, 737 00:41:42,440 --> 00:41:45,000 Speaker 1: the addition of Rodney Hudson will will you know, obviously 738 00:41:45,239 --> 00:41:47,560 Speaker 1: and increase now that he's been in the system for 739 00:41:47,600 --> 00:41:52,440 Speaker 1: a year. But yeah, I think it's really a testament 740 00:41:52,560 --> 00:41:57,200 Speaker 1: to Kingsbury allowing input from his coaches. And we know 741 00:41:57,280 --> 00:41:59,359 Speaker 1: Sean Coogler has a big voice there in the week 742 00:41:59,360 --> 00:42:00,920 Speaker 1: when it comes as a game plan, and if you 743 00:42:00,960 --> 00:42:03,520 Speaker 1: watch the games are our times, you know where he 744 00:42:03,560 --> 00:42:05,440 Speaker 1: can just walk over to Cliff and say, hey, I 745 00:42:05,520 --> 00:42:07,719 Speaker 1: see something here, let's run the football. So I think, 746 00:42:07,800 --> 00:42:10,160 Speaker 1: you know, the addition of cooler has really made a difference. 747 00:42:10,200 --> 00:42:12,640 Speaker 1: But they got to get better. They got to finish better. 748 00:42:12,880 --> 00:42:14,680 Speaker 1: And you could say that for both sides of the ball, 749 00:42:15,280 --> 00:42:18,319 Speaker 1: being able to run the ball effectively. It's not the 750 00:42:18,400 --> 00:42:22,400 Speaker 1: yards per carry all the time, but just show it 751 00:42:22,480 --> 00:42:26,880 Speaker 1: to allow the defense to react and have to understand 752 00:42:26,880 --> 00:42:30,320 Speaker 1: that it's just not throwing the football forty five fifty times. 753 00:42:30,360 --> 00:42:33,399 Speaker 1: Well it's really I mean it's night and day when 754 00:42:33,440 --> 00:42:35,440 Speaker 1: hops on the field, and I got no problem with 755 00:42:35,560 --> 00:42:39,200 Speaker 1: Kyler targeting him, But it's more just it opens up 756 00:42:39,200 --> 00:42:41,839 Speaker 1: the play action if you're if you're able to win 757 00:42:41,840 --> 00:42:43,839 Speaker 1: into the line of scrimmage and you know they can't 758 00:42:43,840 --> 00:42:46,319 Speaker 1: get to the quarterback. And maybe you know what Colt 759 00:42:46,440 --> 00:42:48,440 Speaker 1: McCoy did with the screen game. It kind of slows 760 00:42:48,440 --> 00:42:51,879 Speaker 1: on the defense, but to show it and don't get 761 00:42:51,960 --> 00:42:54,200 Speaker 1: behind the sticks. You know, all of a sudden third 762 00:42:54,200 --> 00:42:56,840 Speaker 1: and two you got you got options. Third and thirteen, 763 00:42:57,440 --> 00:42:59,640 Speaker 1: you really got one option, and that's either throw a 764 00:42:59,680 --> 00:43:01,520 Speaker 1: screen pass and played for field position or try to 765 00:43:01,560 --> 00:43:04,560 Speaker 1: get a first down. So yeah, that it's to me 766 00:43:04,600 --> 00:43:07,920 Speaker 1: it coincides, and I do think you know, when you 767 00:43:07,920 --> 00:43:09,960 Speaker 1: were able to run the football, it just opens the 768 00:43:09,960 --> 00:43:13,200 Speaker 1: thing up. With Kyler. We know he's making more decisions 769 00:43:13,200 --> 00:43:16,080 Speaker 1: from inside the pocket. We know that the arm strengths there. 770 00:43:16,480 --> 00:43:20,200 Speaker 1: Didn't see that in that Rams game. I think he 771 00:43:20,280 --> 00:43:23,320 Speaker 1: was rattled and they got into his head and rightfully so. 772 00:43:23,480 --> 00:43:26,719 Speaker 1: Watching Aaron Donald again during the Super Bowl so little 773 00:43:26,760 --> 00:43:29,520 Speaker 1: thing's got to get better. But again, I do think 774 00:43:29,600 --> 00:43:31,600 Speaker 1: you have to show it to open things up on 775 00:43:31,640 --> 00:43:35,480 Speaker 1: the outside. Rams showed it, Bengals showed it. But between 776 00:43:35,560 --> 00:43:38,600 Speaker 1: those two teams in Super Bowl fifty six, they ran 777 00:43:38,680 --> 00:43:42,880 Speaker 1: the ball forty three times. And we're talking about Cardinals 778 00:43:42,920 --> 00:43:46,880 Speaker 1: hitting that thirty rushing attempt mark regular season versus postseason. 779 00:43:46,920 --> 00:43:49,040 Speaker 1: But you do what you have to do to win 780 00:43:49,080 --> 00:43:53,239 Speaker 1: the ball game. And on third and one, fourth and one, 781 00:43:53,680 --> 00:43:56,239 Speaker 1: Bengals could not get that one yard on third down. 782 00:43:56,280 --> 00:43:58,360 Speaker 1: Of course, when you've got number ninety nine on the 783 00:43:58,400 --> 00:44:00,680 Speaker 1: other side of the field makes life a little bit 784 00:44:00,760 --> 00:44:03,960 Speaker 1: more difficult, a lot more difficult. But running the football 785 00:44:04,120 --> 00:44:05,840 Speaker 1: you have to be able to do it to have 786 00:44:06,040 --> 00:44:08,840 Speaker 1: sustained success during the course of a regular season and 787 00:44:08,920 --> 00:44:12,439 Speaker 1: a postseason run. And any offensive line will tell you, hey, 788 00:44:12,480 --> 00:44:15,520 Speaker 1: put it on us, you know. And obviously they've learned 789 00:44:15,520 --> 00:44:18,719 Speaker 1: to block for Kyler Murray knowing that he can take 790 00:44:18,719 --> 00:44:21,319 Speaker 1: off at any time. But as an offensive line, you 791 00:44:21,520 --> 00:44:23,440 Speaker 1: want you want to be physical. You want to let 792 00:44:23,440 --> 00:44:25,279 Speaker 1: that team know that you know, we're going to run 793 00:44:25,320 --> 00:44:26,440 Speaker 1: the ball and we're going to run it down to 794 00:44:26,480 --> 00:44:29,799 Speaker 1: your throat, And to me, that's where the physicality comes 795 00:44:29,800 --> 00:44:32,320 Speaker 1: in from the offense, and then all of a sudden, 796 00:44:32,320 --> 00:44:36,520 Speaker 1: it spreads the defense when you're when you're able to 797 00:44:36,560 --> 00:44:40,240 Speaker 1: line up and test someone's will where you're pushing them back. 798 00:44:41,000 --> 00:44:44,520 Speaker 1: That's how you gain respect from that standpoint. But again, 799 00:44:44,880 --> 00:44:46,399 Speaker 1: now all of a sudden, they may have to put 800 00:44:46,400 --> 00:44:48,040 Speaker 1: a safety in the box. They're gonna go with a 801 00:44:48,080 --> 00:44:50,880 Speaker 1: five man rush, and that's where Kyler and the offense 802 00:44:50,920 --> 00:44:53,520 Speaker 1: can you know, start throwing the ball. So but I 803 00:44:53,560 --> 00:44:56,520 Speaker 1: think it's more of a mentality. If you're physical running 804 00:44:56,520 --> 00:44:58,120 Speaker 1: the ball, you don't need to run it forty times 805 00:44:58,160 --> 00:45:00,680 Speaker 1: a game. You probably need to run it between twenty 806 00:45:00,760 --> 00:45:05,239 Speaker 1: and thirty. But also it allows your defense to kind 807 00:45:05,280 --> 00:45:08,560 Speaker 1: of counterpoint where we're going to be physical too. So 808 00:45:08,640 --> 00:45:11,239 Speaker 1: I think it's really a downward spiral effect. If you're 809 00:45:11,280 --> 00:45:15,960 Speaker 1: able to win in the trenches, it creates camaraderie knowing 810 00:45:16,000 --> 00:45:18,720 Speaker 1: that we can literally line up and run the football 811 00:45:18,760 --> 00:45:21,560 Speaker 1: and they can't stop us. It's gonna be a busy offseason, 812 00:45:21,719 --> 00:45:25,000 Speaker 1: and it's an offseason for the Cardinals that has begun. 813 00:45:25,360 --> 00:45:27,920 Speaker 1: I mean it's been weeks now as far as the 814 00:45:27,960 --> 00:45:31,120 Speaker 1: Cardinals being out of the playoffs and looking forward to 815 00:45:31,160 --> 00:45:35,440 Speaker 1: twenty twenty two and hopefully, hopefully make it three years 816 00:45:35,520 --> 00:45:39,520 Speaker 1: in a row in which the host team holds that 817 00:45:39,600 --> 00:45:43,640 Speaker 1: Lombardi Trophy at the end of Super Bowl and the 818 00:45:43,680 --> 00:45:46,640 Speaker 1: Cardinals are the ones in Super Bowl fifty seven. Keep 819 00:45:46,680 --> 00:45:51,120 Speaker 1: that Lombardi Trophy within the NFC West. MJ's that's where 820 00:45:51,200 --> 00:45:54,640 Speaker 1: you can be positive that the Rams want it. You're 821 00:45:54,640 --> 00:45:57,680 Speaker 1: in the best division in all of football, and the 822 00:45:57,800 --> 00:46:03,279 Speaker 1: NFC West and twenty twenty one and reigns supreme. And 823 00:46:03,360 --> 00:46:06,759 Speaker 1: we'll talk about this probably the entire offseason. Just when 824 00:46:06,760 --> 00:46:08,880 Speaker 1: it comes to the NFC. We don't know what Rogers 825 00:46:08,960 --> 00:46:12,719 Speaker 1: is gonna do, you know, you know, clearly, we'll see 826 00:46:12,719 --> 00:46:14,360 Speaker 1: what the Bucks do. I gotta think they're gonna go 827 00:46:14,400 --> 00:46:16,600 Speaker 1: after a veteran quarterback. The rumors are they're doing their 828 00:46:16,680 --> 00:46:20,799 Speaker 1: due diligence on Deshaun Watson. Could be Jimmy Garoppolo, and 829 00:46:20,800 --> 00:46:23,359 Speaker 1: then you've got Dak Prescott. But then you got Kyler 830 00:46:23,480 --> 00:46:27,319 Speaker 1: Murray and Trey Lance. You know, Joe Montana said they 831 00:46:27,320 --> 00:46:30,239 Speaker 1: should keep Garoppolo. I think they made that decision. We'll 832 00:46:30,280 --> 00:46:33,040 Speaker 1: see what happened with Russell Wilson. So in the AFC 833 00:46:33,239 --> 00:46:35,160 Speaker 1: is kind of like, uh, you know, facing the New 834 00:46:35,239 --> 00:46:38,480 Speaker 1: York New York Yankees lineup here, there's only two or 835 00:46:38,520 --> 00:46:42,200 Speaker 1: three quarterbacks that I would I mean, Dak Prescott's you know, 836 00:46:42,200 --> 00:46:43,839 Speaker 1: he's got to win in the playoff like Kyler does. 837 00:46:43,960 --> 00:46:45,799 Speaker 1: But there's not a lot of quarterbacks that I would 838 00:46:45,840 --> 00:46:47,680 Speaker 1: take over Kyler Murray. We're in the AFC. I could 839 00:46:47,680 --> 00:46:50,840 Speaker 1: probably put him four or five. Oh, unless Deshaun Watson 840 00:46:50,960 --> 00:46:53,800 Speaker 1: changed his conferences. But yeah, I mean, I'm I'm really 841 00:46:53,800 --> 00:46:57,160 Speaker 1: curious to see, you know, because that this is the time. 842 00:46:57,280 --> 00:47:00,640 Speaker 1: You know, Kylo's on his rookie deal. Nothing going on 843 00:47:00,719 --> 00:47:03,040 Speaker 1: there right now. I think he's a proven year for 844 00:47:03,040 --> 00:47:04,799 Speaker 1: both him and the head coach going in the year four. 845 00:47:04,840 --> 00:47:06,400 Speaker 1: But this is when you got to cash in, just 846 00:47:06,440 --> 00:47:09,839 Speaker 1: like the Seahawks did, the Ravens did, the Bills did 847 00:47:09,840 --> 00:47:13,239 Speaker 1: with Josh Allen, and you know, hopefully the Browns feel 848 00:47:13,239 --> 00:47:15,719 Speaker 1: better about Baker Mayfield going into the next year. And 849 00:47:15,760 --> 00:47:19,319 Speaker 1: we'll leave that discussion on that note right there. As 850 00:47:19,360 --> 00:47:21,400 Speaker 1: far as the off season, because there is going to 851 00:47:21,440 --> 00:47:26,000 Speaker 1: be plenty to cover, whether we get closer to free agency, 852 00:47:26,200 --> 00:47:29,040 Speaker 1: closer to the draft, and a bunch of new faces 853 00:47:29,520 --> 00:47:34,040 Speaker 1: coming and perhaps some faces going as well. That's that's 854 00:47:34,080 --> 00:47:36,719 Speaker 1: what this offense is. I mean this offseason, I should say, 855 00:47:36,760 --> 00:47:40,120 Speaker 1: as far as turnover, because it is very hard to 856 00:47:40,200 --> 00:47:43,920 Speaker 1: find consistent rosters in the National Football League. Well, you know, 857 00:47:43,920 --> 00:47:46,279 Speaker 1: they're going to have the NFL combine this year, and 858 00:47:46,840 --> 00:47:49,879 Speaker 1: usually that's where general managers are. You know, you'll see 859 00:47:49,920 --> 00:47:52,279 Speaker 1: him in a lobby or maybe they're they're in their 860 00:47:52,320 --> 00:47:56,240 Speaker 1: suite a meeting with agents. And just like the Matthew 861 00:47:56,280 --> 00:47:58,840 Speaker 1: Stafford trade was done, nothing can be official until the 862 00:47:58,880 --> 00:48:00,799 Speaker 1: league season. So I think we're going to see some 863 00:48:00,920 --> 00:48:04,239 Speaker 1: movement on the quarterbacks because the Niners technically owned the 864 00:48:04,320 --> 00:48:08,759 Speaker 1: rights of Jimmy Garoppolo, so we'll see. But again, those 865 00:48:08,800 --> 00:48:11,520 Speaker 1: deals can be discussed because if you're a team like 866 00:48:11,600 --> 00:48:14,160 Speaker 1: the Bucks, they're not gonna you know, look at Kyle Trask, 867 00:48:14,160 --> 00:48:15,840 Speaker 1: and I know that Mike Evans thinks he's going to 868 00:48:15,880 --> 00:48:18,200 Speaker 1: be a good quarterback. They're not drafting quarterbacks, so they 869 00:48:18,280 --> 00:48:20,279 Speaker 1: got to figure it out, and teams want to start 870 00:48:20,280 --> 00:48:24,520 Speaker 1: planning for that. So we could have some trades, just 871 00:48:24,600 --> 00:48:28,120 Speaker 1: like the Cardinals and DeAndre Hopkins, but because of COVID, 872 00:48:28,160 --> 00:48:29,920 Speaker 1: he wasn't able to come in and take a physical, 873 00:48:30,040 --> 00:48:32,480 Speaker 1: so I do think once we get past the combine, 874 00:48:33,320 --> 00:48:35,239 Speaker 1: whether rumors come out or not, you're going to see 875 00:48:35,320 --> 00:48:38,760 Speaker 1: teams jockeying for a position, who's available, and what's the price. 876 00:48:39,040 --> 00:48:41,480 Speaker 1: It's gonna be a lot of fun and we'll have 877 00:48:41,560 --> 00:48:44,440 Speaker 1: it all right here. And on that note, we will 878 00:48:44,480 --> 00:48:47,080 Speaker 1: put a lid on This edition of Cardinals Covered two 879 00:48:47,080 --> 00:48:50,480 Speaker 1: presented by Hyundai, proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals has 880 00:48:50,520 --> 00:48:53,840 Speaker 1: always special thanks to our executive producer Joe Almandro or 881 00:48:53,880 --> 00:48:56,520 Speaker 1: Mike Drecky. I'm Greg Riel Loup. We'll talk to you 882 00:48:56,560 --> 00:48:58,680 Speaker 1: next time you're on Cardinals Covered two.