1 00:00:05,960 --> 00:00:09,320 Speaker 1: Welcome Bird Gang, and welcome to the final football Friday 2 00:00:09,320 --> 00:00:12,119 Speaker 1: of the twenty twenty one regular season. On today's show, 3 00:00:12,240 --> 00:00:16,120 Speaker 1: an NFL first, a seventeenth game, and the Cardinals an 4 00:00:16,120 --> 00:00:18,799 Speaker 1: important game. Mike Jarecki tells us what it's going to 5 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:21,040 Speaker 1: take to beat the Seahawks. He's got his three keys 6 00:00:21,160 --> 00:00:24,200 Speaker 1: and X factor. Of course, the ultimate X factor are 7 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:27,760 Speaker 1: the forty nine ers. But first, j J Watt, He's back. 8 00:00:28,080 --> 00:00:31,159 Speaker 1: It's Cardinals Cover two, Episode five twenty three, and it 9 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:38,880 Speaker 1: starts now. Welcome to Cardinals Cover two with Craig Griolu 10 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:43,120 Speaker 1: and Mike Jarecki. Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyunday, 11 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 1: proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals and by Arizona Cardinals Podcasts, 12 00:00:49,080 --> 00:00:53,000 Speaker 1: visit asy Cardinals dot com, Slash podcasts. Going for Hopkins 13 00:00:53,159 --> 00:00:57,760 Speaker 1: one hand to catch in a touchdown, DeAndre Hopkins. Here's 14 00:00:57,800 --> 00:01:03,640 Speaker 1: Craig Griolu and Mike Jarecki. Never put anything past jj Watt. 15 00:01:03,880 --> 00:01:06,320 Speaker 1: That's what we've all been told, right from the GM 16 00:01:06,440 --> 00:01:09,520 Speaker 1: to the head coach to his teammates, and apparently MJ 17 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:13,360 Speaker 1: it is going to happen, at least perhaps, but JJ 18 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:17,720 Speaker 1: Watt taking that next step to returning to the Arizona Cardinals. Yeah, 19 00:01:17,760 --> 00:01:19,480 Speaker 1: and we've got a chance to see him, you know, 20 00:01:19,520 --> 00:01:21,800 Speaker 1: over the last couple of weeks, just working out on 21 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:24,560 Speaker 1: the side, and now he has that twenty one day window, 22 00:01:24,600 --> 00:01:27,039 Speaker 1: and I think the plan is he will not play 23 00:01:27,040 --> 00:01:29,559 Speaker 1: on Sunday against the Seahawks, but maybe get him ready 24 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:33,040 Speaker 1: for the first playoff game. And you're talking about a 25 00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:35,760 Speaker 1: guy that went underwent surgery to repair a torn labor 26 00:01:36,160 --> 00:01:40,440 Speaker 1: rotator cuff and bicep in October, So you just got 27 00:01:40,440 --> 00:01:42,800 Speaker 1: to give him a ton of credit. And you know, 28 00:01:42,840 --> 00:01:45,440 Speaker 1: at the time, we're thinking, all right, is this possible? Well, 29 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:48,320 Speaker 1: right now that clock is sticking, possibly for that first 30 00:01:48,320 --> 00:01:51,920 Speaker 1: playoff game. Hurt his shoulder against the Texans on October 31 00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:54,200 Speaker 1: twenty fourth, also the last time, by the way, the 32 00:01:54,240 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 1: Cardinals won a home game. Underwent surgery and Friday designated 33 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:04,360 Speaker 1: to return from injured reserve, allowing him to practice. Can 34 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:07,160 Speaker 1: be activated now, as you said, any point during the 35 00:02:07,160 --> 00:02:10,320 Speaker 1: next twenty one days, So there is a possibility of 36 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:14,200 Speaker 1: him playing in the playoffs. And initially we didn't think 37 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:16,480 Speaker 1: that was going to be the case. We were hearing 38 00:02:16,800 --> 00:02:20,880 Speaker 1: season ending. But obviously you don't put anything past number 39 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:24,520 Speaker 1: ninety nine. Yeah, And to me, Craig, you know he's 40 00:02:24,560 --> 00:02:27,440 Speaker 1: not going to play sixty five snaps, but clearly just 41 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,919 Speaker 1: having him on the field as a presence, whether it's 42 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:32,160 Speaker 1: thirty or thirty five snaps, and they'll be able to 43 00:02:32,200 --> 00:02:35,280 Speaker 1: dictate Dad based on down and distance. We know he's 44 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:37,920 Speaker 1: really good in the run stuffing games that more first 45 00:02:37,960 --> 00:02:40,600 Speaker 1: and second down, and then get your pass rushers on 46 00:02:40,639 --> 00:02:44,120 Speaker 1: the field, and they have moved him around on the line. 47 00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:46,280 Speaker 1: It's not just he's playing nose tackler or d tackle. 48 00:02:46,360 --> 00:02:48,040 Speaker 1: He does play a little bit of defensive end in 49 00:02:48,080 --> 00:02:50,720 Speaker 1: a three to four, even though you're heavier outside linebackers 50 00:02:50,760 --> 00:02:53,240 Speaker 1: on the outside. So I don't want to say he's 51 00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:56,520 Speaker 1: going to be the savior, but I think anytime when 52 00:02:56,560 --> 00:02:59,720 Speaker 1: you find out a guy of that caliber is coming back, 53 00:03:00,040 --> 00:03:01,720 Speaker 1: it's going to bring some juice at the locker room, 54 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:03,959 Speaker 1: very similar to when they make the trade for zach Ertz. 55 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:08,399 Speaker 1: You mentioned presence and you look at his statistics sixteen tackles, 56 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:11,480 Speaker 1: five tackles for loss, one sack, ten quarterback hits, one 57 00:03:11,560 --> 00:03:16,160 Speaker 1: force fumbled, two passes defense, nothing wows you. And there 58 00:03:16,320 --> 00:03:19,360 Speaker 1: was that great game against the forty nine ers. In 59 00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:22,480 Speaker 1: Week five, he had four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss. 60 00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:25,040 Speaker 1: But he doesn't has not, at least with the Cardinals. 61 00:03:25,400 --> 00:03:29,640 Speaker 1: Wowed you, but presence, because you have to account for 62 00:03:29,720 --> 00:03:32,640 Speaker 1: a player of his stature, even if it's been since 63 00:03:32,680 --> 00:03:35,440 Speaker 1: October the last time he put on the uniform and 64 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:37,800 Speaker 1: was playing on Sunday. Yeah, to me, it's it's kind 65 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:40,680 Speaker 1: of like similar when the Titans are playing and you 66 00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:43,280 Speaker 1: know Julio Jones has been up and down, whether it's 67 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:47,080 Speaker 1: on injury reserve or COVID, and when you got to 68 00:03:47,120 --> 00:03:50,160 Speaker 1: cover a J. Brown and just having Julio Jones out 69 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:52,720 Speaker 1: there and he's probably playing forty to forty five snaps, 70 00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:55,920 Speaker 1: you have to make sure where he's on the field 71 00:03:55,960 --> 00:03:58,800 Speaker 1: at every single time because history says that if you 72 00:03:58,880 --> 00:04:00,960 Speaker 1: throw a ball to him, he's gonna catch it. History 73 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:03,440 Speaker 1: says of JJ walking get in the backfield, he's going 74 00:04:03,480 --> 00:04:08,160 Speaker 1: to be disruptive. Now, as unlikely as this was possible, 75 00:04:08,240 --> 00:04:11,800 Speaker 1: or unlikely as it seemed possible back in late October, 76 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:15,840 Speaker 1: remember JJ Watt's done this once before. Twenty nineteen, tore 77 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:20,080 Speaker 1: his pectoral muscle, returned eight weeks after surgery to play 78 00:04:20,080 --> 00:04:23,800 Speaker 1: in the Texans first playoff game. Does history repeat itself 79 00:04:23,839 --> 00:04:27,040 Speaker 1: here a few years later? This injury is much more 80 00:04:27,040 --> 00:04:30,080 Speaker 1: severe though, talking about here the shoulder injury. Yeah, when 81 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:32,159 Speaker 1: you talk at the labor um, the rotator cuff and 82 00:04:32,160 --> 00:04:34,960 Speaker 1: the bicep, it was late October where he had the surgery. 83 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,839 Speaker 1: This is more severe, but timeframe wise, and again we've 84 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:42,000 Speaker 1: seen him work out forty five minutes lathering up before 85 00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:46,279 Speaker 1: games as soon he's on the road with the team. 86 00:04:46,320 --> 00:04:49,720 Speaker 1: He's used the goal post in practice and State Farm 87 00:04:49,760 --> 00:04:52,520 Speaker 1: stating to kind of extend his arm and he's going 88 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:55,000 Speaker 1: to have a huge harness on I'm talking it goes 89 00:04:55,040 --> 00:04:58,280 Speaker 1: around his back. You know, he normally wears a big 90 00:04:58,320 --> 00:05:00,440 Speaker 1: brace on his left arm and and you're going to 91 00:05:00,520 --> 00:05:03,960 Speaker 1: see that, but the harness goes over the shoulder on 92 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:06,640 Speaker 1: his back because I did see him getting fitted for that. 93 00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:09,120 Speaker 1: And during the open push in a practice, you talk 94 00:05:09,320 --> 00:05:13,120 Speaker 1: about a jolt of energy and the locker room players 95 00:05:13,160 --> 00:05:17,640 Speaker 1: on both sides, whether offense or defense. And Kingsbury even 96 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:22,280 Speaker 1: brought up the presence because quote, guys definitely perk up 97 00:05:22,279 --> 00:05:24,880 Speaker 1: when ninety nine is around and burg Gang It's not 98 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:27,640 Speaker 1: like JJ Watt hasn't been around, but there is a 99 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:31,000 Speaker 1: difference when you are on the football field as opposed 100 00:05:31,000 --> 00:05:34,479 Speaker 1: to on the sidelines. Yes, your voice is still heard, 101 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 1: but it might be heard a little bit differently if 102 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:41,520 Speaker 1: you're right next to the guy going through drills, going 103 00:05:41,560 --> 00:05:44,920 Speaker 1: through plays, as opposed to, Hey, this is what I 104 00:05:44,960 --> 00:05:48,720 Speaker 1: see do that. What is the first thing that you know? 105 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:52,520 Speaker 1: Steve kind touched on going into leadership and physicality, and 106 00:05:52,560 --> 00:05:55,480 Speaker 1: he definitely brought both not only in that locker room, 107 00:05:55,520 --> 00:05:58,040 Speaker 1: on the field and also to the inside the community 108 00:05:58,040 --> 00:06:02,320 Speaker 1: when it comes to respect and to me, it's it's 109 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:06,240 Speaker 1: one of those situations where you know, he's a guy 110 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:09,200 Speaker 1: that you know, dedicated to what he wants to do. 111 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:15,440 Speaker 1: But again, I just think overall, just having him practicing, 112 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:17,200 Speaker 1: you know, we'll see how much he's able to do 113 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:19,200 Speaker 1: next week. That's a big week. Obviously you want to 114 00:06:19,279 --> 00:06:21,840 Speaker 1: knock some of the rustoff. But I just think, you know, 115 00:06:21,920 --> 00:06:25,080 Speaker 1: having him out there, it just creates some excitement. And again, 116 00:06:25,080 --> 00:06:27,919 Speaker 1: when you're the opposing coordinator and quarterback, you have to 117 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:30,640 Speaker 1: you have to game plan for JJ Watt. I mean, 118 00:06:30,880 --> 00:06:33,599 Speaker 1: because he's JJ Watt. I mean he can blow up 119 00:06:33,600 --> 00:06:35,560 Speaker 1: a couple of plays and that's going to help the secondary. 120 00:06:35,640 --> 00:06:38,440 Speaker 1: There are very few players in the National Football League 121 00:06:38,480 --> 00:06:42,640 Speaker 1: that you have to be aware of. Account for JJ Watt, 122 00:06:43,080 --> 00:06:46,839 Speaker 1: Aaron Donald, DeAndre Hopkins when he was playing for the 123 00:06:46,880 --> 00:06:51,080 Speaker 1: Cardinals on offense. Let's say what maybe every team I 124 00:06:51,120 --> 00:06:55,000 Speaker 1: think has won. But then there's another tier when you're 125 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:58,120 Speaker 1: talking about and Aaron Donald and a JJ Watt. You know, 126 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:00,920 Speaker 1: it's a good point because usually if you're on IR 127 00:07:01,040 --> 00:07:03,560 Speaker 1: and you know, maybe be your your first couple of 128 00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:05,360 Speaker 1: weeks and usually you gotta wait a week or two 129 00:07:05,400 --> 00:07:07,200 Speaker 1: for the swelling to go down for the surgery. We 130 00:07:07,279 --> 00:07:09,240 Speaker 1: don't really see these guys on the field now as 131 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:13,400 Speaker 1: they get closer to possibly returning or you know, more 132 00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:16,480 Speaker 1: looking at next year. And like Robert Alford was out there. 133 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:18,600 Speaker 1: You know, we didn't see a Keen Butler a lot, 134 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:21,200 Speaker 1: but some guys will. But he's been there every every 135 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:24,520 Speaker 1: single day. Um, he's on the sidelines. You remember when 136 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:26,600 Speaker 1: Matt Prator had he was having a tough time and 137 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:29,320 Speaker 1: oh there's j J. Watt. When the guys come to 138 00:07:29,360 --> 00:07:32,000 Speaker 1: the sidelines, it could just be one little swim move 139 00:07:32,120 --> 00:07:36,200 Speaker 1: that he can talk to or Shard Lawrence m Lucky 140 00:07:36,320 --> 00:07:39,280 Speaker 1: fowed to Zach Allen, So he's almost been more of 141 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:42,720 Speaker 1: a coach, and you know, obviously he has a lot 142 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:45,120 Speaker 1: of respect on the field and in that locker room. 143 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:47,920 Speaker 1: So there's there's times he's been around where he's been 144 00:07:47,960 --> 00:07:50,040 Speaker 1: a coach and he's also been a you know, kind 145 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:52,920 Speaker 1: of a rallying for players and maybe you don't have 146 00:07:52,960 --> 00:07:55,520 Speaker 1: the greatest day or you know, maybe they didn't you know, 147 00:07:55,560 --> 00:07:58,400 Speaker 1: play up to their part. And there were circumstances when 148 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:00,880 Speaker 1: Praydor we talk about the long snapper, the fact that 149 00:08:00,920 --> 00:08:03,040 Speaker 1: he went over there and I'm sure prayed I didn't 150 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:05,400 Speaker 1: need to hear from anybody, but he wanted to let 151 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:08,440 Speaker 1: him know probably, hey, we're behind you, this is this 152 00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:10,600 Speaker 1: is a hiccup. You're gonna help us in the postseason. 153 00:08:10,920 --> 00:08:16,400 Speaker 1: So less than three months since that injury designated to 154 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:21,280 Speaker 1: return allows a player to practice now during the open 155 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:25,880 Speaker 1: portion of practice on Friday, j jj Watt was not spotted. 156 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:29,440 Speaker 1: Doesn't mean he wasn't on the football field either prior 157 00:08:29,760 --> 00:08:33,679 Speaker 1: or following the open portion of practice because on Instagram, 158 00:08:34,120 --> 00:08:37,560 Speaker 1: jj Watt posted a photo of his practice gear laid 159 00:08:37,600 --> 00:08:40,320 Speaker 1: out in front of his locker. So did he or 160 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:43,800 Speaker 1: did he not participates at some point on Friday. This 161 00:08:44,320 --> 00:08:46,880 Speaker 1: is the bottom line though, when Kingsbury calls it a 162 00:08:46,920 --> 00:08:51,440 Speaker 1: procedural move, it's because and the head coach's words, he's 163 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:55,320 Speaker 1: done everything possible that he can do from a rehab 164 00:08:55,440 --> 00:09:00,440 Speaker 1: standpoint indoors, it's now taking that next step outside on 165 00:09:00,480 --> 00:09:03,880 Speaker 1: the football field, going through position drills, whether it's individual 166 00:09:04,080 --> 00:09:06,840 Speaker 1: or as a group, and then maybe some team work. 167 00:09:06,920 --> 00:09:10,160 Speaker 1: But this is all a step by step process. And no, 168 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:13,400 Speaker 1: he's not going to play this week, and I put 169 00:09:13,440 --> 00:09:15,800 Speaker 1: it at fifty to fifty that he plays in that 170 00:09:15,840 --> 00:09:18,520 Speaker 1: first playoff game, because as much as that might be 171 00:09:18,559 --> 00:09:21,400 Speaker 1: a goal, he doesn't know how he's going to respond. 172 00:09:21,840 --> 00:09:24,120 Speaker 1: And you don't want to put someone out there, even 173 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:27,120 Speaker 1: if you are a JJ Watt when you are a hindrance. 174 00:09:27,559 --> 00:09:29,680 Speaker 1: Not saying that he will be or could be, but 175 00:09:30,080 --> 00:09:32,800 Speaker 1: you don't want to have that negative effect. And then 176 00:09:32,880 --> 00:09:36,280 Speaker 1: keep in mind there's the rest of his career as well. 177 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:38,800 Speaker 1: There's next season, and for him, I'm sure he hopes 178 00:09:38,840 --> 00:09:41,160 Speaker 1: that there's more seasons, whether it's with the Arizona Cardinals 179 00:09:41,280 --> 00:09:44,600 Speaker 1: or somewhere else. So I understand the need for him 180 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:47,040 Speaker 1: to say I want to play, but there's not a 181 00:09:47,120 --> 00:09:50,320 Speaker 1: need to push it. But for being designated to return 182 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:53,800 Speaker 1: obviously means that he's I wouldn't say medically cleared, but 183 00:09:53,840 --> 00:09:56,679 Speaker 1: at least cleared the hurdles and the rehab to say 184 00:09:56,679 --> 00:09:59,080 Speaker 1: all right, well, we can't do anything more with you 185 00:09:59,160 --> 00:10:02,120 Speaker 1: stretching or this in that. Let's let's go attack it 186 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:05,520 Speaker 1: and see what happens. Yeah, just just based on his contract, 187 00:10:06,440 --> 00:10:08,960 Speaker 1: I would I would assume he's going to be be 188 00:10:09,080 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 1: back next year. Oh, I don't know, but you don't 189 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:15,080 Speaker 1: want I'm saying further to be a career ending risks. 190 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:18,000 Speaker 1: How many more times can this guy rehab where you 191 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:20,440 Speaker 1: know he's got life after football? Now? You know we're 192 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:23,360 Speaker 1: not talking to ACLS. I mean, it's been more the 193 00:10:23,480 --> 00:10:26,800 Speaker 1: upper body. Um, you know. But the fact is that 194 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:28,920 Speaker 1: he's willing to put the work in, and that's all 195 00:10:28,960 --> 00:10:30,880 Speaker 1: you can really do is respect the fact that he 196 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:33,720 Speaker 1: wants to be out there. It's going to be interesting 197 00:10:33,840 --> 00:10:36,719 Speaker 1: next week whether or not we see number ninety nine, 198 00:10:36,760 --> 00:10:39,800 Speaker 1: and we'll follow it here as well on Cardinals Covered two, 199 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:43,200 Speaker 1: presented by Honday, probably partner of the Arizona Cardinals. All Right, 200 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:47,319 Speaker 1: so no JJ Watt this week could have told you that, um, 201 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:51,439 Speaker 1: long time ago. But here's who else will not play 202 00:10:51,760 --> 00:10:56,319 Speaker 1: on Sunday in Week eighteen. Not gonna see Jase Edmonds 203 00:10:56,360 --> 00:10:59,720 Speaker 1: and he was not spotted on the practice field on 204 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:03,319 Speaker 1: and when you're not spotted, and obviously it's not a 205 00:11:03,360 --> 00:11:05,960 Speaker 1: surprise that we're not going to see Chase Edmunds. It 206 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:08,280 Speaker 1: is encouraging to see James Connor once again on the 207 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:11,560 Speaker 1: practice field. Seems to be moving around pretty well, so 208 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:15,880 Speaker 1: maybe we get half of the one two punch on Sunday. 209 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:22,200 Speaker 1: And interesting that we've only seen one game Detroit the 210 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:26,000 Speaker 1: last nine games. It's happened just once that James Connor 211 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:29,200 Speaker 1: and Chase Edmonds had been on the field together one 212 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:33,760 Speaker 1: time and the last nine games counting this Sunday. Yeah, 213 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:36,679 Speaker 1: we know that Chase he got hurt earlier in the 214 00:11:36,800 --> 00:11:39,600 Speaker 1: season and you know then he was able to come back, 215 00:11:39,600 --> 00:11:43,040 Speaker 1: and now he's dealing with two injuries correct ribs and 216 00:11:43,200 --> 00:11:47,640 Speaker 1: a toe toe. It's interesting and then he passed up 217 00:11:47,679 --> 00:11:51,400 Speaker 1: Aton to James and all of a sudden, James Connor's 218 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:53,680 Speaker 1: missed a few games. So it's it's a but yeah, 219 00:11:53,720 --> 00:11:57,439 Speaker 1: that's a telling staff from a standpoint of like, okay, 220 00:11:57,880 --> 00:12:00,160 Speaker 1: when this team was rolling you know when they were 221 00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:02,840 Speaker 1: seven and oh they had the one two punch in 222 00:12:02,960 --> 00:12:07,840 Speaker 1: James Connor and Jase seven. So you know, I think 223 00:12:07,840 --> 00:12:12,080 Speaker 1: they're being cautious. Clearly, if you're not practicing, then you 224 00:12:12,160 --> 00:12:13,720 Speaker 1: know they're not going to put you on the field. 225 00:12:13,760 --> 00:12:15,840 Speaker 1: But I do you know, we saw Rondel Moore on 226 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:19,280 Speaker 1: the field. He's been ruled out. Jordan Phillips sounds like 227 00:12:19,360 --> 00:12:21,120 Speaker 1: it's a couple of weeks if they happen to win 228 00:12:21,160 --> 00:12:24,920 Speaker 1: that first playoff game. So you know, you just wonder 229 00:12:24,960 --> 00:12:27,200 Speaker 1: if this was a playoff game, how many guys can play. 230 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:29,040 Speaker 1: But if you don't practice all week, it's a little 231 00:12:29,040 --> 00:12:33,480 Speaker 1: bit different. Marco Wilson also ruled out for Sunday Zach Allen, 232 00:12:33,520 --> 00:12:36,120 Speaker 1: though the good news there he was seeing on the 233 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:39,880 Speaker 1: practice field on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday, So 234 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:44,000 Speaker 1: Zach Allen likely to be a game day decision listed questionable, 235 00:12:44,320 --> 00:12:46,880 Speaker 1: but it's good to have that defensive line and the 236 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:51,959 Speaker 1: obviously hopefully we'll wait and see with respects to j J. 237 00:12:52,120 --> 00:12:55,640 Speaker 1: Watt coming up on that wild card weekend. Now, with 238 00:12:55,800 --> 00:13:00,440 Speaker 1: Marco Wilson ruled out, the team did already elevation Kevin 239 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:03,600 Speaker 1: Peterson from the practice squad to the active rosters. So 240 00:13:03,679 --> 00:13:07,240 Speaker 1: that gives you four healthy corners. There is still time 241 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:11,160 Speaker 1: for Brashod Brilon to be elevated as well, but at 242 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:14,280 Speaker 1: least you've got four. And I know, Bird Gang, there 243 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:16,280 Speaker 1: are a lot of people were not happy with Kevin 244 00:13:16,320 --> 00:13:19,640 Speaker 1: Peterson's play, but you're looking at one play versus the 245 00:13:19,800 --> 00:13:23,520 Speaker 1: entire game. Because when unprompted, the head coach and defensive 246 00:13:23,520 --> 00:13:26,640 Speaker 1: coordinator single out Kevin Peterson for with the job he did, 247 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:31,160 Speaker 1: that shouldn't matter. Don't discount that. So you've got Byron Murphy, 248 00:13:31,160 --> 00:13:35,040 Speaker 1: You've got Kevin Peterson, Antonio Hamilton, and you also have 249 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:38,640 Speaker 1: why am I drawn a blank? Oh? Breon Boarders. Yeah, 250 00:13:38,679 --> 00:13:41,600 Speaker 1: and you know, I guess I think the Cardinals really 251 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:44,280 Speaker 1: want to see with what Brilan head on the field. 252 00:13:44,320 --> 00:13:47,040 Speaker 1: And Vance was very complimentary. You know the fact that 253 00:13:47,080 --> 00:13:50,040 Speaker 1: he's played in a different couple different systems. He thinks 254 00:13:50,080 --> 00:13:52,320 Speaker 1: his football IQ was off the charts, being able to 255 00:13:52,360 --> 00:13:55,560 Speaker 1: pick up the defense. Now, when you're that third or 256 00:13:55,600 --> 00:13:58,760 Speaker 1: fourth corner or fifth corner usually they dressed four, you 257 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:01,040 Speaker 1: have to play on teams. So he's got to have 258 00:14:01,080 --> 00:14:02,679 Speaker 1: to find a role there and I'm sure He's done 259 00:14:02,679 --> 00:14:04,160 Speaker 1: that in the past when you're not the number one 260 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:08,160 Speaker 1: or number two corner. But he definitely has experience, and 261 00:14:08,240 --> 00:14:11,480 Speaker 1: that's what this team wanted. They wanted a veteran corner 262 00:14:11,920 --> 00:14:14,520 Speaker 1: going into the postseason. So if it's not this week, 263 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:17,640 Speaker 1: I got to anticipate probably as they get closer to 264 00:14:17,679 --> 00:14:21,320 Speaker 1: the playoff game. And again going back to not forcing things, 265 00:14:21,520 --> 00:14:24,720 Speaker 1: allow Breylon to get his feet wet kind of look 266 00:14:25,160 --> 00:14:28,120 Speaker 1: from Afar, get in there as well as far as 267 00:14:28,440 --> 00:14:31,320 Speaker 1: defensive drills at practice, and then all right, run you 268 00:14:31,360 --> 00:14:34,720 Speaker 1: out maybe this weekend, but if not, then hey, you've 269 00:14:34,760 --> 00:14:37,880 Speaker 1: got two solid weeks to practice before your first game. 270 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:40,080 Speaker 1: And it's just so your first game happens to be 271 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:42,880 Speaker 1: a playoff game. Yeah, And and the fact is that 272 00:14:42,880 --> 00:14:45,880 Speaker 1: that will give him another week to practice on special teams. 273 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:49,800 Speaker 1: I mean, because clearly, you know, Alford looks like he 274 00:14:49,920 --> 00:14:52,600 Speaker 1: may not be back as soon as we thought. But 275 00:14:52,640 --> 00:14:55,720 Speaker 1: obviously you still have Biber and Murphy and then Kevin 276 00:14:55,760 --> 00:14:59,200 Speaker 1: Peterson and Antonio Hamilton and so they'll have some luxury. 277 00:14:59,240 --> 00:15:01,760 Speaker 1: And then you know, the wildcard is Isaiah Simmons playing 278 00:15:01,760 --> 00:15:03,480 Speaker 1: in the slot, and we saw a lot of that 279 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:06,720 Speaker 1: last week against Dallas. A lot of nickel corner from 280 00:15:06,800 --> 00:15:10,400 Speaker 1: Isaiah Simmons Cardinals Covered two presented by Hunday, proud partner 281 00:15:10,520 --> 00:15:13,080 Speaker 1: of the Arizona Cardinals. All right, let's get into its 282 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:17,920 Speaker 1: Week eighteen, the regular season finale Cardinals hosting the Seahawks. 283 00:15:17,960 --> 00:15:21,800 Speaker 1: Cardinals looking for that twelfth when and an opportunity at 284 00:15:21,840 --> 00:15:25,680 Speaker 1: the NFC West Division title. We'll get into that momentarily. 285 00:15:25,760 --> 00:15:28,160 Speaker 1: But for the Cardinals to do something that they've only 286 00:15:28,200 --> 00:15:31,280 Speaker 1: done one other time and the history of the franchise, 287 00:15:31,680 --> 00:15:34,600 Speaker 1: that is, when twelve or more games and the regular 288 00:15:34,640 --> 00:15:39,200 Speaker 1: season Cardinals Mike Dreki's three keys to victory what needs 289 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,320 Speaker 1: to happen on Sunday, and that would have been about 290 00:15:41,320 --> 00:15:45,520 Speaker 1: two fifteen when they win thirteen and three correct, Okay, 291 00:15:45,560 --> 00:15:50,560 Speaker 1: three keys to victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Fans shows 292 00:15:50,920 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 1: is not gonna light this. You've got to contain the 293 00:15:55,040 --> 00:15:58,240 Speaker 1: Seattle Seahawks running game. Over the last five games, Craig, 294 00:15:58,320 --> 00:16:00,480 Speaker 1: They've rushed for eight hundred and fifty four yards on 295 00:16:00,480 --> 00:16:03,080 Speaker 1: one hundred and forty carries. That's six point one including 296 00:16:03,160 --> 00:16:07,960 Speaker 1: nine touchdowns. Of that, Penny has seventy nine carries five 297 00:16:08,080 --> 00:16:10,600 Speaker 1: hundred and fifteen yards, averaging one hundred and three yards 298 00:16:10,640 --> 00:16:13,320 Speaker 1: a game and five touchdowns. Now there's been a few 299 00:16:13,360 --> 00:16:15,200 Speaker 1: games where he didn't put over one hundred yards, but 300 00:16:15,240 --> 00:16:17,520 Speaker 1: there's been a few games he's gone over one hundred 301 00:16:17,520 --> 00:16:21,320 Speaker 1: and fifty yards. You're talking eight hundred and fifty Now 302 00:16:21,360 --> 00:16:23,280 Speaker 1: they are I want to say, three and two in 303 00:16:23,320 --> 00:16:26,080 Speaker 1: those games. So they haven't won all those games, but 304 00:16:26,280 --> 00:16:28,800 Speaker 1: the fact is that they have a weapon. And you know, 305 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:31,360 Speaker 1: I don't maybe the air offensive lines getting enough credit. 306 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:34,440 Speaker 1: Obviously Wilson's more healthy, and when you got DK Metcalf 307 00:16:34,440 --> 00:16:37,680 Speaker 1: and the two tight ends and Tyler Lockett, it's going 308 00:16:37,720 --> 00:16:40,680 Speaker 1: to open up the running game. So I didn't say 309 00:16:40,680 --> 00:16:43,520 Speaker 1: shut it down. I said, just contain the Seahawks running game, 310 00:16:43,560 --> 00:16:46,760 Speaker 1: because now you get into time of possession. What happens 311 00:16:46,800 --> 00:16:48,640 Speaker 1: when they get into the red zone are they're gonna 312 00:16:48,680 --> 00:16:51,080 Speaker 1: run the football. They're gonna utilize their big target in 313 00:16:51,200 --> 00:16:54,760 Speaker 1: DK Metcalf. So you just have to contain it. Again, 314 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:56,760 Speaker 1: if you give up one hundred and twenty yards and 315 00:16:57,120 --> 00:16:59,800 Speaker 1: not three rushing touchdowns, and then I like their chances. 316 00:16:59,840 --> 00:17:02,680 Speaker 1: But they are averaging six point one yards per carry 317 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:04,720 Speaker 1: over the less five games. What you don't want to 318 00:17:04,720 --> 00:17:08,040 Speaker 1: see happen on Sunday. Is Rashad Penny do what he 319 00:17:08,119 --> 00:17:10,600 Speaker 1: did a week ago, and not the one hundred and 320 00:17:10,640 --> 00:17:14,199 Speaker 1: seventy rushing yards, the five runs of ten or more yards, 321 00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:18,200 Speaker 1: the three runs of twenty or more yards, the explosive 322 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:23,240 Speaker 1: running plays. Cardinals limit those, and again we're talking about 323 00:17:23,280 --> 00:17:25,160 Speaker 1: stop the run. And for the first time this season, 324 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:27,720 Speaker 1: Vans Joseph acknowledging that, well, maybe it's not that big 325 00:17:27,720 --> 00:17:30,440 Speaker 1: a deal. It is a big deal because it does 326 00:17:30,520 --> 00:17:35,040 Speaker 1: take something away from an offensive performance as far as 327 00:17:35,080 --> 00:17:37,720 Speaker 1: that team and what they like to do. And if 328 00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:41,479 Speaker 1: you do contain the run a little bit, then you 329 00:17:41,520 --> 00:17:44,880 Speaker 1: can do be a little bit more aggressive as a defense, 330 00:17:44,920 --> 00:17:47,480 Speaker 1: because now all of a sudden, Russell Wilson is looking 331 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:49,760 Speaker 1: at second and long or third and long or more 332 00:17:49,920 --> 00:17:53,520 Speaker 1: third and matt not manageable, but third and six plus, 333 00:17:53,520 --> 00:17:54,960 Speaker 1: and then all of a sudden, you can be a 334 00:17:54,960 --> 00:17:56,680 Speaker 1: little bit aggressive and trying to get to the wall 335 00:17:56,720 --> 00:17:59,399 Speaker 1: out of his hands. Let's dive a little bit deeper. 336 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:02,520 Speaker 1: So during his five games they played San Francisco. In 337 00:18:03,080 --> 00:18:05,480 Speaker 1: the first of the five, they ran the ball twenty 338 00:18:05,520 --> 00:18:08,200 Speaker 1: seven times for one hundred and forty six yards, two touchdowns. 339 00:18:08,240 --> 00:18:12,200 Speaker 1: Penny was ten of thirty five, ten to thirty five. Okay. 340 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:15,160 Speaker 1: Then the Rams game, they ran the ball nineteen times 341 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:19,679 Speaker 1: for eighty yards, lost Penny eleven eleven for thirty nine yards. 342 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:23,280 Speaker 1: So it's not like he's been their bell cow. It's 343 00:18:23,320 --> 00:18:25,480 Speaker 1: when they start to get the lead and they can 344 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:28,800 Speaker 1: pound the football. Played complimentary football, So there's been a 345 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:32,560 Speaker 1: couple of games where he's been pedestrian. But when I 346 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:36,399 Speaker 1: say over five hundred and fifteen yards and eight hundred 347 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:38,679 Speaker 1: and fifty four yards in the last five games, that 348 00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:40,639 Speaker 1: tells me they're winning at the line of scrimmage when 349 00:18:40,640 --> 00:18:43,600 Speaker 1: it comes to running the football, and the last four 350 00:18:43,680 --> 00:18:47,639 Speaker 1: games he's averaging nearly seven yards a carry with five touchdowns. 351 00:18:47,640 --> 00:18:50,280 Speaker 1: And again, the Cardinals did not see a lots of 352 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:52,159 Speaker 1: any in that first meeting. In fact, you only had 353 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:54,760 Speaker 1: two carries for nineteen yards. Got hurt and then we 354 00:18:54,840 --> 00:18:57,639 Speaker 1: didn't see him the rest of the game. It was 355 00:18:57,720 --> 00:19:01,879 Speaker 1: Alex Collins who's now on injured himself. So yeah, we're shot. 356 00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:05,480 Speaker 1: Penny a big focal points for this Cardinals defense facing 357 00:19:05,560 --> 00:19:08,360 Speaker 1: Russell Wilson and company. All Right, so number one, contain 358 00:19:08,440 --> 00:19:11,840 Speaker 1: the run, don't less Penny get off. As far as 359 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:15,359 Speaker 1: explosive runs are concerned, what's number two. I think Kyler 360 00:19:15,440 --> 00:19:18,600 Speaker 1: Murray needs getting the playmakers more involved in the offense. 361 00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:21,919 Speaker 1: I think the Antoine Wesley is a great story, but 362 00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:24,080 Speaker 1: I want to see him connect with more on Christian 363 00:19:24,119 --> 00:19:26,000 Speaker 1: Kirk and I looked it up this morning. The Cardinals 364 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:29,800 Speaker 1: have nineteen drops this year. Kirk has six. Wow. Six 365 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:32,439 Speaker 1: Now it's happened over the course of the season. He 366 00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:35,040 Speaker 1: plays a lot, He's been targeted a lot, but they 367 00:19:35,080 --> 00:19:37,440 Speaker 1: need to clean that up. And then A J. Green, 368 00:19:37,800 --> 00:19:39,920 Speaker 1: I think he needs to be targeted more. Now there's 369 00:19:39,960 --> 00:19:43,040 Speaker 1: been some miscommunication, but you know, the fact is that 370 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:46,080 Speaker 1: you know he's not getting double team teams aren't rolling 371 00:19:46,119 --> 00:19:48,880 Speaker 1: coverage over. And then Zach Ertz, He's been the most 372 00:19:48,880 --> 00:19:51,959 Speaker 1: targeted guy since DeAndre Hopkins has been down down and 373 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:54,440 Speaker 1: they're actually playing him a little bit on the outside. 374 00:19:54,920 --> 00:19:58,080 Speaker 1: And then without Chase Emmons, James Connor clearly running the 375 00:19:58,119 --> 00:20:01,760 Speaker 1: football with Jonathan more to you know, Benjamin get Connor 376 00:20:01,800 --> 00:20:03,840 Speaker 1: involved in the passing game. I think Wesley is a 377 00:20:03,840 --> 00:20:05,920 Speaker 1: great story, but I want to see the playmakers and 378 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:08,960 Speaker 1: maybe Cliffs forcing it a little bit to Wesley because 379 00:20:08,960 --> 00:20:11,520 Speaker 1: of the matchup and his catch radius. But I want 380 00:20:11,520 --> 00:20:13,960 Speaker 1: to see these other guys step up. This is kind 381 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:16,240 Speaker 1: of a tune up before you go into the real deal. 382 00:20:16,520 --> 00:20:18,639 Speaker 1: So I want to see the playmakers, guys that have 383 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:21,359 Speaker 1: done it all year contribute a little bit more if 384 00:20:21,720 --> 00:20:24,639 Speaker 1: they happen to go more in the passing game. The 385 00:20:24,680 --> 00:20:27,320 Speaker 1: one name that you brought up is AJ Green. You 386 00:20:27,359 --> 00:20:31,560 Speaker 1: look at his receptions and even with Rondell Moore missing 387 00:20:31,600 --> 00:20:36,159 Speaker 1: the past two weeks, Green still trails Rondel Moore in 388 00:20:36,320 --> 00:20:40,840 Speaker 1: receptions fifty four to fifty. Now it's a wide margin 389 00:20:40,880 --> 00:20:43,480 Speaker 1: when you're looking at receiving yards, and that's because Aj 390 00:20:43,600 --> 00:20:46,879 Speaker 1: Green is averaging sixteen and a half yards a reception. 391 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:50,040 Speaker 1: Get the ball in his hands nine times out of ten, 392 00:20:50,440 --> 00:20:54,920 Speaker 1: big things happen explosive plays twenty thirty thirty five yards 393 00:20:55,040 --> 00:20:59,400 Speaker 1: or more touchdowns, and that sixteen and a half, according 394 00:20:59,440 --> 00:21:04,040 Speaker 1: to our stat Whiz might come. If that holds up, 395 00:21:04,320 --> 00:21:08,120 Speaker 1: it would represent a new career high for Green, who, 396 00:21:08,160 --> 00:21:11,440 Speaker 1: at the age of thirty three, is in his eleventh 397 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:15,879 Speaker 1: NFL season. So his catches are not where we want it, 398 00:21:16,040 --> 00:21:19,240 Speaker 1: but his yards are. He's approaching a thousand. He probably 399 00:21:19,280 --> 00:21:21,679 Speaker 1: won't get it. He's a well over one hundred yards 400 00:21:21,760 --> 00:21:24,960 Speaker 1: shy of a thousand, but it's at average yards per 401 00:21:25,119 --> 00:21:28,680 Speaker 1: catch that is something that stands out. Jumps off the page. Yeah, 402 00:21:28,680 --> 00:21:30,919 Speaker 1: and the one game he was targeted three times and 403 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:33,359 Speaker 1: he had one catch for thirty three yards, but you 404 00:21:33,359 --> 00:21:36,399 Speaker 1: could see when him and Kyler Murray on the same page. 405 00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:38,960 Speaker 1: And he may not get the credit for down the 406 00:21:39,040 --> 00:21:42,080 Speaker 1: field speed, but he's able to get to the sidelines 407 00:21:42,240 --> 00:21:44,920 Speaker 1: and he's able to use his body, and they've they've 408 00:21:44,920 --> 00:21:47,000 Speaker 1: hooked up a lot, and some of those passes have 409 00:21:47,080 --> 00:21:48,760 Speaker 1: gone to the four or five yard line where he 410 00:21:48,760 --> 00:21:51,280 Speaker 1: gets tackled and then obviously you're in the red zone 411 00:21:51,320 --> 00:21:54,720 Speaker 1: for our touchdown. So I just want to see the playmakers. Again, 412 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:57,440 Speaker 1: nothing against Wesley, I just want I think these other 413 00:21:57,440 --> 00:22:00,240 Speaker 1: guys need to be targeted more in the passing game. 414 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:03,280 Speaker 1: And while Green might have lost a step from when 415 00:22:03,320 --> 00:22:06,439 Speaker 1: he first entered the league, maybe he's not nearly as fast, 416 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:09,240 Speaker 1: but the difference and the perfect example of this is 417 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:12,360 Speaker 1: that first play against Treyvon Diggs. I don't care how 418 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:15,119 Speaker 1: fast you are. If you don't run a route correctly 419 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:18,520 Speaker 1: or can't get separation, it does you know good and 420 00:22:18,640 --> 00:22:21,439 Speaker 1: AJ Green might not be the fastest wide receiver, but 421 00:22:21,520 --> 00:22:24,760 Speaker 1: he had a good three steps on Diggs on that 422 00:22:24,800 --> 00:22:28,960 Speaker 1: double move. He's savvy that double move in Diggs. Obviously 423 00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:31,159 Speaker 1: he's a guy that's given up a thousand yards to 424 00:22:31,359 --> 00:22:35,679 Speaker 1: opposing receivers. But he does have eleven interception, so goodn't 425 00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:39,479 Speaker 1: the bad there. But that double move, he twisted him 426 00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:42,359 Speaker 1: like a pretzel. And so like I said, I and 427 00:22:42,440 --> 00:22:44,640 Speaker 1: doesn't have to be down the field. It could be 428 00:22:44,680 --> 00:22:47,840 Speaker 1: you know, when when Kyler's in trouble or he's got 429 00:22:47,840 --> 00:22:50,680 Speaker 1: to you know, um extend the pocket he has. He 430 00:22:50,720 --> 00:22:52,640 Speaker 1: does a really good job coming back for the ball. 431 00:22:52,800 --> 00:22:55,399 Speaker 1: The thing about AJ Green, he's savvy. He knows how 432 00:22:55,440 --> 00:22:57,760 Speaker 1: to catch the football in traffic. A lot of young 433 00:22:57,800 --> 00:23:00,800 Speaker 1: guys they learn it over a period time. There's there's 434 00:23:00,840 --> 00:23:03,960 Speaker 1: not a game too big for him. And again based 435 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:07,240 Speaker 1: on matchups, usually corners are five eleven six feet and 436 00:23:07,320 --> 00:23:09,359 Speaker 1: you're not gonna have Jamal Adams out there, So he 437 00:23:09,400 --> 00:23:11,560 Speaker 1: should be able to win somebody's one on one matches 438 00:23:11,640 --> 00:23:13,760 Speaker 1: when it comes to the fifty fifty balls. So Mike 439 00:23:13,800 --> 00:23:17,040 Speaker 1: Dreki's three Keys to Victory Number one contain the run 440 00:23:17,200 --> 00:23:20,760 Speaker 1: number two, get the playmakers more involved, i e. Christian 441 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:24,520 Speaker 1: Kirk and AJ Green. So that's two. We need three. 442 00:23:24,600 --> 00:23:29,960 Speaker 1: What is number three? Cardinal's secondary against METCALFE, Lockett, Everett 443 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:35,240 Speaker 1: and Disley. We know that the Russell Wilson obviously looks 444 00:23:35,240 --> 00:23:38,160 Speaker 1: like the old Russell Wilson. Cardinal's got him coming back 445 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:40,719 Speaker 1: in his second game, he was air marylyn ball as 446 00:23:40,760 --> 00:23:43,960 Speaker 1: he wasn't as accurate. I think he trusts his protection 447 00:23:44,320 --> 00:23:47,400 Speaker 1: and we know DK metcalf is coming off a three 448 00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:50,840 Speaker 1: touchdown game. Lockett's kind of like Robert Woods. He can 449 00:23:50,880 --> 00:23:52,840 Speaker 1: catch the ball in the flat. He can he can 450 00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:55,720 Speaker 1: take the top off the defense. There was a miscommunication 451 00:23:55,720 --> 00:23:58,440 Speaker 1: the last time I played him, And to me, if 452 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:01,960 Speaker 1: you're Russell Wilson and you know they were playing on 453 00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:04,280 Speaker 1: a Thursday night or Sunday night, and you could tell 454 00:24:04,359 --> 00:24:06,960 Speaker 1: that he was just trying to work Everett in Disney's 455 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:09,240 Speaker 1: short passes just to kind of get in a rhythm. 456 00:24:09,440 --> 00:24:14,760 Speaker 1: So Cardinal secondary and that means the two corners, three 457 00:24:14,800 --> 00:24:16,680 Speaker 1: corners depending on how you run a roll with it, 458 00:24:17,160 --> 00:24:20,520 Speaker 1: the safeties, the middle of the field, and then Isaiah Simmons. 459 00:24:20,640 --> 00:24:24,080 Speaker 1: So the Cardinal secondary against their scope position players. Again, 460 00:24:24,200 --> 00:24:26,360 Speaker 1: Penny doesn't catch a lot of passes out of the backfield. 461 00:24:26,440 --> 00:24:29,200 Speaker 1: He's more of a you know, a downhill runner. He 462 00:24:29,600 --> 00:24:31,960 Speaker 1: can run between the tackles, he can get outside, but 463 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:34,199 Speaker 1: they really don't target him in the passing game. So 464 00:24:34,280 --> 00:24:37,000 Speaker 1: really it's those four guys right there, the two wide receivers, 465 00:24:37,359 --> 00:24:39,280 Speaker 1: and they have another one in Swan I think his 466 00:24:39,359 --> 00:24:41,520 Speaker 1: name is, and then you got Everett and Disley. So 467 00:24:41,560 --> 00:24:44,000 Speaker 1: that's gonna be a key matchup. And that starts with 468 00:24:44,040 --> 00:24:46,440 Speaker 1: the front seven getting pressure on Russell Wilson, so he 469 00:24:46,480 --> 00:24:48,399 Speaker 1: has to make some ill throw ups or has to 470 00:24:48,400 --> 00:24:50,840 Speaker 1: throw a little bit quicker. And how much safety help 471 00:24:51,119 --> 00:24:54,560 Speaker 1: is needed when it comes to Locket's or Metcalf. Jalen 472 00:24:54,600 --> 00:24:58,119 Speaker 1: Thompson on Friday describe Metcalf as a deep ball threat. 473 00:24:58,240 --> 00:25:01,080 Speaker 1: Lock it fast, comes across the middle, can take it 474 00:25:01,240 --> 00:25:05,560 Speaker 1: down field and is thrown open. That was the terminology 475 00:25:05,600 --> 00:25:08,480 Speaker 1: that Jayalen Thompson used a lot because of that relationship 476 00:25:08,480 --> 00:25:11,120 Speaker 1: between quarterback and wide receiver. But if you can have 477 00:25:11,680 --> 00:25:14,720 Speaker 1: a Byron Murphy, if you can have in Antonio Hamilton 478 00:25:14,840 --> 00:25:18,199 Speaker 1: or Kevin Peterson, locked them up, but at least not 479 00:25:18,400 --> 00:25:21,680 Speaker 1: need that safety help then that might help a little 480 00:25:21,680 --> 00:25:24,919 Speaker 1: bit as far as making sure Russell Wilson stays within 481 00:25:24,960 --> 00:25:27,200 Speaker 1: the pocket or the tight end doesn't get loose across 482 00:25:27,240 --> 00:25:29,359 Speaker 1: the middle of the field. Isaiah Simmons is going to 483 00:25:29,440 --> 00:25:32,080 Speaker 1: be huge with respects to how much do the Seahawks 484 00:25:32,080 --> 00:25:34,960 Speaker 1: want to target an effort or disley in the passing game. Yeah, 485 00:25:35,040 --> 00:25:36,680 Speaker 1: and I'm curious to see if ants is going to 486 00:25:36,720 --> 00:25:39,120 Speaker 1: play a little bit of man present line of scrimmers. 487 00:25:39,119 --> 00:25:40,480 Speaker 1: I don't know if that's a good idea. With DK 488 00:25:40,680 --> 00:25:44,920 Speaker 1: Metcalf and the way the motion Tyler Lockett, maybe they'll 489 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:48,400 Speaker 1: play a little bit more zone. But again, these quarterbacks 490 00:25:48,440 --> 00:25:50,120 Speaker 1: are getting rid of the ball less than two point 491 00:25:50,160 --> 00:25:52,600 Speaker 1: five seconds, so that's where the front seven has to 492 00:25:52,600 --> 00:25:56,280 Speaker 1: come in. But clearly the cardinal secondary and everyone's going 493 00:25:56,320 --> 00:25:58,760 Speaker 1: to do a much better job tackling in the open field. 494 00:25:58,800 --> 00:26:01,680 Speaker 1: You cannot arm tackle DK Metcalf. You have to gang 495 00:26:01,720 --> 00:26:05,440 Speaker 1: tackle him. Now. He is a physical freak and he's 496 00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:08,639 Speaker 1: played very, very well through his first three seasons in 497 00:26:08,680 --> 00:26:11,400 Speaker 1: the National Football League. All Right, So MJ's three keys 498 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:15,320 Speaker 1: to victory contain the run, get the playmakers involved. Christian 499 00:26:15,400 --> 00:26:18,280 Speaker 1: kirk aj Greene, pay attention to them and in the 500 00:26:18,320 --> 00:26:22,719 Speaker 1: Cardinals secondary get Metcalf, Lackett and company as far as 501 00:26:22,880 --> 00:26:25,840 Speaker 1: limiting their ability to get open, and the Cardinals did 502 00:26:25,840 --> 00:26:28,400 Speaker 1: a good job in that first meeting. I mean, Metcalf 503 00:26:28,560 --> 00:26:32,240 Speaker 1: was basically non existent. Lockett only had three catches, three 504 00:26:32,320 --> 00:26:36,439 Speaker 1: though we're twenty plus yards and he was a huge factor, 505 00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:39,240 Speaker 1: and there are three scoring drives. But bottom line is 506 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:41,560 Speaker 1: the Cardinals defense did a great job. Of course, as 507 00:26:41,600 --> 00:26:44,800 Speaker 1: we talked about earlier this week, that was Russell Wilson's 508 00:26:44,800 --> 00:26:48,120 Speaker 1: second game since finger surgery. He's had several more. He's 509 00:26:48,119 --> 00:26:54,040 Speaker 1: had six games since Arizona, twelve touchdowns, two interceptions, sixty 510 00:26:54,040 --> 00:26:57,439 Speaker 1: percent completion rates in four of those six games. So 511 00:26:57,440 --> 00:27:00,160 Speaker 1: he is playing very very well, or at least better 512 00:27:00,200 --> 00:27:03,040 Speaker 1: than he was back at the end of or I 513 00:27:03,040 --> 00:27:06,199 Speaker 1: should say at the yeah, the end of November. All 514 00:27:06,200 --> 00:27:09,360 Speaker 1: are you ready for the X factor? X factor? Cardinals 515 00:27:09,440 --> 00:27:11,680 Speaker 1: need to have balance on offense. I want to see 516 00:27:11,680 --> 00:27:14,359 Speaker 1: at least thirty rushes. Now, granted, if you're falling behind, 517 00:27:14,760 --> 00:27:17,600 Speaker 1: I'll take twenty five to twenty eight, but thirty is 518 00:27:17,640 --> 00:27:20,720 Speaker 1: the magic number. They are unbeaten when they rushed the 519 00:27:20,720 --> 00:27:23,119 Speaker 1: ball over thirty times and that's balance on offense. Doesn't 520 00:27:23,119 --> 00:27:25,000 Speaker 1: mean they can't throw the ball thirty five or forty 521 00:27:25,040 --> 00:27:27,680 Speaker 1: times if you get sixty five snaps, But I want 522 00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:31,160 Speaker 1: to see the X factor balance on offense. Don't abandon 523 00:27:31,240 --> 00:27:33,680 Speaker 1: the run if you fall behind early in the game, 524 00:27:34,000 --> 00:27:37,240 Speaker 1: stick to the run. Play off your strengths, which is 525 00:27:37,280 --> 00:27:40,080 Speaker 1: the offensive line. They feel like they got the best 526 00:27:40,119 --> 00:27:46,000 Speaker 1: five guys starting this week across the board, Hump Pew, Hudson, Garcia, 527 00:27:46,200 --> 00:27:48,240 Speaker 1: and Calvin Beecham. And then you got some guys that 528 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:51,919 Speaker 1: can come in as extra blockers, whether Terrell Daniels or 529 00:27:51,960 --> 00:27:56,320 Speaker 1: you can even bring in Josh Jones. So again, based 530 00:27:56,320 --> 00:27:58,280 Speaker 1: on Rodney Hudson coming back and the fact that he 531 00:27:58,320 --> 00:28:01,680 Speaker 1: hasn't played a ton with justin you that chemistry will 532 00:28:01,680 --> 00:28:05,359 Speaker 1: come together before they gets into postseason. Those nine games, 533 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:08,879 Speaker 1: thirty or more Russian attempts. Six of those games, the 534 00:28:08,960 --> 00:28:13,160 Speaker 1: Cardinals scored first and never trailed. So it does factor 535 00:28:13,240 --> 00:28:15,639 Speaker 1: into Yeah, you can keep running the football if you 536 00:28:15,720 --> 00:28:19,480 Speaker 1: have the lead. It's when you're trailing by two scores, 537 00:28:19,880 --> 00:28:23,240 Speaker 1: three scores, then you start abandoning the run. But even 538 00:28:23,280 --> 00:28:26,600 Speaker 1: if you're down a field goal, a touchdown, ten points, 539 00:28:26,920 --> 00:28:28,880 Speaker 1: you still have to be able to run the football, 540 00:28:28,920 --> 00:28:31,480 Speaker 1: and it sounds like it's going to be James Connor. 541 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:34,399 Speaker 1: This week. Might even see a little Eno Benjamin and 542 00:28:34,480 --> 00:28:37,119 Speaker 1: Jonathan Ward just to kind of make sure that you 543 00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:40,280 Speaker 1: keep Connor fresh for the playoffs. And then how healthy 544 00:28:40,520 --> 00:28:43,360 Speaker 1: is he or how is his conditioning after missing the 545 00:28:43,400 --> 00:28:46,080 Speaker 1: past two weeks and making sure that he gets his 546 00:28:46,560 --> 00:28:49,400 Speaker 1: the rustoff if there is any ready for that wild 547 00:28:49,480 --> 00:28:51,440 Speaker 1: card weekend. But don't be surprised if you see some 548 00:28:51,520 --> 00:28:54,840 Speaker 1: Jonathan Ward and Eno Benjamin in the backfield and K 549 00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:58,240 Speaker 1: one and Kyler Murray. That's right, don't forget about the quarterback. 550 00:29:00,240 --> 00:29:03,080 Speaker 1: This week's a luxury. Last week I was okay with it. 551 00:29:03,280 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 1: This week, I'm like, you know what, I keep him 552 00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:07,080 Speaker 1: in a bubble. Yeah, keep him in a bubble. Sorry, 553 00:29:07,120 --> 00:29:10,680 Speaker 1: That's that's who he is. That's this week to week league. 554 00:29:10,800 --> 00:29:12,920 Speaker 1: I know. That's what makes him so dynamic in the 555 00:29:12,960 --> 00:29:17,760 Speaker 1: open field, you know, intangible. This team plays a lot 556 00:29:17,800 --> 00:29:20,160 Speaker 1: better when they win the turnover battle. And you could 557 00:29:20,160 --> 00:29:22,200 Speaker 1: say that with every team, but sometimes we finally turn 558 00:29:22,280 --> 00:29:24,360 Speaker 1: it over one time and then you get down the 559 00:29:24,360 --> 00:29:26,960 Speaker 1: time of possession. But I think winning the turnover bat 560 00:29:27,000 --> 00:29:29,120 Speaker 1: it doesn't have to be plus three. It just went 561 00:29:29,280 --> 00:29:32,080 Speaker 1: don't don't let them win the turnover battle where they're 562 00:29:32,080 --> 00:29:33,720 Speaker 1: gonna get short fields and they're gonna be able to 563 00:29:33,760 --> 00:29:36,720 Speaker 1: try to score. Um, so to me winning the turnover battle, 564 00:29:37,320 --> 00:29:39,120 Speaker 1: we'll go a long way. I got him not asking 565 00:29:39,160 --> 00:29:41,880 Speaker 1: for four or five turnovers. I think the defenses, you know, 566 00:29:41,960 --> 00:29:44,560 Speaker 1: they're due for a couple of picks here or at 567 00:29:44,640 --> 00:29:47,200 Speaker 1: least a force fumble. They got one last week. Obviously 568 00:29:47,240 --> 00:29:50,120 Speaker 1: a great play by Isaiah Simmons there and Buddha Baker 569 00:29:50,200 --> 00:29:52,440 Speaker 1: dropped the pick six. Um. I'm not going to question 570 00:29:52,520 --> 00:29:54,840 Speaker 1: him because he gets his hands around and he tackles 571 00:29:54,880 --> 00:29:57,280 Speaker 1: like a machine out there. But I think whin the 572 00:29:57,280 --> 00:29:59,760 Speaker 1: turnover battle again, he doesn't have to be overwhelming, but 573 00:29:59,840 --> 00:30:02,800 Speaker 1: just don't be minus when the game's over. Well, and 574 00:30:02,840 --> 00:30:05,440 Speaker 1: the Cardinals have been minus during this four game home 575 00:30:05,520 --> 00:30:09,840 Speaker 1: losing streak seven turnovers to two takeaways and the last 576 00:30:09,880 --> 00:30:13,760 Speaker 1: four home games and overall on the road, Cardinals are 577 00:30:13,760 --> 00:30:18,640 Speaker 1: plus eighteen at home minus seven. Go figure. And you 578 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:21,600 Speaker 1: know again, Seattle has a lot of transplants out here. 579 00:30:21,640 --> 00:30:24,800 Speaker 1: I don't know, because their season's kind of over, even 580 00:30:24,840 --> 00:30:29,000 Speaker 1: though they're treating us like a super Bowl. According to Kingsbury, 581 00:30:29,480 --> 00:30:31,440 Speaker 1: you just don't want them to let the hang around. 582 00:30:31,680 --> 00:30:35,200 Speaker 1: And you know, I was listening to an interview yesterday 583 00:30:35,240 --> 00:30:38,560 Speaker 1: and Burns and Gambo. They had a gentleman from the 584 00:30:38,600 --> 00:30:41,360 Speaker 1: athletic and he does a really good job, and he 585 00:30:41,800 --> 00:30:43,720 Speaker 1: said that a lot of these guys are treating like 586 00:30:43,760 --> 00:30:46,360 Speaker 1: a preseason game. Standpoint of they have a ton of 587 00:30:46,400 --> 00:30:50,280 Speaker 1: free agents and you're not only showcasing your talents to 588 00:30:50,400 --> 00:30:53,600 Speaker 1: resign there. We know our scouts go to every single game. 589 00:30:53,640 --> 00:30:56,640 Speaker 1: There's thirty one other teams because they're out of it. Now. 590 00:30:56,680 --> 00:30:58,720 Speaker 1: I'm not saying they're gonna freelance, They're not treating like 591 00:30:58,760 --> 00:31:01,080 Speaker 1: a preseat, but he said a lot of guys know 592 00:31:01,240 --> 00:31:03,480 Speaker 1: that they may not be back in Seattle. And you 593 00:31:03,520 --> 00:31:05,360 Speaker 1: can say the same one thing with the Cardinals, but 594 00:31:05,440 --> 00:31:08,000 Speaker 1: they have another game. This is it. I mean, they 595 00:31:08,080 --> 00:31:11,880 Speaker 1: got a lot of free agents, and so he was saying, like, yes, 596 00:31:11,920 --> 00:31:14,360 Speaker 1: they're gonna treat this like a normal game. They're gonna 597 00:31:14,360 --> 00:31:15,720 Speaker 1: try to win it. But he said a lot of 598 00:31:15,760 --> 00:31:18,680 Speaker 1: guys there are playing for their futures and it may 599 00:31:18,720 --> 00:31:20,960 Speaker 1: not be in Seattle, it could be on another team. 600 00:31:21,280 --> 00:31:24,120 Speaker 1: Be interesting to see what happens if the Cardinals do 601 00:31:24,240 --> 00:31:27,280 Speaker 1: get off to a lead early and make it maybe 602 00:31:27,440 --> 00:31:31,479 Speaker 1: fourteen seventeen points, how do the Seahawks respond. Do they 603 00:31:31,520 --> 00:31:33,200 Speaker 1: pack it up and just say, all right, we're done, 604 00:31:33,640 --> 00:31:36,640 Speaker 1: and then the Cardinals can react accordingly, because then all 605 00:31:36,640 --> 00:31:39,240 Speaker 1: of a sudden you can start pulling your own starters 606 00:31:39,280 --> 00:31:40,800 Speaker 1: in the second half. But I still think we got 607 00:31:40,880 --> 00:31:42,680 Speaker 1: to wait to see what's going on in I get 608 00:31:42,680 --> 00:31:45,600 Speaker 1: you fourteen seventeen point lead, that's three possessions late in 609 00:31:45,640 --> 00:31:48,520 Speaker 1: the third fourth quarter, then you can start we've got 610 00:31:48,560 --> 00:31:52,360 Speaker 1: this game. Now, we're good. Now again you bring up 611 00:31:52,400 --> 00:31:55,280 Speaker 1: the other X factor and this week eighteen game, and 612 00:31:55,280 --> 00:31:57,360 Speaker 1: that's what's going to be happening at the same time 613 00:31:57,720 --> 00:32:01,840 Speaker 1: in Los Angeles Rams in forty nine. And regardless of 614 00:32:01,880 --> 00:32:05,240 Speaker 1: what Kingsbury says, he might not be paying attention, but 615 00:32:05,400 --> 00:32:08,720 Speaker 1: I guarantee you there is someone in that booth upstairs 616 00:32:08,720 --> 00:32:10,400 Speaker 1: that is going to be monitoring that game or at 617 00:32:10,440 --> 00:32:14,040 Speaker 1: least occasionally checking maybe not the TV, but at least 618 00:32:14,080 --> 00:32:16,720 Speaker 1: the scoreboard. All right, well it's ten nothing now in 619 00:32:16,760 --> 00:32:18,520 Speaker 1: the second quarter. It might not even say anything to 620 00:32:18,600 --> 00:32:21,520 Speaker 1: Kingsbury until the second half, but it is going to 621 00:32:21,600 --> 00:32:23,960 Speaker 1: factory and depending on how that game turns out, what 622 00:32:24,040 --> 00:32:26,480 Speaker 1: the Cardinals do. Yeah, they don't live in a vacuum. 623 00:32:26,560 --> 00:32:28,400 Speaker 1: So I gotta think when they go back to halftimes, 624 00:32:28,760 --> 00:32:31,760 Speaker 1: even if it's hey, they're winning by a touchdown. I mean, 625 00:32:31,960 --> 00:32:35,040 Speaker 1: just again, they don't want to know because you've gotta 626 00:32:35,040 --> 00:32:38,280 Speaker 1: beat the Seahawks first. But I would think at halftime 627 00:32:38,320 --> 00:32:40,640 Speaker 1: and then eventually you're going to see scores on the 628 00:32:41,160 --> 00:32:43,920 Speaker 1: on the JumboTron, probably more of the early games and 629 00:32:43,960 --> 00:32:45,520 Speaker 1: then you'll get a little bit of taste of the 630 00:32:45,600 --> 00:32:48,800 Speaker 1: late game. So, now this is interesting. Seattle's record in 631 00:32:48,880 --> 00:32:52,720 Speaker 1: games decided by seven points or less twenty nineteen, twenty, 632 00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:57,080 Speaker 1: twenty sixteen and five. Good teams find ways to win. 633 00:32:58,160 --> 00:33:00,960 Speaker 1: Seattle's record in games decided by seven point of Leicestershire 634 00:33:01,200 --> 00:33:04,680 Speaker 1: one in five, one in five. So that's been the 635 00:33:04,720 --> 00:33:08,400 Speaker 1: difference when they can win close games. This year they 636 00:33:08,440 --> 00:33:10,000 Speaker 1: haven't been able to do that, and maybe that was 637 00:33:10,080 --> 00:33:12,480 Speaker 1: more in the beginning of the first half of the 638 00:33:12,520 --> 00:33:15,560 Speaker 1: season compared again the last five games or three and two, 639 00:33:15,800 --> 00:33:18,000 Speaker 1: and they running the wall well. But that's been the 640 00:33:18,080 --> 00:33:21,240 Speaker 1: biggest difference because when you have a guy like Russell 641 00:33:21,240 --> 00:33:23,280 Speaker 1: Wilson and when they had that defense over the last 642 00:33:23,280 --> 00:33:24,880 Speaker 1: two year. They were twelve and four last year, So 643 00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:27,000 Speaker 1: it's not like I'm just pulling these stats out of 644 00:33:27,040 --> 00:33:30,080 Speaker 1: left field. Sixteen and five verses one in five Big Difference. 645 00:33:30,320 --> 00:33:33,239 Speaker 1: Cardinals Cover two presented by Hunday Proud partner of the 646 00:33:33,280 --> 00:33:37,320 Speaker 1: Arizona Cardinals. Again, it is Week eighteen Cardinals, so it's 647 00:33:37,360 --> 00:33:41,080 Speaker 1: the Seahawks. Two twenty five is the kickoff nine thirty am. 648 00:33:41,120 --> 00:33:44,240 Speaker 1: Pre game coverage begins on the Arizona Cardinals Radio network. 649 00:33:44,480 --> 00:33:46,440 Speaker 1: And I do need to make a correction to something 650 00:33:46,480 --> 00:33:49,080 Speaker 1: that I said this week and might have said maybe 651 00:33:49,120 --> 00:33:52,720 Speaker 1: a couple of times. This is not I repeat, this 652 00:33:52,840 --> 00:33:57,240 Speaker 1: is not the first ever scheduled Week eighteen in the 653 00:33:57,320 --> 00:34:01,880 Speaker 1: National Football League because of two not because of two 654 00:34:01,920 --> 00:34:03,840 Speaker 1: thousand and one and nine to eleven that was not 655 00:34:04,040 --> 00:34:07,240 Speaker 1: scheduled before the season began that turned into a Week 656 00:34:07,320 --> 00:34:11,200 Speaker 1: eighteen because of what happened on nine to eleven flashback 657 00:34:11,280 --> 00:34:16,720 Speaker 1: nineteen ninety three. The league scheduled sixteen games over eighteen weeks, 658 00:34:17,120 --> 00:34:20,120 Speaker 1: giving every team to buy weeks. And the only reason 659 00:34:20,160 --> 00:34:23,359 Speaker 1: I know that ESPN's Bill Barnwell I heard him mention 660 00:34:23,440 --> 00:34:26,640 Speaker 1: that earlier on Friday so this is not the first ever. 661 00:34:26,760 --> 00:34:29,680 Speaker 1: It's the first ever seventeen games, but not the first 662 00:34:29,719 --> 00:34:33,560 Speaker 1: ever week eighteen. Details. Yes, I'm all about the details. 663 00:34:33,600 --> 00:34:36,759 Speaker 1: I want to read a couple of things. First from 664 00:34:36,800 --> 00:34:42,200 Speaker 1: Devin mccordy. Now, they're they're competing with Buffalo possibly for 665 00:34:42,320 --> 00:34:46,799 Speaker 1: the division. Depending on some help Tennessee loses, they can 666 00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:49,080 Speaker 1: be a number one seed. I think this is very 667 00:34:49,239 --> 00:34:51,960 Speaker 1: ring says, Now, we're at the point if you don't 668 00:34:51,960 --> 00:34:55,439 Speaker 1: prepare well and it doesn't go well, that's it. That's 669 00:34:55,440 --> 00:34:57,680 Speaker 1: the end of your season. We have an opportunity right 670 00:34:57,680 --> 00:35:00,279 Speaker 1: now this week to start the mentality. So and we 671 00:35:00,360 --> 00:35:03,160 Speaker 1: get into the playoffs, we know what it feels like. 672 00:35:03,360 --> 00:35:05,800 Speaker 1: That's got to be the mentality unquote. That's got to 673 00:35:05,840 --> 00:35:08,719 Speaker 1: be the mentality of this team. Mike McCarthy, we need 674 00:35:08,760 --> 00:35:11,040 Speaker 1: to stay in rhythm. This is our first time in 675 00:35:11,080 --> 00:35:14,120 Speaker 1: the playoffs together. We need to go in there as 676 00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:19,080 Speaker 1: strong as possible with momentum and play style. Because again, 677 00:35:19,120 --> 00:35:21,759 Speaker 1: the Cowboys didn't make the playoffs, so this is the 678 00:35:21,840 --> 00:35:24,600 Speaker 1: first year this team was going to be in the playoffs. 679 00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:27,120 Speaker 1: So I thought those are two important quotes from from 680 00:35:27,120 --> 00:35:29,120 Speaker 1: a guy that's been in the playoffs. And a guy 681 00:35:29,120 --> 00:35:32,080 Speaker 1: that wanted in Green Bay to saying, even though it's 682 00:35:32,080 --> 00:35:35,479 Speaker 1: the last game, next time you step on the field 683 00:35:35,520 --> 00:35:38,880 Speaker 1: after this, it's one or go home. So the mentality 684 00:35:38,960 --> 00:35:41,640 Speaker 1: should be treat this like a playoff game. I know 685 00:35:41,760 --> 00:35:43,520 Speaker 1: that you're not going to go all up. I'm sure 686 00:35:43,600 --> 00:35:46,600 Speaker 1: cleans very saving stuff for that first opponent. But I'm 687 00:35:46,640 --> 00:35:48,640 Speaker 1: just saying I thought those were interesting quotes to where 688 00:35:49,000 --> 00:35:51,000 Speaker 1: you have a you have a warm up game, so 689 00:35:51,080 --> 00:35:54,120 Speaker 1: to speak, even though it counts. Get the mentality now 690 00:35:54,400 --> 00:35:56,960 Speaker 1: because you don't want to hit that that you know, 691 00:35:57,480 --> 00:36:00,440 Speaker 1: fuck that switch just because it's the playoffs. Do it now. 692 00:36:00,920 --> 00:36:04,360 Speaker 1: I hope and I feel, but I don't know for 693 00:36:04,520 --> 00:36:08,520 Speaker 1: certain that that was the mentality spoken of. Going into 694 00:36:08,520 --> 00:36:14,600 Speaker 1: the Cowboys game last week, everyone acknowledged that playoff type atmosphere. 695 00:36:14,680 --> 00:36:18,759 Speaker 1: Another good opponent. We're on the downward spiral, if you will. 696 00:36:18,800 --> 00:36:21,640 Speaker 1: We need to get ourselves lifted up. So if they 697 00:36:21,880 --> 00:36:25,680 Speaker 1: take that mentality from a week ago into this week, yeah, 698 00:36:25,760 --> 00:36:28,880 Speaker 1: you go in winning two in a row, positive momentum, 699 00:36:28,880 --> 00:36:32,279 Speaker 1: it's feeling good. You've got twelve wins, regardless of what 700 00:36:32,320 --> 00:36:34,440 Speaker 1: happens between the Rams and forty nine ers. If you 701 00:36:34,440 --> 00:36:37,840 Speaker 1: have to travel that first wild card weekend. Fine, but 702 00:36:37,920 --> 00:36:41,319 Speaker 1: at least you're feeling good about themselves. And as we've 703 00:36:41,360 --> 00:36:46,360 Speaker 1: talked about, you can't flip the switch. It's impossible. Historically, 704 00:36:46,719 --> 00:36:49,719 Speaker 1: super Bowl winning teams do not flip the switch. The 705 00:36:49,800 --> 00:36:52,399 Speaker 1: last team to go in losing four out of five 706 00:36:52,840 --> 00:36:56,680 Speaker 1: the Baltimore Ravens when they won the Super Bowl way back. Win. Yeah, 707 00:36:56,719 --> 00:36:59,080 Speaker 1: you're playing with fire. It's you just can't flick it 708 00:36:59,480 --> 00:37:03,880 Speaker 1: fift So I agree with you, and you know, this 709 00:37:04,040 --> 00:37:06,280 Speaker 1: team win the twelve games and they win the division. 710 00:37:07,360 --> 00:37:08,960 Speaker 1: Really not going to be talking about a three game 711 00:37:09,040 --> 00:37:12,600 Speaker 1: losing streak, even though the goal was not only to 712 00:37:12,600 --> 00:37:15,120 Speaker 1: win the Vision when they were ten and two, is 713 00:37:15,120 --> 00:37:18,239 Speaker 1: to have a higher seating and obviously you know right 714 00:37:18,280 --> 00:37:20,080 Speaker 1: now on green base in the driver's seat there. So 715 00:37:21,280 --> 00:37:23,279 Speaker 1: and the last thing they wanted to do is limp 716 00:37:23,320 --> 00:37:25,520 Speaker 1: into the playoffs. It would it would have been bad 717 00:37:25,560 --> 00:37:27,719 Speaker 1: if they went into a five game losing streat because 718 00:37:27,760 --> 00:37:31,279 Speaker 1: then you know, the national media is just waiting for 719 00:37:31,280 --> 00:37:34,239 Speaker 1: the shooter drop, and that's not the case. So this 720 00:37:34,280 --> 00:37:37,680 Speaker 1: is this is an important game just from a mental standpoint, 721 00:37:37,920 --> 00:37:40,839 Speaker 1: because the next time you play it gets ratcheted up 722 00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:46,239 Speaker 1: even tenfold. And this Cardinals team does have playoff experience. 723 00:37:46,320 --> 00:37:49,520 Speaker 1: It's limited, but there are eighteen players on the active 724 00:37:49,640 --> 00:37:52,439 Speaker 1: roster who have appeared in at least one playoff game. 725 00:37:52,920 --> 00:37:56,480 Speaker 1: Chris Banjo, Chandler Jones each nine games. Chandler Jones won 726 00:37:56,480 --> 00:37:59,760 Speaker 1: a Super Bowl, Aaron Brewer, Andy Lee, Matt Prader eight games, 727 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:03,799 Speaker 1: Zach Ertz Demtres Harris seven games each, and this little 728 00:38:03,880 --> 00:38:07,800 Speaker 1: nugget again, stat Whiz Mike Hem Marcus Golden, DJ Humphries, 729 00:38:07,840 --> 00:38:11,080 Speaker 1: Corey Peters the only players on the current roster that 730 00:38:11,120 --> 00:38:13,400 Speaker 1: were with the Cardinals when they last made the playoffs 731 00:38:13,520 --> 00:38:16,640 Speaker 1: in twenty fifteen, and Humphries did not see a single 732 00:38:16,719 --> 00:38:20,120 Speaker 1: snap that season. It was interesting listening to Corey Peters 733 00:38:20,120 --> 00:38:22,760 Speaker 1: because he was he grew up, he went to Kentucky 734 00:38:22,760 --> 00:38:25,160 Speaker 1: and then he got drafted by the Falcons in the 735 00:38:25,200 --> 00:38:27,920 Speaker 1: first year. First three seasons they made the playoffs, made 736 00:38:27,920 --> 00:38:30,920 Speaker 1: the playoffs, and Ken Summers had a great question, you know, 737 00:38:31,040 --> 00:38:33,319 Speaker 1: he thought it would be easy, you know, and then 738 00:38:33,480 --> 00:38:36,000 Speaker 1: all of a sudden, there's no guarantees. And I like 739 00:38:36,080 --> 00:38:38,080 Speaker 1: what these guys have been saying over the last couple weeks. 740 00:38:38,320 --> 00:38:40,960 Speaker 1: The veterans to the young guys because they they're thinking, oh, 741 00:38:41,000 --> 00:38:43,839 Speaker 1: this is gonna happen every year. Listen, this team will 742 00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:48,240 Speaker 1: not look the same next season, and no team brings 743 00:38:48,239 --> 00:38:51,440 Speaker 1: back the same players free agency drafts. They're always trying to, 744 00:38:51,680 --> 00:38:54,359 Speaker 1: you know, update the rosters. So this is the group 745 00:38:54,480 --> 00:38:56,680 Speaker 1: right now, and this is the group they're going in with, 746 00:38:56,760 --> 00:39:01,600 Speaker 1: so you know, focus on because there's no guarantees, you 747 00:39:01,640 --> 00:39:03,440 Speaker 1: know worthy some of these guys are going to be 748 00:39:03,480 --> 00:39:06,760 Speaker 1: next year. Cardinals Cover two presented by Hunday, proud partner 749 00:39:06,920 --> 00:39:10,560 Speaker 1: of the Arizona Cardinals. Let's go through it one more time, MJA. 750 00:39:10,640 --> 00:39:14,160 Speaker 1: We did it on Wednesday. The nine different playoffs scenarios 751 00:39:14,400 --> 00:39:17,200 Speaker 1: and where you Bird Gang need to be paying attention 752 00:39:17,280 --> 00:39:21,920 Speaker 1: to on Saturday and Sunday. Yes, there's two games on Saturday, 753 00:39:21,960 --> 00:39:25,080 Speaker 1: one involving the Cowboys, which does factor in to some 754 00:39:25,120 --> 00:39:31,200 Speaker 1: of these scenarios. The least likely scenario Cardinals win, forty 755 00:39:31,280 --> 00:39:35,080 Speaker 1: nine Ers win, and the Panthers upset the Buccaneers on 756 00:39:35,120 --> 00:39:38,520 Speaker 1: the road. If those three things happen, then the Cardinals 757 00:39:38,719 --> 00:39:41,799 Speaker 1: win the NFC West. They are two seed, so now 758 00:39:41,800 --> 00:39:45,160 Speaker 1: you avoid the Green Bay Packers until the conference championship 759 00:39:45,400 --> 00:39:48,920 Speaker 1: and you'd host the Eagles on wild Card weekend. I 760 00:39:49,000 --> 00:39:52,239 Speaker 1: say least likely because I'm not too confident in the 761 00:39:52,280 --> 00:39:55,719 Speaker 1: Panther's ability to win at Tampa Bay. That's just me. Yeah, 762 00:39:55,760 --> 00:39:59,319 Speaker 1: even though they got distractions, you know, they don't want 763 00:39:59,320 --> 00:40:01,640 Speaker 1: to drop in the eatings. I mean, I think Dallas 764 00:40:01,760 --> 00:40:04,359 Speaker 1: is hoping to win and somebody else loses above them 765 00:40:04,400 --> 00:40:08,240 Speaker 1: so they can jump up. Yeah. Ok, they say dreaming 766 00:40:08,360 --> 00:40:11,800 Speaker 1: is free. It'd be awesome, you know, being a two seed, 767 00:40:11,880 --> 00:40:14,600 Speaker 1: But at this point in time, more realistically, win the 768 00:40:14,600 --> 00:40:16,719 Speaker 1: division if you can. If not, you're not going to 769 00:40:16,800 --> 00:40:18,880 Speaker 1: drop further than a five seed. The other way for 770 00:40:18,960 --> 00:40:22,560 Speaker 1: this team to win the division and host a playoff 771 00:40:22,680 --> 00:40:25,440 Speaker 1: game is if the Cardinals win, forty nine Ers win, 772 00:40:25,520 --> 00:40:27,880 Speaker 1: and the Buccaneers win, then all of a sudden you 773 00:40:27,920 --> 00:40:30,319 Speaker 1: are a three seed and he'd host the forty nine 774 00:40:30,360 --> 00:40:33,720 Speaker 1: Ers for a third time this season. Always difficult facing 775 00:40:33,719 --> 00:40:37,000 Speaker 1: the team three times in a row. But Jimmy Garoppolo 776 00:40:37,239 --> 00:40:40,080 Speaker 1: Trey Lance, who's the quarterback, is going to be both, 777 00:40:40,840 --> 00:40:44,600 Speaker 1: so I'd be okay with that scenario. But again, most 778 00:40:44,760 --> 00:40:47,400 Speaker 1: have the Cardinals on the road as the five seed, 779 00:40:47,440 --> 00:40:50,600 Speaker 1: either in La Tampa Bay or Dallas. The latter is 780 00:40:50,640 --> 00:40:54,000 Speaker 1: the most likely, but you'd play the Rams. If the Seahawks, 781 00:40:54,200 --> 00:40:57,839 Speaker 1: forty nine Ers, Cowboys, and Buccaneers all win, you'd play 782 00:40:57,880 --> 00:41:00,880 Speaker 1: the Buccaneers, which I want no part of in the 783 00:41:00,920 --> 00:41:04,080 Speaker 1: first round. If the Seahawks, forty nine Ers, Cowboys, and 784 00:41:04,239 --> 00:41:07,880 Speaker 1: Panthers all win again, I don't see that happening because 785 00:41:08,280 --> 00:41:11,200 Speaker 1: I don't see the Seahawks, forty nine Ers, and Panthers 786 00:41:11,239 --> 00:41:13,440 Speaker 1: all winning. I do see the Cowboys winning, but I 787 00:41:13,440 --> 00:41:16,480 Speaker 1: don't see Seahawks, forty nine Ers, and Panthers winning this well. 788 00:41:16,520 --> 00:41:19,560 Speaker 1: I hope the Seahawks don't win, but I do see 789 00:41:19,600 --> 00:41:22,080 Speaker 1: the Niners possibly beating the Rams. Oh, I do too. 790 00:41:22,520 --> 00:41:25,319 Speaker 1: I mean they've won one one, they need it, yes, 791 00:41:25,440 --> 00:41:27,759 Speaker 1: winning their end otherwise they can back in. If the 792 00:41:27,800 --> 00:41:31,799 Speaker 1: Saints lose at the Falcons, Yes, and I think it 793 00:41:31,920 --> 00:41:34,000 Speaker 1: was George Kittle came out and said today it's gonna 794 00:41:34,040 --> 00:41:37,319 Speaker 1: be a blood bath. He said, he said they're gonna 795 00:41:37,320 --> 00:41:40,160 Speaker 1: be I think you said, are gonna be bodybags out there. Now. 796 00:41:40,160 --> 00:41:43,600 Speaker 1: It's probably extreme, but they don't like each other. They 797 00:41:43,680 --> 00:41:48,040 Speaker 1: know what's at stake. So let's go Niners. Absolutely. I 798 00:41:48,360 --> 00:41:52,000 Speaker 1: tip my cap to Kyle Shanahan and company. Start whichever 799 00:41:52,080 --> 00:41:55,080 Speaker 1: quarterback you believe is capable of winning on that day. 800 00:41:55,120 --> 00:41:57,640 Speaker 1: Maybe you play both of them. Heck, maybe even him 801 00:41:57,840 --> 00:42:00,520 Speaker 1: both on the field at the same time. The word 802 00:42:00,640 --> 00:42:04,560 Speaker 1: is they're both gonna play. And that again, that has 803 00:42:04,560 --> 00:42:06,960 Speaker 1: to you know Raheem Morris is now they know what 804 00:42:07,040 --> 00:42:10,040 Speaker 1: Jimmy can do. And this is this is Kittle on 805 00:42:10,160 --> 00:42:12,960 Speaker 1: the importance of being the more physical team Sunday against him. 806 00:42:13,000 --> 00:42:16,120 Speaker 1: I think it's gonna be. I think I think it's 807 00:42:16,160 --> 00:42:19,120 Speaker 1: going to be definitely show up this Sunday who's the 808 00:42:19,160 --> 00:42:21,839 Speaker 1: more physical team. It's going to be kind of like 809 00:42:21,880 --> 00:42:27,120 Speaker 1: a body bad game in my opinion, Une body bad game. Okay, 810 00:42:27,360 --> 00:42:33,120 Speaker 1: that's a description I've not heard before. Last Man Standing Craig. Yeah, 811 00:42:33,239 --> 00:42:38,879 Speaker 1: that's wow. That's okay. I'm trying to visualize that. But hey, 812 00:42:39,040 --> 00:42:42,040 Speaker 1: you're getting the right mindset. And again, once you step 813 00:42:42,080 --> 00:42:45,040 Speaker 1: between the white lines, it's all about trying to win 814 00:42:45,120 --> 00:42:49,160 Speaker 1: regardless of you know what what you might feel about 815 00:42:49,200 --> 00:42:52,080 Speaker 1: that player, that person after the game is Overwa okay, 816 00:42:52,120 --> 00:42:54,040 Speaker 1: So let's go on the other side. So Aaron Donald 817 00:42:54,160 --> 00:43:00,520 Speaker 1: was asked about Deebo Samuel that he goes who Okay, 818 00:43:01,600 --> 00:43:04,040 Speaker 1: although to be fair, Debo hasn't been in the league 819 00:43:04,040 --> 00:43:06,640 Speaker 1: as long as Aaron Donald No, but he was the 820 00:43:06,680 --> 00:43:09,600 Speaker 1: reporter city Who's having a little fun where body bag 821 00:43:09,840 --> 00:43:15,080 Speaker 1: versus who it should be fun again? The final weekend 822 00:43:15,160 --> 00:43:19,040 Speaker 1: decide final three playoff verse one spot in the NFC 823 00:43:19,280 --> 00:43:22,080 Speaker 1: between two teams forty nine, Ers and Saints. Two spots 824 00:43:22,120 --> 00:43:26,160 Speaker 1: in the AFC between five teams Colts, Chargers, Raiders, Steelers, 825 00:43:26,200 --> 00:43:29,360 Speaker 1: and Ravens, and four teams in the AFC with a 826 00:43:29,440 --> 00:43:33,520 Speaker 1: chance at the number one seed Bengals, Chiefs, Patriots, and Titans. 827 00:43:33,600 --> 00:43:36,040 Speaker 1: I don't think the NFL could have drawn this up 828 00:43:36,080 --> 00:43:39,560 Speaker 1: any better when they set this schedule way back when 829 00:43:39,800 --> 00:43:43,280 Speaker 1: in the month of May eighteen, teams are still in contention. 830 00:43:44,680 --> 00:43:49,240 Speaker 1: Now obviously there's four teams only make it, but based 831 00:43:49,239 --> 00:43:52,640 Speaker 1: on tiebreakers if this team wins again. Right now, there's 832 00:43:52,640 --> 00:43:55,759 Speaker 1: a handful of teams that have already qualified for the postseason, 833 00:43:55,920 --> 00:43:58,200 Speaker 1: including more in the NFC than the AFC. Right now, 834 00:43:58,280 --> 00:44:01,000 Speaker 1: so you're ready, I'm ready, all right. Week eighteen to 835 00:44:01,239 --> 00:44:04,200 Speaker 1: twenty five is the kickoff from State Farm Stadium nine 836 00:44:04,320 --> 00:44:08,520 Speaker 1: thirty am. Pregame coverage begins. Cardinals and Seahawks try to 837 00:44:08,520 --> 00:44:12,360 Speaker 1: sweep the Seahawks for the first time in a very 838 00:44:12,480 --> 00:44:16,280 Speaker 1: very long time. Has not been done since two thousand 839 00:44:16,320 --> 00:44:19,399 Speaker 1: and nine. Has never been done with Russell Wilson as 840 00:44:19,480 --> 00:44:23,279 Speaker 1: your starting quarterback for Seattle. And does this mean the end? 841 00:44:23,920 --> 00:44:27,239 Speaker 1: Mister Russell Wilson his first game with the Seahawks at 842 00:44:27,239 --> 00:44:30,880 Speaker 1: State Farm Stadium, potentially his last game with the Seattle 843 00:44:30,920 --> 00:44:35,360 Speaker 1: Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Will wait and see come Sunday. 844 00:44:35,719 --> 00:44:37,880 Speaker 1: And on that note, we will put a lid on 845 00:44:37,920 --> 00:44:40,800 Speaker 1: this edition of Cardinals Cover two presented by Hunday probably 846 00:44:40,840 --> 00:44:44,040 Speaker 1: partner of the Arizona Cardinals, has always special thanks to 847 00:44:44,080 --> 00:44:47,359 Speaker 1: our executive producer Jim Alma hundred for Mike Drecky. I'm 848 00:44:47,360 --> 00:44:49,520 Speaker 1: craig Riel Loup. We'll talk to you next time you're 849 00:44:49,600 --> 00:44:50,879 Speaker 1: on Cardinals Cover two.