1 00:00:02,920 --> 00:00:04,960 Speaker 1: According to many of they are the team to beat 2 00:00:05,040 --> 00:00:08,320 Speaker 1: in the NFC West. Welcome Bird Gang. On today's show, 3 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:11,280 Speaker 1: we start our division previews. What's been going on within 4 00:00:11,320 --> 00:00:13,720 Speaker 1: the division the last few months. We start with the 5 00:00:13,720 --> 00:00:16,840 Speaker 1: forty nine Ers. Lindsay Plaris joins me. She covers the 6 00:00:16,840 --> 00:00:20,160 Speaker 1: forty nine ers back to back NFC West champs. Question 7 00:00:20,360 --> 00:00:24,239 Speaker 1: is can they threepeat? The roster on paper is loaded 8 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:28,360 Speaker 1: once again. It's Cardinals Cover two, Episode seven sixty seven 9 00:00:28,680 --> 00:00:30,040 Speaker 1: and it starts now. 10 00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:34,920 Speaker 2: Welcome to Cardinals Cover two. 11 00:00:35,080 --> 00:00:39,519 Speaker 1: Wona Baker, What Heart? What rent? This guy's unbelievable. 12 00:00:39,680 --> 00:00:44,000 Speaker 2: Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of 13 00:00:44,040 --> 00:00:50,080 Speaker 2: the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals 14 00:00:50,080 --> 00:00:51,800 Speaker 2: dot com slash podcast. 15 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:54,280 Speaker 1: He's at the ten half of five. He's it again, 16 00:00:54,760 --> 00:00:56,920 Speaker 1: so more hurry magic. 17 00:00:56,640 --> 00:00:59,200 Speaker 2: Whow Here's Craigcriolo. 18 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: I hope everyone had a great weekend. So we've reached 19 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:09,560 Speaker 1: the point in the off season here where things are 20 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:13,080 Speaker 1: very quiet around the office. Most everyone is taking some 21 00:01:13,200 --> 00:01:17,080 Speaker 1: much deserved time away here on Cardinals Cover two, presented 22 00:01:17,080 --> 00:01:20,000 Speaker 1: by a Hyundai, proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals. We're 23 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:22,039 Speaker 1: gonna use this time in the next couple of weeks 24 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:24,640 Speaker 1: to talk about the NFC West, And when you talk 25 00:01:24,680 --> 00:01:27,440 Speaker 1: about the division, you've got to start at the top 26 00:01:27,560 --> 00:01:29,959 Speaker 1: with the San Francisco forty nine Ers. I had the 27 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:33,440 Speaker 1: chance recently to catch up with Lindsay Plaire's team reporter 28 00:01:33,560 --> 00:01:36,080 Speaker 1: for forty nine ers dot Com, a voice that's been 29 00:01:36,160 --> 00:01:39,000 Speaker 1: heard here before. She does a great job covering the 30 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:42,480 Speaker 1: forty nine Ers. Our conversation with Lindsay began with the 31 00:01:42,520 --> 00:01:46,480 Speaker 1: off season and how it's been considering a much shorter 32 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:48,480 Speaker 1: off season coming off the Super Bowl. 33 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:53,000 Speaker 3: Yeah, if the lay off season got started very quickly, 34 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:57,600 Speaker 3: you know. Obviously the ofviuson workout program is largely voluntary, 35 00:01:57,720 --> 00:02:00,639 Speaker 3: but there has been a ton of person to taste 36 00:02:00,680 --> 00:02:03,640 Speaker 3: in from the roster, from veterans all the way down 37 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:06,320 Speaker 3: to the rookies once they were drafted and able to 38 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:10,160 Speaker 3: come into the building. So far, so good. There's been 39 00:02:10,200 --> 00:02:14,320 Speaker 3: a number of players recovering from surgery and season ending 40 00:02:14,400 --> 00:02:17,640 Speaker 3: injuries that have been you know, in the building, rehabbing, 41 00:02:18,200 --> 00:02:22,640 Speaker 3: working towards hopefully some training camp returns, but for the 42 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:26,520 Speaker 3: most part, just for the Niners as well as brought parties, 43 00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:31,040 Speaker 3: very first healthy off season since becoming the starter. Everyone's 44 00:02:31,160 --> 00:02:33,959 Speaker 3: very excited about that. He's been here pretty much from 45 00:02:34,040 --> 00:02:37,480 Speaker 3: the beginning of the off season workout program. So I think, 46 00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:40,880 Speaker 3: all in all of very very productive few months. 47 00:02:41,160 --> 00:02:45,000 Speaker 1: Let's go back to the Super Bowl and how have 48 00:02:45,160 --> 00:02:49,200 Speaker 1: you seen that game? That outcome set the stage for 49 00:02:49,320 --> 00:02:52,520 Speaker 1: what has happened in free agency, the draft, and then 50 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:55,440 Speaker 1: as you brought up player activity around the facility. 51 00:02:56,720 --> 00:03:00,280 Speaker 3: You know, I think there is a hunger that is 52 00:03:00,360 --> 00:03:04,200 Speaker 3: created or left over from, you know, getting to the 53 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:07,519 Speaker 3: Super Bowl and having the outcome obviously not be what 54 00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:11,840 Speaker 3: you wanted. I will say the forty nine ers veterans 55 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:15,320 Speaker 3: in particular, are always pretty all in on the off 56 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:19,520 Speaker 3: season workout programs. But you know, you hear you hear 57 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:22,880 Speaker 3: the leaders of the locker room, like all Pro Fred Warner, 58 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:27,680 Speaker 3: talking about like wanting to be here, continuing to work 59 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:31,440 Speaker 3: towards that goal. And I do think that that ultimate 60 00:03:31,520 --> 00:03:34,079 Speaker 3: goal is very much reflected in the moves that were 61 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:38,200 Speaker 3: made in free agency. I think, most notably the Niners 62 00:03:38,200 --> 00:03:41,480 Speaker 3: supposed to really revamp the defensive line. I think one 63 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:44,240 Speaker 3: person that really sticks out is the addition of Leonards Floyd, 64 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:47,840 Speaker 3: someone that is very proven in the league, has a 65 00:03:47,880 --> 00:03:52,160 Speaker 3: ton of experience, has not missed a game in six seasons, 66 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:56,160 Speaker 3: has compiled almost forty sacks over the last four and 67 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:58,880 Speaker 3: he was brought in to help bookend the d line 68 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:01,760 Speaker 3: along with Nick both who was the Defensive Player of 69 00:04:01,800 --> 00:04:05,400 Speaker 3: the Year two seasons ago. So there, you know, you 70 00:04:05,520 --> 00:04:08,640 Speaker 3: tour gross mass has also been added Jordan Elliott from 71 00:04:08,640 --> 00:04:12,280 Speaker 3: the Browns. Malie Collins was a trade from the Houston Texans. 72 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:16,000 Speaker 3: So there has been a really large investment in really 73 00:04:16,080 --> 00:04:19,599 Speaker 3: beefing up and you know, fortifying that front line. You 74 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:23,520 Speaker 3: can say the same about the back end of the defense. Cornerback, 75 00:04:23,680 --> 00:04:27,839 Speaker 3: defensive back in general has been a big, big focus 76 00:04:28,279 --> 00:04:31,280 Speaker 3: for the Niners. And then as well, with Dre Greenlaw 77 00:04:31,960 --> 00:04:34,200 Speaker 3: suffering that season ending injury in the second quarter of 78 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:37,520 Speaker 3: the Super Bowl, we saw the addition of Devondre Campbell 79 00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:40,960 Speaker 3: as Ezekiel Turner who was with the Cardinals last season. 80 00:04:41,880 --> 00:04:44,320 Speaker 3: And then on the offensive side of the ball, you know, 81 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:48,039 Speaker 3: we saw a draft pick, an offensive line draft pick. 82 00:04:48,120 --> 00:04:51,880 Speaker 3: We had Ricky piersall of the Niners first first round 83 00:04:51,920 --> 00:04:54,520 Speaker 3: pick in a little bit. So I think there's a 84 00:04:54,520 --> 00:04:56,839 Speaker 3: lot of excitement, a lot of hunger in the building, 85 00:04:57,960 --> 00:05:00,080 Speaker 3: and there's certainly a lot of new talent and new 86 00:05:00,160 --> 00:05:05,400 Speaker 3: faces brought in to hopefully work towards another incredibly successful season. 87 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:08,359 Speaker 1: Well, since you brought up the defense first, let's start 88 00:05:08,400 --> 00:05:11,520 Speaker 1: with that. And you brought up Nick Bosa, and I 89 00:05:11,560 --> 00:05:15,680 Speaker 1: found it interesting because he typically trains in Florida, but 90 00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:19,320 Speaker 1: he attended, if not all, most of the off season work. 91 00:05:19,440 --> 00:05:22,400 Speaker 1: How big of a deal was that for him? And 92 00:05:22,440 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 1: then just leading by example. 93 00:05:25,160 --> 00:05:26,719 Speaker 3: Yeah, you know, I think I want to echo what 94 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:29,320 Speaker 3: head coach Kyle Stanahan said. There's been a number of 95 00:05:29,360 --> 00:05:34,040 Speaker 3: reasons from you know, injury early in his career, towards 96 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:37,440 Speaker 3: CODE and then COVID and then you know, contract negotiations, 97 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:42,880 Speaker 3: number of reasons that Nick Bosa hasn't typically been a 98 00:05:42,880 --> 00:05:46,520 Speaker 3: at all of the off season programming. But yes, it 99 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:49,200 Speaker 3: has been a very positive and significant thing to have 100 00:05:49,279 --> 00:05:52,000 Speaker 3: him in the building. You know, he spoke about just 101 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:55,599 Speaker 3: the ability to get familiar with all of the new 102 00:05:55,680 --> 00:05:57,960 Speaker 3: faces on the defensive line. I think, especially in a 103 00:05:58,040 --> 00:05:59,920 Speaker 3: year like this, when you've got a lot of outside 104 00:06:00,040 --> 00:06:03,560 Speaker 3: talent coming in, it's always beneficial to get familiar to 105 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:06,200 Speaker 3: train with him. And I think one of the most 106 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:10,320 Speaker 3: valuable things that you see during these off season workouts 107 00:06:10,360 --> 00:06:14,159 Speaker 3: and also during mini camp is just that mentorship that 108 00:06:14,279 --> 00:06:18,120 Speaker 3: Nick Bosta provides. You always see him standing to the 109 00:06:18,120 --> 00:06:20,720 Speaker 3: side if he's not working on a drill immediately and 110 00:06:20,960 --> 00:06:25,360 Speaker 3: just talking with the players along the defensive line, offering tips. 111 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:27,560 Speaker 3: You see him kind of walking through drills, and that's 112 00:06:27,600 --> 00:06:29,960 Speaker 3: something that really can't be replaced if you're not in 113 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:30,440 Speaker 3: the building. 114 00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:34,120 Speaker 1: Nick Bosa on one side. Leonard Floyd, who had ten 115 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:36,600 Speaker 1: and a half sacks last season with the Bills. On 116 00:06:36,640 --> 00:06:39,640 Speaker 1: the other side, you guys did lose Eric Armstead and 117 00:06:39,720 --> 00:06:45,400 Speaker 1: Javon Kinlaw Drake Jackson underwent surgery on his squad. Where 118 00:06:45,400 --> 00:06:49,000 Speaker 1: does or how does Floyd really fit in with what 119 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:52,720 Speaker 1: defensively this team might want to do this season. 120 00:06:53,920 --> 00:06:55,720 Speaker 3: Yeah, you know, I think one of the things that 121 00:06:55,760 --> 00:06:58,839 Speaker 3: he has said a few times in your reviews is 122 00:06:58,880 --> 00:07:01,560 Speaker 3: that that really is goal style of play is something 123 00:07:01,600 --> 00:07:05,480 Speaker 3: that he was looking for. He's obviously very familiar with 124 00:07:05,520 --> 00:07:07,800 Speaker 3: the forty nine ers, this simply from playing in the 125 00:07:07,920 --> 00:07:11,280 Speaker 3: NFC West. He was obviously with the Rams prior to 126 00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:13,960 Speaker 3: the Bills and want to ring with the Rams, and 127 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:16,920 Speaker 3: I think he's just really excited to come into a 128 00:07:16,960 --> 00:07:19,400 Speaker 3: place where there's been a lot of success in the 129 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:23,560 Speaker 3: opportunity to compete and hopefully make a deep playoff run. 130 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:25,920 Speaker 3: He seems really excited to be here. And like I 131 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:28,240 Speaker 3: mentioned earlier, one of the things that I know the 132 00:07:28,240 --> 00:07:31,160 Speaker 3: forty nine ers really value has been his ability to 133 00:07:31,280 --> 00:07:34,640 Speaker 3: just stay healthy and be available. He hasn't missed a 134 00:07:34,680 --> 00:07:36,880 Speaker 3: game in the past six seasons, so I know that's 135 00:07:36,920 --> 00:07:40,480 Speaker 3: something that's super exciting for every NFL team. But he 136 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:43,520 Speaker 3: has also been a really strong presence here during the 137 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:46,720 Speaker 3: off season workout program. So I think he's fitting in great. 138 00:07:47,280 --> 00:07:50,360 Speaker 3: You know, he's given glowing reviews of Chris Kaserek, his 139 00:07:50,480 --> 00:07:53,560 Speaker 3: the defensive line coach here, loves the energy that's in 140 00:07:53,560 --> 00:07:55,440 Speaker 3: this building, So I think I think he's fitting in really, 141 00:07:55,480 --> 00:07:55,960 Speaker 3: really well. 142 00:07:56,120 --> 00:07:58,040 Speaker 1: You know, going back to the Super Bowl, it was 143 00:07:59,000 --> 00:08:03,280 Speaker 1: you know, watching from far as we were here in Arizona, 144 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:06,120 Speaker 1: and you know, whether you were rooting for or against 145 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:08,160 Speaker 1: the forty nine ers, do you want the division to 146 00:08:08,240 --> 00:08:10,600 Speaker 1: do well? Do you not want the division to do well? 147 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:15,480 Speaker 1: But the scene or the footage Drake Greenlaw on the 148 00:08:15,600 --> 00:08:19,000 Speaker 1: sidelines getting ready to come back into the game and 149 00:08:19,160 --> 00:08:23,480 Speaker 1: just collapsing tearing his achilles on the sideline. That was 150 00:08:23,560 --> 00:08:27,520 Speaker 1: heartbreaking to watch for any fan. His status and then 151 00:08:27,760 --> 00:08:30,720 Speaker 1: some of those other defensive players, the Javarius Ward to 152 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:35,040 Speaker 1: leon Noah Hufanga recovering from injuries. How what is their 153 00:08:35,080 --> 00:08:38,600 Speaker 1: status at least here in June before we get into 154 00:08:38,720 --> 00:08:39,360 Speaker 1: training camp. 155 00:08:40,280 --> 00:08:44,439 Speaker 3: Yeah, so obviously, as with any injury, timelines are subject 156 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:48,559 Speaker 3: to change, but the early reports were getting all I 157 00:08:48,640 --> 00:08:51,560 Speaker 3: would I would say they're all pretty positive. Like you mentioned, 158 00:08:51,600 --> 00:08:54,960 Speaker 3: Drake green Law, just a freak accident. He was running 159 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:57,120 Speaker 3: back on the field after a punt in the second 160 00:08:57,160 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 3: quarter of the Super Bowl, and yeah, toward the Kies. 161 00:09:01,520 --> 00:09:05,160 Speaker 3: You know, obviously Drake Greenlaw really competitive guy, very eager 162 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:07,280 Speaker 3: to come back, and you know, if he could be 163 00:09:07,360 --> 00:09:09,320 Speaker 3: back in time for Week one, he is going to 164 00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:11,800 Speaker 3: do everything in his power to do that. We did 165 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:14,880 Speaker 3: hear from general manager John Lynch that you know, he 166 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:19,760 Speaker 3: loves the enthusiasm. It is very possible that Dre Greenlaw 167 00:09:19,960 --> 00:09:23,240 Speaker 3: starts on the pup list, so that would disqualify him 168 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:26,120 Speaker 3: for if that does happen, would disqualify him from the 169 00:09:26,120 --> 00:09:29,800 Speaker 3: first four games of the season. That's kind of a 170 00:09:30,040 --> 00:09:33,120 Speaker 3: developing thing and only time will tell. But from what 171 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:36,280 Speaker 3: we hear, we have going well and you know he's 172 00:09:36,440 --> 00:09:38,680 Speaker 3: he's progressing at the rate that he needs to be. 173 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:42,560 Speaker 3: Teleno Hufanga we actually heard from for the first time 174 00:09:42,600 --> 00:09:46,080 Speaker 3: since he suffered his ACL injury and week eleven of 175 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:50,360 Speaker 3: the twenty twenty three season. He's also progressing very well. 176 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:54,400 Speaker 3: The hope with him is that he will be able 177 00:09:54,480 --> 00:09:58,400 Speaker 3: to start to trickle in during training camp practices. His 178 00:09:58,559 --> 00:10:01,200 Speaker 3: goal is to get back and time for week one, 179 00:10:01,880 --> 00:10:05,360 Speaker 3: for that home opener Monday Night football. We'll see. We're 180 00:10:05,440 --> 00:10:08,320 Speaker 3: keeping an eye on that injury. But he's been here. 181 00:10:08,720 --> 00:10:11,040 Speaker 3: He was here during mini camp and one thing he 182 00:10:11,120 --> 00:10:13,839 Speaker 3: has said is that he's really attacking the mental rep 183 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:16,320 Speaker 3: while he can't get the physical reps out on the 184 00:10:16,360 --> 00:10:21,680 Speaker 3: field with his team. Tarvarius Ward and George Kittle actually 185 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:25,920 Speaker 3: went through core muscle surgery I think a week apart 186 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:31,040 Speaker 3: from each other. They are both from there from their camps, 187 00:10:31,679 --> 00:10:34,440 Speaker 3: should be ready in time for the start of training camp. 188 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:37,280 Speaker 3: Both of them were here for Mini camp as well, 189 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:41,120 Speaker 3: just working on their rehab as well. I feel like 190 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:44,720 Speaker 3: we got a preview of tight End University just because 191 00:10:44,760 --> 00:10:47,679 Speaker 3: George Kittle was very much like helping coach up a 192 00:10:47,800 --> 00:10:49,920 Speaker 3: very young forty nine ers tight end room. 193 00:10:50,160 --> 00:10:52,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, one of those new faces in the tight end 194 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:56,280 Speaker 1: room is a former Cardinals draft pick, Logan Thomas, drafted 195 00:10:56,320 --> 00:10:58,720 Speaker 1: as a quarterback. And I'll say this, he's carved out 196 00:10:58,760 --> 00:11:01,719 Speaker 1: a nice career for him. So as a tied end. 197 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:04,760 Speaker 1: I know it's only been a couple of weeks, maybe 198 00:11:04,760 --> 00:11:08,360 Speaker 1: a couple of months, but Logan Thomas now alongside George 199 00:11:08,440 --> 00:11:12,080 Speaker 1: Kittle as a forty nine er, how is that perhaps 200 00:11:12,120 --> 00:11:12,680 Speaker 1: going to look? 201 00:11:13,880 --> 00:11:16,080 Speaker 3: Yeah, you know, I think for the forty nine ers, 202 00:11:16,120 --> 00:11:19,840 Speaker 3: like I mentioned, it is prior to the Logan Thomas addition, 203 00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:23,000 Speaker 3: it is a very young room, and so I do 204 00:11:23,040 --> 00:11:25,560 Speaker 3: think that they were looking to add some experience and 205 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:29,360 Speaker 3: some depth there. So he was here in time for 206 00:11:29,520 --> 00:11:32,440 Speaker 3: Mini caamp. I believe he only caught one practice, but 207 00:11:32,800 --> 00:11:35,520 Speaker 3: I think he does add that experience, you know, just 208 00:11:35,559 --> 00:11:38,560 Speaker 3: a little bit of this time in the league to 209 00:11:38,640 --> 00:11:42,920 Speaker 3: that room. You've got Braden Willis there. You've got just 210 00:11:43,080 --> 00:11:46,000 Speaker 3: younger and undrafted guys really filling up that room. So 211 00:11:46,120 --> 00:11:49,880 Speaker 3: now you've got, in addition to George Kittle, another another 212 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:52,680 Speaker 3: veteran there that can really help lead the group. And 213 00:11:52,920 --> 00:11:55,040 Speaker 3: like I said, George Kittle hoping to come back in 214 00:11:55,080 --> 00:11:56,880 Speaker 3: time for the start of training camp. So I think 215 00:11:56,880 --> 00:12:01,120 Speaker 3: you've got a good look at a potential and two 216 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:03,080 Speaker 3: on the depth start there with him added. 217 00:12:03,360 --> 00:12:05,240 Speaker 1: By the way, when we were talking defense, I failed 218 00:12:05,280 --> 00:12:08,160 Speaker 1: to bring up maybe what was the biggest news of 219 00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:10,640 Speaker 1: the offseason for the forty nine Ers, at least maybe 220 00:12:10,679 --> 00:12:14,520 Speaker 1: a surprise considering how well the defense played a year ago. 221 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:18,760 Speaker 1: But Steve Wilks fired, Nick Sorenson promoted the passing game 222 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:22,720 Speaker 1: specialists and Nickel cornerbacks coach. I'd ask about the change 223 00:12:22,720 --> 00:12:25,199 Speaker 1: of DC's but this is going to be the third 224 00:12:25,240 --> 00:12:28,959 Speaker 1: different defensive coordinator and as many seasons, and there's really 225 00:12:29,120 --> 00:12:32,080 Speaker 1: no difference on the field. The forty nine Ers defense 226 00:12:32,200 --> 00:12:36,320 Speaker 1: just continues to be top five, top ten consistently no 227 00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:38,600 Speaker 1: matter who is in charge of that defense. 228 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:43,360 Speaker 3: Yeah. So Nick Sorensen is someone that the forty nine 229 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:46,520 Speaker 3: ers are really excited to They were excited to promote, 230 00:12:46,520 --> 00:12:49,880 Speaker 3: and I think what speaks volumes is that all the 231 00:12:49,920 --> 00:12:53,280 Speaker 3: players are all in on him going from passing game 232 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:57,120 Speaker 3: coordinator to d C. I heard from Brad Warner saying 233 00:12:57,160 --> 00:13:01,640 Speaker 3: that he's a familiar face. He's someone that has often 234 00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:05,160 Speaker 3: led ball meetings and just is, like I said, very 235 00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:08,880 Speaker 3: familiar with the defensive philosophy here with the Niners, that 236 00:13:09,160 --> 00:13:11,920 Speaker 3: everything starts up front works its way back. And I 237 00:13:11,960 --> 00:13:14,720 Speaker 3: do think the benefit is that he has just been 238 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:17,240 Speaker 3: in the building. He's someone that the players no are 239 00:13:17,280 --> 00:13:21,360 Speaker 3: comfortable with and you see him enthusiasm. We also heard 240 00:13:21,400 --> 00:13:24,600 Speaker 3: from Tarbarious Ward during the off season program and it's 241 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:27,040 Speaker 3: it's someone that everyone was very quickly, you know, they 242 00:13:27,040 --> 00:13:29,840 Speaker 3: were they were happy to rally around him. So yeah, 243 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:33,959 Speaker 3: looking forward to seeing more from him this year. But yeah, 244 00:13:34,040 --> 00:13:36,400 Speaker 3: just a really energetic guy and you see him walking 245 00:13:36,400 --> 00:13:39,400 Speaker 3: around and jumping from group to group. You know, obviously 246 00:13:39,400 --> 00:13:43,400 Speaker 3: his specialty is the defensive passing game, but he's been 247 00:13:43,640 --> 00:13:46,960 Speaker 3: you know, making his rounds with the defensive line and 248 00:13:47,080 --> 00:13:49,800 Speaker 3: just you know, strengthening those relationships that are already there. 249 00:13:49,920 --> 00:13:52,880 Speaker 1: A couple of other coaching changes I want to get 250 00:13:52,880 --> 00:13:55,880 Speaker 1: your thoughts on, and that is some offensive assistance. Leaving 251 00:13:55,880 --> 00:13:58,720 Speaker 1: Anthony Lynn, the running backs coach, is now in Washington. 252 00:13:58,840 --> 00:14:01,480 Speaker 1: Clint Kubiak, the past and game coordinator, took the OC 253 00:14:01,760 --> 00:14:05,800 Speaker 1: job in New Orleans. As far as obviously with Kyle 254 00:14:05,840 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 1: Shanahan there, everything runs through him on offense, but seeing 255 00:14:10,200 --> 00:14:14,959 Speaker 1: new faces as far as those offensive assistance. On whether 256 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:19,400 Speaker 1: losing a Linn or Kubiak might change things offensively for 257 00:14:19,440 --> 00:14:20,040 Speaker 1: the forty. 258 00:14:19,880 --> 00:14:23,080 Speaker 3: Nine ers, you know, I think that this is a 259 00:14:23,160 --> 00:14:26,280 Speaker 3: situation that the forty nine ers are very familiar with, 260 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:30,680 Speaker 3: just in the sense that you know, with great success comes, 261 00:14:30,720 --> 00:14:33,760 Speaker 3: you know, people on your coaching stopped departing year after 262 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:37,640 Speaker 3: year to continue their careers. I really think that there's 263 00:14:37,680 --> 00:14:41,640 Speaker 3: been internal promotions that will kind of keep things flowing 264 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:46,040 Speaker 3: as usual. Obviously the addition of some offensive assistance over 265 00:14:46,080 --> 00:14:49,920 Speaker 3: this offseason, but like you mentioned, everything runs through Kyle steinhand, 266 00:14:50,000 --> 00:14:53,960 Speaker 3: so you know, the offensive alves every year. But I 267 00:14:54,000 --> 00:14:57,400 Speaker 3: think you've got enough of your core remaining that you know, 268 00:14:57,480 --> 00:15:00,920 Speaker 3: things could remain as normal. You know, obviously you still 269 00:15:00,920 --> 00:15:04,080 Speaker 3: have Chris Forster, who is your run game coordinator, offensive 270 00:15:04,160 --> 00:15:07,960 Speaker 3: line coach, and then you know, internal promotions they're going 271 00:15:08,040 --> 00:15:12,240 Speaker 3: to keep things relatively stable, so I wouldn't worry about 272 00:15:12,320 --> 00:15:13,280 Speaker 3: too much of a shape up. 273 00:15:13,400 --> 00:15:15,960 Speaker 1: Well, that's just unfortunate, as is the fact that the 274 00:15:15,960 --> 00:15:20,160 Speaker 1: Cardinals have to still deal with Christian McCaffrey for several 275 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:23,640 Speaker 1: more seasons extended through twenty twenty seven. Yeah, the offense 276 00:15:23,760 --> 00:15:25,720 Speaker 1: is good when you have someone like him in the 277 00:15:25,760 --> 00:15:28,920 Speaker 1: backfield or lined up as a wide receiver. But why 278 00:15:29,040 --> 00:15:31,960 Speaker 1: was it important for the forty nine ers to extend 279 00:15:32,280 --> 00:15:34,960 Speaker 1: CMC for a couple more seasons? 280 00:15:35,560 --> 00:15:37,840 Speaker 3: I mean, I think it's all the reasons you mentioned, right, 281 00:15:38,560 --> 00:15:41,000 Speaker 3: you know, the on the field performance. I really don't 282 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:44,680 Speaker 3: know what more you could ask for. You know, he's 283 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:47,720 Speaker 3: a tremendous running back, but also a threat in the 284 00:15:47,760 --> 00:15:50,520 Speaker 3: passing game, and hey, if you need him in a 285 00:15:50,600 --> 00:15:52,920 Speaker 3: clutch moment, he can also throw a touchdown pass. So 286 00:15:53,400 --> 00:15:57,440 Speaker 3: CMC really is the epitome of the do it all player. 287 00:15:57,960 --> 00:16:00,520 Speaker 3: You know, I don't think it's coincidence that he is 288 00:16:00,560 --> 00:16:04,240 Speaker 3: the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. You know, 289 00:16:04,280 --> 00:16:08,080 Speaker 3: I think it just shows how much value this organization 290 00:16:08,360 --> 00:16:11,320 Speaker 3: puts into CMC. And in addition to the on the 291 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:14,680 Speaker 3: field product, he is one of those players and I 292 00:16:14,760 --> 00:16:17,360 Speaker 3: mentioned this in a podcast actually earlier today, that really 293 00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:21,520 Speaker 3: just sets the standard for work ethic and just working 294 00:16:21,560 --> 00:16:25,560 Speaker 3: methodically throughout the off season. You know, he's someone that 295 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:29,320 Speaker 3: is never satisfied with his performance and is always looking 296 00:16:29,360 --> 00:16:32,840 Speaker 3: for ways to improve. I know that, you know several 297 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:35,080 Speaker 3: of the draft picks are just they talk about being 298 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:38,920 Speaker 3: able to just like observe him in person and adopt 299 00:16:39,080 --> 00:16:42,600 Speaker 3: that work ethic, that do it all attitude. So yeah, 300 00:16:42,600 --> 00:16:44,840 Speaker 3: I think it's just a testament to his hard work, 301 00:16:44,920 --> 00:16:48,600 Speaker 3: how much the organization values him. And in addition to 302 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:53,400 Speaker 3: that contract extension, we heard he is the Madden Cover Athlete, 303 00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:56,120 Speaker 3: another honor that was very well deserved. So yeah, just 304 00:16:56,160 --> 00:16:58,960 Speaker 3: a lot of accolades come into CMC the offseason. 305 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:01,320 Speaker 1: The question, though, or the follow up, has to be, 306 00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:05,120 Speaker 1: does he believe in the Madden Curse? Because Cardinals fans 307 00:17:05,119 --> 00:17:07,640 Speaker 1: are hoping that that curse continues here in this season. 308 00:17:07,680 --> 00:17:08,520 Speaker 1: I got to be honest with. 309 00:17:08,480 --> 00:17:12,800 Speaker 3: You, Lindsay, Well, actually I heard a direct quote he 310 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:17,199 Speaker 3: is not superstitious about the Madden Curse, and you know, 311 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:20,760 Speaker 3: I don't think anyone is in our camp either. I 312 00:17:20,840 --> 00:17:23,840 Speaker 3: would like to say that I believe it was Patrick Mahomes, 313 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:25,520 Speaker 3: who you know went on to be the cover of 314 00:17:25,560 --> 00:17:27,439 Speaker 3: Madden two or three years ago and then went on 315 00:17:27,480 --> 00:17:29,440 Speaker 3: to win the Super Bowl. So let's keep that in 316 00:17:29,520 --> 00:17:31,560 Speaker 3: the vee and not focus. 317 00:17:31,240 --> 00:17:34,520 Speaker 1: On the Madden Curse details, Lindsay, details. Don't care about 318 00:17:34,520 --> 00:17:39,719 Speaker 1: those details. Of course, the man in charge on the 319 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:43,320 Speaker 1: field brought Purty a healthy off season. This time of 320 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:46,600 Speaker 1: year ago, he was recovering from elbow surgery. How has 321 00:17:46,640 --> 00:17:49,720 Speaker 1: he looked? How much more comfortable is he having a 322 00:17:49,720 --> 00:17:52,720 Speaker 1: full off season with now all these players on the 323 00:17:52,760 --> 00:17:55,480 Speaker 1: field and as well as off the field in the classroom. 324 00:17:56,359 --> 00:17:59,080 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's crazy to think that it was only a 325 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:01,320 Speaker 3: year ago when he was very much in the stake 326 00:18:01,400 --> 00:18:05,440 Speaker 3: of rehabbing from the ending elbow surgery. It's even ending 327 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:08,640 Speaker 3: injury and then an elbow surgery that followed very quickly. 328 00:18:08,680 --> 00:18:11,680 Speaker 3: But yeah, I mean, I think, you know, it looks 329 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:13,840 Speaker 3: as if he hasn't taken any time off because he 330 00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:17,000 Speaker 3: really hasn't. He has been here through all of the 331 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:20,480 Speaker 3: off season workout program, and he looks as if he 332 00:18:20,640 --> 00:18:24,080 Speaker 3: never suffered a set back in terms of that injury 333 00:18:24,200 --> 00:18:26,880 Speaker 3: last year. I think one of the things that head 334 00:18:26,880 --> 00:18:29,439 Speaker 3: coach Kyle Shanahan and him have said throughout this off 335 00:18:29,520 --> 00:18:32,399 Speaker 3: season that it's just so helpful to be able to 336 00:18:32,520 --> 00:18:36,040 Speaker 3: go through a full season of tape and then actually 337 00:18:36,080 --> 00:18:38,919 Speaker 3: make those crctons immediately off the field, because you know, 338 00:18:38,960 --> 00:18:42,159 Speaker 3: obviously mental reps are one thing, but being able to 339 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:46,199 Speaker 3: actually work on the mechanics of being a quarterback and 340 00:18:46,280 --> 00:18:48,639 Speaker 3: being able to put that into effect and not having 341 00:18:48,720 --> 00:18:51,159 Speaker 3: to go through rehab and waiting for the start of 342 00:18:51,200 --> 00:18:54,920 Speaker 3: training camp to start easing your way in. That's super helpful. 343 00:18:54,960 --> 00:18:57,040 Speaker 3: And then when you've got the leader of the offense 344 00:18:57,119 --> 00:19:00,840 Speaker 3: actually being able to take reps with his in the 345 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:05,119 Speaker 3: off season, that's always helpful for chemistry, timing, you name it. 346 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:07,639 Speaker 3: So I think it's been beneficial for the entire team, 347 00:19:07,720 --> 00:19:11,320 Speaker 3: and it's just always just wild to look back and 348 00:19:11,480 --> 00:19:13,600 Speaker 3: see that that was only a year ago that we 349 00:19:13,600 --> 00:19:14,840 Speaker 3: were in a much different spot. 350 00:19:15,240 --> 00:19:18,960 Speaker 1: Sounds very similar to what we've heard here from Kyler 351 00:19:19,080 --> 00:19:22,399 Speaker 1: Murray a year ago recovering from the ASIL injury, so 352 00:19:22,480 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 1: he did not have any practice reps in a brand 353 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:28,720 Speaker 1: new offense and really just eight games that we saw 354 00:19:28,760 --> 00:19:31,520 Speaker 1: him on the field last season, but a full off season. 355 00:19:31,680 --> 00:19:34,679 Speaker 1: He is certainly feeling much better about the offense. And 356 00:19:34,720 --> 00:19:38,359 Speaker 1: I think that's something that I think every quarterback you 357 00:19:38,440 --> 00:19:41,919 Speaker 1: don't really know until you experience it. But having that 358 00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:45,359 Speaker 1: on field work where you can slow things down a 359 00:19:45,440 --> 00:19:48,000 Speaker 1: little bit and correct mistakes that maybe you don't really 360 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:51,040 Speaker 1: have time to do because during the season Lindsay you know, 361 00:19:51,080 --> 00:19:53,800 Speaker 1: you're getting ready for that week's opponent, not really have 362 00:19:53,920 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 1: the time to kind of dial back and look back 363 00:19:56,119 --> 00:19:58,480 Speaker 1: at some of the things that maybe weren't going quite 364 00:19:58,480 --> 00:19:59,959 Speaker 1: well exactly. 365 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:03,240 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think that's a premium and once he gets 366 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:06,800 Speaker 3: step piece of the regular season, it's just a routine 367 00:20:06,920 --> 00:20:09,800 Speaker 3: and it's largely based on who you're playing on Sunday. 368 00:20:09,880 --> 00:20:12,840 Speaker 3: So yes, like you said, very very valuable for quarterbacks 369 00:20:12,840 --> 00:20:14,040 Speaker 3: to be able to have this time. 370 00:20:14,320 --> 00:20:16,800 Speaker 1: One more offensive question you brought up earlier here in 371 00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:20,880 Speaker 1: our conversation about the new pieces at the wide receiver position, 372 00:20:21,040 --> 00:20:24,760 Speaker 1: both with connections here in Arizona. Rickey Piersoll drafted in 373 00:20:24,800 --> 00:20:28,200 Speaker 1: the first round, former Arizona State prospect, and then Jacob 374 00:20:28,280 --> 00:20:32,399 Speaker 1: Cowing drafted in the fourth round, former Arizona prospects. What 375 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:35,160 Speaker 1: have you seen from them or maybe hurt from them 376 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:37,560 Speaker 1: and the coaches as far as what they've done to 377 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:40,000 Speaker 1: impress so far this offseason. 378 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:44,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think both of those players are as good 379 00:20:44,359 --> 00:20:47,840 Speaker 3: as advertised. We heard Deebo Samuel talk about both of 380 00:20:47,920 --> 00:20:51,720 Speaker 3: them during mandatory mini camp and just talking about how 381 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:55,800 Speaker 3: Ricky Piersall is really just dove in and you know 382 00:20:56,400 --> 00:20:58,880 Speaker 3: particularly and this is something I think that is said 383 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:01,879 Speaker 3: every year. But I'll see in the hand is exceptionally 384 00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:04,720 Speaker 3: tough on his wide receivers because he used to be 385 00:21:04,760 --> 00:21:07,000 Speaker 3: a wide receiver and he just expects a lot of 386 00:21:07,160 --> 00:21:10,640 Speaker 3: out of them in this offense. And Rooky has really 387 00:21:10,640 --> 00:21:13,520 Speaker 3: come in ready to work. And same with Jacob Cowing. 388 00:21:14,320 --> 00:21:18,440 Speaker 3: Deebo talked about just Ricky Piersel's great hands. He's great 389 00:21:18,480 --> 00:21:20,960 Speaker 3: out of the breaks. And for Jacob Cowing, I think 390 00:21:21,000 --> 00:21:22,840 Speaker 3: speed is the first thing that a lot of people 391 00:21:22,840 --> 00:21:26,320 Speaker 3: think about. He's a little bit of a smaller frame, 392 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:29,320 Speaker 3: but certainly like fast and twifty. And we've seen that 393 00:21:29,840 --> 00:21:33,440 Speaker 3: in the practices that we've been able to observe. So 394 00:21:33,440 --> 00:21:37,680 Speaker 3: so far, so good. Really with the entire rookie class, Lindsey. 395 00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:39,760 Speaker 1: Before we cut, you lose anything that we did not 396 00:21:40,040 --> 00:21:42,919 Speaker 1: talk about. That is top of mind as far as 397 00:21:42,960 --> 00:21:45,760 Speaker 1: the forty nine ers here this off season, whether that's 398 00:21:45,760 --> 00:21:46,720 Speaker 1: off the field. 399 00:21:46,600 --> 00:21:49,640 Speaker 3: Or on the field, you know, I think we got 400 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:51,520 Speaker 3: it all. You did a really great I just had 401 00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:55,879 Speaker 3: to relive my entire offseason right now. No, I mean, 402 00:21:55,920 --> 00:21:57,400 Speaker 3: I would just like to say there's like a lot 403 00:21:57,440 --> 00:22:00,440 Speaker 3: of enthusiasm with this risky class. I think it's been 404 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:04,000 Speaker 3: really cool to see that Riddie, pier Stall and Brock 405 00:22:04,040 --> 00:22:07,159 Speaker 3: Purty kind of creating that early connection. And as with 406 00:22:07,280 --> 00:22:10,920 Speaker 3: also Jacobs counting, it's been good to see the rookies 407 00:22:10,960 --> 00:22:14,360 Speaker 3: getting their fair share of reps because obviously when everybody's 408 00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:16,360 Speaker 3: in the building, those reps become a little bit more 409 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:19,679 Speaker 3: limited just because there's more bodies. But yeah, we're just 410 00:22:19,720 --> 00:22:22,800 Speaker 3: really looking forward to training cam But as I'm sure 411 00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:23,800 Speaker 3: you are as well. 412 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:26,520 Speaker 1: Yeah, we'll be here before we know it. Hopefully there 413 00:22:26,520 --> 00:22:29,120 Speaker 1: are some offseason plans that do not involve the forty 414 00:22:29,200 --> 00:22:31,800 Speaker 1: nine ers or football overall for you, Lindsey before we 415 00:22:32,119 --> 00:22:34,440 Speaker 1: all reconvene, And of course, the first time the Cardinals 416 00:22:34,480 --> 00:22:37,359 Speaker 1: play the forty nine Ers will be October sixth, the 417 00:22:37,480 --> 00:22:40,760 Speaker 1: first of two games against the forty nine ers this season. Lindsay, 418 00:22:40,840 --> 00:22:42,000 Speaker 1: appreciate it very much. 419 00:22:42,880 --> 00:22:44,280 Speaker 3: Yes, thank you for having me on. 420 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:47,760 Speaker 1: Covered a lot there with Lindsey. She does a great 421 00:22:47,840 --> 00:22:50,600 Speaker 1: job for forty nine Ers dot Com go check it out. 422 00:22:50,840 --> 00:22:53,080 Speaker 1: And as I mentioned, the Cardinals will see the forty 423 00:22:53,160 --> 00:22:56,159 Speaker 1: nine Ers in Week five and then not again until 424 00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:59,960 Speaker 1: Week eighteen, the regular season finale at State Farm Stadiums. 425 00:23:00,119 --> 00:23:02,000 Speaker 1: There is going to be a considerable amount of time 426 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:05,640 Speaker 1: between that first matchup and the second matchup. So that's 427 00:23:05,640 --> 00:23:08,360 Speaker 1: a look at the forty nine ers. Next week, we'll 428 00:23:08,400 --> 00:23:10,840 Speaker 1: take a look at the Rams. For the rest of 429 00:23:10,920 --> 00:23:15,040 Speaker 1: this week, don't forget Red Sea Report, Underground and Big 430 00:23:15,080 --> 00:23:18,800 Speaker 1: Red Rage and all your news on azcardinals dot com. 431 00:23:19,040 --> 00:23:20,679 Speaker 1: On that note, we will put a lid on this 432 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:23,639 Speaker 1: edition of Cardinals Cover two, presented by a Hyundai, proud 433 00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:26,800 Speaker 1: partner of the Arizona Cardinals. As always, special thanks to 434 00:23:26,800 --> 00:23:30,639 Speaker 1: our executive producer Jim Mamahundra our associate producer Cody Fincher. 435 00:23:30,760 --> 00:23:33,520 Speaker 1: We'll talk to you next time here on Cardinals Cover two.