1 00:00:04,640 --> 00:00:08,320 Speaker 1: It is a Football Friday Week eighteen edition. One last 2 00:00:08,320 --> 00:00:12,000 Speaker 1: Opportunity to make one last impression God Zach Erstman with 3 00:00:12,039 --> 00:00:14,760 Speaker 1: me Burg Gang. Before Zach heads to La to cover 4 00:00:14,800 --> 00:00:17,680 Speaker 1: Cardinals Rams, he and I talk about the matchup, who 5 00:00:17,680 --> 00:00:21,800 Speaker 1: will who won't play and speaking of opportunity, the opportunity 6 00:00:21,800 --> 00:00:25,360 Speaker 1: Michael Wilson has this week, plus we speak with Stu Jackson, 7 00:00:25,680 --> 00:00:28,880 Speaker 1: senior staff writer for the Rams dot Com at Cardinals 8 00:00:28,920 --> 00:00:32,440 Speaker 1: Cover two, Episode nine sixty seven and it starts now. 9 00:00:35,440 --> 00:00:37,400 Speaker 2: Welcome to Cardinals Cover two. 10 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:39,599 Speaker 3: Poon a Baker, What Heart? 11 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:40,479 Speaker 1: What rent? 12 00:00:40,640 --> 00:00:42,040 Speaker 3: This guy's unbelievable. 13 00:00:42,240 --> 00:00:46,559 Speaker 2: Cardinals Cover two is presented by Hyundai, proud partner of 14 00:00:46,600 --> 00:00:52,560 Speaker 2: the Arizona Cardinals, and by Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Visit Azycardinals 15 00:00:52,640 --> 00:00:55,000 Speaker 2: dot Com Slash podcast. 16 00:00:55,080 --> 00:00:56,840 Speaker 3: Right at the five, hit to the end zone for 17 00:00:56,920 --> 00:01:00,600 Speaker 3: the Cardinal touchdown, Drey McBride, he's been an after the monster. 18 00:01:00,960 --> 00:01:02,160 Speaker 2: Here's Craig Grioler. 19 00:01:05,800 --> 00:01:08,120 Speaker 1: Well, we have made it exactly, We have made it 20 00:01:08,120 --> 00:01:10,960 Speaker 1: to the end of another season. Although it's weird because 21 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:14,399 Speaker 1: the season ends yet it's a brand new year. So 22 00:01:14,959 --> 00:01:16,440 Speaker 1: happy new Year to everything out there. 23 00:01:16,480 --> 00:01:18,119 Speaker 3: Year, Happy new Year, bird Gang. 24 00:01:18,240 --> 00:01:20,520 Speaker 1: Yeah, the start of twenty twenty six, but the end 25 00:01:20,640 --> 00:01:24,120 Speaker 1: of twenty twenty five football for the Arizona Cardon. 26 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:27,360 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's always it's always weird how that all works out, 27 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:29,319 Speaker 3: because you look at these games and it's all the 28 00:01:29,400 --> 00:01:31,000 Speaker 3: last game of the season and it's a part of 29 00:01:31,040 --> 00:01:33,520 Speaker 3: the twenty twenty five season, but it's the one game 30 00:01:33,560 --> 00:01:35,520 Speaker 3: that takes place in twenty twenty six unless you make 31 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:38,560 Speaker 3: the playoffs. So it's just it's it's a bit odd. 32 00:01:38,560 --> 00:01:40,920 Speaker 3: But I don't I don't. I'm not those schedule makers. No, 33 00:01:41,360 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 3: I don't know how. 34 00:01:42,680 --> 00:01:45,000 Speaker 1: I don't think I would want that job either, considering 35 00:01:45,040 --> 00:01:49,920 Speaker 1: you juggling thirty two different teams a number of different stadiums, 36 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:50,640 Speaker 1: and I could. 37 00:01:50,440 --> 00:01:53,440 Speaker 3: Care less about the other thirty one teams. Whatever their 38 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:55,400 Speaker 3: schedules are is what their schedules are. I want a 39 00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:58,840 Speaker 3: trip to London and to Germany to Brazil. You can 40 00:01:58,880 --> 00:02:03,000 Speaker 3: only have one NHIL game until we get all tired 41 00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:04,920 Speaker 3: and then it's just it's a little too much. But 42 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:08,520 Speaker 3: or we have every game at State Farm Stadium. I 43 00:02:08,520 --> 00:02:08,800 Speaker 3: don't know. 44 00:02:08,919 --> 00:02:13,200 Speaker 1: Good to Australian play the rams's as the Aussy Aussi's 45 00:02:14,200 --> 00:02:16,919 Speaker 1: a that's a potential as well. As the Rams will 46 00:02:16,919 --> 00:02:20,320 Speaker 1: play an international game a home game coming up. But 47 00:02:20,639 --> 00:02:23,840 Speaker 1: speaking of the Rams, the Cardinals in LA this weekend. 48 00:02:24,520 --> 00:02:26,640 Speaker 1: You will be in LA this weekend. 49 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:30,480 Speaker 3: You believe it. I finally get to go and it's 50 00:02:30,520 --> 00:02:31,680 Speaker 3: just the season finale. 51 00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:35,400 Speaker 1: Well, there's a reason you're going. It is the season finale. 52 00:02:35,480 --> 00:02:38,239 Speaker 1: We won our best for the final game of the 53 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:38,959 Speaker 1: regular season. 54 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:41,680 Speaker 3: Believe it or not. I've been to every road season 55 00:02:41,680 --> 00:02:44,480 Speaker 3: finale since I've been here, because I was in Philly 56 00:02:44,520 --> 00:02:47,240 Speaker 3: on New Year's Eve that was Week seventeen, and then 57 00:02:47,240 --> 00:02:49,639 Speaker 3: Week eighteen we played the Seattle Seahawks where Matt Prater 58 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:53,160 Speaker 3: missed the field goal. Last year was also in Los 59 00:02:53,200 --> 00:02:58,240 Speaker 3: Angeles Week seventeen Saturday Night Football, and now here, I'm 60 00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:00,320 Speaker 3: one in one and I was just gonna wait for 61 00:03:00,360 --> 00:03:02,480 Speaker 3: the record. I'm won in one in these games. So 62 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:06,399 Speaker 3: we'll see if that record, if I get above five 63 00:03:06,480 --> 00:03:07,440 Speaker 3: hundred or below it. 64 00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:11,760 Speaker 1: We'll see Cardinals enter Sunday's game three and thirteen. The Rams. 65 00:03:11,800 --> 00:03:14,240 Speaker 1: They are eleven and five, and it sounds like the 66 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:17,720 Speaker 1: Rams will treat this game as a normal game, even 67 00:03:17,720 --> 00:03:21,040 Speaker 1: though potentially they'll have nothing to play for depending on 68 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:24,280 Speaker 1: what happens the night before between the Seahawks and forty 69 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:27,160 Speaker 1: nine Ers. As far as the game, Sunday two, twenty 70 00:03:27,160 --> 00:03:30,240 Speaker 1: five is the kickoff nine to thirty pregame coverage begins 71 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:33,320 Speaker 1: on the Arizona Cardinals Radio Network. And maybe one of 72 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:35,680 Speaker 1: the storylines that will be following, and perhaps you'll be 73 00:03:35,680 --> 00:03:39,960 Speaker 1: want writing on Easycardinals dot Com, is Michael Wilson's pursuits 74 00:03:40,160 --> 00:03:43,640 Speaker 1: of one thousand receiving yards. One. When you are in 75 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:47,360 Speaker 1: this position as a team and there is nothing past 76 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:50,560 Speaker 1: Sunday as far as the game is concerned, then yeah, 77 00:03:50,600 --> 00:03:55,520 Speaker 1: you start talking about individual milestones. Can guys gain confidence 78 00:03:55,520 --> 00:03:58,920 Speaker 1: in this final performance going into the offseason Looking at 79 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:03,080 Speaker 1: twenty twenty six, but specifically for Michael Wilson, ninety three 80 00:04:03,240 --> 00:04:07,360 Speaker 1: yards shy of one thousand receiving yards for the season one. 81 00:04:07,400 --> 00:04:11,320 Speaker 1: It's a remarkable number considering where Michael was at the 82 00:04:11,360 --> 00:04:14,000 Speaker 1: start of the season in those first five games had 83 00:04:14,080 --> 00:04:18,800 Speaker 1: just fifty two receiving yards. The quarterback switch was made 84 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:23,120 Speaker 1: and there is a natural chemistry on field between Jacoby 85 00:04:23,120 --> 00:04:26,119 Speaker 1: Brissett and Michael Wilson, and it has shown up since 86 00:04:26,160 --> 00:04:26,920 Speaker 1: Week five. 87 00:04:26,920 --> 00:04:29,720 Speaker 3: It has, and yes, that will be one of the 88 00:04:29,760 --> 00:04:32,320 Speaker 3: major storylines that's my that's my one of my three 89 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:34,440 Speaker 3: big things and aren't three big things lest on Easy 90 00:04:34,480 --> 00:04:37,640 Speaker 3: Cardinals dot com And it's going to be spoke with 91 00:04:37,640 --> 00:04:39,760 Speaker 3: Michael Wilson a little bit for an article that'll go 92 00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:42,200 Speaker 3: out on easy Cardinals dot Com on Saturday previewing the 93 00:04:42,240 --> 00:04:45,440 Speaker 3: matchup about what is actually on the line, because Jonathan 94 00:04:45,480 --> 00:04:47,800 Speaker 3: Gannon said, and I quote, these guys have a lot 95 00:04:47,800 --> 00:04:49,800 Speaker 3: to play for and I asked the head coach about that. 96 00:04:49,880 --> 00:04:52,160 Speaker 3: So we could touch on that in a little bit. 97 00:04:52,200 --> 00:04:54,360 Speaker 3: But when it comes to Michael Wilson, if you would 98 00:04:54,400 --> 00:04:56,080 Speaker 3: have told us at any part of the season that 99 00:04:56,320 --> 00:04:58,920 Speaker 3: he he's going to have a game where he might 100 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:01,640 Speaker 3: have ninety three yards, we all would be like, oh, yes, 101 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:04,600 Speaker 3: sign us up, Like that's awesome, and that's something that 102 00:05:04,640 --> 00:05:07,200 Speaker 3: you would be very happy for Michael Wilson, just a 103 00:05:07,279 --> 00:05:09,840 Speaker 3: ninety three yard performance. But when you start to look 104 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:13,360 Speaker 3: at what happened after the quarterback switch happened, and then 105 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:17,039 Speaker 3: Marvin Harrison Junior left the Indianapolis Colts game as he 106 00:05:17,120 --> 00:05:19,960 Speaker 3: was being evaluated for concussion, and about a few weeks 107 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:23,920 Speaker 3: later had the appendicitis situation happened where he got where 108 00:05:23,960 --> 00:05:25,680 Speaker 3: he had to have that procedure and missed the two 109 00:05:25,720 --> 00:05:28,719 Speaker 3: games he had the heel injury. And during that time, 110 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:32,120 Speaker 3: Michael Wilson and Trey McBride were kind of the only 111 00:05:32,120 --> 00:05:34,760 Speaker 3: two pieces on offense that you could rely on to 112 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:37,960 Speaker 3: make a big time play, and that happened a ton. 113 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:40,040 Speaker 3: And then he had the game for one hundred and 114 00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:43,040 Speaker 3: eighty five yards against the San Francisco forty nine ers. 115 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:45,160 Speaker 3: He had one hundred and forty something against the Los 116 00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:49,080 Speaker 3: Angeles Rams in that Week fourteen game. And granted, when 117 00:05:49,120 --> 00:05:51,680 Speaker 3: we recognized this, but again, like the Cardinals were in 118 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:55,000 Speaker 3: known passing situations a lot of that time, there was 119 00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:57,800 Speaker 3: not a balanced offense at that moment because the Cardinals 120 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:01,120 Speaker 3: were down in these games and to pass the ball 121 00:06:01,160 --> 00:06:04,240 Speaker 3: to try to get back into it. But however, it's done, 122 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:07,960 Speaker 3: it gets done, and that's something that the Cardinals did. 123 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:10,720 Speaker 3: And Jacoby Brissette leaned on Michael Wilson a ton this 124 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:12,320 Speaker 3: year and Mike delivered. 125 00:06:13,279 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: One thousand does mean something. It does when we talk 126 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:18,520 Speaker 1: about a thousand yard rushers one thousand yard receivers, and 127 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:21,120 Speaker 1: I know there is an extra game versus the sixteen 128 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:23,280 Speaker 1: game regular season schedule. Once upon a time, it was 129 00:06:23,320 --> 00:06:26,560 Speaker 1: a fourteen game regular season schedule. But again, that one 130 00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:30,000 Speaker 1: thousand means something, So you would like to see it 131 00:06:30,080 --> 00:06:32,800 Speaker 1: for the individual, because one, Michael is a good person too. 132 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:35,400 Speaker 1: He puts in the work and it's not just what 133 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:37,760 Speaker 1: you see on game day, but it's what he does 134 00:06:38,080 --> 00:06:40,719 Speaker 1: Monday through Saturday, even going back into the offseason. So 135 00:06:40,800 --> 00:06:44,839 Speaker 1: can you reward Michael for that? Even though this season 136 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:47,520 Speaker 1: comes to a conclusion on Sunday. 137 00:06:47,160 --> 00:06:50,279 Speaker 3: And if you have two one thousand yard targets, Trad 138 00:06:50,320 --> 00:06:52,640 Speaker 3: McBride already eclipsed out a while ago. He's right now 139 00:06:52,640 --> 00:06:55,640 Speaker 3: at one one hundred and forty seven. It leads all 140 00:06:55,680 --> 00:06:57,640 Speaker 3: tight ends. He leads all tight ends in a lot 141 00:06:57,640 --> 00:07:00,520 Speaker 3: of different statistical categories. But if you were able to 142 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:04,279 Speaker 3: have that success with Trey McBride while also having in 143 00:07:04,320 --> 00:07:08,240 Speaker 3: a thousand yard receiver in Michael Wilson, that would be spectacular. 144 00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:10,840 Speaker 3: And the one thing that gets me really excited thinking 145 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:13,600 Speaker 3: about this is there's a lot of talk about is 146 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:16,640 Speaker 3: Michael Wilson a wide receiver one? Should he be the 147 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:19,800 Speaker 3: wide receiver one over Marvin Harrison Junior? Things of that nature. 148 00:07:20,080 --> 00:07:22,440 Speaker 3: I'm not going to necessarily get into that because I 149 00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:25,160 Speaker 3: think putting a label on these guys is a little 150 00:07:25,160 --> 00:07:27,800 Speaker 3: bit cheesy, and at that point you just kind of 151 00:07:27,840 --> 00:07:30,720 Speaker 3: look through your reads and at Jacoby Brissett's position, you 152 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:32,840 Speaker 3: kind of look to see who was open, and you 153 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:35,240 Speaker 3: look all around the offense. But I see what Michael 154 00:07:35,240 --> 00:07:37,280 Speaker 3: Wilson's been able to do in year three, and it 155 00:07:37,360 --> 00:07:40,560 Speaker 3: makes me think what a healthy Marvin Harrison Junior can 156 00:07:40,600 --> 00:07:43,080 Speaker 3: do in year three as well. He had moments where 157 00:07:43,120 --> 00:07:45,000 Speaker 3: he looked really strong. There was obviously a lot of 158 00:07:45,040 --> 00:07:47,560 Speaker 3: talk about the weight he put on, the twelve pounds 159 00:07:47,560 --> 00:07:50,040 Speaker 3: of muscle and things of that nature, but it was 160 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 3: the injuries that kind of lingered. And I asked Drew Petsing, 161 00:07:52,880 --> 00:07:55,600 Speaker 3: what's been the biggest difference between Marvin Harrison Junior and 162 00:07:55,720 --> 00:07:58,240 Speaker 3: year two versus year one, And he said, to me, 163 00:07:58,320 --> 00:08:00,680 Speaker 3: it's the confidence, but that all also has come with 164 00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 3: the frustration of the injuries because he hasn't been able 165 00:08:02,960 --> 00:08:06,080 Speaker 3: to fully show that. Seeing what Michael Wilson's been able 166 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:08,440 Speaker 3: to do in year three has given me so much 167 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,880 Speaker 3: hope and confidence about what Marvin Harrison Junior could do 168 00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:14,960 Speaker 3: in year three. And then if you have fourteen, eighteen 169 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:17,160 Speaker 3: and eighty five out there and they're all making big 170 00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:18,800 Speaker 3: time plays, and you find a way to get your 171 00:08:18,880 --> 00:08:21,400 Speaker 3: running backs all healthy and make sure that that offensive 172 00:08:21,440 --> 00:08:24,000 Speaker 3: line is stout. This could be a dangerous offense and 173 00:08:24,040 --> 00:08:25,800 Speaker 3: there will be changes that will be made, but this 174 00:08:25,920 --> 00:08:28,240 Speaker 3: could be a dangerous offense come twenty twenty six. 175 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:30,960 Speaker 1: That's gonna be one of the main talking points this offseason. 176 00:08:31,120 --> 00:08:36,520 Speaker 1: How do you get Trey, Marvin, Michael all the required 177 00:08:36,600 --> 00:08:40,160 Speaker 1: touches to have this be a successful offense. And there'll 178 00:08:40,200 --> 00:08:42,319 Speaker 1: be plenty of time to talk about that, and then 179 00:08:42,320 --> 00:08:46,079 Speaker 1: we won't really know until Week one of twenty twenty six, 180 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:49,360 Speaker 1: but we do know that Marvin will not play this week, 181 00:08:49,440 --> 00:08:53,000 Speaker 1: so even more of an emphasis to get Michael those 182 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:57,319 Speaker 1: ninety three receiving yards and hearing Jacoby Brissett talk earlier 183 00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:00,640 Speaker 1: this week because he was asked about that and mentioned 184 00:09:00,679 --> 00:09:03,080 Speaker 1: that Michael had not brought it up to him, like 185 00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:06,720 Speaker 1: it's not at the forefront of Michael's minds. Hey might 186 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:07,840 Speaker 1: want to look my direction. 187 00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:08,280 Speaker 2: You know. 188 00:09:08,360 --> 00:09:13,400 Speaker 1: It's a little bit of a milestone. Everyone knows what 189 00:09:13,480 --> 00:09:16,600 Speaker 1: Michael needs and we'll be aware of once that game 190 00:09:16,840 --> 00:09:20,640 Speaker 1: is taking place, even though they'll all say otherwise, but 191 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:23,440 Speaker 1: it is I think depending you don't want to force it, 192 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:26,400 Speaker 1: but I do think they'll be well, even you might 193 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:28,160 Speaker 1: not have to force it, because right now you've got 194 00:09:28,240 --> 00:09:30,560 Speaker 1: Michael as your wide receiver and trades you're tied in 195 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:33,839 Speaker 1: and basically that's what you have right now as an offense. 196 00:09:33,880 --> 00:09:35,320 Speaker 3: And if we could also be a little bit real here, 197 00:09:35,400 --> 00:09:38,319 Speaker 3: let's go what does Paul say, the cold tub time machine, 198 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:40,600 Speaker 3: and let's go back in time a little bit. The 199 00:09:40,640 --> 00:09:43,840 Speaker 3: wide receivers and in particular, Marvin Harrison Junior had his 200 00:09:43,920 --> 00:09:46,439 Speaker 3: two best games of his rookie season against the Los 201 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:49,200 Speaker 3: Angeles Rams. The last time the Cardinals played the Rams, 202 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:52,200 Speaker 3: Michael Wilson also went for over one hundred receiving guards. 203 00:09:52,360 --> 00:09:55,360 Speaker 3: Cardinals wide receivers have done really well in recent history 204 00:09:55,559 --> 00:09:58,280 Speaker 3: against the Los Angeles Rams. So it's not out of 205 00:09:58,320 --> 00:10:01,800 Speaker 3: this world if for for some reason, Michael Wilson is 206 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:04,840 Speaker 3: able to eclipse that early. I'm not saying necessarily early 207 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:07,120 Speaker 3: in the game, but I do believe I would be 208 00:10:07,160 --> 00:10:09,760 Speaker 3: a little bit stunned if they figure out a way 209 00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:13,960 Speaker 3: to stop Michael Wilson. And because if they do put 210 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:16,240 Speaker 3: so much focus on Michael Wilson, that's going to open 211 00:10:16,320 --> 00:10:19,040 Speaker 3: up the game for Trey McBride by so and I 212 00:10:19,040 --> 00:10:20,520 Speaker 3: don't think that the Rams are going to let that 213 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:22,600 Speaker 3: happen and let the best tight end in the NFL 214 00:10:22,960 --> 00:10:26,079 Speaker 3: terrorize them all game long. So I do believe that 215 00:10:26,120 --> 00:10:28,400 Speaker 3: Michael Wilson will hit that one K season. 216 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:31,440 Speaker 1: One hundred and forty two receiving yards is what Michael 217 00:10:31,520 --> 00:10:34,640 Speaker 1: had in the last meeting against the Rams, and already 218 00:10:34,720 --> 00:10:38,520 Speaker 1: this season, Michael has established career highs and receptions, receiving 219 00:10:38,600 --> 00:10:42,680 Speaker 1: yards and receiving touchdowns. Plus he's only the fourth player 220 00:10:42,800 --> 00:10:46,199 Speaker 1: in team history to have five hundred or more receiving 221 00:10:46,280 --> 00:10:49,560 Speaker 1: yards and three or more touchdown receptions in each of 222 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:53,720 Speaker 1: his first three seasons. So the numbers haven't always been 223 00:10:53,760 --> 00:10:57,480 Speaker 1: there as far as the wow factor is concerned. But 224 00:10:57,559 --> 00:11:00,480 Speaker 1: what you get with Michael Wilson is the consistent see 225 00:11:00,520 --> 00:11:06,480 Speaker 1: and the trust that when Michael is targeted, well you 226 00:11:06,520 --> 00:11:08,559 Speaker 1: go to fourteen, a play. 227 00:11:08,360 --> 00:11:11,199 Speaker 3: Is going to be made. He we talked so much 228 00:11:11,240 --> 00:11:13,080 Speaker 3: about guys with that are able to just flip on 229 00:11:13,120 --> 00:11:15,120 Speaker 3: the switch and they kind of turn into that dude 230 00:11:15,160 --> 00:11:17,760 Speaker 3: on the field in a lot of different ways. I 231 00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:20,640 Speaker 3: feel like in a season that has kind of been lost, 232 00:11:21,160 --> 00:11:23,959 Speaker 3: there has not ever been a shortage of Michael Wilson 233 00:11:24,040 --> 00:11:26,120 Speaker 3: being able to flip on the switch. Now, it might 234 00:11:26,160 --> 00:11:28,480 Speaker 3: not have always shown when it comes to the numbers, 235 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:31,280 Speaker 3: like you talked about, they've they've been solid in his 236 00:11:31,360 --> 00:11:34,240 Speaker 3: first two seasons. This year obviously has been taken to 237 00:11:34,280 --> 00:11:37,880 Speaker 3: a whole different level. But even as a run blocker's 238 00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:42,000 Speaker 3: he's very physical out there and he makes big time 239 00:11:42,040 --> 00:11:44,200 Speaker 3: poays in It was funny. Omo asked him a question 240 00:11:44,240 --> 00:11:46,200 Speaker 3: in the locker room about, like in a season where 241 00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:48,319 Speaker 3: you got to the end zone or so many different catches, 242 00:11:48,360 --> 00:11:51,120 Speaker 3: like what was your favorite? Was it the win against Atlanta? 243 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:54,080 Speaker 3: And he said that was really just the football gods 244 00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:56,360 Speaker 3: kind of rewarding me a little bit. And I think 245 00:11:56,440 --> 00:11:59,400 Speaker 3: in that case, like it puts in perspective that these 246 00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:02,040 Speaker 3: guys have done so much of the dirty work and 247 00:12:02,280 --> 00:12:04,240 Speaker 3: they might not always get the football coming their way, 248 00:12:04,240 --> 00:12:06,640 Speaker 3: but when they do, they've been able to deliver. And 249 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:10,120 Speaker 3: so far, the football gods, Michael Wilson must have done 250 00:12:10,160 --> 00:12:12,480 Speaker 3: a lot of praying to them in the last two seasons, 251 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:15,160 Speaker 3: because in year three it's come third times. The charm, 252 00:12:15,240 --> 00:12:16,000 Speaker 3: Isn't that what they say? 253 00:12:16,360 --> 00:12:18,960 Speaker 1: That's that's the it worked. 254 00:12:18,960 --> 00:12:22,439 Speaker 3: It's worked out so far, so hopefully the Week eighteen 255 00:12:22,520 --> 00:12:24,199 Speaker 3: game is the real charm. 256 00:12:24,400 --> 00:12:26,640 Speaker 1: Michael did acknowledge that it would be quote a heck 257 00:12:26,679 --> 00:12:29,679 Speaker 1: of an achievement if he does make it to one 258 00:12:29,760 --> 00:12:33,280 Speaker 1: thousand receiving yards coming up on Sunday, But again, it's 259 00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:35,920 Speaker 1: a Rams team that might have something to play for, 260 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:38,880 Speaker 1: might not have something to play for. If the forty 261 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:42,440 Speaker 1: nine ers do lose Saturday Night and the Rams win, 262 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:45,120 Speaker 1: then the Rams are the five seed. If not, then 263 00:12:45,240 --> 00:12:48,160 Speaker 1: they're the six seed in traveling to Chicago or Philadelphia. 264 00:12:48,200 --> 00:12:52,160 Speaker 1: But Sean McVay a year ago, with seeding still in 265 00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:55,839 Speaker 1: the balance, rested everyone or there were limited snaps to 266 00:12:55,920 --> 00:12:58,720 Speaker 1: defensive players. So but based off some of the postgame 267 00:12:58,760 --> 00:13:00,960 Speaker 1: conversation coming out of that on a night football game, 268 00:13:00,960 --> 00:13:04,520 Speaker 1: it does sound like the starters will play because, in 269 00:13:04,559 --> 00:13:07,839 Speaker 1: the words of Sean McVay, quote, we need to play better. 270 00:13:08,240 --> 00:13:10,199 Speaker 3: And that's a part of it. When you go down 271 00:13:10,240 --> 00:13:14,040 Speaker 3: to the postseason. The Rams team is really strong and 272 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:16,000 Speaker 3: we know that they have a lot of skill out there. 273 00:13:16,080 --> 00:13:20,079 Speaker 3: Last year, their playoff experience was straight out of a movie. 274 00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:21,640 Speaker 3: With the fires that they had. They have to come 275 00:13:21,679 --> 00:13:23,760 Speaker 3: to State Farm Stadium to play that wild card game 276 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:26,080 Speaker 3: against the Minnesota Vikings, and then they have to go 277 00:13:26,080 --> 00:13:29,040 Speaker 3: play in snowy Philadelphia, and that was, you know, a 278 00:13:29,080 --> 00:13:30,920 Speaker 3: game that I don't think many people were expecting the 279 00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:34,360 Speaker 3: Rams to be prepared for. Once the snow started coming down, 280 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:36,440 Speaker 3: they now want to play a little bit for their 281 00:13:36,480 --> 00:13:38,600 Speaker 3: own destiny. But at the end of the day, they 282 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:41,520 Speaker 3: Jean McVay trust himself more than anybody, and he has 283 00:13:41,559 --> 00:13:43,640 Speaker 3: his own belief in the football gods to deliver. So 284 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:47,480 Speaker 3: they if they said anybody, if they sit any of 285 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:50,640 Speaker 3: the starters, that's still a Rams team with a lot 286 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:53,280 Speaker 3: of depth that plays at a really high level. 287 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:56,320 Speaker 1: Two twenty five is the kickoff on Sunday. All right, 288 00:13:56,400 --> 00:14:00,960 Speaker 1: let's dive further into the matchup. As mentioned off top Zach, 289 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:03,160 Speaker 1: you and I had the chance to speak with Stu Jackson, 290 00:14:03,280 --> 00:14:06,400 Speaker 1: senior staff rider for the Rams dot Com. Here now 291 00:14:06,559 --> 00:14:10,800 Speaker 1: is our conversation. So i'd ask you how you're doing, Stu, 292 00:14:10,960 --> 00:14:14,880 Speaker 1: But because I do follow at Stu Jay Rams on 293 00:14:14,960 --> 00:14:17,360 Speaker 1: social media, I think I have a pretty good idea 294 00:14:17,440 --> 00:14:20,280 Speaker 1: how you're doing, So I'll ask you this. Have things 295 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:22,560 Speaker 1: quieted down since Monday night. 296 00:14:24,600 --> 00:14:26,600 Speaker 4: A little bit? I mean, I'm sure you're probably talking 297 00:14:26,680 --> 00:14:28,520 Speaker 4: about the post I had where I was like, I, 298 00:14:28,800 --> 00:14:31,440 Speaker 4: you know, still believe in the team's ceiling and everything, 299 00:14:31,480 --> 00:14:37,520 Speaker 4: despite what's happened last night and really the last two games, and. 300 00:14:36,600 --> 00:14:39,640 Speaker 1: And the fact that your your mute button works as well. 301 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:46,120 Speaker 4: Oh yeah, I fortunate. Yeah, sorry, I thought you were 302 00:14:46,160 --> 00:14:47,040 Speaker 4: talking about my phone. 303 00:14:46,880 --> 00:14:47,320 Speaker 3: For a second. 304 00:14:47,560 --> 00:14:49,720 Speaker 1: No no, no, no, no, no, but yeah. 305 00:14:49,680 --> 00:14:52,840 Speaker 4: No, yes, yeah. When there are arguments that I don't 306 00:14:52,880 --> 00:14:56,640 Speaker 4: find founded in facts or logic, I tend to apply 307 00:14:56,680 --> 00:15:00,320 Speaker 4: that button. So yeah, I can understand the front stration 308 00:15:00,400 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 4: that fans have had over the last two games, and 309 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:04,760 Speaker 4: I and I get why, But I just think there's 310 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:08,320 Speaker 4: been enough improvement and enough adjustments from you know what 311 00:15:08,400 --> 00:15:11,960 Speaker 4: this coaching staff has shown that, you know, even with 312 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:17,160 Speaker 4: as challenging as it's been the process, you know, what's 313 00:15:17,160 --> 00:15:19,320 Speaker 4: transpired over the last two games, I still think there's 314 00:15:19,360 --> 00:15:22,400 Speaker 4: a reason to be optimistic about this team ceiling and 315 00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:23,560 Speaker 4: what it's capable of. 316 00:15:23,960 --> 00:15:28,200 Speaker 1: Is there maybe concerns not the right word, but because 317 00:15:28,240 --> 00:15:31,200 Speaker 1: it's the end of the season and going into the postseason, 318 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:35,320 Speaker 1: how you finish this season, is there a little worry 319 00:15:35,720 --> 00:15:39,080 Speaker 1: based on how this team has played the past couple 320 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:39,720 Speaker 1: of weeks. 321 00:15:40,760 --> 00:15:43,680 Speaker 4: Yeah, there were some questions that you know, players and 322 00:15:44,160 --> 00:15:47,280 Speaker 4: Sean McVay got about that, especially in wake of you know, 323 00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:50,680 Speaker 4: how the rest of the NFC playoff field is looking 324 00:15:50,760 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 4: right now, and you know, I can understand where the 325 00:15:55,120 --> 00:15:58,760 Speaker 4: question is coming from, like in those situations referring to 326 00:15:58,840 --> 00:16:02,280 Speaker 4: post game, but again, kind of what I what I 327 00:16:02,320 --> 00:16:04,800 Speaker 4: said before, I just I just really think it's as 328 00:16:04,880 --> 00:16:07,880 Speaker 4: much as people may say it's an excuse, I believe 329 00:16:08,000 --> 00:16:10,760 Speaker 4: that still believe that it's relevant context where you know, 330 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:13,280 Speaker 4: this is a team that you know, they've shown what 331 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:15,360 Speaker 4: they're capable of when they're fully healthy, and I think 332 00:16:15,400 --> 00:16:17,760 Speaker 4: it's truly just a matter of getting some of those 333 00:16:17,840 --> 00:16:21,680 Speaker 4: key pieces back and getting to full strength, combined with 334 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:24,960 Speaker 4: again what the improvement that I think everybody saw on 335 00:16:24,960 --> 00:16:29,600 Speaker 4: special teams Monday night, you know, to easing those concerns 336 00:16:29,680 --> 00:16:32,800 Speaker 4: and playing back to the level that they were, you know, 337 00:16:32,920 --> 00:16:35,840 Speaker 4: especially amid that six game win streak they had at 338 00:16:35,840 --> 00:16:36,680 Speaker 4: one point this season. 339 00:16:37,000 --> 00:16:40,600 Speaker 3: Stu, it's understandable that there's such an eye towards the 340 00:16:40,640 --> 00:16:43,560 Speaker 3: postseason beyond Week eighteen, but how much of an eye 341 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:45,600 Speaker 3: is there on Week eighteen for the Rams? 342 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:49,440 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think there was part of the reason there 343 00:16:49,520 --> 00:16:51,800 Speaker 4: was an eye on it is because of you know, 344 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:54,400 Speaker 4: there were questions about depending on you know, seeding in 345 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:57,680 Speaker 4: other scenarios like would this be you know, a game 346 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:01,280 Speaker 4: that the Rams would potentially rest their starter And McVeigh 347 00:17:01,480 --> 00:17:05,040 Speaker 4: very adamantly said postgame Monday night that they're going to play. 348 00:17:05,560 --> 00:17:10,000 Speaker 4: And so, you know, from that standpoint, I think, you know, 349 00:17:10,040 --> 00:17:12,879 Speaker 4: looking ahead the week eighteen, it's maybe changed, as you know, 350 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:15,720 Speaker 4: based on how the last two games have unfolded, and 351 00:17:16,200 --> 00:17:18,600 Speaker 4: now that you know it's not a scenario where they're 352 00:17:18,640 --> 00:17:21,159 Speaker 4: potentially playing for the number one seed in the division 353 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:25,920 Speaker 4: title anymore so, so the I guess the attention toward 354 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:28,879 Speaker 4: it has changed for different reasons, but there still is, 355 00:17:29,920 --> 00:17:33,160 Speaker 4: you know, a focus on that for that reason, like I. 356 00:17:33,119 --> 00:17:35,800 Speaker 3: Talked about with the starters, you did mention the special 357 00:17:35,800 --> 00:17:38,280 Speaker 3: team's component. Obviously there was a move that was made. 358 00:17:38,359 --> 00:17:41,200 Speaker 3: Now the Cardinals have kicker Joshuacarty as well in the building, 359 00:17:41,520 --> 00:17:45,040 Speaker 3: but clearly the special teams component has made a difference 360 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:47,359 Speaker 3: for the Rams in what ways has that might have 361 00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:50,520 Speaker 3: provided a spark for the team knowing what a new 362 00:17:50,560 --> 00:17:52,560 Speaker 3: face has kind of brought into that room. 363 00:17:54,040 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 4: Yeah. One thing that stood out to me is when 364 00:17:57,240 --> 00:18:01,200 Speaker 4: we asked Sean McVay about know how he would describe 365 00:18:01,560 --> 00:18:04,240 Speaker 4: uh then caught weka the interim Special teams coordinator who 366 00:18:04,240 --> 00:18:07,320 Speaker 4: began the years this special teams coach, and he talked 367 00:18:07,320 --> 00:18:09,840 Speaker 4: about just h you know, the urgency and accountability that 368 00:18:10,760 --> 00:18:13,320 Speaker 4: you know he he is as far as his U 369 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:16,760 Speaker 4: coaching approach and so h that was something that McVeigh 370 00:18:16,760 --> 00:18:20,359 Speaker 4: felt like he saw all throughout last week. And you 371 00:18:20,359 --> 00:18:24,359 Speaker 4: know whatever whatever, you know, that different voice or new 372 00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:28,880 Speaker 4: voice in in that leadership role provided you know, clearly 373 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:31,840 Speaker 4: worked because again this is a phase that uh, you 374 00:18:31,840 --> 00:18:35,040 Speaker 4: know did have a have a role in at least 375 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:37,040 Speaker 4: before Monday night, you know three of three of those 376 00:18:37,080 --> 00:18:40,960 Speaker 4: four uh you know losses that the RAMS had had 377 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:44,600 Speaker 4: and so you can understand why a change was made. 378 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:49,120 Speaker 4: But you know, especially with getting the blocking the field 379 00:18:49,119 --> 00:18:50,960 Speaker 4: goal and returning it for a touchdown. You know, Jordan 380 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:54,440 Speaker 4: Whittington had a really nice thirty eight yard kickoff return 381 00:18:54,520 --> 00:18:56,679 Speaker 4: that gave them some great field position at one point. 382 00:18:57,480 --> 00:18:59,760 Speaker 4: You know, there are a lot of you know, no 383 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:02,879 Speaker 4: matter what phades I felt like you looked at or 384 00:19:02,920 --> 00:19:05,640 Speaker 4: what aspect of special teams you looked at last night, 385 00:19:05,720 --> 00:19:07,760 Speaker 4: it just felt like there was a provement across the board, 386 00:19:07,880 --> 00:19:11,760 Speaker 4: which again is really encouraging sign because that's been in 387 00:19:11,840 --> 00:19:14,919 Speaker 4: a lot of cases you know what's caused, you know, 388 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:16,840 Speaker 4: some of those losses and been a result of those 389 00:19:16,840 --> 00:19:18,399 Speaker 4: shortcomings Offensively. 390 00:19:18,440 --> 00:19:20,960 Speaker 1: I think the Rams are going to be fine. It's 391 00:19:21,000 --> 00:19:24,719 Speaker 1: okay to have a bad day within the course of 392 00:19:24,760 --> 00:19:27,800 Speaker 1: an eighteen week regular season. I think Monday night was 393 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:30,280 Speaker 1: just a bad day. That's just me from the outside 394 00:19:30,320 --> 00:19:32,600 Speaker 1: looking in. We saw it firsthand a couple of weeks 395 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:35,560 Speaker 1: back at State Farm Stadium when the Rams put up 396 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:38,680 Speaker 1: a season i forty five points on the Cardinals defense. 397 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:41,720 Speaker 1: But it's the Rams defense that has gotten a lot 398 00:19:41,720 --> 00:19:44,719 Speaker 1: of attentions to over these last couple of games because 399 00:19:44,720 --> 00:19:47,200 Speaker 1: of the amount of points that have been scored against 400 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:50,520 Speaker 1: what is still a top ten scoring defense. Where is 401 00:19:50,560 --> 00:19:54,920 Speaker 1: this defense overall going into this game and then going 402 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:55,879 Speaker 1: into the postseason. 403 00:19:57,160 --> 00:20:00,240 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think the pass rush is still performed really 404 00:20:00,240 --> 00:20:02,479 Speaker 4: well and at the level that we've seen all season. 405 00:20:03,240 --> 00:20:06,120 Speaker 4: I think the main area of concern right now has 406 00:20:06,240 --> 00:20:09,920 Speaker 4: just been an unusual amount of explosives allowed, especially in 407 00:20:09,960 --> 00:20:13,280 Speaker 4: the second half and especially in the passing game, and 408 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:16,120 Speaker 4: so if they can get that cleaned up, I think 409 00:20:16,160 --> 00:20:19,560 Speaker 4: that will you know, get them back toward again the 410 00:20:19,640 --> 00:20:22,480 Speaker 4: unit that has played like a top ten unit throughout 411 00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:25,520 Speaker 4: the season. But that's just something that's shown up that 412 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:30,120 Speaker 4: really hadn't as much throughout the year. And so that's 413 00:20:30,119 --> 00:20:32,200 Speaker 4: something that I'm sure will be you know, a topic 414 00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:34,520 Speaker 4: of discussion and a priority to get right this week. 415 00:20:34,640 --> 00:20:37,359 Speaker 4: But you know, those are really the two things that 416 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:40,080 Speaker 4: you know, I've kind of looked at or observed where 417 00:20:41,320 --> 00:20:45,159 Speaker 4: you know, if the secondary can get that right and 418 00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:48,200 Speaker 4: to compliment the pass rush, I think we'll think things 419 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:49,480 Speaker 4: will get back on tract there. 420 00:20:49,600 --> 00:20:51,159 Speaker 3: You talked a little bit about the pass rush. There 421 00:20:51,200 --> 00:20:54,680 Speaker 3: are both Byron Young and Jared Verse Pro bowlers. Were 422 00:20:54,680 --> 00:20:56,800 Speaker 3: you surprised that the Rams were able to get two 423 00:20:57,080 --> 00:20:58,360 Speaker 3: pass rushers in there. 424 00:20:59,840 --> 00:21:05,160 Speaker 4: The Pro Bowl? Yeah, uh, not necessarily, just because I mean, again, 425 00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:07,560 Speaker 4: Byron Young has had the numbers at least in terms 426 00:21:07,560 --> 00:21:11,600 Speaker 4: of sacks and pressures and whatnot, and you know, Jared Burst, 427 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:14,240 Speaker 4: you know, hasn't been you know, up there with the 428 00:21:14,280 --> 00:21:17,440 Speaker 4: sac numbers, but you know, from a pressure standpoint and 429 00:21:17,600 --> 00:21:21,359 Speaker 4: just eye test, watching tape anything like that, you know, 430 00:21:21,400 --> 00:21:23,360 Speaker 4: you you look at the way he's played, you can 431 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:27,280 Speaker 4: still see the impact that he's had. And so and 432 00:21:27,359 --> 00:21:30,159 Speaker 4: I would say that too with you know, the consistency 433 00:21:30,280 --> 00:21:32,560 Speaker 4: that you know, both of those guys have had down 434 00:21:32,600 --> 00:21:34,840 Speaker 4: in and down out, regardless of what their numbers have said. 435 00:21:34,880 --> 00:21:38,440 Speaker 4: And so, you know, I know there's you know, different 436 00:21:38,520 --> 00:21:40,720 Speaker 4: views on you know, the Pro Bowl process and things 437 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:44,240 Speaker 4: like that, and it's especially when you know teams feel 438 00:21:44,280 --> 00:21:46,760 Speaker 4: certain guys got snubbed and whatnot. But you know, these 439 00:21:46,800 --> 00:21:49,520 Speaker 4: are two choices that I really feel, like, you know, 440 00:21:49,560 --> 00:21:53,280 Speaker 4: across fan voting and all those layers that you know, 441 00:21:53,320 --> 00:21:56,320 Speaker 4: they really got it right. And so again they've they've 442 00:21:56,359 --> 00:21:58,959 Speaker 4: had an impact all year and and you know, been 443 00:21:59,320 --> 00:22:03,040 Speaker 4: too really difference makers for their defense. So it wasn't 444 00:22:03,080 --> 00:22:04,320 Speaker 4: really too much of a surprise to me. 445 00:22:04,680 --> 00:22:08,720 Speaker 1: One more, talking about this Rams defense and the focus. 446 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:11,840 Speaker 1: Looking at the Cardinals on offense, Marvin Harrison Junior is 447 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:16,280 Speaker 1: not going to play on Sunday. Michael Wilson in the 448 00:22:16,320 --> 00:22:19,959 Speaker 1: wide receiver one role against the Rams earlier this season 449 00:22:20,040 --> 00:22:22,919 Speaker 1: eleven catches on sixteen targets, one hundred and forty two 450 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:27,800 Speaker 1: yards and two touchdowns. What now is the focus of 451 00:22:27,840 --> 00:22:30,280 Speaker 1: the Rams. As far as how to slow down you 452 00:22:30,359 --> 00:22:33,239 Speaker 1: got Trey McBride, but as far as specifically looking at 453 00:22:33,240 --> 00:22:36,480 Speaker 1: what Michael did in that first meeting and maybe kind 454 00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:38,640 Speaker 1: of slow him down just a little bit. 455 00:22:40,280 --> 00:22:43,240 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think you're you're exactly right. I mean, he 456 00:22:43,400 --> 00:22:47,800 Speaker 4: definitely has their attention after that performance, and you know, 457 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:50,159 Speaker 4: going back to you know, even just from what I 458 00:22:50,160 --> 00:22:52,359 Speaker 4: saw in that first meeting between these two teams, and 459 00:22:52,400 --> 00:22:54,879 Speaker 4: even and obviously over the last you know, three or 460 00:22:54,880 --> 00:22:57,480 Speaker 4: four weeks, like he's been someone that's been capable I 461 00:22:57,480 --> 00:23:00,640 Speaker 4: think of, you know, generating those explosive plays passing game 462 00:23:00,680 --> 00:23:04,359 Speaker 4: that have you know, kind of surfaced here given you know, 463 00:23:04,400 --> 00:23:06,600 Speaker 4: the Rams secondaries some trouble in the last two weeks, 464 00:23:06,640 --> 00:23:09,360 Speaker 4: and so you know, both of those guys are certainly 465 00:23:09,359 --> 00:23:13,480 Speaker 4: capable of that, and so someone that again that you 466 00:23:13,480 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 4: don't want him to have that kind of game again obviously, 467 00:23:16,640 --> 00:23:19,800 Speaker 4: but you know, same with with Trey McBride too and 468 00:23:20,080 --> 00:23:21,959 Speaker 4: what he's produced throughout the season. 469 00:23:22,160 --> 00:23:25,320 Speaker 1: It was the third one hundred receiving yard game for 470 00:23:25,520 --> 00:23:28,240 Speaker 1: Michael Wilson this season when the Cardinals lost to the 471 00:23:28,320 --> 00:23:32,400 Speaker 1: Rams at State Farm Stadium Week eighteen on Sunday. Some 472 00:23:32,440 --> 00:23:35,080 Speaker 1: good news some bad news for you, Stu for this game, 473 00:23:35,640 --> 00:23:38,359 Speaker 1: and you can take it either way you want. I 474 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:41,920 Speaker 1: will not be in attendance, but Zach will be at 475 00:23:41,960 --> 00:23:43,920 Speaker 1: the game on Sunday. I'll be there. 476 00:23:44,119 --> 00:23:45,800 Speaker 3: I'll be there with Stu. I actually do have one 477 00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:48,320 Speaker 3: more question for you here. We're obviously recording this before 478 00:23:48,960 --> 00:23:51,359 Speaker 3: New Year's Day. How's Indiana gonna do? 479 00:23:51,440 --> 00:23:56,919 Speaker 4: My man, that's a great question. I am very confident 480 00:23:56,920 --> 00:24:00,920 Speaker 4: in Indiana's chances in the Rose Bowl. I know that it's 481 00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:03,840 Speaker 4: alan Alabama, excuse me, is going to present a really 482 00:24:03,840 --> 00:24:08,040 Speaker 4: good challenge. But I've watched every game this year. I 483 00:24:08,040 --> 00:24:12,480 Speaker 4: did watch Alabama's quarterfinal game. I do feel good about 484 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:14,919 Speaker 4: the Hoosier chances to advance to the semi finals. But 485 00:24:15,480 --> 00:24:17,679 Speaker 4: I know that I know that won't be easy. But 486 00:24:17,960 --> 00:24:19,720 Speaker 4: I will be at the Rose Bolt tomorrow, so I'm 487 00:24:19,840 --> 00:24:21,240 Speaker 4: very very excited about that. 488 00:24:21,240 --> 00:24:22,639 Speaker 1: That was gonna be my follow up. If you are 489 00:24:22,680 --> 00:24:25,880 Speaker 1: going to be in attendance on Thursday, nice. 490 00:24:26,119 --> 00:24:28,120 Speaker 4: Yep, Yeah, I can't miss it. I mean, I've lived 491 00:24:28,119 --> 00:24:30,800 Speaker 4: out here long enough. That's like a bucket list thing 492 00:24:30,840 --> 00:24:33,120 Speaker 4: for me, so especially with my alma mater being there, 493 00:24:33,359 --> 00:24:33,919 Speaker 4: can't miss it. 494 00:24:34,440 --> 00:24:39,720 Speaker 1: Well, enjoy the game and more importantly, enjoy Zach on Sunday. 495 00:24:39,800 --> 00:24:42,280 Speaker 1: Just make sure he doesn't get lost and or do 496 00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:45,440 Speaker 1: something that he probably shouldn't do, or does something or 497 00:24:45,480 --> 00:24:46,040 Speaker 1: says something. 498 00:24:46,080 --> 00:24:47,560 Speaker 3: Just courage it. 499 00:24:48,960 --> 00:24:52,439 Speaker 4: I'll you know what, Craig, I'll text you postgame report 500 00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:53,640 Speaker 4: on his behavior. How about that? 501 00:24:53,840 --> 00:24:56,080 Speaker 1: Very good? Yes, we we don't want we don't want 502 00:24:56,200 --> 00:24:58,400 Speaker 1: Zach to get in into trouble in Los Angeles. There's 503 00:24:58,440 --> 00:24:59,080 Speaker 1: plenty of ways for. 504 00:24:59,080 --> 00:24:59,720 Speaker 3: Him to get in trouble. 505 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:00,479 Speaker 1: We don't get them. 506 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:02,560 Speaker 3: As long as I'll get lost in so far that 507 00:25:02,640 --> 00:25:04,639 Speaker 3: stadium is tough to navigate. 508 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:07,760 Speaker 4: Well, I'll make sure that doesn't happen for sure. 509 00:25:08,200 --> 00:25:12,720 Speaker 1: Awesome, appreciate it, Stu, all the best, Thank you guys again, 510 00:25:13,960 --> 00:25:20,719 Speaker 1: and yes, congratulations to all Indiana Hoosiers, alums and fans. Stu. 511 00:25:20,840 --> 00:25:23,280 Speaker 1: We had a chance to speak with him on Wednesday, 512 00:25:23,359 --> 00:25:26,840 Speaker 1: so before the Rose Bowl performance, and it was a 513 00:25:26,920 --> 00:25:30,679 Speaker 1: performance and what Indiana did to Alabama. So congratulations to 514 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:32,600 Speaker 1: ste that game literally right in his backyard. 515 00:25:32,680 --> 00:25:36,199 Speaker 3: Yeah, awesome that he got to go to one of 516 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:38,879 Speaker 3: the greatest shows in all of sports, which is the 517 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:42,399 Speaker 3: Rose Bowl, the granddaddy of them. Also, it's it's a 518 00:25:42,880 --> 00:25:44,760 Speaker 3: Penn State was there a few years ago, and I 519 00:25:44,840 --> 00:25:47,960 Speaker 3: just remember hearing all the stories about it, just the roses, 520 00:25:48,040 --> 00:25:51,240 Speaker 3: the the spectacle of what it all is New Year's Day. 521 00:25:51,280 --> 00:25:54,600 Speaker 3: It's it's a it's a fun time out there in Pasadena. 522 00:25:54,960 --> 00:25:57,920 Speaker 1: If you follow Stu it's at Stu Jay Rams, you'll 523 00:25:57,960 --> 00:26:00,199 Speaker 1: see a lot not just of RAMS coverage, but some 524 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:04,080 Speaker 1: celebrating with the Indiana win and now the advancing to 525 00:26:04,119 --> 00:26:06,480 Speaker 1: the semi finals. So, by the way, make sure you 526 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:08,560 Speaker 1: congratulate Stu when you see him in person. 527 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:09,160 Speaker 2: Side. 528 00:26:09,240 --> 00:26:11,239 Speaker 3: I will, I will, I will make sure to go 529 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:13,760 Speaker 3: who Who's yours? 530 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:17,120 Speaker 1: See clipping that Cody, I appreciate that. 531 00:26:17,640 --> 00:26:20,320 Speaker 3: See, I don't think Penn State places him next year. 532 00:26:20,359 --> 00:26:22,960 Speaker 3: So I think I'm saved at least for one four year. 533 00:26:23,040 --> 00:26:23,280 Speaker 1: Matter. 534 00:26:23,560 --> 00:26:25,560 Speaker 3: I think I'm saved for one year. I would have 535 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:28,520 Speaker 3: to check the schedule, and if we do play them, 536 00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:30,919 Speaker 3: I will have to hack into Cody's computer and make 537 00:26:30,920 --> 00:26:32,160 Speaker 3: sure that this isn't deleted. 538 00:26:33,880 --> 00:26:37,919 Speaker 1: Some news items revolving around this game on Sunday, as 539 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:41,520 Speaker 1: we mentioned Marvin Harrison Junior, he has already been ruled outs. 540 00:26:41,680 --> 00:26:44,679 Speaker 1: Keaton Crawford was ruled out earlier in the week and 541 00:26:44,760 --> 00:26:49,760 Speaker 1: then on Thursday placed on IR because of that ankle issue. 542 00:26:49,880 --> 00:26:52,720 Speaker 1: By the way, that is now twenty four different players 543 00:26:52,720 --> 00:26:57,320 Speaker 1: on injured reserve the roster spot. The Cardinals claimed inside 544 00:26:57,400 --> 00:27:02,439 Speaker 1: linebacker Austin Keys from the Vikings. So again, when you 545 00:27:02,480 --> 00:27:05,879 Speaker 1: have these moves late in the season, it's more about 546 00:27:05,920 --> 00:27:08,320 Speaker 1: already looking ahead at twenty twenty six as far as 547 00:27:08,680 --> 00:27:11,119 Speaker 1: roster construction, who are you going to have as your 548 00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:14,520 Speaker 1: ninety players. Remember, if you're on the practice squad, do 549 00:27:14,640 --> 00:27:17,120 Speaker 1: not get signed to the active roster, then come Monday, 550 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:19,600 Speaker 1: you are a free agent, meaning you are free to 551 00:27:19,760 --> 00:27:23,080 Speaker 1: continue to play. It just might it's just not going 552 00:27:23,119 --> 00:27:25,320 Speaker 1: to be for the Arizona Cardinals, but a playoff team 553 00:27:25,400 --> 00:27:29,320 Speaker 1: could sign you and all of a sudden, your season continues. 554 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:32,160 Speaker 3: And futures contracts can be signed as early as as 555 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:35,240 Speaker 3: that because a lot of the organizations would want to 556 00:27:35,320 --> 00:27:38,119 Speaker 3: keep some of those practice squad guys in house hope 557 00:27:38,119 --> 00:27:41,560 Speaker 3: that through OTAs and through training camp that they'll be 558 00:27:41,600 --> 00:27:44,760 Speaker 3: able to potentially fight for a roster spot come that 559 00:27:44,920 --> 00:27:48,520 Speaker 3: August fateful fifty three man day cut down deadline day. 560 00:27:48,840 --> 00:27:52,920 Speaker 3: So that's something that something we should all be looking at. 561 00:27:52,920 --> 00:27:56,240 Speaker 3: It considering because last year a bunch of different players, 562 00:27:56,440 --> 00:27:58,760 Speaker 3: guys like PJ musta For and Anthony Goodlack who are 563 00:27:58,760 --> 00:28:01,240 Speaker 3: on the fifty three man roster points this year, were 564 00:28:01,359 --> 00:28:05,200 Speaker 3: future guys. So there is potential that some of these 565 00:28:05,240 --> 00:28:07,520 Speaker 3: guys do get brought back in a deal that you 566 00:28:07,560 --> 00:28:09,920 Speaker 3: might not expect for them to make an actual impact, 567 00:28:09,920 --> 00:28:13,360 Speaker 3: and then come October they're playing meaningful snaps and. 568 00:28:13,280 --> 00:28:15,840 Speaker 1: It wouldn't surprise me if there was another roster move 569 00:28:15,920 --> 00:28:21,040 Speaker 1: or two on Saturday, even further than the practice squad elevations. Again, 570 00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:24,040 Speaker 1: if you want to make sure you do not lose 571 00:28:24,200 --> 00:28:28,159 Speaker 1: a guy Monday morning, you elevate him, you know, elevate him, 572 00:28:28,200 --> 00:28:29,920 Speaker 1: you sign them to the active roster, and of course 573 00:28:29,960 --> 00:28:32,480 Speaker 1: you'd have to make a corresponding roster move. So again, 574 00:28:32,560 --> 00:28:35,080 Speaker 1: part of that roster gymnastics that we always talk about, 575 00:28:35,200 --> 00:28:38,200 Speaker 1: it just it happens late in the regular season for 576 00:28:38,280 --> 00:28:40,640 Speaker 1: teams that aren't going to be playing in the postseason. 577 00:28:40,680 --> 00:28:42,160 Speaker 3: Yeah, but the tough part has just been with how 578 00:28:42,160 --> 00:28:44,720 Speaker 3: many injuries and that happens, trying to navigate it all 579 00:28:44,800 --> 00:28:47,719 Speaker 3: because of that limit that you could have ninety players 580 00:28:47,720 --> 00:28:51,440 Speaker 3: that are basically on within the building and Cardinals obviously 581 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:54,280 Speaker 3: have had to play a lot of gymnastics with that 582 00:28:54,440 --> 00:28:56,440 Speaker 3: because of how many players have been on I mean, 583 00:28:56,440 --> 00:29:00,360 Speaker 3: you mentioned twenty four different players. That's a starting offense, defense, 584 00:29:00,400 --> 00:29:04,600 Speaker 3: and special team. So it's it's remarkable how injured this 585 00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:06,440 Speaker 3: team has gone. 586 00:29:06,840 --> 00:29:10,120 Speaker 1: You add Sean Murphy Bunting, that's twenty five players man 587 00:29:10,320 --> 00:29:14,280 Speaker 1: plus your practice squad plus your fifty three man active roster. 588 00:29:14,520 --> 00:29:18,120 Speaker 1: That number can't exceed ninety. Is why Justin Jones was 589 00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:21,440 Speaker 1: released off IR a couple of weeks back, because the 590 00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:24,600 Speaker 1: roster gymnastics. And again it's gymnastics for you as well, Zach, 591 00:29:24,640 --> 00:29:28,640 Speaker 1: because you're the one that's updating the depth chart, updating 592 00:29:28,680 --> 00:29:31,360 Speaker 1: the injury report, updating the website. 593 00:29:31,440 --> 00:29:34,080 Speaker 3: So yeah, yeah, and I could complain. I'm not gonna complain, 594 00:29:34,160 --> 00:29:36,600 Speaker 3: at least not while the mics are are hot right now. 595 00:29:36,640 --> 00:29:40,600 Speaker 3: But look, it's definitely been difficult. But I think to 596 00:29:40,720 --> 00:29:43,800 Speaker 3: just all three phases and how they've all been impacted 597 00:29:43,800 --> 00:29:45,800 Speaker 3: in their own ways, you will get the defense. Your 598 00:29:46,240 --> 00:29:50,840 Speaker 3: three cornerbacks, Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas, Sean Murphy Bunting, those 599 00:29:50,880 --> 00:29:53,880 Speaker 3: guys were gonna be your three starters, likely on the 600 00:29:53,920 --> 00:29:57,240 Speaker 3: outside so that's something walking on the third, then you 601 00:29:57,240 --> 00:30:00,480 Speaker 3: have Keen Crawford in the secondary. Obviously, rabbit tailor Emerson 602 00:30:00,680 --> 00:30:04,320 Speaker 3: missed five games this year. Offensively, you lose quarterback Kyler Murray, 603 00:30:04,360 --> 00:30:07,120 Speaker 3: you lose James Conner, your offensive line is banged up. 604 00:30:07,160 --> 00:30:10,320 Speaker 3: Paris Johnson Junior lands on IR for a second time, 605 00:30:10,360 --> 00:30:13,120 Speaker 3: which he spoke with the media on Wednesday, and I 606 00:30:13,160 --> 00:30:15,680 Speaker 3: wrote a little bit about it for the article that 607 00:30:15,720 --> 00:30:19,720 Speaker 3: the PFWA awarded him the good Guy Award and awarded 608 00:30:19,760 --> 00:30:22,160 Speaker 3: Trey McBride the MVP and them kind of be in 609 00:30:22,160 --> 00:30:25,120 Speaker 3: the future. Paris said that his knee is doing a 610 00:30:25,160 --> 00:30:28,240 Speaker 3: lot better than what it was. He's flown in specialists. 611 00:30:28,240 --> 00:30:30,800 Speaker 3: He's done everything he possibly can to try to make 612 00:30:30,840 --> 00:30:34,480 Speaker 3: sure that this offseason works to his benefit. Just in 613 00:30:34,520 --> 00:30:38,000 Speaker 3: all phases of this team, the injury bug has certainly 614 00:30:38,000 --> 00:30:38,480 Speaker 3: caught him. 615 00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:43,200 Speaker 1: You mentioned an article upcoming on Azycardinals dot Com previewing 616 00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:46,240 Speaker 1: Sunday's game, but also again spotlighting what we had talked 617 00:30:46,280 --> 00:30:49,560 Speaker 1: about already, and that is Michael Wilson. As far as 618 00:30:49,880 --> 00:30:53,840 Speaker 1: your conversation with Michael and kind of not just the 619 00:30:53,880 --> 00:30:57,120 Speaker 1: one thousand yards, but what is the potential for Sunday 620 00:30:57,160 --> 00:30:59,800 Speaker 1: and maybe the intriguing matchup because you look at this 621 00:31:00,400 --> 00:31:03,320 Speaker 1: defense and recently they've been giving up a lot of points. 622 00:31:03,360 --> 00:31:06,280 Speaker 1: Still top ten overall, but they have not played well. 623 00:31:06,320 --> 00:31:09,040 Speaker 1: And that was part of our conversation with Stu Jackson 624 00:31:09,160 --> 00:31:12,280 Speaker 1: as well, because where this Rams team is, but more importantly, 625 00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:14,680 Speaker 1: where this Cardinals team is coming up on Sunday. 626 00:31:15,000 --> 00:31:18,360 Speaker 3: I yes, I spoke with Michael Wilson in the locker 627 00:31:18,400 --> 00:31:21,040 Speaker 3: room about what do they have to play for at 628 00:31:21,040 --> 00:31:23,680 Speaker 3: this point when you're going up against a Rams team, 629 00:31:24,000 --> 00:31:26,320 Speaker 3: and in the ways that stud talked about them about 630 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:28,800 Speaker 3: trying to make sure that the defense steps up a 631 00:31:28,800 --> 00:31:31,480 Speaker 3: little bit after what the Atlanta Falcons just did to 632 00:31:31,520 --> 00:31:34,760 Speaker 3: them on Monday Night Football, And obviously in our conversation 633 00:31:34,840 --> 00:31:37,040 Speaker 3: which the Bird Gang already listened to at this point, 634 00:31:37,160 --> 00:31:39,240 Speaker 3: the at this point of the covered Cardinals Cover two, 635 00:31:39,520 --> 00:31:41,920 Speaker 3: but I was talking with Michael Wilson just about what 636 00:31:42,160 --> 00:31:44,880 Speaker 3: actually needs to go on out there, what do they 637 00:31:44,920 --> 00:31:48,200 Speaker 3: have to play for? And he said it with one word, pride. 638 00:31:48,880 --> 00:31:51,440 Speaker 3: He said pride. He said that you would be foolish 639 00:31:51,880 --> 00:31:54,360 Speaker 3: to not give one hundred and twenty percent playing in 640 00:31:54,400 --> 00:31:57,720 Speaker 3: an NFL game. And we from our conversations with Mike, 641 00:31:57,760 --> 00:31:59,920 Speaker 3: both on the record off the record, you could see 642 00:32:00,160 --> 00:32:02,960 Speaker 3: the losses have made an impact on some of these players. 643 00:32:03,120 --> 00:32:06,080 Speaker 3: And it's not just like because I remember when we 644 00:32:06,120 --> 00:32:08,840 Speaker 3: were probably previewing I think the Packers game, like we 645 00:32:08,880 --> 00:32:11,480 Speaker 3: talked about it like this is a team that doesn't 646 00:32:11,480 --> 00:32:13,840 Speaker 3: feel like they're on a losing skid right now, And 647 00:32:13,880 --> 00:32:16,320 Speaker 3: in a lot of ways this team still doesn't because 648 00:32:16,320 --> 00:32:18,960 Speaker 3: of how connected the locker room all seems to be. 649 00:32:19,600 --> 00:32:22,520 Speaker 3: But individually you could tell that these guys as competitors, 650 00:32:22,520 --> 00:32:25,040 Speaker 3: they don't want to lose these games. So Michael Wilson 651 00:32:25,080 --> 00:32:26,840 Speaker 3: was talking about it. He said pride, He said, we're 652 00:32:26,880 --> 00:32:29,320 Speaker 3: playing against a division opponent here. You want to make 653 00:32:29,560 --> 00:32:32,080 Speaker 3: an impact. You want to make that individual success that 654 00:32:32,120 --> 00:32:34,600 Speaker 3: we already talked about happen, because it would be that 655 00:32:34,680 --> 00:32:36,680 Speaker 3: heck of achievement not just for him but for his 656 00:32:36,720 --> 00:32:40,720 Speaker 3: family and just for his perception throughout the NFL. But 657 00:32:40,760 --> 00:32:42,560 Speaker 3: he was saying that he has so many people that 658 00:32:42,640 --> 00:32:45,280 Speaker 3: he played with in college, friends from high school that 659 00:32:45,320 --> 00:32:48,920 Speaker 3: would give an arm a leg absolutely anything to be 660 00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:51,800 Speaker 3: able to put a buckle up the trend to buckle 661 00:32:51,840 --> 00:32:54,200 Speaker 3: up the chin strap and try to get ready to 662 00:32:54,240 --> 00:32:57,120 Speaker 3: go for a game, regardless if it's quote unquote meaningless 663 00:32:57,200 --> 00:32:59,920 Speaker 3: or not. And they seem to be ready to go. 664 00:33:00,080 --> 00:33:01,440 Speaker 3: They want to end on a high note. 665 00:33:01,600 --> 00:33:05,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, they don't take for granted this opportunity, even though 666 00:33:05,760 --> 00:33:09,320 Speaker 1: again it's a season in which it's over on Sunday. 667 00:33:09,400 --> 00:33:13,640 Speaker 1: But you only have seventeen of these How many seasons 668 00:33:13,680 --> 00:33:16,720 Speaker 1: do you have? And most players it's a little over 669 00:33:16,760 --> 00:33:19,920 Speaker 1: three years and then you are changed out. You are 670 00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:24,240 Speaker 1: done unless you have the skill set to maintain your 671 00:33:24,440 --> 00:33:28,640 Speaker 1: spot on a team and spot in the league. And 672 00:33:28,720 --> 00:33:31,400 Speaker 1: I think that's why it does mean something to go 673 00:33:31,480 --> 00:33:34,720 Speaker 1: into the offseason, certainly with the win, but also can 674 00:33:34,760 --> 00:33:38,560 Speaker 1: you feel good about yourself and what you've accomplished and 675 00:33:38,720 --> 00:33:41,440 Speaker 1: have that confidence carry over into next season. 676 00:33:41,520 --> 00:33:44,320 Speaker 3: And some of these guys they will. They'll be making 677 00:33:44,320 --> 00:33:47,640 Speaker 3: their vacations, they'll have the time to decompress and to 678 00:33:47,720 --> 00:33:51,920 Speaker 3: digest exactly what this season has been. It's been a grueling, 679 00:33:52,120 --> 00:33:55,760 Speaker 3: difficult season, both physically and mentally for a lot of 680 00:33:55,800 --> 00:33:59,000 Speaker 3: these guys. Because we talked about with the injuries. Yes, 681 00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:01,640 Speaker 3: you're losing on the defensive side of the ball, you're 682 00:34:01,680 --> 00:34:04,200 Speaker 3: losing twenty three and you're losing twenty four and you're 683 00:34:04,240 --> 00:34:06,960 Speaker 3: losing twenty one with your cornerbacks, but you're also losing 684 00:34:06,960 --> 00:34:09,160 Speaker 3: your bros. You're losing your friends that are out there, 685 00:34:09,200 --> 00:34:11,880 Speaker 3: and that's very difficult for a lot of these players. 686 00:34:11,880 --> 00:34:13,919 Speaker 3: And then when they come back into the building, they're 687 00:34:13,920 --> 00:34:17,240 Speaker 3: not seeing these guys preparing for a Week eighteen matchup. 688 00:34:17,480 --> 00:34:19,920 Speaker 3: They're seeing them on the start of their recovery and 689 00:34:19,520 --> 00:34:22,440 Speaker 3: that's mentally taxing in a lot of different ways. But 690 00:34:22,840 --> 00:34:25,880 Speaker 3: soon enough, they will As I spoke with Jonathan Gannon 691 00:34:25,960 --> 00:34:27,799 Speaker 3: and I asked the head coach about what they have 692 00:34:27,920 --> 00:34:30,960 Speaker 3: to play for and staying locked in for Week eighteen, 693 00:34:31,040 --> 00:34:33,759 Speaker 3: he said, in about two weeks, they will turn on 694 00:34:33,800 --> 00:34:36,200 Speaker 3: the TV and they'll see a wildcard matchup going on, 695 00:34:36,600 --> 00:34:38,200 Speaker 3: and they're going to be pretty pissed off that they're 696 00:34:38,200 --> 00:34:41,080 Speaker 3: not playing in that game. And that's when the fire 697 00:34:41,160 --> 00:34:43,800 Speaker 3: starts to burn again for a lot of these players, 698 00:34:43,800 --> 00:34:45,640 Speaker 3: and it's what gets the excitement. There's a lot of 699 00:34:45,640 --> 00:34:49,080 Speaker 3: disappointment right now for what the twenty twenty five Dash 700 00:34:49,120 --> 00:34:52,480 Speaker 3: twenty twenty sixth season has been for the Arizona Cardinals. 701 00:34:52,600 --> 00:34:55,000 Speaker 3: JG has mentioned that in every single press conference that 702 00:34:55,040 --> 00:34:58,960 Speaker 3: they're not happy with where they're at. But soon enough 703 00:34:59,160 --> 00:35:02,319 Speaker 3: that disappointment it's going to turn to hope into optimism 704 00:35:02,360 --> 00:35:04,360 Speaker 3: because there's belief that these guys are going to be 705 00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:05,240 Speaker 3: able to turn it around. 706 00:35:05,239 --> 00:35:09,279 Speaker 1: Craig, it is our final football Friday as far as 707 00:35:09,360 --> 00:35:12,919 Speaker 1: the season is concerned. We will have plenty to talk 708 00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:17,280 Speaker 1: about this offseason. As we mentioned, there is always change, 709 00:35:17,360 --> 00:35:21,200 Speaker 1: whether you're winning, whether you're losing, and change comes across 710 00:35:21,320 --> 00:35:25,719 Speaker 1: the board, front office, coaches, roster. It happens for all 711 00:35:25,800 --> 00:35:29,279 Speaker 1: thirty two teams. The Arizona Cardinals are no exception, just 712 00:35:29,400 --> 00:35:32,879 Speaker 1: might be a little bit more louder considering how this 713 00:35:32,920 --> 00:35:33,960 Speaker 1: season has gone. 714 00:35:34,040 --> 00:35:37,160 Speaker 3: And there's going to be a lot of speculation that's 715 00:35:37,200 --> 00:35:41,600 Speaker 3: going to be out there. Don't necessarily, I'll caution everybody, 716 00:35:42,040 --> 00:35:45,600 Speaker 3: don't necessarily fall forward the speculation because we don't know 717 00:35:45,680 --> 00:35:47,239 Speaker 3: what's going to be real or what's not going to 718 00:35:47,320 --> 00:35:49,879 Speaker 3: be real. And especially in today's social media, you don't 719 00:35:49,920 --> 00:35:56,040 Speaker 3: even know whose account is real except for ours, Zach cards. 720 00:35:55,680 --> 00:35:59,040 Speaker 1: And make sure you follow because you'll be in Los Angeles. 721 00:35:59,040 --> 00:36:00,520 Speaker 1: Behave yourself first and foremost. 722 00:36:01,200 --> 00:36:03,640 Speaker 3: And am I not here the day after New Year's 723 00:36:04,080 --> 00:36:08,400 Speaker 3: That is true? Am I in handcuffs like everyone expected 724 00:36:08,400 --> 00:36:09,000 Speaker 3: for me to be. 725 00:36:09,320 --> 00:36:12,160 Speaker 1: Wow, I wouldn't. Okay, that's as a visual no one 726 00:36:12,200 --> 00:36:13,880 Speaker 1: needs on a Friday. 727 00:36:13,920 --> 00:36:16,080 Speaker 3: Well that is actually. 728 00:36:17,880 --> 00:36:18,600 Speaker 1: You open the door. 729 00:36:18,680 --> 00:36:19,280 Speaker 3: That is fair? 730 00:36:19,520 --> 00:36:19,879 Speaker 4: All right? 731 00:36:20,080 --> 00:36:21,360 Speaker 1: Uh? You packed all ready to go? 732 00:36:21,520 --> 00:36:22,000 Speaker 3: Not at all? 733 00:36:22,040 --> 00:36:24,120 Speaker 1: Okay, I didn't think so we still have a day, 734 00:36:24,280 --> 00:36:27,480 Speaker 1: that's true. Just don't be late. I wouldn't play. Don't 735 00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:27,799 Speaker 1: be late. 736 00:36:27,840 --> 00:36:29,960 Speaker 3: I'm not that guy, don't. I mean, I'm that guy, 737 00:36:30,000 --> 00:36:30,640 Speaker 3: but I'm not back. 738 00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:33,200 Speaker 1: Oh, that's that is true. Zach is the guy, just 739 00:36:33,239 --> 00:36:37,279 Speaker 1: not that guy. On that notes, we will put a 740 00:36:37,400 --> 00:36:40,720 Speaker 1: lid on This edition of Cardinals. Cover two, presented by Hyundai, 741 00:36:40,760 --> 00:36:44,000 Speaker 1: proud partner of the Arizona Cardinals has always special thanks 742 00:36:44,040 --> 00:36:46,799 Speaker 1: to our executive producer Jim on One Hunter, our associate 743 00:36:46,800 --> 00:36:49,719 Speaker 1: producer Coddy Fincher. For Zach Kershman, I'm Greig real Lou. 744 00:36:49,800 --> 00:36:51,799 Speaker 1: We'll talk to you next time here on Cardinals Cover 745 00:36:51,880 --> 00:36:52,120 Speaker 1: two