Arizona Cardinals Podcasts

Longtime NFL defender Lorenzo Alexander, who played 15 seasons, joined Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley to talk about the Cardinals' offseason. He discussed the team's additions to the defense, the return of his former teammate Calais Campbell, and how getting pressure with just four pass rushers could help defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. He also shared his thoughts on the young but talented group of cornerbacks. Plus, Calvisi and Wolfley talked about what more friction at training camp might look like, how running back Trey Benson plans to take advantage of his chances, and a surprising snub for Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 894 - Is it possible? Of course. Is it realistic? Good question. The Cardinals do like to run the ball, and if they can play from ahead more times than not, then Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman see no reason why to disagree with Trey Benson’s outlook on the season ahead for him and James Conner. Plus, Craig and Zach see plenty of benefits of having two starting-caliber running backs. Also part of Wednesday’s show, how former high school teammates Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas are once again helping one another both on and off the field. And speaking of off the field, players spent a lot of time together away from the facility in the offseason. Will that matter in the regular season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 147 - Mientras la mayoría del equipo está de vacaciones antes de comenzar el training camp, Luis Hernández y Rolando Cantú se ponen a analizar a a algunos jugadores que no tienen los reflectores que otros, pero que pudieran ser clave para las aspiraciones del equipo en el 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let the information flow from Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck as the offseason program ends and the consideration of Kyler Murray in his prime continues. Also up for discussion, how many rushing yards Murray might have, the chemistry he will have with Marvin Harrison Jr. and others, Trey Benson as the other RB1, Trey McBride possibly leading the team in catches again, a probable increase in kickoff returns, what the numbers of the 53-man rosters might be. Dani also gets the guys cultured, and before Paul forgets, there’s some Winning Behavior too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that minicamps and the offseason program are over, what’s next for the Arizona Cardinals? Craig Grialou, Paul Calvisi, and former Cardinals linebacker Rob Fredrickson discuss what the players need to do before reporting to training camp. They also talk about how Josh Sweat could lead the pass rush from his outside linebacker position and whether Isaiah Adams has a chance to earn a starting spot on the offensive line. Plus, they break down some of the most interesting position battles to watch at training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 893 - Seven weeks. From the start of the offseason strength and conditioning program to the final day of minicamp. Whether it was on the field or in a press conference setting, what were the top takeaways? Craig Grialou and Darren Urban - before Darren goes on vacation - discuss what stood out to them; a lot of talk about the offense, counting on wide receiver as is, adding extra ‘sauce’ as Trey McBride explained the pre-snap motion that has been worked into the scheme. Defensively, youth is really served at cornerback after the season-ending injury to Sean Murphy-Bunting, and why not, especially given the amount of draft capital invested in the position. Also, there are no worries that Will Johnson has yet to sign his first NFL contract.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 720 - Offensive lineman Isaiah Adams ended his 2024 rookie season with five starts at right guard. How will that experience help him in 2025? Adams joined Paul Calvisi to discuss that, along with his offseason strength training, adjusting to new offensive line coach Justin Frye, learning the playbook, and being free from rookie duties. Calvisi and Ron Wolfley also break down the end of minicamp, the offense’s continuity, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s path to superstardom, and how 2025 top pick Walter Nolen III is already impressing a pair of veteran defensive linemen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 146 - Luis Hernández y Rolando Cantú nos presentan su análisis sobre el cierre del minicamp. Los jugadores veteranos que llegaron a través de la agencia libre se presentaron a entrenar y lucieron espectacular con el uniforme de Arizona. Además nos cuentan sobre las experiencias vividas en el Media Day. Cada vez falta menos para el comienzo de la temporada!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 892 - There’s no question Josh Sweat can get after opposing quarterbacks. It’s why he was targeted in free agency and ultimately landed a sizable contract to leave the east coast for the desert southwest. But that’s not all he can do, or will be asked to do with the Arizona Cardinals. Sweat is a three-down linebacker. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss what that means within the defensive scheme, Sweat reuniting with Jonathan Gannon and Nick Rallis plus how Sweat is embracing his role as being the guy on defense. Also, what is the latest on injured outside linebacker BJ Ojulari and what wide receiver Greg Dortch said on Wednesday that had many taken aback, including Craig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crabs in a bucket? Not for lunch, and not in the defensive line room either. That’s something Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck chat about in this week’s minicamp-has-begun podcast, which lends itself to asking just what kind of role Walter Nolen III will have by season’s beginning. Also among the topics: Kyler Murray’s abilities when he finds space on the field and broken plays, additional motion to the offense, Kelvin Beachum’s message to a team in win-now mode, Getting Cultured with a newly-wed NFL QB, Myles Garrett’s potential addition to his “graveyard,” a QB room with Kyler and Jacoby, third downs with Marvin, Winning Behavior and Paul’s flex reaction at the gym, Wolf and his cottage cheese, and a farewell to Gardeck the Barbarian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just hours before the Cardinals kicked off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, their top draft pick made it official. Defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, fresh off a standout college career at Ole Miss, inked his first NFL contract and wasted no time getting to work—joining his new teammates on the field later that day. Craig Grialou, Paul Calvisi, and former Cardinals linebacker Rob Fredrickson break down what Nolen’s arrival could mean for the defense and how his raw talent might translate at the NFL level. Plus, a look at some key storylines around camp—from the offense’s need to capitalize on scramble plays to the battle brewing at cornerback. And finally, with seasoned veterans Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson now anchoring the defensive line, what kind of transformation can we expect from this revamped Cardinals front?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 891 - More points. Less turnovers. Of course, that’s the easy answer. But what else might ‘efficient’ look like, and, by the way, that’s the word Jonathan Gannon used when talking about the offense going into this upcoming season. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck have their own thoughts on what to expect from an offense that is running it back from a year ago, at least in terms of personnel. Also, on the eve of mandatory minicamp, what, and maybe better said, who do Craig and Dani want to see on the field? Will there be anything shown over the next three days that give hints as to what the 2025 Arizona Cardinals might look like both offensively and defensively? This is the final week of work before the start of training camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V sat down with Paul Calvisi to chat about his unique offseason workouts, what teams have learned about him after two years in the NFL, and how he’s now one of the more experienced players in his group. He also shared his thoughts on how the front seven has looked during the first few weeks of organized team activities (OTAs). Plus, Ron Wolfley and Calvisi talked about why quarterback Kyler Murray and the offense need to be better at making plays when things break down, how the offense might get more complex this season, and the flexibility Zaven Collins brings to the defense. They also discussed who might step up at middle linebacker now that Kyzir White is gone, and how competitive things are at both wide receiver and cornerback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 145 - Existen algunas notables ausencias de los OTAs, pero no hay motivo para preocuparse. Luis Hernández y Rolando Cantú nos informan sobre la situación actual del equipo a comienzos de junio, además de recapitular los momentos más destacados de Dennis Gardeck, quien firmó un acuerdo con los Jacksonville Jaguars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 890 - His individual numbers may not jump off the stat page, but Zaven Collins brings more than just numbers to the defense. He brings versatility. More importantly, he’s earned the trust of both head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. They see value in Collins more so than perhaps fans and many in the media. Craig Grialou, back from vacation, and Darren Urban discuss Collins’ importance to the team. Also, how often do Craig and Darren expect to see Josh Sweat on the field this season, especially given recent comments by Rallis? Finally, the guys shout-out Dennis Gardeck, who after seven seasons in Arizona is reportedly joining the Jacksonville Jaguars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Cardinals go through their second week of OTAs, Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck might have a couple of zingers for each other, but that’s to be expected in this highly competitive environment. It’s the launching point to discuss the meaning of attendance in voluntary work, a visit by Kenny Dillingham, the foolish idea that J.G. is under pressure, allowing defensive backs to challenge pass catchers in camp, the idea the offense will level up with more motion, a new Out Of Context, what Gannon seeks in guys being in shape; Walter Nolen III’s progress, Nick Rallis’ options with his new defensive line, how other teams are running Cardinals’ schemes, a new Winning Behavior and the “QB mentor,” and Saquon and the Madden Cur… er, cover.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Arizona Cardinals have a dynamic rushing attack with the likes of James Conner, Trey Benson and even quarterback Kyler Murray. How much will the offense rely on the running game this season? Dani Sureck, Paul Calvisi and Rob Fredrickson discuss the potential of a full season with the one-two punch of Conner and Benson; week two of OTAs starting and what can be gained from these practices; what Darius Robinson needs to do to take the next step in his career; Plus, the trio take a look at some players who we haven't seen a lot of on the field and whom of those may make an impact this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 889 - The Cardinals will be back out on the practice field this week as Week Two of OTA’s are set to begin. What do we want to see? What are we expecting to see? Dani Sureck and Zach Gershman give their thoughts. Plus, the two discuss the depth at offensive line and how the starting line might look come Week 1; what offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had to say about Kyler Murray’s unscheduled runs; and how the Cardinals offense is poised to take the next step in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 888 - As OTAs continue to roll along for the Cardinals, the conversation surrounding the team’s depth continues to be discussed. Zach Gershman and Darren Urban (yes, you read that correctly) talk about the latest on Cardinals Cover 2. With the arrival of Jacoby Brissett, what does that mean for Clayton Tune in the backup quarterback competition? Can Trey Benson take that sophomore season leap even while James Conner plays at a high level? Also, Zach and Darren share which player from the 2024 draft class they are most eager to see take a step forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 718 - Rookie offensive lineman Hayden Conner is confident in his abilities, but he’s humble enough to know that his path to NFL success won’t be an easy one. The Cardinals’ 2025 sixth round selection joins Paul Calvisi to discuss his days playing for the Texas Longhorns, meeting Matthew McConaughey, his early childhood dream of becoming an aerospace engineer and with that, does he believe in aliens? Conner also talks about his mentality as OTAs begin and how he’s ready to do whatever is asked of him to help the team. Plus, Calvisi is joined by Darren Urban to explore what Darius Robinson's second season could look like and the sense of urgency for the Cardinals to get back to the playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.