Arizona Cardinals Podcasts

Ep. 566 - When Cardinals players head out to practice each day, they walk by the final locker used by the great Pat Tillman. The locker was saved from destruction during 2015 renovations at Cardinals HQ in Tempe. Paul Calvisi tells the incredible story of how a longtime employee was in the right place at the right time to intercept the locker from the buzzsaw.

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Safety Jalen Thompson has received praise from both coaches and players during the offseason. Is he ready for a breakout season? Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss Thompson's rising star. Plus, discussions about the defensive line, run game, tight end position and the edge rusher opposite Markus Golden.

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Ep. 565 - Former Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley joined Paul Calvisi and Rob Fredrickson to talk about all the questions surrounding his former position. Can Justin Pugh simply slide over to center with no game experience? How much of playing center is mental? Shipley also discusses the growth he has seen from Kyler Murray heading into his fourth NFL season. Calvisi and Fredrickson examine the Kyler Murray to Hollywood Brown connection as well as the middle linebackers and what can help them succeed.

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Before the trio take a summer hiatus, Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban, and Dani Sureck discuss scorpion (semi-)horror stories, as well as deep dive into some other football topics as the dead of the offseason approaches. Among the discussion points: The addition of Josh Jackson and the cornerback position, Markus Golden’s mindset, contract extensions that may or may not be on the horizon, the need for J.J. Watt with the pass rush, potential Keim Time Signs, impact battles between key players on each side of the ball, Paul’s quest for a new motto, and what makes a good vacation.

The Cardinals offense should be interesting to watch in 2022 after the addition of wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. Dani Sureck, Paul Calvisi and Kyle Vanden Bosch discuss how Kyler Murray's former college teammate will fit into Kliff Kingsbury's scheme. Plus, discussions on the uncertainty at the center position, a pair of pass-rushing rookies and running back Eno Benjamin receiving unsolicited praise throughout the offseason.

Ep. 32 - Offensive lineman and former first-round NFL draft pick Justin Pugh joins Dave Pasch to talk about nearly retiring after the 2021 season, working at center during the offseason, his faith in cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and the evolution of the offense under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Pugh also tells Pasch about the best gift he received from a quarterback, his post-football aspirations and why 2021 might have been his best season to date.

Ep. 564 - The Cardinals pass rush has been a top storyline following the departure of Chandler Jones during free agency. The team hopes that third-round draft choice Cameron Thomas can help fill the void left by Jones. Thomas joined Paul Calvisi to talk about playing an intense brand of football, his versatility, 2022 expectations and meeting J.J. Watt for the first time. Plus, Ron Wolfley and Calvisi discuss how the offensive line will deal with the absence of center Rodney Hudson, the Kyler to Hollywood connection, a stacked running back room and which position battles will be the most intense during training camp.

Paul Calvisi leads Darren Urban and Dani Sureck into some BTS talk – mostly behind the scenes, as they discuss a never-boring offseason now that minicamp is over. The trio get into the question at center and Rodney Hudson, defensive versatility and where Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins might work, the crowded running back room and where Eno Benjamin fits, burgeoning leadership and accountability from younger players, the importance of J.J. Watt’s health, Hollywood’s work ethic, Maxx Williams mystery, Collins as play caller and, of course, Kyler’s contract talks.

Ep. 570 - The offseason officially ended on Wednesday, one day ahead of schedule. Kliff Kingsbury decided to cancel the last day of mandatory minicamp, something he has done in previous years. So with the players, and eventually the coaches, off now until training camp, it’s time to look back. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi review the highs and lows of what turned out to be an eventful offseason. What did the guys learn? And, maybe more importantly, what are the questions—perhaps even some concerns—before the team reconvenes in six weeks?

The Cardinals retained running back James Conner, signed Darrel Williams as a free agent and selected Keaontay Ingram in the draft. All of those backs have a common trait. They are big. Craig Grialou and Kyle Vanden Bosch talk about the size, depth and competition at the running back position and how the Cardinals ground game could be a strength in 2022. Plus, discussions on the start of mandatory minicamp, the future of Zaven Collins and how the pass rush might be more by committee after the departure of Chandler Jones.