The Arizona Cardinals' season hit rock bottom with a humiliating blowout loss to their division rival Seattle Seahawks, and the fallout has fans questioning everything from coaching decisions to roster construction. This episode cuts through the noise to identify what's actually broken and what can still be saved.
Host Alex Clancy delivers a raw, unfiltered reaction to one of the most frustrating performances in recent Cardinals memory, but resists the temptation to join the reactionary mob calling for heads to roll. While social media exploded with demands to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Clancy makes a compelling case for why that's the wrong move—pointing out that no coaching staff can overcome the fundamental personnel deficiencies plaguing this roster.
The episode's centerpiece is a forensic examination of the offensive line disaster that defined the game. Jacoby Brissett absorbed five brutal sacks in the first half alone, spending more time running for his life than executing the game plan. With starting running backs James Conner and Trey Benson both sidelined by injuries, the Cardinals couldn't establish any semblance of a ground game, forcing Brissett into obvious passing situations that Seattle's defense feasted on. Clancy breaks down how the right side of the offensive line—particularly at right tackle and right guard—simply cannot compete against quality pass rushers, creating a cascading effect that undermines every other aspect of the offense.
Despite the carnage, tight end Trey McBride emerged as a genuine superstar, posting a monster 120-yard receiving performance that showcased why he's becoming one of the NFL's elite at his position. Clancy analyzes how McBride has evolved into the offense's security blanket and why his development represents one of the few things going right for Arizona.
The episode also tackles the explosive quarterback controversy that dominated Cardinals Twitter during and after the game. With Kyler Murray sidelined and Brissett struggling behind a porous offensive line, fans began debating whether rushing Murray back is worth the risk or if the team should protect their franchise quarterback and accept a lost season. Clancy provides nuanced perspective on both sides of this heated argument, examining the long-term implications of each decision.
Looking forward, the analysis shifts to roster construction philosophy and draft strategy. Clancy makes an emphatic argument that the Cardinals must prioritize offensive line investment over flashy skill position players in the upcoming draft and free agency period. No amount of talented receivers or running backs matters if the quarterback has no time to throw and no lanes to hand off into. The episode explores which positions should be targeted, what the free agent market looks like, and whether general manager Monti Ossenfort's roster-building approach needs recalibration.
Can the Cardinals salvage their playoff hopes, or should fans prepare for a long, painful season? This episode provides honest answers and a roadmap for how Arizona can dig itself out of this hole—if the front office is willing to make the tough decisions required. Let's discuss.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/lockedon.
Rippling
Get Rippling FREE for 6 months. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details: https://app.rippling.com/legal/promoterms
Supply House
Join the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHNFL5 for 5% off your first order.
Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:
Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg
Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a
Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU
Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn
Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl
Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5x
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.