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A combination of news, analysis, storytelling and entertainment, Cardinals Cover 2 reaches from sideline to sideline and delivers Cardinals content to the avid fan year round. Our insiders break down the team’s performance, spotlighting its personalities and looking forward to the next matchup.
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Ep. 977 - Kyle Shanahan. Sean McVay. Two of the more influential people in the coaching career of Mike LaFleur. How much of what Shanahan does in San Francisco and McVay in Los Angeles be brought to Arizona? Great question. And we’re really not going to get an answer until games begin. But we can take a guess. That’s exactly what Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman did on Wednesday, when they spoke with Jourdan Rodrigue, Senior NFL writer for The Athletic. Rodrigue rejoins the show to discuss Mike as a person, Mike as a coach, and, maybe more importantly, Mike as a playcaller, especially with likes of Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. on his roster. Just incredible insight and information from a near 30-minute conversation with Jourdan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 976 - It’s the first full week for Mike LaFleur as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. And as of Monday, he hadn’t yet hired a staff, at least not officially. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss the reported move of Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator and the different names reportedly linked to the defensive coordinator position. Putting a staff together is job one for LaFleur, who outlined what he’s looking for in a staff, in personnel and in a team in separate 1-on-1 conversations with Craig and Dani late last week; both of which are now available on azcardinals.com and the Cardinals YouTube channel. First though, Craig and Dani give their thoughts on Super Bowl Sunday; no the game wasn’t great, but that Seattle Seahawks defense certainly impressed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 975 - So, it was never a matter of if but when, and the when is 2026, his first year of eligibility. Congratulations to Larry Fitzgerald. Well deserved, and maybe more importantly, well earned. Craig Grialou, Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban - who joins the guys from San Francisco; he was at NFL Honors where the announcement was made on Thursday night - react to the news Fitz is a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026; go over his credentials, both on and off the field, and talk about some of their favorite moments over a 17-year career. It’s just the start of what is to be expected the Summer of Fitz, looking back at both the player as well as the person before his induction on Saturday, August 8th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 974 - Yes, it’s Super Bowl week. But here in Arizona, and for Cardinals fans worldwide, it’s Mike LaFleur week. A brand-new era is underway. LaFleur, hired on Sunday, will be officially introduced as head coach at a press conference on Tuesday. So, what do Craig Grialou and Zach Gersham hope to hear from the 38-year-old first-time head coach? (Besides the obvious, of course; coaching staff, quarterback, etc.) Also, Craig and Zach dive further into LaFleur’s background, his biggest influences and what that may or may not mean for Cardinals players already on the roster. The guys then close out the show talking about the Pro Bowl, the Super Bowl, the Waste Management Phoenix Open - a handful of Cardinals are participating in the Pro Am - and Zach’s viral social media post.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 973 – The vacancy sign is no longer illuminated. It was finally turned off on Sunday when the Cardinals announced the hiring of Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. Craig Grialou, Darren Urban, and Zach Gershman — yes, the show goes Cover 3 — react to the breaking news. LaFleur spent the past three seasons as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and previously served as the play-caller for the New York Jets for two years.. As of showtime, no press conference had been announced so Craig, Darren and Zach wonder whether LaFleur will call plays in Arizona. They also discuss his next steps, including assembling a coaching staff and addressing the quarterback position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 972 - As of Monday, the Cardinals are one of four teams still with vacancy signs lit for their head coach position. And as of Sunday, more specifically Sunday night, five names reportedly linked to the job became available to be interviewed with three able to be hired at any time, while the other two must wait until after their team’s participation in the Super Bowl. So, what does it all mean? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck dive into the coaching search, one that appears to be nearing its conclusion as the reported field of candidates has narrowed. Also, Craig and Dani look back at Championship Sunday, look ahead to Super Bowl Sunday, and then, don’t look now, but mock draft season is officially underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 971 - First it was Trey McBride. Now it’s Will Johnson. Both have been honored by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) for their play this past season. Johnson most recently was selected to the All-Rookie Team. That distinction led to a much broader discussion about the Cardinals’ current collection of cornerbacks. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the room, highlighting Johnson and fellow rookie Denzel Burke. Craig and Zach also wonder about the status - the health status - of Garrett Williams, Starling Thomas, and Sean Murphy-Bunting. Plus, the two give their thoughts on Championship Sunday. Of course, that all follows an update on the search for a new head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 970 - Six categories. A 13-member voting panel. The results? Well, in a season that didn’t go as expected, there were still plenty of individuals and moments that shined over 17 games. And with that, Craig Grialou, Zach Gershman and Dani Sureck invite you, the Bird Gang, to the 2025 Cardinals Awards. Together, the three announce and then discuss - maybe even disagree with - the selected winners. Following the awards ceremony, Craig, Zach and Dani update the Cardinals’ coaching search as two new names - Texans DC Matt Burke and Steelers OC Arthur Smith - have reportedly been linked to the job, as of Wednesday; and then they offer their thoughts on the four games this weekend in the Divisional Round.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 969 - The number is 10. Ten reported names the Cardinals have either requested or scheduled an interview with for their vacant head coaching position. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman go over the 10 names - wait, make that 11 names as the name John Harbaugh surfaced mid-show. They detail backgrounds, including previous experience at the head coach level. Is that an important factor? What is important to know is that the search is still in the early stages. Craig and Zach also discuss the players’ reaction to the coaching change, assistant coaches on the move, Trey McBride earning All-Pro status before questioning why his selection wasn’t unanimous, and then the guys dive into Wild Card Weekend; the dominance of the NFC West can be seen as both good and bad news for the Arizona Cardinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 968 - Change is inevitable in the NFL. And the Arizona Cardinals wasted no time in making the first of what his expected to be several changes following a 3-14 season. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi react to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon. The two then discuss what owner Michael Bidwill and GM Monti Ossenfort had to say. The theme of their 23-minute press conference was a pretty simple one: wins and losses matter; and the Cardinals didn’t win enough games in the three seasons under Gannon. So, now what? What’s the next step in the search for a new coach and what might the decision-makers be looking for in a new man in charge. Finally, it is a Monday, and for one last Monday, Paul - with some assistance from Craig - names his Angry Bird Award winner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 967 - The number 1,000 carries a lot of significance, especially in the NFL. It’s a number that helps define whether a season was a success or not among skill position players, like wide receivers. On Sunday, Michael Wilson needs 93 receiving yards to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. It would, as he said this week, be a “heck of an achievement” considering how the season started. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman talk about Wilson’s year, his recent run of success and then dive into the matchup against the L.A. Rams; it’s the last opportunity for a lot of players to make one last impression. Plus, for one final time, Craig and Zach head into enemy territory. They speak with Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for therams.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 966 - A true pro. You hear that said a lot about certain players. And it most certainly fits when you talk about Calais Campbell. Even more so, maybe. On this last day of 2025, Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck talk about the impact Campbell has made both on and off the field and whether or not there might be a 19th season in his future. Other topics include why the real battle on Sunday in L.A. is between Trey McBride and Puka Nacua; Paris Johnson Jr., who received this year’s Good Guy Award, believes the team is headed in the right direction plus injury updates on Marvin Harrison Jr., Walter Nolen III, and Garrett Williams; the latter two of whom underwent successful surgery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 965 - For the second time in three games, Trey McBride set three different single-season records. Unfortunately, and it’s happened too often this season, McBride wasn’t able to fully enjoy his accomplishments. He’s about winning games more than anything, and the Cardinals just haven’t won enough games in 2025. The latest defeat came Sunday in Cincinnati, 37-14. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi, after a discussion on McBride and a quick word on the season-finale at the Rams, detail what they saw; the offense’s inability to stay on the field, the defense’s inability to get off the field. Plus, what did Cody Simon, who earned Paul’s Angry Bird Award, Will Johnson and Denzel Burke show that may carry over to next season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 964 - In the spirit of Bill Belichick circa 2014, the Arizona Cardinals are on to Cincinnati this week. They play the Bengals, who are coming off maybe their best win of the season. The Cardinals, meanwhile, hope Sunday is the day they put an end to a season-long seven-game losing streak. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the matchup, focus on the challenge Will Johnson and Denzel Burke face trying to slow down the Bengals’ two top wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, plus go over who will and who will not play in Week 18. Also, the guys head into enemy territory. Geoff Hobson joins the show. He’s the senior writer for Bengals.com. It’s the Cardinals first trip to Cincinnati since 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 963 - If you listen to either head coach Jonathan Gannon or defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, they both have been pleased with the season-long play of Darius Robinson. The stats, though, haven’t always been there. Until Sunday. On Sunday, Robinson had arguably his best game of his career. Craig Grialou and Darren Urban - yes, we got @Cardschatter on the show - discuss what they saw, the impact Robinson made, and what that may mean for Robinson heading into next season, especially given the uncertain status of Walter Nolen III. Also, Craig and Darren talk about the challenge this week for cornerbacks Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, provide an update on Budda Baker, and explain maybe why the Cardinals have two kickers on the active roster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 962 - A much better start. A much better run game. But not a much better result. On Sunday, the Cardinals lost their home finale and lost more players to injury. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi discuss what they saw during the 26-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. There were some good moments, including scores on the first four offensive possessions, which was a first this season. And then there were some not-so-good moments, specifically Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen III carted off the field with what appeared to be devastating injuries. Through it all, the Cardinals battled and gave themselves a chance to win in the end, but just not enough plays were made to stop what is now a seven-game losing streak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 961 - Sunday marks the end of the 20th season of Arizona Cardinals football at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals won their first home game back in Week 2. Can they win their last home game here in Week 16? Standing in the way: the Atlanta Falcons. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman break down the matchup on Sunday, take a look at the injury report - there’s both good news and not-so-good news - and, of course, head into enemy territory. The great D. Orlando Ledbetter joins the show. He’s the long time Falcons beat writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Falcons are flying high after last week’s win at Tampa. Here’s hoping they get grounded this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 960 - Disruptive. Ask the head coach. Ask the defensive coordinator. Ask his teammates. That’s how they all describe Walter Nolen III, who in a short amount of time has made an impact on the field. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they’ve seen from the rookie defensive tackle and ask what the ceiling may be for him. Nolen is one of a handful of players to keep an eye on over the last three games. Others include offensive lineman Jon Gaines, who has played well at left guard; running back Michael Carter, who may be RB1 for the rest of the regular season; and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who - good news, Bird Gang - returned to practice on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 959 - Historic. That’s how you sum up Trey McBride’s performance on Sunday. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi go over some of the numbers, Paul details what he saw from the sideline, and both wonder out loud how to best feature McBride, Michael Wilson and, when healthy, Marvin Harrison Jr. Individually, McBride, this week’s Angry Bird Award winner, is having a fantastic season. Collectively, he and his teammates have struggled to find wins. Craig and Paul look back at the 40-20 loss at Houston: from falling behind by two scores before the first offensive snap, not generating enough pressure on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to the mistakes made on special teams. Add it all up and you get a sixth straight loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 958 - Last week, it was the second-ranked defense. This week, it’s the top-ranked defense. In other words, Jacoby Brissett has been and will once again be challenged as he and the Cardinals head to Houston in Week 15. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman preview Sunday’s matchup against the Texans. Their discussion begins with an injury report - spoiler alert: five players, and not just any five players but five starters will not play - and then continues as Craig and Zach venture into enemy territory. John Harris joins the show. He covers the Texans for HoustonTexans-dot-com plus he’s the team’s sideline reporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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