Arizona Cardinals Underground Podcast

For now, the Cardinals are the lone undefeated team left in the NFL, and they got there will their most impressive showing of the year. There is a lot for Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Felipe Corral Jr. to chat about, not the least of which is Kyler Murray's ascension to one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Meanwhile, there is also a defense that soundly frustrated the Rams with a secondary that may have a sneaky excellent future, some pregame bad blood between Rams tight ends and Cardinals safeties, the way GM Steve Keim built a quality roster, what Kyler meant as the "best game plan," a dominant run game without Kyler, and being best in the NFC West.

No, this isn't basketball, although there are some hoop-related memories at the outset of this episode from Darren Urban, but Paul Calvisi and Felipe Corral Jr. steer it back to the Cards' 3-0 start and all that have come with it as September comes to a close. The guys discuss what the Cardinals have done well and not as well in building this start and the crazy win in Jacksonville; the need to counter a good Rams defense; the importance of getting the ball to DeAndre Hopkins; the struggles of third down; the pros and cons of a 68-yard field-goal try; the importance of Sunday's results against the Rams; and just how much emotions are coaches allowed to have on the field? (Paul and Darren disagree.)

No, Paul Calvisi isn't imitating Baby Yoda, but neither was Kyler. Instead, Darren Urban and Felipe Corral Jr. join Paul to discuss Kyler Murray's brand, the taunting rules, the crazy finish against the Vikings, how the defense needs to bounce back, the need for more D-Hop, Matt Prater as badass kicker, Kyler as franchise QB and how the Jaguars are trying to use theirs, and classic movies the guys have not seen.

After a big win against the Titans and a reunion game coming with Patrick Peterson and the Vikings, the Cardinals have a lot going on, and Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Felipe Corral Jr. have plenty to discuss: A defense led by Chandler Jones' electric performance, J.J. Watt's role and Vance Joseph's magnificent gameplan; Kliff Kingsbury's good first game; Kyler Murray holding teammates accountable; Paul's poor attempt at made-up country song names; Christian Kirk's scorching start; Jordan Hicks' workload and Isaiah Simmons' big step; and the reception (that should be) awaiting P2.

Real football has arrived, and thank goodness for that. Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Felipe Corral Jr. have plenty to discuss, like the mammoth task of dealing with Derrick Henry, what comes out of the Zaven Collins Experience (and how important Jordan Hicks will be), the somewhat hidden storyline of the Cardinals' running backs, Kliff Kingsbury's evolution from last year, the gauntlet that is the NFC West, Covid's impact on the season, and Paul asks: Should Fitz play?

As the Cardinals work to get the roster down to the regular-season limit, Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Felipe Corral Jr. have plenty to chat about, especially Malcolm Butler's surprising move to the Retired list, rookie cornerback Marco Wilson's impressive showing so far, the odd U-turn plane trip to New Orleans, Chris Streveler making the team as a third quarterback, Antoine Wesley's push to a roster spot, their choices for both the new and holdover players they are most excited to see (and that's all, Paul), what Kliff Kingsbury's concerns might be heading into the season, and, oh yeah, it's Fitz's birthday.

Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban return to part of a three-man pod as Felipe Corral Jr. joined to discuss all the relevant topics from Cards Camp – not the least of which being how much preseason matters, and to whom. The guys also chat about the improvements of Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons, where the offensive line stands (and who makes sense as backup tackle), J.J. Watt's return, the battle of Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson for roster spots (and if Antoine Wesley or Greg Dortch are in the conversation), those NFL 100 votes, and Fitz's lack of urge.

The Cardinals have to be happy with the way their young players – Zaven Collins, Rondale Moore, Marco Wilson, Eno Benjamin – played in the preseason opener, and it gives Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban lots to talk about. So there is discussion about Moore's impact on the offense (and its scheme), Collins' mental state, and Benjamin's push to No. 3 running back, as well as the wide receiver room where Andy Isabella is still absent and Greg Dortch makes plays, a defensive line that still has many missing bodies, Chris Streveler's chances for the 53, and whether Kyler Murray might play in the preseason.

The Cardinals have their first game of the preseason coming, and Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban are just happy to know the friendship of Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins is blooming, because that can only help the defense. What doesn't help the defense is the dinged-up defensive line, another of the discussion points, as well as the running back depth chart, Rodney Hudson's impact on the offensive line, the battle at right guard, Budda Baker's newfound vocal ways, and do either Collins or Rondale Moore make a run at rookie of the year awards.