Darren heard all of the noise about changes that need to be made, so because he values all of you so much, he did exactly that with this mailbag. Perfect time of the year to let a young talent get some extra experience ... although he will be back next week. I appreciate all of you sending in your questions. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From Wally Compton:
"What is your opinion on draft need vs BPA? Most agree OL is a heavy favorite for our Round 1 pick this year, but let's say the board falls a certain way so that Caleb Downs (a safety and arguably the No. 1 player in the whole draft) is available. Or Jeremiah Love (appears to be a generational Bijan Robinson running back-type). Jalen Thompson is a free agent and Budda isn't getting younger, so we do need a safety? Based on James Conner's age and Trey Benson's health, we do need a RB. Much has been said about our need for an inside linebacker, what if a blue chip guy is there? I understand the go-to answer is 'well how close is the talent?' meaning is the offensive tackle at least in the ballpark of this other positional player. But the question is what if he's not?"
You bring up a ton of great points there, Wally. Depending on where the Cardinals are positioned in the draft, there is a high likelihood that the best player available can fill a draft need, especially at a position like offensive tackle. It all starts in the trenches, and it wouldn't surprise me to see the Cardinals invest there. The BPA vs draft need discussion is more worthwhile to have for a Day Two/Three selection, and in that case, I'd go best player available. There would be ways to address some of the positional needs with free agency.
From Brennan Wright:
"If Max Melton, Will Johnson, and Garrett Williams are struggling, how come Elijah Jones isn't playing? Guy was a third-round pick. Fellow third-rounder Isaiah Adams isn't playing well. It's reaching the point where the only good pick from 2024 was Tip Reiman."
Nick Rallis was asked about Elijah Jones this past week and while he applauded Jones for his preparation, he also said that he needs to continue making plays during practice. However, the future at the cornerback position is Will Johnson and Garrett Williams. Injuries have put a dent in the season of all three corners, but Johnson (and Williams) has shown that the ceiling is high. Benching Johnson or Williams doesn't do much for their development.
From Dave Brown:
"Although I moved to Georgia five years ago I am still a Cardinal fan. And I read your writing religiously, craving Cardinal news. This year's schedule and injuries have decimated any hopes we had for a great season. Do you see a light at the end of the tunnel for this team?"
We appreciate you for following along, Dave. I do think there is light at the end of the tunnel, and no, this is not just because I work for the team. It'd be easy for players to start pointing the finger at others during a trying season like the one they are currently playing. You see it happening all around the league. That hasn't happened for the Cardinals, which proves that the locker room culture is still strong. Trey McBride is unstoppable. Michael Wilson is showing that he is a baller. When healthy, Walter Nolen III has been fantastic. Josh Sweat has been worth every penny. Yes, there are still many questions that will need to be answered during the offseason, but the showing by some of these players gives me (and should give fans) hope.
From Kyle Moss:
"Is Justin Jones done for the year? Did JG ever provide an update at any point this season? Did he just never recover from his injury from last season? Also, where are we at with Christian Jones?"
On the next edition of "Keeping Up with the Joneses…" It appears Justin's season is done. No update has been provided, but we haven't seen him since training camp, so the writing is on the wall. His 2024 injury was a triceps tear. His 2025 injury was a knee. Christian was activated to the 53-man roster over the weekend after a long recovery for a knee injury of his own. I spoke with the offensive tackle in the locker room earlier in the week, and while he is still focused on the rest of the 2025 season, he said one of his top goals is to get through preseason fully healthy next year and contend for playing time.
From Raine V:
"I hate to ask the 'if' questions because we never know what is actually going to happen, but 'if' the Cardinals move on from Kyler Murray do you think they get a proven veteran QB or go with a young guy out of college? Also if they go the college route what QBs do you like?"
Kyler is still in the building, so I'm not going to speculate about moving on. The focus on K1 is making sure he gets healthy. To answer your hypothetical about other quarterbacks across the football universe, the Cardinals already have as good of a veteran QB as the league could provide in Jacoby Brissett. He's under contract through next season. Looking at draft prospects, which there aren't too many, I have to admit that I am a huge Fernando Mendoza fan. I'm eager to see how he plays during the CFP when all of the spotlight is on him and the No. 1 ranked Hoosiers (still can't believe that).
From Justin Lin:
"We've heard of QB controversies, but in all your years have you ever seen a wide receiver controversy? The shame of it is there is no controversy. Michael Wilson is a bonafide WR1. Marvin is not. When Marvin returns healthy, he needs to slot in as WR2. Trey gets his 10 targets. Michael gets his 10 targets. Marvin gets 5. That's what's best for business (winning)."
This might sound a bit cliché, but truthfully, I think the problem with your question is throwing the label on them as WR1 or WR2. Trey McBride is target No. 1, hands down. After that, you have two quality wide receivers that contend to be the top guy within their position room, and I think having both is what's best for winning. When I think about the Cowboys, I can acknowledge that on a depth chart, CeeDee Lamb might be ahead of George Pickens, but I see them both as two elite wideouts. It doesn't matter who is WR1 or who is WR2. What matters is who will make the play? That's what I believe the Cardinals can have with a healthy MHJ and a confident Michael Wilson.
From Pete Douglas:
"What's your general opinion on 'the human element' of referees calling games vs employing technology? I am a unshakeable advocate of technology creating a fair and accurate playing field. It blows my mind that established rules are left up to the opinion of a person; when we have the ability to get it perfect with tech. For example, the fields and the football can be implanted with sensors which will tell us if it was a first down. or if it cross the goal line. No more guesswork. No more bad spots by the ref. I concede that holding calls on the OL may be difficult for technology to govern, right now, but it'll get there someday. My question is moreso just what is your feelings on the spirit of the thing?"
During training camp, referee Clete Blakeman spoke with the media about some of the rule changes and areas that officiating crews were emphasizing going into the season. It was during that conversation that I felt the human element is needed, and the technology should be used to supplement those decisions. What you suggested about the sensors/chips in the football is already being used. At the league meetings this past April, it was approved for there to be six 8K cameras that are used for ball positioning, essentially replacing the chain gang. Technology in sports is great, but it isn't always going to work perfectly, and that's why I believe the human element is important.
From Trent L:
"Do you think this style of offense is just not conducive for Kyler's success? Just seems like having a small QB and running out heavy packages at the NFL's highest rate is awkward. Spread out he can see a lot better and it wasn't long ago he was an MVP candidate and Pro Bowler."
Kyler has the skill set and talent to play in almost any offensive scheme because, you're right, not long ago he was that candidate. Playing out of heavy personnel packages, we know the Cardinals rushing attack was one of the best in 2024. Going into this season, there was some talk about Kyler utilizing his legs more and how 12 and 13 personnel could've added a level of unpredictability to when he opts to run. Injuries have derailed what this season could've looked like for Murray and the offense.
From Jerry Shugars:
"Thank you for your comments and the time it takes to find answers to some of the ridiculous questions you get, and here is another one: Can you find out, or guess, the percentage of time the first and/or second-string has been on the field since the start of the year? Seems to me that 85 percent of our starting players in the last few games were either on the practice squad or signed from somewhere else. The experience of the current roster is not what I expected we would have at this point of the season. I think the number of penalties reflect that also. On the lighter side, is there an NFL or media rule that does not allow us to hear the referee during televised games this year? Doesn't seem to be a problem with college games."
Here are some of the numbers that we received heading into Week 15. Only seven players have started all 13 games. The Cardinals had an NFL-high 20 players on injured lists and had 76 different players appear in at least one game, which was tied for the most in the NFL. Due to injury, a total of 233 total games were missed. With the refs, I'm not sure when else you'd expect to hear them beyond relaying the calls. The funny interactions are typically caught on Mic'd Up.
From Bob Olsen:
"Why not try Kedon Slovis in the last three games?"
Because Jacoby Brissett gives the Cardinals a better chance to win. All things considered, Brissett has played fine this year. Playing Slovis would give him a chance to gain some experience, but it's tough to ask the rest of the roster to buy-in for the remainder of the season if they opt to not play the quarterback that gives them a better opportunity.
From Oscar Conway:
"in light of Kyler's season being over, let's talk about the player trait 'durability.' You're not a scientist so I'm not looking for some biological explanation; I'm moreso just curious why you think some guys cant stay healthy? The parity across the NFL is crazy too. There's guys like Joe Thomas, Brett Favre, Jim Marshall - who played physical positions, and somehow had ironman" careers. Bullet Bob Sanders is the opposite end. A great player whose body just constantly betrayed him. Do the guys who DON'T get hurt surprise you, or vice versa?"
I'm no doctor, let alone remotely close to being a scientist. I'm not going to suggest the injury rate going up is due to practice schedule because that'd be irresponsible of me. That's above my pay grade. Jonathan Gannon was asked on Monday about the health of his team compared to what it was like back in the days you're alluding towards. He said plenty of the guys are banged up, which is a given heading into Week 16, but if they aren't healthy enough to play, they won't play. Few things surprise me when it comes to players getting injured because football is a physical game. It's admirable if a player stays healthy throughout their career and luck must've been on their side. But each day on the grass (or turf) is a new day. Think about it, the entire 2024 free agency class had a reputation for their good health. Since then, Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones -- two players that had an ironman streak -- have been sidelined. Football is taxing on the body. That's not just for the Cardinals, but for every team in the NFL.
