Where has the offseason gone? Here we are at minicamp week, and before you know it, training camp will be here. (Yes, I know most of you still think that's too far away, but I need some vacation, for goodness sake.) You know what won't go anywhere? The mailbag. Questions have been edited for length and clarity. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From Jesse Arrieta:
"On a the Cardinals Underground I recently watched, Paul Calvisi had mentioned that of Marvin's 116 Targets last season, according to a PFF stat, 46 of them were uncatchable. I wonder was it more on Kyler or more on Marvin as to 46 uncatchable targets? On one of your recent articles you mention how McBride could possibly be the top receiver for the team again. If McBride has a 67 percent catch rate again and Marvin a 50 percent catch rate like last season, I can see that happening. I thought I heard that in the early part of the offseason, Kyler and Marvin were supposed to work out together on their own time to improve their timing/connection. Do you have any insight? Thank you for your time."
Unless you go back and watch all the plays, I don't know what the uncatchable breakdown would be. Sometimes it's neither; guys will get targets when it's pretty clear the QB is throwing the ball away. That's uncatchable but I don't think you can blame anyone for the miss in those situations. As far as Kyler and Marvin working together, there has been some of that, and I would expect more of it after minicamp in the dead time before training camp.
From Kevin P:
"I'm not sure you'll have the answer to this, but here goes. Most Cardinal fans would probably agree that the 2024 Cardinal defense overperformed. The expectations were relatively low, but as the season progressed, most fans were pleasantly surprised. If my feelings are correct, do you have any idea why there was a big turnover of the defensive coaches this year?"
To be honest, I don't know the answer to that. But there are all kinds of possibilities, including the idea that internally they did not see a unit that "overperformed." Gannon and Rallis had two years to see what they had both with the roster and the coaching staff. Safe to say the reasons are ones they would talk about publicly.
From Martin K:
"Do you think the heavy focus on defense in draft and free agency reflects a thinking that Kyler has reached his peak and that more weapons on offense would make less of a difference right now? People argue over missed wide-open passes, but aren't these expected with Kyler's playing style? Seeking a route to escape the pocket, faking hand-offs, faking throws, all take time away from visually tracking receivers downfield. The problem is not that he cannot win games, but that the odds are stacked against him to consistently keep long drives alive and avoid three-and-outs at the wrong time. A heavy rotation on a dominant defensive line will even out the odds."
To the contrary, I think the lean into the defense was more about knowing that side of the defense needed more and the idea that the offense should/can be better than it was last season with the personnel it had. I don't think any QB is expecting to miss on passes. Play-action or scrambles are part of the game. You have to be able to perform in those situations. I do agree that a dominant defensive line -- or just an improved defense -- helps the offense. Certainly.
From Rick Curin:
"Has BJ Ojulari been at OTAs and is he healthy and practicing? I've been surprised by how little discussion has been had about him specifically. Arguably he's coming in as our hopeful No. 1 pass rusher, and he really needs to be, otherwise his second contract window may snap shut."
I have not seen Ojulari practice but he is here rehabbing. That he isn't doing much right now isn't a surprise given that he tore his ACL in August; giving him the chance to rehab all the way until training camp is prudent. There is no reason to rush him back for this stuff in June.
From James B:
"Lately I've heard on all four of the Cardinals podcasts -- Big Red Rage, Cover 2, Underground and Red Sea Report -- hints of using more motion within the offense this year since they haven't in prior years. My question is, do you think it will give the offense a bigger boost to get more receivers open and propel the offense the wherever want to be?"
The motion stuff came from Trey McBride bringing it up in a press conference, and personally, I do believe that using more if it can only help an offense in terms of disguising things from the defense and causing necessary confusion. How much they use of it is TBD; it's easy to talk about adding more in and then not pull the trigger in games. But I like the overall sentiment, which is that this offense has been together long enough to start next leveling the playbook.
From Matthew Stroh:
"Hey Darren, hope you having a great offseason. Thank you for the mailbag. Do you think this fall there might be a few low-level trades rear roster-cutting time? I can see several teams needing positions where we might have a lot and maybe a fifth- or sixth-round pick for some of the players we have to cut to make 53-man roster? Also if the draft went to a lottery like the NBA what do you think it would do to the NFL? Thank you for your time."
It would not surprise me to see a Cam Thomas-type deal or two once the Cardinals get to the end of August, if they can make that happen. They should, given their current roster, end up with quality surplus. But as always, it takes two teams and if there is a guy near to being cut, that knowledge can get in the way. As for a draft lottery, I don't know if it would change much in the NFL. I don't even think it's deterring teams in the NBA from tanking, and that's the whole point. With fewer games and the ability for NFL teams to quickly change their future year to year, I don't see why they would mess with the draft as it is.
From Matt D:
"Hi Darren. Have you heard any updates on Tip Reiman? Has he bulked up similar to Marvin and Darius? I know he was drafted primarily as a blocking tight end, but do you expect him to get more involved in the pass game this year? Thanks."
That struck me as funny, not that you would know why, Matt. I had a conversation last year with Tip and when he was in training for the combine before he was drafted, he actually had to be warned off adding any more muscle and bulk because he was getting to the point where teams were going to say he was too big to be a tight end and needed to be a lineman. So no, I don't think Reiman needed to add much in that department. And to be honest, with pass catchers like McBride and Higgins at the position, I am not sure he is going to get many more targets either.
From Bryce B:
"It seems like most teams are now releasing incredible behind-the-scenes draft coverage. Can we expect something similar from the Cardinals this year? I've loved the videos from the last few years."
I can't give you a date yet on the next Flight Plan episode, but yes, the plan is to have some behind-the-scenes content from the draft room.
From Jerry M:
"In response to my last email question about keeping your elbows out when you catch a pass I spent 25 years doing martial arts. I have three black belts and cry and kung fu. We train all the time to fight four people at once when I've learned if you keep your elbows out, you keep the people away and you have more room to get away and run for some more yards."
That explains it.
From Mark from Pinetop:
"Hoping this year we can have a little Murray Magic when it counts the most. He has done everything awesome except when it matters most, dating back to his final college game. I've been in his corner waiting and hoping for the maturity to be added to the talent. Closing trade idea! Not knowing this players off-field or team player rapport with teammates, how about trading Jalen Thompson and Greg Dortch to Miami For Tyreek Hill and maybe a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick. Just a thought!"
I am not sure why the Dolphins would make that deal, especially with both Dortch and J.T. in the final years of their contracts. Or the fact they would be dealing their best weapon. That's not happening. And neither is Terry McLaurin, despite whatever speculation might be out there.
