The Cardinals are trying to reset after back-to-back painful losses on the games' final plays, with the big-picture news that a new training facility is on the horizon. We'll try and answer what we can in 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 Mike T:

"Hello Darren. The sky isn't falling, four points separate last place from first and this is without many frontline players. If JG needs to shake things up maybe begin with the O-Line. Do you believe inserting Will Hernandez back into the O-line would be a positive move?"

From Fran Loyolla:

"Tackle Cam Robinson was traded from the Texans to the Brown. Gannon said "maybe we need different people in there." Is that implying we might see reinforcements coming? Midyear trades are rare but our WR room is not performing, to be blunt. Season is still young, we can still get this turned around. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being certain) how would you estimate we make some trades?"

Decided to marry up these two because they travel parallel tracks. When I heard JG talk about different people, I interpreted moving around the depth chart, not guys currently elsewhere that you would add via trade or even street free agent. I'd lean more toward Mike's thought that Hernandez could find his way back into the lineup at some point, for example. Hernandez has a good track record, but, if you go by PFF grades, Hernandez is better as a run blocker but Isaiah Adams is better at pass blocking. So would Hernandez going in mean less of an adjustment of style (which I know is suggested below in some other queries.)

One more point: I am always hesitant to anticipate significant in-season change until it actually is going down on the field; it is rare for one person coming into the lineup to make a significant impact. It is rare to see a unit look dramatically different in-season. I am not saying the offense cannot improve. What I am saying is that if it does, it would likely be within the framework that was set in the offseason and training camp. Not because, for instance, they started throwing 50 times a game.

From Rick Rentschler:

"When players are put on the PUP list and can't practice does that mean they can't be on the field at all or they just can't participate? I'm assuming they are attending meetings, is that correct? What is the rationale for not letting players practice (assuming they are healthy enough to participate in some manner)? Really enjoy your team's work!"

If a player is on PUP or IR and has not yet had his practice window opened (like Bilal Nichols on Monday) he cannot participate in practice but yes he is in meetings. Usually, if they haven't had their window opened yet, they indeed aren't quite healthy enough to practice. But the rationale overall is so teams don't just stash players on PUP or IR for a roster spot; if they are healthy enough to practice, they aren't injured or physically unable to perform so they need to be on the roster. The three-week window is the compromise to let a guy who has been sidelined a long time to ramp up a bit before taking a roster spot.

From Richard Kemmler:

"I know you spoke on him last week, but I can't help but be blown away by how well Calais Campbell is playing at this stage of his career. Especially considering the position he plays which is extremely physical and his size which can be a hindrance as he ages. Is it fair to say no one on the team is playing at a higher level than he is? Also in the pantheon of great Cardinal D-lineman where do you think he ranks? I know there have been quite a few good ones over the years, but he's gotta be close to the top."

I tweeted during the game Calais had been arguably the Cardinals' best player thus far this season. Mack Wilson has been excellent, and Trey McBride gets lost because most of his impact is based on if they get him the ball. McBride has been McBride-good. But it's hard not to notice Calais, even in limited snaps (Wilson and McBride play much more of the time.)

As for Campbell in the all-time DL ranks? Campbell is in the discussion. Simeon Rice. Darnell Dockett. (If you call Chandler Jones an OLB then no, but if you see him as a DE, then obviously.) There was Bubba Baker in St. Louis, and Curtis Greer. That's just going back to the 1980s.

From Stevie H:

"Darren, would you say it is dangerous to be a Cardinal team captain? When the season started it felt like 6 captains was a bit overkill. Now we're down to 4 with 2 important pieces lost for the season. Do you think Trey Benson blossoms as RB1 on his own? Also, wondered if you knew the stat on second generation players of NFL stars. Marvin Harrison Jr. is obviously talented, a hard worker and very productive in college. But he has still to show the talent consistently in the NFL. Are there any second generation players who have lived up to the records of their fathers?"

Look, it's not great that James Conner and Joey Blount got hurt, but it has nothing to do with being captain. This isn't a Spinal Tap drummer situation. (Thank you, thank you, that's my 40-year old reference for today's bag.) We will see on Benson; if they remain a team that can run often he'll get his chances, but he's going to split a lot of time with Emari Demercado if they pass more.

As for second generation players, I'd say Peyton and Eli Manning did a dang good job. Clay Matthews made six Pro Bowls. Those are off the top of my head. Now, when it comes to MHJ, 1) the sample size remains small and 2) MHS is a Hall of Famer and one of the best ever. When you say "lived up," if we are saying the bar is to equal his father, I don't think that's particularly fair.

From Sebas Quiros:

"Well, rather than continue venting and expressing my sadness and frustration with the offense, I thought to talk about something brighter. Our defense is absolutely fantastic! I have a few questions.

1. Why do you think they have performed better than the offense? Do you attribute some of that to JG being a defensive mind? (Not throwing any shade at the offense with this one, I promise)
2. Given that the performance has been good, do you think they will take their time with Nolen and ramp up his workload little by little or do you think that pretty quickly he will be having a big workload?
3. Do you believe Will Johnson will be back for next game given the extra rest time?
4. How likely do you think it is that someone comes for Nick Rallis as their head coach? It might be my biggest dread honestly."

I have a few answers:

1. I think the defense is better than the offense. I thought that might be the case all offseason and camp. It's coming to fruition. It's how they have built the team in a lot of ways.
2. I think whatever happens with Walter Nolen III will be based on him. Whenever he has his practice window opened, it'll be because he's 100 percent ready. Whenever he starts practicing well, he'll be in the lineup. If he plays awesome from jump, he'll have a big role (assuming he has his stamina built up). There won't be an artificial timeline; it'll be based on Nolen's showing.
3. I think there is a good chance Will will return for the Titans game. But we will see with practice this week.
4. If the Cardinals have a great defensive season, I won't be surprised if he is interviewed. And it only takes one team that wants to hire. But at this point, I think we are still not in that realm of Rallis being likely to be snared for such a job. Not yet.

From Ryker C:

"Injuries suck. Would Monti consider trading some draft capital for a running back? Or perhaps to stimulate the offense with a true WR2? I love Benson and Demercado; Bam Knight is incredible but none of them are the bruiser-type like Connor is. Does this staff trust our guys enough even with the performance this season or do you go out and get a running back, or a true WR2 (shout out Michael Wilson but he still needs time) to supplement the playoff push? What would you trade and who would you trade for?

P.S. Does it ever get old beating Pauly Podcast in Wise Guy? Or does the thrill of the win keep you going? You really need a championship ring or trophy for winning so often or make Paul light the lamp for every win of yours. Thank you for the weekly podcasts for the walks to and from class on a college campus!"

I am happy we are able to help you pass the time as you matriculate at an institution of higher learning. Frankly, that's where Cardinals Underground belongs. Just sayin'. I don't necessarily see a trade. Definitely not a running back; I think they still like the room now that Michael Carter is on the roster officially. Won't completely rule out a receiver but I still think it's unlikely. Tough to say who I'd trade for; you have no idea who is on the market. And only then can you say what you might give up. I truly believe difference-makers are rarely available this time of year.

From Paul G:

"Hey Urban Cowboy, as a 50+ year Cards fan from NY I was hoping you would allow me a few random questions.

1. It seems to have gone under the radar that Elijah Simmons was claimed off the PS by the Bucs, and right when we were likely ready to call him up for LJ. Collier. What are the rules for when teams are allowed to draw from your PS vs. when the team can pull their own player up? Does the player have a say?
2. I sort of agree that MHJ has the yips. Was he hit much in college or just able to break away from defenders and avoid it?
3. Where can I provide feedback about the AZ Cardinals app? It completely changes form and functionality on game day with no access to previous content. Even the ability to check scores of other games is gone. I have to go to other apps for this. I like to get caught up plus get my Darren/Dani/Paulie fix prior to the game and that's all basically shut down. I would think your advertisers would want me to stay with the Cardinals app."

Hey ... Paul. Here are some random answers.

1. When it comes to the practice squad, yes, the player has a say. If a guy is on a practice squad and a team wants to sign him away, he could in theory say I am staying on this team's practice squad, he could (although they never do because it's a double-your-pay situation.) And if multiple teams want to put a practice squad guy on their roster, the player can pick.
2. I watched Harrison some in college but not a ton. (Sorry. I'm a Michigan fan.) I do know that he was so good in college he probably wasn't hit a ton. I'd guess most elite receivers manage to avoid much of that in college, so there is going to be a transition to the pros.
3. I am a feedback option, and I appreciate you saying something -- I have noticed something similar. I have passed along your thoughts to the appropriate people.

From James Hafner:

"Hi Darren, I have a gripe. For the last four weeks, after every game, JG is asked a question to the effect of 'do you think the offense needs major overhaul or minor changes?' And every time JG says 'I think we just need small adjustments.' I disagree. When the offense has been outright bad for four consecutive weeks, you have big problems. Moreover, even if it is small adjustments, how come they aren't being made?"

I get it. You want answers or massive change. I've been doing this a long time, and that's what fans want when things aren't working. To be honest, the fans are usually unhappy in these situations. Coaches aren't going to give specific answers. They aren't -- especially four games into the season -- going to verbally torch their staff or players for mistakes. Most won't, I should say. Bruce Arians might light up guys for mistakes. But I also know that B.A. rubbed some players the wrong way by doing that. The complaint of "small" adjustments is fair, but again, that's also how they probably truly see it. Small issues in football can cause big issues.

I'll finish with this. Any idea that the staff or the players aren't trying to improve or fix is foolish. They don't want to do poorly in their job; that's how you lose a job. Fans aren't the only ones frustrated.

From Mo S:

I feel like the Seattle game was a perfect example of Kyler's No. 1 problem. No, its not his stat line. Its not his height, not how he deals with pressure. Marvin had arguably the worst possible start to the game, especially after the 49ers game. As frustrated as I get as a fan, my heart was breaking for him as a human being. He looked shell shocked after that INT. Where was Kyler? Why do we never ever seen him on camera speaking to his WR?"

From Carey Woods:

"If Kyler and his WRs aren't on the same page (recurring issue) how come we never see Kyler on the sidelines talking to his WRs? You can it's happening all you want, but isn't it inconvenient that we've yet to see it once on camera?"

I'll be up front with this: I cannot stand the "we didn't see it on camera how come it never happens" argument. Now, if something is caught on camera, then there is something to talk about. But unless you're getting a feed that I've never seen, there is no way in a normal game broadcast you can make sweeping assumptions. (I mean, people can and do make sweeping assumptions, but without the full evidence.) And I assume you mean "once on camera this season" because I've seen it before on camera. I realize these two questions are bringing up the same topic but for different reasons.

As far as the miscommunication/not being on the same page (and I realize you want to focus/blame Kyler here on the aftermath and aren't necessarily talking about the issue), I thought this was interesting from Gannon.

"I felt that, walking off the field. 'Man, are we on the same page?' Because that irks me," Gannon said. "When we are throwing the ball to nobody, that's like a busted coverage to me. It shouldn't happen. I thought we had more than we actually did (against Seattle). We definitely had one." (That was the one where the adjustment was made and then the defense aligned late and Kyler and MHJ did not readjust.)

"The other ones that happened, I thought we weren't on the right page, but we were. I honestly feel better about that. But we can't have miscommunication of where the ball should be delivered and at the proper time and what route is being run. With Marv and Kyler, I don't think it was bad … after watching the tape."

From Jayson W:

"This team is 2-2 and could easily be 0-4 considering other two games came down to last plays and Cardinals were on defense. With extra days until next game, does Gannon meet with Petzing and Rallis to discuss what's working and where to go from here as far as changing the philosophy on offense and defense?"

This team is 2-2 and easily could be 4-0, since they lost two games on final play kicks.

Change the philosophy? You're not changing the philosophy four games into the season. Heck, no team has ever "changed philosophy." You can change up when you make certain playcalls. You can sub in different players. But you're not changing philosophy on a coaching staff that has been building and using this philosophy since 2023 and building a roster to match. The playbook isn't changing. I'm a little confused to why people think that would happen.

From Patrick Davidson:

"This is a comment you've gotten many times throughout the years, with different iterations of the team, even with different QBs. The newest version: we need to force the ball to Marvin (previously Trey, Fitz, Hollywood, Hopkins, Fitz, Smokey, Floyd, Fitz, Q, etc) . I come to you again and say we need to force the ball to our WRs. Marvin needs to get warmed up early in the game and build confidence. When he's getting his first catch in the 3rd quarter, the dude is completely out of rhythm. If not Marvin, because he's dealing with some issues right now, we need to make Michael Wilson the #1 WR out of necessity. Force the ball to him. It drives me up the wall when JG, Petzing, Kyler say 'I would love to get targets for everyone.' Well then go do it!"

You are right. The number of years when fans implored Ken Whisenhunt to force the ball to Fitz were many. He said the same things all the other coaches do. Kurt Warner would say that too. There is a reason Troy Walters scored the first TD in State Farm Stadium, because Fitz was covered. I do think there needs to be intentionality at times. But if Murray forces the ball to MHJ, and the ball gets picked off, I am guessing when you write the mailbag the comment won't be "At least Kyler was throwing to Marvin. Sure, the two interceptions were killers, but we were trying to get Harrison involved."

From Hank S:

"During Thursday's game against the Seahawks, I think Darius Robinson got his first sack. The announcers were discussing the Rosen year draft, but who got the sack was not mentioned. Can you confirm if he got his first sack? Do you think this is the monkey off his back and the beginning of more to come?"

Yes, Robinson got his first sack. As for being the beginning, let's see what the outcome is on his chest injury.

From Cary P:

"Forget the divide between coaches and fans, I'm concerned about the divide between coaches and players. When JG says he has no problem with our offensive playcalls, the underlying implication is the playcalls are great, the players are failing to execute them. I worry JG unintentionally threw the players under the bus, which is the biggest of no-nos in sports. True, the players need to execute better. But the playcalling this season has been too conservative and the players are surely frustrated by that too."

You are making a lot of assumptions. You think it's too conservative -- and I'm sure you aren't alone -- but it's the offense they've been practicing all training camp. I'm sure the players are frustrated. I would be surprised if most aren't looking internally rather than playing the blame game. This team isn't 0-4. There is not a meltdown happening internally.

From Bobby Peru:

"There is no bigger enigma on this team than BJ Ojulari. Have you seen him around? Does he look like a guy close to returning? By no fault of his own his NFL career has had the rockiest of starts; but the guy is no doubt talented, its why he was taken so high. It would be the craziest story if our season is saved by a returning, shockingly dominant BJ."

Yes, I have seen him around, I have seen him rehabbing. Where he is in that rehab? Don't know. Obviously his ACL injury was pretty serious and has taken a long time to return. When that window finally opens for practice, I'm not sure.

From Jimmy Anderson:

"I have a content availability question which likely most of your audience wouldn't care about since they are mostly local. But for those of us outside the local area, in past years, I had been able to stream the pre-game and post-game content (Early Bird, Countdown to Kickoff and Cardinal Talk) via the 98.7 sports app. It's fun to listen in on game day as you get excited for the game. However, in recent years, this content hasn't been available. Because I am a NFL+ Premium subscriber, I am able to listen to the actual broadcast with Dave Pasch and A.Q. Shipley. However the pregame and postgame content isn't available on NFL+ Premium (or at least I haven't been able to find it). I suspect it's an NFL rights issue, but curious to know if that's available some other way."

Here is the info I have gotten: The NFL allows flagships to stream games on their apps but only to their home area which is defined as a certain radius from the home team's stadium -- 100 miles. I'm not sure of the pregame programming falls under that umbrella. That would be a question for Arizona Sports. As recently as a couple years ago, Arizona Sports could stream without restriction to the desktop site. Not sure if that's still the case, but potentially a workaround.