Ep. 924 - Offense wins games, defense wins championships, right? Well, at least to begin 2025, defense is wining games for the Arizona Cardinals. For the second straight week, it was the defense that finished the game, and if we're being honest, it was a game that was a lot closer than it needed to be. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's 27-22 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals win their home opener, and improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2021, behind a defense that yes, struggled to get off the field late but made the play(s) when needed - shout-out Calais Campbell, who earned this week's Angry Bird Award - and an offense that remains a work in progress, especially in the run game.

Ep. 923 - Last season. And five times in the last six seasons overall. For whatever reason, the Carolina Panthers have not been a favorable matchup. But that's going to change this season, right? Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to Sunday's game at State Farm Stadium. What's it going to take for the Cardinals to win their home opener and improve to 2-0? And are there any lessons learned from those past meetings? Hey, we know Jonathan Gannon is not a fan of looking in the past, but not Craig and Zach. Their discussion includes heading into enemy territory. They're joined by Darin Gantt, who covers the Panthers for panthers-dot-com, and that conversation has a run-in by Darren Urban; that's right @Cardschatter makes an appearance.

Ep. 922 - Yes, the Cardinals finished off the New Orleans Saints. But it was the defense and not the offense that was on the field at the end of the game. And that bothers Kyler Murray. So, what needs to happen to avoid that same scenario this week or any other week the rest of the season? Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what they hope to see out of the offense moving forward, beginning Sunday. Speaking of Sunday, the Carolina Panthers are in town. That's an opponent that has always given the Cardinals trouble, including just one year ago, a game that surprise, surprise Jonathan Gannon was willing to talk about. Remember, he never likes looking in the past. Also, news - and not good news - on special teams captain Joey Blount; Trey Benson's increased role; and what's happening around the NFC West heading into Week 2.

Ep. 921 - A win is a win no matter how it looks, right? At least it does in Week 1, and it most certainly does in Week 1 on the road. The Cardinals survived their trip to New Orleans, beating the Saints, 20-13. Sure, there's a lot to correct. But isn't it better to get those mistakes cleaned up after a win rather than a loss? Of course it is. Craig Grialou and Paul Calvisi look back at Sunday's victory. The guys start with the defense because it was the defense that finished the game. They then turn their attention to Will Johnson, who impressed in his debut - he earned Paul's weekly Angry Bird Award (yes, it's back!); the Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection looks improved from last season; and Trey Benson showed speed and decisiveness to begin Year 2. It's a Victory Monday, Bird Gang!

Ep. 920 - For the third straight year, the Cardinals are opening the regular season on the road. New Orleans is the site, more specifically, the Caesars Superdome, one of the loudest venues in the league. The challenge is very real, despite the home team's recent struggles and low expectations for 2025. Yes, on paper the Cardinals are more talented than the Saints. But games are not played on paper. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman look ahead to Sunday's game; what must happen for the Cardinals to begin the season 1-0? Plus, the guys head into enemy territory. Mike Triplett, who covers the Saints for NewOrleans.Football, joins the show to discuss Spencer Rattler - former Phoenix Pinnacle High standout - Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and how the Saints might defend James Conner and the Cardinals run game.

Ep. 919 - It is officially game week, the first one of the season. Coaches are excited. Players are excited. And you know Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck are excited, joining the rest of the Bird Gang. There's just something different about Week 1. Perhaps even more so this year given the expectations so many have for the 2025 Arizona Cardinals. With the season opening in New Orleans, Craig and Dani discuss the challenges facing Kyler Murray and his teammates, from playing in a hostile environment to facing an inexperienced quarterback but backed up by an experienced playcaller; who or what position group(s) is in the spotlight on Sunday; and, speaking of Sunday, what are the other matchups involving the NFC West. Also, the first injury report of the season is out - good news, it's a short one.

Ep. 918 - Don't get too comfortable. A lot can change between now and the season opener in New Orleans. Yes, the Cardinals announced their 53-man roster, but did you happen to notice that it didn't include a long snapper? And that's one of the reasons why head coach Jonathan Gannon made it clear on Wednesday that things are "very fluid" with respects to the roster. Of course, that didn't stop Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman from giving their thoughts on who made the team - congratulations to Bam Knight, Josh Fryar and P.J. Mustipher - and who didn't - thanks for your efforts DeeJay Dallas - and who is now back on the practice squad - Michael Carter, Simi Fehoko and Darren Hall. Also, it was good to see Will Hernandez on the practice field on Wednesday. What does that mean for the offensive line moving forward?

Ep. 917 - By 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon teams must reduce their rosters to no more than 53 players. For the Cardinals, that process has already begun. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what's happened - the initial waive of cuts - and what might happen. Plus, Craig and Dani talk about who might've helped themselves with their effort and performance in the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. Several players stood out on Saturday night including running back Michael Carter, wide receiver Simi Fehoko and outside linebacker Xavier Thomas. There are tough decisions to be made for sure, a lot of tough decisions, and that is exactly what you want if you're GM Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.