Ep. 926 - After taking care of a pair of NFC South opponents in the first two weeks, the Cardinals play their first division opponent on Sunday. They hit the road to face the San Francisco 49ers, a team, like the Cardinals, that is 2-0 to begin the season. Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman discuss the NFC West matchup; their thoughts on what it's going to take to win; how injuries, especially at the cornerback position, may affect the gameplan; and they also hear from Matt Barrows. That's right, Craig and Zach venture into enemy territory and speak with Matt, who covers the 49ers for The Athletic; topics include who is playing quarterback, what a healthy Christian McCaffrey means for the offense and how Robert Saleh's return has impacted the defense.

Ep. 925 - So, first it was Sean Murphy-Bunting, then Starling Thomas and now Garrett Williams, who on Wednesday landed on injured reserve. On top of that, Will Johnson missed practice because of a groin injury. The cornerback depth is being tested. Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck discuss what the plan may be moving forward, beginning Sunday in San Francisco. Will that mean more opportunity for Kei'Trel Clark and Denzel Burke? What about Darren Hall, who was signed to the active roster from the practice squad? Or does the responsibility fall on the front seven? Also, Craig and Dani look ahead to the matchup against the 49ers - Is Brock Purdy going to play? How do you slow down Christian McCaffrey? - and explain why the NFC West is the best division in football.

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.