It was another appearance for our own Howard Balzer on Roc and Manuch with Jimmy B on Fox Sports 910 AM this week to talk about the Arizona Cardinals as they began practicing in training camp this week.
Here are the questions asked and topics discussed:
- On the “quiet” offseason unlike many NFL teams: There was no drama, the team is healthy, head coach Jonathan Gannon isn’t asked every day about Kyler Murray’s status and the players are genuinely enthusiastic and “got after it” in Thursday’s practice.
- On teams that are often successful after offseasons without distractions: Two summers ago, D.J. Humphries and Markus Golden staged “hold-ins” in an effort to get a new contract. That isn’t happening this year and there’s a positive vibe around the team with players respecting the way Gannon and the staff take care of them with the practice regimen.
- Any big moments in practice? Fans cheered loudly on a nice completion from Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr. as well as plays to Trey McBride and Zay Jones. Plus, there was a scuffle between Will Hernandez and Mack Wilson Sr.
- What is Gannon’s mantra or philosophy? He uses buzz words/buzz themes with the media that he obviously says to the players because they repeat them in interviews. Work every day to get better because if you don’t, you’re getting worse. Keep the main thing the main thing. Players are buying.
- What is the fan reaction to what they are witnessing? They see the strides made in the last two years building depth on the roster, leading to competition for jobs. That creates the belief that they are on the right track and should win more games this season.
- Will there probably be a lot of rookies getting playing time this season? Yes, just as there were last year. Coaches are counting on 2023 rookie making a big jump, especially BJ Ojulari and Garrett Williams. With 12 draft picks, including seven in the first three rounds, that adds to the young roster.
- What will Trey Benson’s role be? Most importantly, keeping James Conner fresh. Benson will likely see significant snaps in the preseason games.
Watch the full segment:
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
