Our Howard Balzer made his usual Thursday appearance on Fox Sports 910 AM with Roc and Manuch with Jimmy B. Here’s what they talked about:
- Cardinals were back at practice after Wednesday’s off day and safety Budda Baker didn’t practice. Any concern about that?
- The class is a great one for the Hall of Fame and Howard was asked what player he’s most excited to see enshrined. He mentioned Dwight Freeney, who made significant contributions in the one season he played with the Cardinals in 2015. He also had some news on how the the Hall is handling the Steve McMichael induction. The former Bears defensive tackle has been battling ALS for several years.
- With that, Howard was asked about that great Bears defense and how much it’s being talked about. He noted that in shows taped for SiriusXM NFL Radio, he interviewed Mike Singletary and Jimbo Covert, who talked about McMIchael’s impact on the team and how the Hall is handling his Saturday enshrinement. It starts at 9 am Arizona time and three hours earlier, Howard will be co-hosting with Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and journalist Vic Carucci for three hours with numerous interviews, including a rollicking one with Warren Sapp, who was Brooks’ teammate with the Buccaneers.
- Talk turned to the game that was to be played Thursday night between the Bears and Texans, and Howard was asked if anyone cares. He noted that many of the players competing for jobs do.
- Asked about how coaches treat these games trying to keep players healthy but getting ready for the season opener, he said it’s a difficult balance, but it’s the same for every team. Howard pointed out there are around 22 practices between teams scheduled this summer, including the Cardinals and Colts before they play Aug. 17. Once the season increases to 18 games and there are only two preseason games, there will probably be more. That’s a good time for starters to get work in a controlled a environment against another team.
- Talk about the new kickoff rule and what we will see in the preseason. A lot of kicks will be returned, but coaches won’t give away some of the twists they might be planning.
- Howard was asked if being at the Hall of Fame is like Disneyland and he readily agreed. He’s been doing shows for SiriusXM for 17 or 18 years in Canton and Howard said he has to pinch himself interviewing Hall of Famers and not take it for granted, adding, “it’s like being a kid in the candy story.” He then said Cardinals fans should begin getting ready for 2026 when Larry Fitzgerald will be eligible for the first time and likely voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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