Cardinals Underground

As the Cardinals reach the dead of the summer, Craig Grialou, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck each take a shot at picking what position unit will be the most crucial for the team this season – not counting quarterback, which remains No. 1 for every team every year. What positions did they choose? The hint: one on offense, two on defense. Let the debates begin.

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OK, so Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck probably don’t want to be an assistant to Darren Urban. That’s OK. At some point, Darren needs to be more efficient with his time - on or off the clock. In the meantime, our trio delve into the Cardinals minicamp and the last practice being canceled (and what it means, and does not mean), they chew on Darren’s top takeaways from the offseason work, thinking about Carson Beck’s mindset, the idea of defensive changes in 2026, Getting Cultured with Dani, and a mailbag question about the health/outlook of Garrett Williams...

Minicamp is here, and so are all the players, and Craig Grialou, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck have lots to talk about. That includes the arrivals of Jacoby Brissett and Josh Sweat to mandatory work, Brissett’s situation heading into training camp, our first mailbag entry on the podcast, needing a full running back room, Trey McBride’s continuing evolution, Getting Cultured with Dani, Nick Rallis’ obsession with player development, Michael Wilson’s burgeoning friendship with Larry Fitzgerald, and Craig’s airport issues.

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Dani Sureck has returned much to her chagrin, but Craig Grialou and Darren Urban welcome her back anyway, as they chat about what they would be willing to spend for a ticket to a big sporting event, how to interpret OTA workouts, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s big third year coming up, expectations on any player in his rookie year (like Carson Beck), how people use “bust” too easily, Myles Garrett’s arrival in the NFC West, the most surprising Cardinals acquisitions over the years, Gardner Minshew’s role, and the law office of Budda, Dewey and Rabbit.

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Craig Grialou just wants to have people understand how to drive, full stop. But there is also a lot of football to cover. Along with Darren Urban and Zach Gershman, the trio discuss the authenticity coach Mike LaFleur brings to the table, how quarterback will also be a top topic this time of year regardless of team or situation, Jacoby Brissett’s standing, Carson Beck’s unknown short-term future, the potential extensions of Michael Wilson and Paris Johnson Jr., waiting on Walter Nolen III (and all of the defensive draft picks), and how Patrick Peterson is the next potential Cardinals Hall...

Why would Craig Grialou and Zach Gershman consider the idea of shirtless fans? Who knows. But they join Darren Urban (Dani Sureck is on assignment) to chat about the initial OTAs and top takeaways like the mammoth Andrew Billings and Max Melton’s big third year, 13 personnel and Tip Reiman, Jacoby Brissett and how that situation could play out, cornerbacks galore, Michael Wilson and MHJ and how the stats look for a winning team, Trey McBride’s thirst to win, Mack Wilson’s health as he plays basketball, and the Wemby vs. everyone else conundrum.

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As the rookies mesh with the veterans, the chant comes up, Craig Grialou Graduates! Or something like that. In the meantime, Craig talks with Darren Urban and Dani Sureck about Carson Beck’s reps and gravitas, no more 2027 QB talk, analyzing rookie minicamp, Larry Fitzgerald visits the first-year players, the scramble-ability of the QB room, Jeremiyah Love’s financial sense and NIL impacting players as they come into the league, Chase Bisontis as potential starter and how the Cards could prep him in practice, and a look at the upcoming schedule release.

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As our trio say goodbye (again) to Calais Campbell, Craig Grialou, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck dive back into the rookie class as they arrive for their first minicamp. What we see this first weekend might not really have any lasting impact, but with Carson Beck on the field for the first time, the question is about the upcoming quarterback competition and how that could play out. The three also address a couple other QB names floating out there (insert “incorrect” buzzer here), get cultured with Dani, talk about BJ Ojulari’s big year and the edge rusher situation, JG takes...

We open this week with Darren Urban’s apology about his outlook on Jeremiyah Love at 3, but now that Love is in the Arizona air, Darren joins Craig Grialou and Dani Sureck to discuss Love’s potential role in the offense, why it made sense to take him at 3, what the Cardinals might do with QB Carson Beck in Beck’s rookie season (and what it might/could mean in the 2027 draft), Dani’s own editor’s note on Getting Cultured, the idea of Chase Bisontis as starter, what could happen at right tackle, the idea of Calais Campbell returning and the de...

No, Craig Grialou doesn’t have a contract regardless of what he thinks, but still he’s willing to discuss with Darren Urban and Dani Sureck Thursday’s first round. Darren has a mea culpa from past podcasts and comes clean about his choice at 3 with Dani and Craig chiming in, edge or offensive line as the choice, whether a trade will even be an option, a three-pick first round(?), drilling down on the Love draft train, Dani’s Getting Cultured, Darren’s trip to Canton with Larry Fitzgerald, what is the right definition of (not being) a bust, the Ty Simpson...

Paul Calvisi has some breaking speculation about the draft, and why not? Trade back in the draft? Stick at 3? These are the heavy questions Paul poses to Darren Urban and Dani Sureck on this week’s podcast. Also under conversation: the Aaron Curry effect in the top 5, Sonny Styles as an early pick, the idea of Arvell Reese as inside or outside, Bain early, the future of Calais Campbell, defense in the first, Getting Cultured with Dani, ultra-runners and how they are mock drafty, a QB in the later rounds, and Paul and Darren reminisce about Coach Mac.

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Don’t miss your class picture and don’t take a punter in the first round - unless he’s a Hall of Famer. These are the questions Paul Calvisi are considering, as he brings in Darren Urban and Dani Sureck - voluntarily - on the first day of Cardinals offseason workouts. Our trio discuss the players being back in the building, Zaven Collins and Hjalte Froholdt’s analysis of first-day Mike LaFleur, upcoming tax day, the considerations of what to do at 3, what the Cardinals might think about if they traded down, Sonny Styles, Ruben Bain Jr., a new Getting...

Paul Calvisi debates himself over onside kicks or tech neck, but eventually he gets to Darren Urban and Dani Sureck to talk NFL and the Cardinals with the annual meeting held in Arizona. Our trio chats about rules changes and potential replacement refs, Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur’s view of his QB situation now that Kyler Murray has moved on, Jacoby Brissett’s outlook, an incoming joint practice in Wisconsin, a foodie’s Getting Cultured, the Ty Simpson discussion (and some Jeremiyah Love), the NFC West update desk, and some flag football with Larry Fitzgerald Jr.

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With Dani Sureck on assignment, Zach Gershman crashes the party with Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban, although not to sit around watching March Madness games. This discussion is about the draft, Ty Simpson’s ultimate draft spot, the idea of the “late-rising quarterback,” the best 1-2 draft combo in the first two rounds for the Cardinals, the search for a defensive playmaker, the possibility of trading down, Zach’s need for a beard, filling holes before the draft, Mack Wilson’s switch to No. 1, drafting an inside linebacker, their top picks as the underrated free agent, and A.J. Green’s touching t...

It’s been a tough few days for Paul Calvisi and a moment of pause this weekend for Darren Urban, but they rallied to join Dani Sureck to get into what the Cardinals’ free-agent additions mean for the draft, if Jack Gibbens reflects on Sonny Styles, the idea of trying to trade back, a quick look at the free agents from the last week, Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew and the QB situation, a return of Getting Cultured, Kyler’s spot in Minnesota, the NFC West upgrades, why “pending physical” matters, and Paul’s love for Cheeto.

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As free agency gets going, Paul Calvisi is crushed - the Blake Gillikin return means he can’t talk about drafting a punter. Still, Paul joins Darren Urban and Dani Sureck to talk about the Cardinals’ early returns in free agency including adding a starting guard in Isaac Seumalo, if the Cardinals will take a right tackle at No. 3 in the draft, the running game resurgence that could come by bringing back James Conner and adding Tyler Allgeier, Dani’s ability as athletic trainer-by-osmosis, Roy Lopez’s return, a role for SMB, Donna Kelce’s renovation, a new third wide receiver...

The fun of live-to-tape hits our trio this week as Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck got halfway through this week’s pod when Kyler Murray put out an important tweet - saying farewell to the Arizona fanbase. That launched our discussion of what happens next with the Cardinals at QB and where Murray might go after seven seasons together. There was plenty to chat about there, but before that, Paul’s “dumb” questions led to Scouting Combine leftovers, the decision of who gets drafted at 3, and a debate about taking a running back high in the draft.

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With Darren Urban and Dani Sureck trying to stay warm in chilly Indianapolis, Paul Calvisi anchors things back in Tempe as our trio discusses the happenings at the Scouting Combine, including the latest on what the Cardinals are saying about their quarterback situation and Kyler Murray’s future, Monti Ossenfort’s hint at being willing to trade down, the chatter NFL-wide about Malik Willis, the teaching ability of the new coaching staff and adding Matt Schaub, potential extensions for Michael Wilson and Paris Johnson Jr., considering edge v OL in the draft, and remembering the late Rondale Moore - and reme...

Is it time for mock drafts? Probably. Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck know draft season is coming, so our trio chat about what the world seems to think the Cardinals will do at 3 overall (at least right now), the upcoming Scouting Combine information incoming, Kyler Murray’s future and NFL teams dealing with cap ramifications after player moves, a new Getting Cultured, the return of Nick Rallis as DC, Nathaniel Hackett as OC, how the roster can change, the emphasis on player development, sorting the running back room, Darren and Cardinals Climb, and breaking ground at the new tr...

Dani Sureck has a message for that Norwegian skier, and it isn’t that you shouldn’t bare your soul to the world after winning a bronze medal, but otherwise Dani, Paul Calvisi and Darren Urban will talk a bunch about gold - as in Larry Fitzgerald and a gold jacket. Fitz is going to Canton and Darren talks about his trip to San Francisco to cover the announcement, while our trio chat about Fitz as a mentor, the Hall of Fame voting, the top non-playoff moments Fitz had in his career, a (Getting) Cultured update, more sports figures Paul has...

The Cardinals have a new head coach, he spoke for the first time, and Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck are all over it. Our trio noticed the authentic Mike LaFleur as he stood at the podium for the first time, his need to work with the players, his self-awareness of the job ahead (but still a heavy confidence), his premonition of become the Cardinals coach a year ago, who his coordinators might be, the running game’s future under LaFleur, and the lingering QB question. They also chat about Fitz’s Hall of Fame chances this week, upcoming inte...

As our fearless trio recorded, the Cardinals still were on the lookout for a head coach, so Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck talk about the reported three candidates getting further interviews (and note, mid-pod, about Anthony Campanile staying with the Jaguars), how important the coordinators will be for the next guy in charge, Dani cultures the boys, we have another Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl, games in cold weather, what the Cardinals can do in a one-year turnaround, Paul hits some mock draft picks, and a try and fill-in-the-blank podcasting.

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In a rare video-less version of the podcast, Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck - true humans, no AI here - are still saving for the future as well as wondering who the Cardinals will get as their new coach. That’s the big topic as the Cards sort through the multiple names for interviews, as well as the possibility of getting an NFC West assistant, the benefit of previous head coaching experience, a new Getting Cultured, how every postseason game will be outdoors, Drew Petzing’s new gig, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s frustrating season and the big offseason decisi...

There’s no offseason for Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck, not this time of year, and certainly not as the Cardinals seek out a new head coach. Our fearless trio discuss some of the reported names that have drawn the Cardinals’ interest, the NFL landscape with nine coaching vacancies, the newest twist now that Mike Tomlin stepped down from the Steelers, whether to go with an offensive or defensive mind, how the draft class will impact the NFL’s QB musical chairs, LIV-ing it up in an episode of Getting Cultured, Trey McBride and his All-Pro status, the playof...

It’s an all-football C.U. to wrap the season - no football withdrawal yet, Paul Calvisi - as our esteemed trio of Paul, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck talk a coaching change, the struggles of the team all season, expectations at the start of the season, battling the rest of the NFC West, reported candidates for coaching interviews, a Carson Palmer suggestion, the NFL rules on coaching interviews, what kind of coach the Cardinals should seek, what happens at QB, getting a quick turnaround and what opponents the Cards will see in 2026.

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Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck all want to finish strong in 2025 with a game left in the season, so the discussion gets quick into what the Cardinals will see in L.A. this weekend, the NFL MVP race with Matthew Stafford, seeking pass rush, missing Budda showed up, finding consistency on the offense, addressing offensive line this offseason, Trey McBride’s passion over records (and same with Michael Wilson), a Getting Cultured quickie recap for the year, JG’s message of the change that is coming, a Wise Guy blowout, Larry Fitzgerald takes another step toward Canton, a fast...

Paul Calvisi has a plan for his Christmas shopping, because he hasn’t done it yet. (Yikes.) But beyond that, he is ready to join Darren Urban and Dani Sureck to talk about Calais Campbell’s kick-blocking heater, the end of the Falcons’ loss, the consistency of finishing drives, getting the ball to Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., Getting Cultured, the timeline of losing Walter Nolen III and Garrett Williams, the young defenders playing better, Paul’s favorite car movie, defending Joe Burrow, Winning Behavior, and Dani dominating her family.

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Paul Calvisi isn’t about being on time, but he’s all about the temperature - he’s on to Cincinnati. OK, first there is the Falcons and the last home game of the season. Chatting with Darren Urban and Dani Sureck, the trio talk the trajectory of Trey McBride and what he could be if he keeps playing like the best tight end in the league, the Falcons and their weapons, the solid play of the inexperienced offensive line, Getting Cultured, what we are watching the last three games (Nolen, CBs, OL), the injury-ravaged RBs, a Wise Guy that chases...

Yes, Paul Calvisi is talking about the Purge movies again, but there is a reason - could this be the year where the NFL postseason purges all the annual favorites? Mayhaps. In any case, he joins Darren Urban and Dani Sureck to discuss that first drive against the Rams (and what came next), Michael Wilson’s epic games continue, dealing with Puka, facing the talented Texans defense, the current Cardinals offensive identity, Paul’s new favorite ep of Getting Cultured, Kyler gets shut down, an amazing Wise Guy, Houston as a road venue, some college football (non-)Winning Behavior, Cardinals on t...

Did Paul Calvisi culture Dani Sureck about Landman? (The TV show. Not the Rams linebacker). Yes, yes he did. Meanwhile, Darren Urban joins the two to talk about about parallels with the Cardinals’ close losses, Darius Robinson’s postgame comments, players stepping up to take accountability, Josh Sweat’s great season, remembering (kinda) Simeon Rice, going to the aging dogs on Getting Cultured, Trey McBride’s excellence, Jacoby Brissett’s late-night texts, snickering at Wise Guy, non-Winning Behavior from the college coach culture, Puka v Mike Wilson, and Carson Palmer’s coaching acumen.

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Not that Paul Calvisi begrudges anyone else who wants to enjoy a parade, but he’d rather not have to go to his local version somewhere hidden in the Valley he’d rather not say. Fret not. Darren Urban and Dani Sureck get his mind off of such things by talking about the Cardinals’ upcoming trip to Tampa, the chance of seeing Baker Mayfield play, dealing with another close loss, learning how to win, the explosive emergence of Michael Wilson, Getting Cultured, the cornucopia of takeaways against Jacksonville, seeking reps down the stretch for Nolen, Will Johnson and other young player...

Paul Calvisi isn’t sure he is ready for his script this week for the pod, but of a bigger concern is Darren Urban’s energy. Dani Sureck tries to help them both wrangle their issues as the trio discuss the Cardinals needing to hone in on details, penalties hurting against the 49ers but not the whole problem, the fine line between the defense being put in bad spots and the unit still needing stops, the breakout game of Michael Wilson and what it means, Getting Cultured with Vine-loving Dani, the Jaguars and what they bring to town, a Wise Guy...

Reality shows? Is this really what Paul Calvisi has brought us here to talk about? Well, kind of. But Paul brings in Darren Urban and Dani Sureck for a lot of other stuff too, like which way the Cardinals turn after a hard day in Seattle, the craziness of the 2025 NFL season, what happened up front on both sides of the ball against the Seahawks, a Getting Cultured with A-Rod, Trey McBride and all the nicknames he deserves, the emotions of the team, a wipeout Wise Guy, more injuries before the Niners visit, and a Winning Behavior that includes a...

The Cardinals showed that during the bye, they may have learned how to finish, on their way to an important win over the Cowboys. Paul Calvisi, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck serve up their thoughts on the victory, how the defense looked its best of the season, if they would ever bail on a movie before it is over, the huge debut of Walter Nolen III (and the ageless greatness of Calais Campbell), the crucial return of Garrett Williams, a frustrating (for Paul) Getting Cultured, the QB question and Jacoby Brissett earning the starting job for now, MHJ’s jump, a...

Paul Calvisi’s timbre is struggling, and so too might be these attempts at dog names our titanic trio consider. But Paul, Darren Urban and Dani Sureck are back from the bye to discuss the 10-game final stretch of the season. That starts with a trip to Dallas and a return - we think - of Kyler Murray at quarterback, as well as the potential of Walter Nolen III maybe making a comeback, Getting Cultured with all y’all, Budda and JT and roles if Garrett Williams returns, the hellacious Cowboys offense and how to deal, BJ Ojulari finally getting his...

The Cardinals hit the bye and Paul Calvisi is offering up his support services to Darren Urban and Dani Sureck. As they process their emotions of the first seven weeks, the trio chat about vibes in the locker room, the finish against the Packers and how it still isn’t enough, the search for closers on the roster, what changes Jonathan Gannon and the coaches can implement at the break, Getting Cultured with thievery, Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett, the Micah Parsons experience, Zay Jones, and Mike Wilson pop,  a Cardinals hoops-themed Wise Guy, the excellence of Trey McBride, the sur...

The weather is rough, but that just makes Paul Calvisi think about how the Cardinals need their own flurry of football as the Packers come to town. That’d be a nice way to snap a four-game skid by a total of nine points. Paul discusses such things with Darren Urban and Dani Sureck, as well as how an NFL season is more than one season, the Cardinals’ battle to find a way to finish, the power rankings of what would be needed if there was a magic wand fix, the non-MHJ receivers stepping up, Dani culturing the guys, how the...

Paul Calvisi is asking WTF - what the football - for all the odd things happening around the sport, college and NFL. That includes the Cardinals’ hard-to-describe loss to the Titans. PC is joined by Darren Urban and Dani Sureck to discuss the cornucopia of events that led to the result, the idea of finishing but also not letting it be that close, some pigskin-related Getting Cultured, Will Hernandez’s successful return, the idea of letting K1 cook and the resurgence of the newest Indiana Jones, that Demercado drop, a memorable edition of The Wise Guy, Will Johnson comes back, Winn...

As the Cardinals come back to work following two harsh back-to-back losses, “radio guy” Paul Calvisi engages Darren Urban and Dani Sureck about how the Cardinals like making every single minute of every single game count. They also chat about how with the offense “(blank) is loading,” more use of 11 personnel and what - if anything - that means, correctable vs concerning, marriage talk in Getting Cultured, the MHJ roller coaster, a thrilling edition of The Wise Guy, the Cardinals’ new training facility for 2028, adapting during the minibye, more Trey McBride and the running back situation, Bilal Nichols in the DL mix, Wi...

Paul Calvisi was feeling nostalgic about his parents’ musical loves after watching the Cardinals’ hard Sunday in San Francisco, which included the season-ending injury to James Conner. Paul discusses that hard loss with Darren Urban and Dani Sureck on this short-week, early edition of the podcast, along with Trey Benson becoming RB1, the notion of leaning harder into Trey McBride, the offensive line production and the development of Josh Fryar, the struggles of Marvin Harrison Jr. and the drops that were had by multiple players, a return to normalcy with Wise Guy, Mack Wilson channeling his inner Fred Warner, the Seah...