Big Red Rage - Conner Ready For Cardinals Debut

State Farm? Talk to an agent today at eight hundred State Farm, And by Arizona Cardinals Podcasts visit acy Cardinals dot Com, Slash Podcasts, The Rods Rising Guard, Temperaturizing vision, flurring, rage taking over. Here's Paul CALVC. Get the popcorn ready, It's gonna be a show. And Ron Wolflee. If it doesn't get any better than that, boy, unleash the far. It's the Big Red Rage and it counts. What's that line?

They're real and they're spectacular. Same deal here. But forget the Buccaneers and those Super Bowl rings, Ron Wolfley, that is that is so last year. Forget the cowboys and hard knocks, that is so last month. Straight ahead the Cardinals season opener in fact less than three days away. Tick talk, and it's gonna get extremely real. In Nashville, we're talking steel guitars, stiff arms, and regular season football. I mean, what's not to like here on the Big

Red Rage presented by Santanford in Gilbert. Probably I could just tell when I woke up this morning it was game week. There's no denying it. You could just feel it. It was game week. Yes, Wednesday had come and gone, and we all know that Wednesday typically is the first day that you really start game planning, when you go out and you practice game plan hard, and then all of a sudden, Thursday you follow it up and you specialize it a little bit more, but you still your

game planning super hard for the opponent. Wednesday and Thursday's, Baby, those are two heavy work days. And I am all jacked up right now. He can feel it. Not only the fact that Arizona Cardinals are going to play the Tennessee Tits, one of the most brutal teams in the National Football League, on Sunday. But we already got football going on right now, baby, Yes, we do. Do you feel like you have a handle on the twenty twenty one Cardinals? Do you feel like you know what's coming? No?

I honestly do not, Polly, do you not really? I mean I look at him on paper right and they're loaded. I mean I really, I really like what I'm seeing. Now. There's holes, there's flaws, but name a team that doesn't have all the above. I like what I'm seeing. I liked what I saw at camp. But once again, Ron willfully,

there is the unknown. You have a physical Tennessee team that played three preseason games not too plus they had a week of joint practice with Tampa, who's playing right now, so they seemingly have had a much more physical August you now, is that going to translate on game day? I mean, are they going to come out there and the Boomer's a stiff arm to the Jahn all of a sudden. All the X in the world, it doesn't matter if you're getting physically beat down. Yeah, Polly, I

don't know. I do know this right now. The Tennessee's Titans, I think are one of the more physical teams in the National Football League in that offense, might be the most physical offense in the National Football League. But that's what I know. And if the Arizona Cardinals wanted to test their physicality, something that we know in the off season.

They made it something they wanted to accomplish by going out and getting the likes of a JJ Watt to Rodney Hudson, even in Malcolm Butler, who was a very physical corner when they brought him in here and going out and getting guy is that we're going to be physical football players and all of a sudden, man, that's gonna get put to the test. And you know what, they had a similar test last year, did they not?

On the road against the defending NFC champion forty nine ers who are healthy and known for a physical defense, and they came out victorious. We know that. So how about JJ Watt? What does he know? He talked to the media today. Where are the Arozona Cardinals going into Week one? I think this training camp, these practices leading up to this week, I think it's been awesome. I don't know if we've had anybody late to anything. I think we've had guys at their lists. We've had guys

at the practices working their ass off. We've got guys staying after doing extra work. We got guys studying film in the cold tubs after practice and calling each other talking about plays in text and saying Hey, I know we got this play tomorrow. Can you talk me through

your technique? Like I think that the leadership on this team and the guys that have been voted the captains have been doing an unbelievable job of making sure that everybody understands the goal and understands what the standard is here. And by the way, as JJ Watt himself noted, he's played the te and this team twice a year for a decade. DeAndre Hopkins talked to the media today, he has more catches and more receiving yards against the Titans and any opponent in his career. So at least you

have that going for you. Two guys very experienced, minus Malcolm Butler, who you thought might be in the fold. But it's intriguing because JJ Watt said, you know what, he shared a lot about what Mike Vrabel is all about, and especially that offense. And we'll see if that makes a difference on Sunday. No, you're right, Polly, Honestly, that offense again, it's really really simple. They attack the line

of scrimmage. Polly. We've been talking about this all off season, but the Tennessee Titans attack the line of scrimmage over and over and over again, until you're so conditioned you're attacking the line of scrimmage because you don't want to get run over by King Henry. And then suddenly here it comes the play action. I mean, it's a simple concept.

Now we're going to throw the ball and typically because you've got that second level sucked up to the line of scrimmage to stop Derek Henry and rundown situations, now it makes it easier to throw the ball over the middle. Hey, you mentioned Tampa's playing right now. What are the odds that Tom Brady and Bruce Arians What are the odds they're targeting Micah Parsons, the rookie middle linebacker and trying

to exploit him. Because you know, we talked to Cliff Kingsbury this week as we recorded game plays Weekly TV show, and oh yeah, Cardinals coaches very much expect them. It's a game of matchups. They will target the rookie Zavin Collins, there's no doubt about it, and they'll do it in a physical fashion. Here's the head coach, Cliff Kingsbury physical team. You know, they have been really, really good the last

few years. Coach Babel was done a tremendous job building that culture, and they fly around the football in all three phases. And you know, have one of the best running backs in the game, just inquired one of the best receivers. The quarterbacks have been playing at a Pro Bowl level the last few years, and so it's going to be a huge challenge. I mean, they were top five in offensive year ago. Wolf they were second to Kansas City and a lot of key categories and all

by the way, they added who Leo Jones. So there's a lot of predictions in the we remember that whole big day are Paul. I mean, that's the That's the thing about the Titans that are a physical lot. I mean even their quarterback is a former wide receiver, Paul and Ryan Tannehill. He has seven rushing touchdowns himself. Right, this is a big, a big dude who can totally run and will run and hammer you. And then all of a sudden you have Derek Henry and then you

have that offensive line. Then you have the two tight ends a really good blocking Titan, and then you have two wide receivers that are big dudes. Man A J. Brown is no slouch whatsoever. He's like the Hulk, and then you got Julio Jones, who's what six two two twenty. Both both Julio Jones and A. J. Brown are two twenty plush goods. Get ready for that? U? I mean, thank goodness. The Cardinals added the likes of a JJ

Watt and Rodney Hudson. And oh, by the way, tonight's guest James Connor can play himself a physical brand of football. By the way, with the advent of legalized sports wagering today, well, if I have a pauly prop bet for you, Okay, who's gonna get the first sack for the Arizona Cardinals shoes between JJ Watt and Chandler Jones. Did you hear what Vance Joseph said about Chandler Jones today? He said,

Chan's been all in. He looked great this week. I think Chan is back to what he was two years ago. He's in great shape, he's rushing the passer, he's playing fast, he's motivated. Van's Joseph and Chandler Jones. You know what, Honestly, I'd have to go with Chan, no offense to JJ Watt whatsoever. I'd have to go with Chan because I think he's going to be given the opportunity and then coming off the edge as much as he will. And who knows, maybe J J. Watt is coming off the

other edge. I don't know how vance Joseph is gonna use him yet. It's gonna be fascinating. Tell me that first QUARTERBALLI is not gonna be incredibly fascinating to watch it. I'm gonna be leaning out the window up in the booth watching that first quarter. Just what kind of personnel groups are they going to use, What kind of coverages are they going to use, What are the corners that are going to be on the field. I mean, I've got so many questions and I cannot wait to watch

it right now, Paulie. But there's no doubt, man, this is gonna be a slug fest. And I think Chandler Jones gets at first sack and you've been all over it. Aunt. Joseph also said today that Jordan Hicks will have a quote huge role for our team. So don't be surprised if Damon Collins is out there with Isaiah Simmons and Jordan Hicks. Yeah. It's episode seven of the Day Pash podcast featuring James Rode from Psych and a million little things available now wherever you get your podcast or the

latest updates go follow along at pashpod on Twinter. The aforementioned James Conner. He is next on the Big Red Rage presented by satan Ford and Gilbert we Are satan Ford. Hodges gets the shotgun, snap, gives it to Connor, sweeps the left side, got a block of the ten. Connor to the five down. James Cotter sweeping the left side, takes it in for twelve yards out. Hodges will throw the Connor out of the backfield, makes a man missing.

It's at the twenty. Cotter down the sideline of the ten and he's gonna walk it in and for the touchdown. About that rushing and receiving a touchdown each against the Chargers back in two thousand nineteen courtesy Westwood one right there, of course, two thy eighteen his Pro Bowl season and Wolf you know the answer to this. In fact, he was a former guest, and we'll hear from him in a little bit. His running backs coach back with a

steel is two thousan eighteen was James Saxon. Yes, was the running backs coach whole spider of his time over there looking something else. What did you say? Exactly? Thought? Okay, you know what you were asking me a question. We've been doing this too long. It's like you know when you're talking your spouse after twenty years and they just tune you out. That's exactly. That's exactly what happened right there. Let's ask it. Okay. So look, when you assigned, James

Conner said, I feel brand new. How's he feeling right now? Let's find out because he joins us here on the Big Red Rage presented by Santan Ford and Gilbert James. How we do? How's your focus right now? James? My focus is great. It's at an all time high right now. So and the focus is there on the preparation is there.

I'm just excited about what's next. James, Man, I'm doing good, buddy. Seriously, Um, I can feel the intensity right now, right I mean, do you do you feel it on Wednesdays and Thursdays? Do you do you abide in that intensity and like it? Absolutely? You know, especially with willing Days and Thursday that the last time we were you know, kind of going full speed and you know, just simulating actual game. So you know,

I feel the intensity for sure. And you know, I just had a good practice today and just compute the rolling and say Sunday for Oaks, who wonder, Okay, the first team offense got nine total snaps and there was a trio of three and outs, and they wonder about a physical Tennessee team. How do you answer that question as to whether the Cardinals are going to be regular season ready? You just you answered by letting them play,

you know, do the talking. And so that's the best way we can do it is just you know, show whether than talk about it, you know, talking where he does nothing for us. So you know, everybody to for the physical Tennessee team in the world political team as well, and so we embrace the challenge and everything that comes with it. And James, do you have any idea how the reps might be distributed between you and Chase Edmonds

in this game against the Titans. You're just gonna see both players getting involved in getting active, you know, um, and both ask us of the game, Chase running and catching, me running the catching. So um, you know, I see us playing a team game and win it. That's the most important thing. And in fact, here's the head coach, Cliff Kingsbury because he's been asked more than once Wolf as you know about that one two punch of James

Connor and Chase Edmonds. You know, James brings a tough, physical, downhill running attack that he's been approven uh, you know, tough yard runner in this league since he got into it. And the thing I like most about him and Chase their approach to the game. There's as serious as you can be out on that field. Ultra competitors, and they're gonna push each other and give us a real one

two punch that I thinks can really help us. In fact, we do a TV show every week for Cliff Kingsbury and we asked him flat out, are we're going to see these two running backs on the field at the same time and he nodded and smiled. I mean, there's gonna be a variety of roles for both of you guys. I know Chase mentioned that we're going to even see you in the slot at times in this offense. Man, we both great football players, um, and we're put in great position to make you know, big plays or coach

Bury well. And so when you when you coach well, you have the ability you're available. Um, you know, it's it's planning to go around, and it's you know, it's a beautiful thing. And so we're both grateful for this opportunity of what we have and we will make the most of it. James, what are you and Chase talking about right now? In regard to the upcoming game. It doesn't really have to be the opponent, but just the way you guys want to go about your business. So

what are you guys focusing on? What do you talk about throughout the week? Throughout the week? You know, we were close friends, you know, me chasing all the running backs. You know, we talk about what we don't grab something to eat at you know, we talk about practice, when getting better, We talk about some of everything. Everybody's focused, everybody's locked in and and everybody's excited and everybody you knows for one another. So, man, just a great group

of running backs who's excited and ready to play. You know. Eno, Benjamin, we're on board by the way, with James Connor, Cardinals running back both you know, Benjamin and Jonathan Ward told the media, unprompted, how helpful you have been with them and imparting a lot of advice and wisdom, et cetera. Can you give us a sense of what you've tried to convey to those young guys. Man are trying to be a leader, you know, veteran in that room, and so just you know, my presidence and just how I

approached the game. Um, you know, I feel like there's a lot. Uh, there's a lot for me. But man, they those young guys that helped me as well, you know, and uh, and so we just really learned from each other. But I just try to be there and be a friend uni first of all. And then as the friends then you know football obviously we're in the building and we're at practicing in meetings, so you know, questions come up.

But at the end of the day, you just got to be a friend first, and that's how relationship and advice and all that type of stuff, you know, gets the ball rolling. James, would you rather be in the que position behind Kyler Murray with your toes at six or seven? Or would you rather be offset and the shotgun? Oh,

don't have a preference, really, don't you know? This is the National Football League and and so you got to be ready and so that opportunity ers to be out there and uh, you know toes that seven or offset, I think that is both dangerous and incapable of explosive players. Both mentioned Kyler. Uh, and you know, if you had to pick a quarterback who is diametrically opposite of Kyler, you might go with Big Ben. Now what, Big Ben's a Hall of Famer, He's just very different than a

Kyler Murray. And I'm curious what is Kyler's running ability and the threat that you can rip one for forty yards at any moment, what does that do for a running back? And and and the fact the defense has to respect the quarterback. I definitely believe it opened things up for sure. Like you said, you know, defense has to respect him. You know, every other team in this

league respects you know, K one. And so when you got a QB like that who's super dangerous you know, through the air, on the ground, a special player, man with really gifted, really talented, and also focused. You know. So that's that combination right there. He's going to do big things and he you know, he does a good job. Would open everything that receivers backs tight end, you know, he does special. You know for me, James, you are

a three down back. There's no doubt about that. But there's a lot of people who just assume you are a power runner. Um, is that something that bothers you at all? It doesn't, you know, it truly doesn't. Um. You know, I'm in my lane, I'm in my journey. I'm enjoying it. Um. The early part of my career in the NFL was you know, in Pittsburgh running and

all that. And so now I get the opportunity to come out on the West Coast being the Arizona Cardinal and be able to show what I can do in the past game and continue to show what I can do in a running game. So, you know, my, my, my career, in my journey. Everything is uh, you know, I'm just on my path and I'm enjoying it. So I'm just sitting ignored the noise. And James, you don't mind picking up a blitzing linebacker, do you? No, not at all. That's good answer to that one. Hey, that's

the grease. Baby. What's amazing is you look at his bio and he was a standout defensive lineman in high school. Both think about that for a minute, all right. In addition to be in a scholarship running back. Right, he was a defensive lineman in high school. So to Wolf's point, there, Wolf, how many career receptions did you have again? Twenty one?

He was twenty six and ten years I see, So are people sleeping on your ability to catch the ball, James, because even Chase told him me and he said, hey, he's got soft hands. And I know, just this is my sense that you would look forward to being a target in the past game. Correct, Yeah, definitely looking forward to it. And I say, no, Now I'm over here and I'm able to show what i have to do. And you know, it doesn't matter what people say, you know,

Sunday Sunday, we'll be here sooner en us. And we got a great opportunities ahead of us, you know, to show what we often do a team. And so I'm excited about me. I actually am. You know, no matter what the pass you know was, or what people are saying, we got an opportunity on Sundays to do everything we want to do. So we're excited. I tell you, I think of James Connor, and I think of the other weapons of Cardinals have added, and I think red zone.

I think the Cardinals in the red zone. And now in addition to d Hop you have six foot four a j Green, you have a Onell Moore. We know Chase and his ability, his knows for the end zone and the pylon. And then and then there's James Condon when it comes to short yardage or goal line. James, give us a little sense as to your mindset. You know in those situations it's third and short, fourth and short,

what's your mentality? The mentality is first and foremost as always protect the ball, you know, scoring, scoring and brand zone and get ready scourse. So protective ball first, first and foremost, and then be physical and then also just you know, following football in the right place, you know, following the offensive line who set its home each of them play and so you know the physical, protective ball and put the right spot on it. Your mindset. Just

give points on the ball. James, have you shown them that you are a three down back? Because I know you believe you're a three down back. Do you think you've shown the Cardinals that you are a three down

back in practice? I truly believe so. Yeah. Every every time I go out there and I try to play my best football, and we have a great camp, and you know, and I'm I'm learning the plays and I feel like I'm doing, you know, everything I can do it in my power to show you know, how the vocball player I am, and it's how a teammate I am. And so the work is almost done, and so I definitely believe I have How's it going with a playbook?

I've heard it said before that's actually easier in the regular season because you're only taking chapters or slices of the playbook and putting it in for that particular opponent. Does it become a little more manageable? Now? Yes, for sure. You know, it's just like anything. You just put times to your review it and you know your game prep and game playing. So you know, I believe everything's going in the right direction for sure. All Right, we'll tell

you what. We'll continue to talking with James Connor and we'll get ready for the Tennessee Titans. And in fact, we're gonna ask him. You know what, if you're in business, it's called best practices, right, you study other businesses and things that work. Well, you know what's other running backs? Does he look towards and does he admire because we asked, you know, Benjamin that question a few weeks ago, remember that Wolf and how did oh where? He said, Mary

and Barber. Yeah, and we didn't expect that one. Marry and Barber. What a good blair he was, though understated? And what does what does James Connor think of Derrick Henry? And you know what would James Connor want to deliver Wolf? Maybe one of those Derrick Henry stiff arms, you know, maybe get Wolf's attention off the top of the segment. You know that could work too. So we'll continue here with James Connor on the Big Red Rage presented by satan Ford and Gilbert. We are satan Ford of bang

Bot of Boom, great protection for Kyler Murray. The pocket has been really, really sound. This is where you gotta feed the butt guts now, baby, you gotta let those butt guts line up and eat. Get a little greasy. They like it greasy. You had the bud guts come off the ball. Get movement at the point, baby. Yes. Ron Hoefley carts color analyst who's always had an affinity

for the old line. Does that go back to the fact that your older brother want to ring with the Steelers and played a dozen years as a starting guard, no doubt about it, Bellie. Honestly, my brother Craig, you know the affinity, the affection I have formed, the love that I have form he and all offensive lineman because I basically was a want to be offensive lineman. Yeah, as a former fullback. And we'll get to another member of the fullback club, James Saxon here in a minute.

Our guest is James Conner, another former Steeler and Cardinals running back. We can't wait for Sunday in the season opener at Tennessee. And look, James, you tell us about the old line. I mean, there have been plenty of teams over the years, the Cardinals included, who have had a lot of town, a lot of weapons. But if you don't have that old line, the odds are you're not going to go very far right, Yes, for sure. And our offersive line is great and great people and

also guitar workers. And I watched those guys approached to practice day and in day out, and you know, all throughout training camps everything, I just seen a bunch of hard, hard workers who you know, complain about nothing, practice hard and so and run behind those to be side especially with everybody that added and all the veterans that have been there. It's exciting. James. How much of the power scheme are you going to run as opposed to the zone scheme or are you just gonna mix it up?

You know, I'm not the one called them plays, you know, but um, we've got a nice balance of a lot of things in there, you know, in a lot of ways to you know, to get yards, and that's really all the game of footballs the bouts, skin yards and victories and so um. You know, I don't know how much we're gonna be were won't be doing. You know, I'm excited to see. But you know, this offense is explosive and we have a lot of special runs too,

so you know a little bit of everything. Well, twenty eighteen, you had nearly fifteen hundred yards from scrimmage, you had thirteen touchdowns, and You're running backs coach was James Saxon, and we had them on the Big Rider a few months ago during the off season and we asked him about you. So here he is the Cardinals running backs coach on his new former running back James Connor. You know,

this guy is a pro and it's been fun. You know, it was fun to be around him for the first two years in the league, and then it was fun watching him from afar and you know, just to get a chance to be a back a round. I guy. You know, there's no words I can use to describe, you know, how I feel about that kid. Can he catch the ball? Is he a threat out of the backfield to catch the ball? Yeah? I mean, but I don't think you want to ask you elephant to you know,

ride in a sailboat. That was that was That was one of the all time best quarts of the off season. Wasn't not w it was? That was good. Have you heard that before? James? Is that while you're laughing, No, I never heard that one before. But doesn't surprise you know. Coach had a couple of different sayings say so, you know, that's just another one to add through this. Okay, the Tennessee Titans. I know that you guys have broken it down. I know that you guys heavy a planning on Wednesday

and thursdays. Of course, you've seen a ton of film on the Titans. Are what are your thoughts about the Tennessee Titans in that box, specifically, like everybody's been saying. You know, it's a physical team, it's a big team. Um. You know know they added Buddy Free from the Stillers, my former teammate, and so you know, I know he's he's excited and ready to go for the season. You know, crept out a big year. So, um, you know, they

they're talented bunch inside of D line linebackers. Linebacker has been there for some years. You know, they got to experience in and you know, together they play well. And so you know, just like about the physical teams got to bring the fight to him. How aggressive are they? How how exotic are they? Bringing numbers and bringing pulitz is what do you expect there? Uh yeah, I definitely expect them to bring pressure. Um, you know third downs

and uh just what you expect. You know, their planning to be more physical than us, and so we can't let that happen. And so they're never really not trying to trigg us too much. You know, they're just trying to play you know, physical football. I their style, James, are they a man covered team for the most part, closed the middle of the field and play man underneath. I do it. They'd show a couple of different coverages.

You know, some zone, some man, you know, some covered two looks um, you know, switched up in the red zone. So um, you know we're we feel prepared to be able to handle it. Can make their asses and look, we know it's a game of matchups on board by the way, with Cardinals running back James Connor here on the big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and Gilbert and look that Titans are gonna go after Zavian Collins.

Even Cliff Kingsbury knows that. Conversely, you look at the Cardinals old line and the one surprise there is Josh Jones at right guard and he had a great camp and he earned the spot. But I'm guessing that Tennessee's front seven, we'll try and target him and test him early. Would you expect the same? Oh yeah, but Josh knows that, you know, and you know he said he earned it. He h he's ready for it. I've seen his approach.

I've we ever seen his group all the way through training camp and so uh, you know, the young young guys in this league, that's what you know, that's be expected. And you know he has veterans, you know, surrounded him. Who got his back and who's going to be with him, you know, in those trenches. So you know, he put

his tags on and we get to work. James, I look at your offense and I think there's a lot more established players on the offensive side of the ball for the Cardinals than the defensive side of the ball. As a matter of fact, you're going to be playing some very young players on the defensive side of the ball.

Of course, because of that, I honestly feel like the onus is on the offense to go out and score points, produce points, score more points than the Tennessee Titans, because the Titans, as we know, they've got a great offense, might be one of the best offenses in the National Football League, if not the best offense in the NFL. The onus, I think, is on the offense to go out and win a game. In a gross simplification of the truth, we all know that all three phases have

to play together to win a game. But if you had to put an emphasis on it, are you willing to say the Cardinals offense has got the responsibility of going out and winning this game. You know, everybody needs to take responsibility, and that's how we approach the game. Um. But for us on the offensive side of the ball, you know, we just need to get first downs. We need to score touchdowns, possess the ball, protect the balls, you know, don't give it away, don't turn it over.

And so um, if we're giving if you know, we're marching the field, we're getting first downs, and we're putting points up on the board. You know, then we make it easy on the defense. Defense make the easy on us, and so you know, you just play off for one another, all three phases. Special team is gonna be a big phase you know for us this week, in each week after this week, and so um, you know what if that's what it is, you know what'll take full responsibility,

you know. But we got a solid defense, and more than solid, you know, we got great leaders and that defense, a lot of captains over there, Um, guys who are just ready. You know. You know, it's not a bit to to to to play football on that defense side of the ball. So it's gonna be fun to watch. But as that's on the offense, like I said, we need to get first down and score the ball and

just play for one another. Cards running back James Connor our guest in the big Red Rage, you know, and to that effect, guys Cliff Kingsbury talked about it the Titans prowess and minimizing possessions for the opponent because they control the clock and they possess the football. Kyler talked about it this week that you know what, when you're an up tempo team and you go three and out, ivan sometimes thirty or forty five seconds, a lapse off the clock and all of a sudden, the defense is

back on the field. And so yeah, that is all a consideration. And what do you think of the up tempo by the way, James, how new has that been for you? And what do you think of it so far? When you're rolling? I think it's definitely an advantage, you know, after big explosive plays that everybody's you know, nobody's walking to the ball. We're getting there, we're getting said, we're trying to you know, we're getting lined up and we're running in the next play. And so that's how you

be an explosive offense. And so I like it. I like it canna be a weapon for us. We just have to execute. You got goals, James, Are you a big goals. Guy, you know, I believe the story is written. You know, I believe you know, I'm guided from above and so you know, I just I just walked the walk.

I just prepare like you know, like like I know how to and play like I know how to and thing's always unfold so you can set goals and all that and I have in the past, but um, you know, really this year, I'm just going in and just wanted just to my best football and I know that things will take care of it. So you know, if if I if I be my best, my best meet beautiful as we wrap things up with James conn or. Something the Cardinals and no other team did a lot of

last season was pump crowd noise in during practice. And I know you guys worked at you worked the silent count. How good is it gonna feel to have fans back in the stands and and what does that do for a road team, because let's face it, we talked about it last year byoe bring your own energy. There were times where it was hard for the Cardinals as the road g to get up because it wasn't you didn't have that feeling, right James and me on the road

last year like it was you against the world. Yeah, you know, you just that's what that's what it is, you know, and that's the mindset it was last season. But this year, you know, full house and so uh, that's that's the energy that we gotta we gotta match, you know. You know when you look forward to to going into somebody else's you know, somebody else's spot and uh and playing big time football and we'll just complete be prepared for it and uh, you know, we embrace

it all. You know. Do you like barbecue? Do you imagine yourself maybe going out getting a little barbecue in Nashville? By the way, James Wolf, I enjoy barbecue. I do. I do. I don't know how much I'll eat before the game, you know, right, you know, you know before the game. Not this club to take off. Yeah, well, don't ask Wolf how many orders of burn ends he's gonna have on Saturday Saturday night. Pot it that way, let me ask. I'll use this as a launching point,

but I'll bring it back to football. Uh. Do you enjoy any other running backs games? Is there a guy whose game you admire? And we're with Derrick Henry Rank? You I don't see how you came for them all. You know, you lead a league in Russian, you know, as a running back. I feel like that makes you the best in the league. Now that's it's my opinion

of it. And so with him leading the league in Russian last year two thousand yards, you know you've never once I definitely you know, respect, respect his game, love his game. Um, but there's a lot of there's a lot of talents, you know in this league right now at the running back position. So I'm really a fan of of a lot of guys. You know, it's hired to see say corn And and Alvin and Lee and Christian and Dalvin. He's just you know, the list goes on,

the list goes on. Aaron Jones, I almost named it all thirty two you know starters, you know, well, respect from one and we're looking forward to seeing your debut on Sunday. Thank you, James, I appreciated. There you go, James Conner. I'm the Big Red Rage presented by santan Ford and Gilbert. At the one the Titan gets it to Henry. Henry bounces it outside five ten fifty stiff bar twenty twenty five thirty forty stiff arb fifty forty thirty.

He's on his fate taste running fifteen ten five Tuckstown t What a run, Derek ken Ray, I'm gonna tell you something. That was prone man. Run right there. He was not going down. That stiff arm was as beast to move as I've seen in the open field at his former Cardinals head coach Dave McGuinness. How about coach mac right there are gonna be good to see him in the press Fox on Sunday Mike Keith, part of the Titans Radio network. A ninety nine yard touchdown run

against Jacksonville twenty eighteen. I counted three. I counted three big time stiff arms during that run. Bone, and you're talking about the back to back NFL rushing champion, the eighth player in NFL history to go over two thousand yards rushing. That's what he did a year ago with sixteen touchdowns. The last player, by the way, to lead

the NFL and rushing back to back, Ladamian Tomlinson. It is the Big Red Rage presented by Santan Ford in Gilbert Hall, calvc Ron wilfully special thanks to James Connor, Cardinals running back, a running back edition here of the Big Red Rage. And can I just say one thing about James Connor. Unlike most of the other Cardinals acquisitions the offseason, this guy is not in his thirties. He's in his mid twenties. Yeah, he just wrapped up his rookie deal with his Steelers, and so he's on a

one year proved deal and he's in his prime. And same deal for Chase Edmonds. And so these guys, I figure are going to be pushing each other all year long. And I have some pretty eye expectations of the Cardinals running game. I expect there'll be a renewed emphasis an investment in the run game because if he hit zoom out the end of twenty nineteen, then beginning in twenty twenty, when the Cardinals had a potent running game not named Kyler Murray, guess what they were a really effective top

ten offense. So, Polly, is that what you're going to be looking at? Is that what you're going to be watching for the very first thing? What are you going to be looking at, Polly? When the Arizona Cardinals line up against the Tennessee Titans. Well, obviously, the first thing is how are they going at Zaving Collins. I fully expect him to target Zaving Collins, There's no doubt about that. Just the line of scrimmage. How are you holding up on both sides of the line. We know the physicality

and that's straight ahead run game. And are the Titans gonna start ripping off nine, ten, eleven, twelve, fifteen play drives? Are they dominating the clock in the first half? You know, how is it trending? And I think you'll know right away in a lot of those areas. That's that's great observation, Bali. I think, honestly, I'm looking at two things, one offense, one defense. On the offensive side of the ball, I'm looking at Kyler Murray and the chemistry that he has

with the wide receivers. Talking about DeAndre Hopkins of Growers, talking about AJ Green, talking about Christian Kirk and Rondel Rondelmore ball. I'm just wondering what personnel groups is Rondel Moore in and how are they going to use them and what kind of chemistry do we see between Kyler Murray Pro Bowl Kyler Murray and those wide receivers. That's what I want to watch because you know what Pauli.

You can practice it and practice it and practice it, man, but as you know, it's practice and you the live stuff in a game is completely different. So I'm going to be looking at that offensively. Defensively, I would have to say the point of attack, the point of attack, This defensive line has got to get penetration. Of course, it's got to play together. You want to talk about gap integrity this game, you better have gap integrity or

Derrick Henry is going to expose you. That means JJ Watt, that means Richard Lawrence, that means Zach Allen, that lecky foe to all foe to gap. Forget about the two gap. There's got to be some type of penetration into that backfield and you can't allow Derrick Henry to get a run at the line of scrimmage or that's a scary proposition for anybody. But the point of attack on the

defensive side of the ball. In the chemistry with Kyler Murray offensively, all right, Calvic Consulting says, whatever the Baltimore Ravens did in the playoff win against ten See last year, try and emulate that, Try and replicate that, because they somehow held Derrick Henry to forty yards rushing on eighteen carries and guess what, Tennessee lost decisively. Yes, so it can be that simple. That's why they went out and pursued Julio Jones. So let's just say, Polly, why why

do you think they did that? Why? Yes, to keep a defense honest, be so they have other options obviously. Yeah, So Wolf, to what degree do you sell out to stop Derrick Henry? Now that they do have Julio Jones, can you do what the Ravens did? Yes, you can if you've got corners, Polly, seeing that is it? No, Yeah, you can do that if you got two corners that you can you can actually hold up against the likes of Julio Jones and A. J. Brown. Are you kidding me,

paul Yeah, you'll do that all day. I'll put nine in the box if I have to just stop Derrick Henry. If you can have corners that can hold up on the outside, Oh my goodness, what a scary proposition that is when you think of those two wide receivers. And to your point, Paulie, that's why they went out and they got Julio Jones, because they said, if we get these two guys. Can you imagine what it's going to be like to put eight in the box to try

to stop Derrick Henry. They want to see those two safeties high, and if they see it high, they'll check out and they'll give him the ball. And you know what, It was interesting because Vance Joseph, Cardinal's defensive coordinator, met the media today. He was asked about the corners and all of a sudden, they're not nearly as deep with Malcolm Butler on the retired list, and it's not final,

not yet. Who knows what's going to be happening. He hasn't officially ended his career, so we'll see about that front. He's not gonna be there on Sunday. And Vance Joseph said, that's on me. I got to devise a scheme so our corners aren't in coverage for three four seconds and so we'll see you exactly what he has in mind. I think we both agree, we both expect to see a lot of Jordan Hicks. Yes, he's going to be out there and that three inside linebacker said a lot

of people liking it to a four three look. And then Isaiah Simmons is able to play in space a little bit more off the edge, which a lot of people think suits him better perhaps than being inside the box exclusively. In fact, here's Isaiah Simmons when he was asked what's the biggest key when facing Derrick Henry, I'd probably say the biggest key is just, you know, keep

him off of our secondary. Of course, we see if a monster stiff arm he has, so trying to keep him off of our smaller guys as much as we possibly can. Now, the good news is you do have corners who will tackle, yes, Byron Murphy, Robert Alford, and we see Marco Wilson he'll come up in o'll hitch. So that's good. But anytime a corner against King Henry D that's bad. That's bad. By right, it's good that

they're willing is bad if it happens. Yes, And you know, PAULI well that that goes back to the point of attack again, and it goes back to those two inside linebackers. There's no doubt about it. I Am going to be glued to those two guys in rundown situation first and ten second and one to six because of what the Titans are gonna try to do. They try to attack, attack, attack the line of scrimmage with a guy who's two hundred forty five pounds paul and runs a four five,

A legitimate four five forty Are you kidding me? Six three two forty five and you want a four to five, Paulie. I have no idea if you've ever been hit by a car, but I'm telling you right now that's not too far off. Let me tell you that is a wreck. I was smiling on the inside when Buddha Baker was asked if he'd ever seen a running back like Derrick Henry, and he said, the only other time was a guy played on Madden when I was like eight years old,

and he couldn't remember the name. And I wanted to shout out, but I was in the way back and somebody did Brandon Jacobs of the Giants six four two sixty. Yeah, those are the two guys in my two decades field level where I have said, on this cardinal sideline, what is the defensive end doing playing tailback? Yes, it was Brandon Jacobs and now Derrick Henry. But for all that Wolf, I just find it. They were saying, ohme, jays the Titans.

This well, okay, wait a minute, now, let's give a few advantage Cardinals in these matchups, Like how about Taylor Luwan who's coming off the torn acl and his right knee. He only got a handful of snaps. There have been various reports on how he looks. He's going to be out there at left tackle against Chandler Jones and or JJ Watt. That's a matchup to watch. Yeah, you know, PAULI, but I'm going to flip it over to the other side once again. The onus is on the offense to

go up and light up the Tennessee Titans. That's what I want to see right here, the chemistry of Kyler Murray and those wide receivers, because again, you're talking about a Tennessee Titan team. Now, I know they went out and got Genoraus Jakins. I know they went out and got Bud Duprie. They needed to go out and get those guys because that defense against the pass was absolutely awful, Paul. And they were dead last in sacks in the National

Football League, dead last and third down defense, Paul. Do you think that's an important stat They couldn't get off the field, could not get off the field, PAULI. So the onus to me is on Kyler Murray and these wide receivers, these wildly talented wide receivers for the Arizona Cardinals. When you think aj Green might have turned back the clock to twenty fifteen, and it certainly looks out way, man, I can out wait to watch him and watch him

run and see what he does out there. When you got Christian Kirk is your number three, and rondel Moore is going to be your number four, and we expect him to play an awful lot. Oh my goodness, you've got to attack the Tennessee Titans, protect Kyler Murray and attack the Tennessee Titans through the air and make them

prove they can actually stop a pass. I want this on the record about the second round rookie, how to produce rondel Moore because players know players, and on two different occasions in the last three weeks, I've talked with veteran players about another topic and rondel Moore happened to walk by and they both stopped and just out of nowhere pointed and said, that kid is going to be

really good. That's the second guys, that kid is going to be special, and so that goes a long way with me when when other veteran players are just pointing that out out of nowhere. So I'm real curious to see what Rondale Moore is all about. And let me throw this at you as well well, because we know there were some excruciating losses last year that were decided

on the kicking game. Yes, Tennessee as employed seven different kickers over the last two seasons, and Matt Prador looked pretty dang sharp in the preseason, so I would look going in, I'm thinking advantage Cardinals and we haven't said that in a long time when it comes to the kicking game. Yeah, no doubt, pol. I love that right there, the fact that you brought that up. Matt Prador, Man, I'm expecting him. This is a grizzled veteran to go out and make some clutch kicks, and he certainly isn't

Sam ficking. No they, I mean only the Vikings have had more issues with a kicker than the Tennessee Titans. And once again, you know there's gonna be fans in the stands. Cardinals energy will be up on that sideline. There's no chance it's the opener. It's just like the Niners a year ago. There's no chance of a letdown or any of that. So very curious to see what they look like. Think of all the things we haven't seen. We haven't seen JJ Watt and Chandler Jones, especially together.

There's DeAndre Hopkins did not play. What's he gonna look like now that aj Green is over there? And then our guest Tonight Special thanks to James Connor. Remember when he was signed he told the media, I feel brand new was his quote. Well, guess what Cardinals are looking forward to unwrapping in unleashing the big back they haven't had in a while. In James Connor, how many kickers do you know are named ficking Paul? Is that what

you rather go with that? Or but Kirk Special thanks to Jim Almahandro I didn't see that and Cody Fincher, Ron Wolfley he got a Derrick Henry stiff arm Mit show. He woke up and I finished strong. So there you go, off all calvc Man. Next stop Nashville on the regular season. This has been the Big Red Rage presented by santan Port and Gilbert. We are Santanford number one. Tyler, You've been listening to The Big Red Rage presented by Santanford

in Gilbert, are you? Santanford State Farm talked to an agent today at eight hundred State Farm and by Arizona Cardinals Podcasts visit Acy Cardinals dot com Slash Podcasts. This has been an exclusive presentation of Arizona Cardinals Football Club.