The trade deadline is later today -- so yes, all the reaction questions from the deadline beyond Baron Browning will fall into next week's mailbag. Sorry. Timing and all that. Still, you can enjoy this week's mailbag. Questions have been edited for length and clarity. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.

From Kirk Gray:

"I love our performance Sunday, however I am nervous the teams tricked itself into thinking we have a good pass rush. We do not. Sunday was a fluke and the Bears were spiraling. We absolutely, positively need to go add a pass rusher at the trade deadline if we have any shot to win the division. I know you've been inundated with these questions, but it arguably is THE question of the day. Do you think we make a swing for the fences or are we standing pat?"

Neither. The Cardinals made the deal for Baron Browning, and that isn't a swing for the fences but it makes sense with what the Cardinals have been doing. Browning has some athletic ability off the edge but he can play the run and the pass, and I have been saying all along Nick Rallis likes that versatility in those linebackers. I'm sure Monti Ossenfort is continuing to make calls and I wouldn't be surprised if he inquired about bigger names. But then the price has to be weighed and how it all fits with the future.

From Dale Santos:

"I get so annoyed when I hear trade speculation on James Conner. Conner's game has never been based on athleticism. He is a smart, strong runner with good vision. His play will age well. I have zero question he can be our No. 1 RB for two or three more years. Am I wrong? Why on earth would they ever move on from Conner when he can still be our most consistent offensive factor?"

I don't think they will. I never thought they'd trade him either (or Budda for that matter.) You make valid points. That said, age catches up with every athlete, I would disagree that Conner isn't athletic, and all the hits take their toll. The key now is what kind of contract extension is he going to want compared to what the team will be willing to offer.

From Malcolm Brown:

"During the Bears game, Benson and Demercado seemed to get a more significant portion of the carries even before garbage time. Conner also appeared shaken up after his run to the 1-yard line, and then Benson replaced him to score the touchdown. Were Benson and Demercado used more because Conner was hurt? He still played in the second half and looked good so I'm assuming it's not a serious injury, but he did get a lot more rest than usual. Or, was using more Benson and Demercado always part of the game plan?"

Yes and yes. I am guessing that had Conner not gotten shaken up at the end of that drive it would have been him and not Benson pile-driving in for the touchdown. But he was fine. As you noted, he played again. He played less in the second half after the Cardinals were in control, but I think the idea was to use Benson more anyway. Demercado might have gotten a few more snaps because of the score. It's always helpful when the whole group is making it work. Conner still had touches on 75 percent of his 28 snaps. He was busy.

From Kyle Barnes:

"Hi Darren! Well we won! You know what that means? REINFORCEMENTS COMETH! I for one want Myles. Yes it will be expensive but think about it. Myles is a HOF elite player in his prime and has about three good years left. So does Connor. So does Budda. Kyler is locked up. Nobody else is up for a huge payday. Once you add Myles (a true No. 1 DE game wrecker) then we can use all remaining assets to build out remaining needs."

I know the Bengals have had a tough season. But I don't see them giving up on Myles Murphy just yet. Besides, the Cardinals already tried a (different) Myles Murphy in the preseason, so I don't think they'd even consider going down that road again.

From Artie Bratton:

"Hey Darren, I have a question about the current use of injury status and IR as compared to how it was 20 or 30 years ago. Due to 17-game schedule do you think teams use injury inactives and IR to keep players fresh late in the season or are players really as injured as they say? I just feel some of these hamstring injuries that keeps a guy out three or four games 30 years ago would have been considered tightness and the player would have had a limited snap count those couple games. What once would have been called a stinger is a rib injury taken the guy out for a game. As always, thanks for your thoughts and coverage."

Well, 30 years ago the IR rules were drastically different. A guy went on IR, he was done for the season. So now, if a team needs a roster spot and thinks a guy could be out 3-5 weeks, maybe it makes more sense to put a guy on IR, let him sit at least four games and sure, maybe that is one more than needed, but it gives you flexibility. Teams aren't "resting' guys on IR. The players wouldn't have that, and certainly their agents or the NFLPA wouldn't let that slide.

From Sebas Quiros:

"Hey Darren. Considering we are top of the NFC West as of right now and with a not-so-difficult schedule ahead, do you see the team going for a pass rusher before trade deadline to bolster our chances of winning the division and making the playoffs even more? Maybe someone really good on a very mediocre team *cough* Myles Garrett *cough*. Wouldn't that be something? But for real, do you see a world in which we trade for a at the very least decent rusher before the deadline?"

This came in before the Baron Browning trade, a deal that did not surprise me. Wasn't going to cost a lot draft-capital-wise, and has some versatility. I don't know if they make any more moves pre-deadline, but I never really thought they'd make a move for a headline buster.

From Steve Toon:

"How does it happen that the Chiefs can get a 26-year-old experienced pass rusher (Joshua Uche) from the Patriots for a sixth-round pick in 2026? The guy's base salary is $1.3 million. Where are the Cardinals in what appears to be incredible deals to be had?"

This is where the trade discussion can get nuanced and lost in translation. We know Monti Ossenfort is making phone calls, and looking into these things. But we don't know details. Jonathan Gannon has a specific type he wants in his locker room. Does a specific player fit that type? Does that player's skillset fit what Nick Rallis wants in an added player? These are things we do not know. I also do not know what that player -- Uche or otherwise -- has put on tape of late. I know this: pass rushers are at a premium. Why would a team want to deal one that is so affordable? They got Browning, who became a spare part in Denver and hopefully can add something to the room here in Arizona.

From Captain Lou:

"With Chad Ryland so dialed in right now, would it be frowned upon to keep a stash of Legos strewn about in front of Matt Prater's locker? Let him step on a bunch each week to allow for a prolonged, but not serious, stay on the IR."

From Richard S:

"Hi Darren. When is Prater scheduled to return? I like Prater, but I feel the Cards should keep Ryland. I feel Prater is close to the end of his great career and Ryland is just getting started. What does that scenario look like?"

I got more than a few questions about the kicking situation. There is no announced timetable for Prater. I don't know when or if he is going to return. Chad Ryland, after that first blocked field goal, has been excellent. I would assume Ryland continues to earn a chance at being around long-term. Prater's contract runs out after the season. A decision was going to have to be made regardless. What that looks like will need to include what Prater's health looks like.

From Barry Baldwin:

"First off a big thank you, Darren, for your weekly mailbag. I never miss it and love your responses especially to those that send negative statements/questions. (Also, hats off to Dani and her weekly Sideline Exchanges. They always give us information about players that we would never read or hear about elsewhere.) My daughter and I have been season ticket holders for 14 years and we both agreed that this was one of the best all-around games on the offensive side, defensive side and special teams that we have ever seen. Monti's draft choices are looking better as the season progresses and we loved the way rookie Xavier Thomas was flying all over the field against the Bears defense. After all of this being way too long, I now get to my question: while Prater has been a record-setting kicker for us for so long do you think that because of his injury and age that his time has come to an end as a Cardinal and that the team will go forward with Ryland?"

I'll be honest Barry, had I seen that question right away, I would've grouped it above. So you can see that response about Ryland. And I am glad you like Dani's info on Sideline Exchanges. She efforts to get that lifestyle info you speak about.

From Joe Cardea:

"Darren, I think, realistically, the Cards are who they are and at best they are a 10-win team with one playoff win in them. I think that's optimistic. Does Monti Ossenfort seem dedicated to his rebuild plan? This team maybe ahead of schedule but I think they need at least the 2026 draft and free agency and maybe a trade or two to really compete."

Well, they are 5-4 now and have a chance to be 6-4 with the Jets coming to town before the bye. Is this a perfect roster? No. But they are in the mix. Both things can be true -- Monti can be "dedicated" to the rebuild, because why would anyone think otherwise, but they can also push for a postseason spot. The NFL is a year to year league. They can and should get better in the future. But they are competitive now too.

From John D:

"How long does it take for a calf injury to heal? Robinson has already been out half the season with a calf injury. I've never even heard of an eight-week calf injury! He's a bust."

Well gosh, Dr. D, I didn't realize you were a practitioner of clairvoyant medicine. How would you know anything about the injury? Or what the timeline would be? Or what the day-to-day ups and downs that might happen? The whole reason coaches are loathe to give out timelines of injured players is so you can't rip them if it takes longer. Robinson will return when he returns. And frankly, a fan who is calling a rookie at this point a bust -- whether he has played or not -- shows a lot less knowledge about the game than one would think.

From Pascal Pierre:

"Let me first thank you for your great work on the mailbag, it allows me, as a Cardinals fan from Europe, to increase my knowledge about football and the way teams see things and operate. Considering how great the Cardinals are doing so far could Monti accelerate his plan and go for some splashy signing on the defensive front to solidify the Cardinals playoff hopes? (I am thinking pass rush there.)"

There is still a little time as of this posting that another move can happen, but I never expected a splashy move. History indicates that splashy in-season moves are rarely worth it for the price, and I don't know what was out there that was available. (Yes, we see names floated, but we don't know what teams are asking for in return.)

From Elliot Hyde:

"Hi Darren, thanks for answering my previous question. I'm a fan of soccer and one element that keeps teams fighting until the last day of the season, even when their chance of winning is zero, is the threat of relegation to a lower league. I've always found it strange that at a certain point of the NFL season, teams switch their attention to the draft and 'almost play to lose'. This season seems to be more pronounced than usual with talk of teams that 'buy' and 'sell' in the trade market. Do you think this is the intention of having a trade deadline? Do you think things may change to force teams to commit to the whole season?"

The idea of relegation is a fascinating one. I have gotten into watching the Premier League the last few years and it does make things incredibly interesting at the end of the season both at the top and the bottom of the table. (Look at me using the lingo.) But in the pro leagues here in the United States, without relegation, it changes the dynamic of how you build a team. If there isn't relegation, and higher draft picks help the future, and your high-priced veterans aren't going to be good the next time your team is good, it only makes sense to explore trades. Even the fans have come to understand the process; many fans of struggling teams would rather see the reset than going all out in a losing situation.

From Paul S:

"Hi Darren, long-time fan going back to the 60's in St. Louis with my dad. It seems the last several years the Cardinals have had way more than their fair share of injuries. I remember when Arians was around there was a discussion about stretching. I always thought grass meant less injuries than artificial turf. Are there any stats or information compiled by the league on the number of injuries? Have the Cardinals had more than their fair share? Thanks for the mailbag and the great job that you do. Your efforts are really appreciated."

I'm sure there are some stats somewhere, although I will be honest, I don't know where. The Cardinals aren't more injured than most. The 49ers definitely feel like they have been hit harder. Or the Cowboys. Injuries happen. Football does that. Cory Redding, a veteran defensive lineman, once said to me that when you play in the NFL, it isn't if you're going to get injured, it's when.

From Lonnie Kowalski:

"Hi Darren. We survived the toughest part of our schedule and we're in first place. Kyler has matured as a person and quarterback, McBride and Conner are beasts. Marvin is developing into the star he will be. Our defense has issues but is not terrible. Our young corners appear to be a bright spot for the future. Budda has always shined, Mack Wilson and Kyzer White are ballers. Gannon and the coaches are solid. Players have bought into the team's direction. Monti has been an excellent choice as GM. We are not ready to dethrone KC but are trending in the right direction. The postseason is a possibility at the halfway point and that is encouraging. What are your thoughts?"

My thoughts are this team has been trending up ever since Kyler returned last season. If the Cardinals are in first place at their bye? I don't think anyone would've expected that.

From Jared C:

"Hey Darren. Any worry Sean Murphy-Bunting is a Wally Pipp risk? Max Melton has been playing well. And while there has been great special teams play by Joey Blount, but have you found that the new kickoff rules has diminished the importance and opportunities of coverage guys?"

I mean, I'm not going to worry about what coaches might do. I guess SMB might think about it, but I will say I agree -- Melton is coming along well, Starling Thomas V seems to be improving and Garrett Williams has already shown to be the team's best cornerback. As far as the cover guys on special teams, Blount was pretty darn huge on his punt cover. Does the kickoff diminish cover guys? The current rule gives them more chances than the previous rule. Everything was a touchback before.

From Richard Wakefield:

"Is there a location to see a box score after the games? Also I am curious about the team's plane, like the layout and who gets to ride in it."

If you go to the schedule page and find your particular game, click on "game center" and there is a box score option as well as all of our coverage from the game. As far as the plane, the layout is like that of a normal Boeing 777. For road trips, all the players and coaches ride inside, as well as staff -- equipment, football video, medical, nutrition, media relations, security, social media, content video, radio broadcast, photographer, writer, and the great Dani Sureck.

From Bob Kitsos:

"The mailbag is is a great read. Is there a concern about the Cardinals' defense giving up the most third-down yardage in the league? What adjustments are being made to address this situation?"

The Cardinals did a much better job handling third downs against the Bears. Obviously, they want to affect the quarterback more often on third downs. That would help. They hope Baron Browning will chip in with that.

From Ned Hood:

"What's the outlook for Will Hernandez? We know he injured his knee but was it a major injury? Did he need surgery? Is he expected to be ready for 2025?"

Hernandez tore his ACL, so yes, it was major. He needed surgery. Yes, he should be ready for 2025, but as of right now he is not under contract for next season.

From Dhruvraj Parmar:

"We used to show the game balls after every win on social media. Has the team stopped posting victory speeches? Would be cool to see those again."

We have not posted those since last season. Jonathan Gannon prefers not to have video from the locker room.

From Wilson Conig:

"Hi Darren. Feel free to use this as the dumb question of the day, but I strongly feel Dadrion Taylor-Demerson should be out there starting. His coverage grade (in limited play time) is always really good. Budda is not good in coverage. However he is a spectacular run defender and tackler. So dumb question: is there any chance Budda can be moved into a Deone Bucannon Dollar Backer role, while DTD takes over full time as safety?"

I think Budda is in the middle of one of his best seasons. The Cardinals already play five defensive backs on most plays, so adding another one would make things pretty light overall on the defense -- no matter how physical Budda plays.

From Jimmy Anderson:

"Greetings from New York. The Bears are what we thought they were! Things are definitely trending in the right way and the Cardinals still have room to improve so that's exciting. As an out-of-market fan, I'm able to listen to Pasch and Wolf by tuning in on the radio feed and pausing the YouTubeTV Sunday Ticket feed to link the sound up with the play. Anyway, here's my question this week. Many times you see an OL (usually a guard and usually the visiting team due to crowd noise) make some motion with his hand or slap the center when it's time to snap the ball. Is this worked out ahead of time with the officials? How is it not a false start when so much as a flinch will usually causes a flag.

Also I have a suggestion to Paul re: the Angry Bird award. You should see if you can get Tip Reiman to make a physical award with his pottery wheel. One more comment, I was listening to 'Wise Guy' trivia several weeks ago on Cardinals Underground and when the Andy Isabella question came on, I was walking down the streets of NYC literally laughing out loud. (Sorry Paul.) Really good content."

The guard is allowed to tap because a) it's necessary to keep the game moving and b) it's in the same category as the center moving his head up and down and around to see what's up before the play. (I'm old enough to remember the NFL before widespread silent count, when visiting teams used to be able to complain the crowd was too loud and the referee would stop the clock and play clock until the crowd quieted down. Thank God they dumped that rule.)

From Chris Minton:

"No question, but I want to extend a sincere congratulations to Paul for finally winning at Wise Guys. Let him know how proud we are. (And since I hadn't seen it mentioned in a mailbag yet, this segment is fantastic and hopefully it will continue next year.)"

Much appreciated. I think Paul knows that most people pull for the underdog.