Apropos of nothing, it's hook-and-lateral. Yes, people say hook-and-ladder, but that's wrong. There is no ladder involved. Anyway, 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 Wilbert Douglas:
"Hi Darren. I noticed that Zach Ertz is still playing. He's with the Commanders now and so it'll be nice seeing him in a couple weeks, but I am a little confused. When he requested his release two years ago, the general impression was that he was looking to join a Super Bowl contender. He wound up joining the Lions, who were contenders at the time. And this year he's with the Commanders, who are not contenders. I guess I thought he was closer to retirement than he actually is. So now I'm wondering why did he request a release from Arizona?"
The reality was, with Jonathan Gannon in his first season, changes were happening up and down the roster. And when he originally got hurt, Trey McBride finally had his chance -- and the coaching staff saw what McBride could be. I suppose Ertz could've stayed, but it would have been in a secondary role and I would guess Ertz wanted to see if he could find another spot where he might still be TE1. As for retirement, most players I have encountered over my career want to play as long as they can. He picked Washington in large part because he always had a good relationship with Kliff Kingsbury, who is the OC there now.
From Malachi Edward:
"Hey Darren. I know we lost and there's no moral victories, but at least we fought to the end. I know you only cover the Cardinals but look at this season and how the games are gone around the league. Do you think it's worth getting a premier player that might cost a lot of money it might not fit well in the locker room just to please fans? Should the Cardinals play the short game and just fill holes through free agency or play the long game and get players in that have good character through the draft?"
Let me start by saying it's got to be more specific than "premier player." Every guy has to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. But one thing I am sure about is that the Cardinals aren't going to intentionally bring in a player that doesn't fit. I believe Gannon and Ossenfort believe that strongly in makeup of players for this roster. And while fans are important to this and every team, they aren't going to make a move "just to please fans."
From Sebas Quiros:
"Hey Darren. Not the greatest game offensively. Not the best playcalls and not the best execution or decision-making. I'm all for giving Marvin as many targets as possible because he is our best weapon but I hope throws like the one Kyler got picked on are far and few between because to me that decision, felt forced. I watched the replay and Marv had them, so it was a good decision to throw it to him, ball was just underthrown. But on to a question not about the game. Do you think Travis Hunter can play both receiver and corner in the NFL? Not saying we draft him or anything, I don't know what we'll need by season's end, but I do find it an interesting topic. Thanks for the mailbag Darren."
In terms of the interception, it was underthrown; I would've been interested to see had Murray gotten it deeper if Harrison would've won the jump ball. And, if we are dealing in hindsight anyway, Michael Wilson was open on that play about 15 or 20 yards downfield. Kyler passed that up to take the shot. It happens. As for the Hunter question, I don't think he can do both full-time. To play a position at a high level, you need to practice it. How does he get enough practice snaps at both positions to be what he wants to be? Now, could he have a package as a wideout if he were a full-time cornerback or vice versa? Yes, and I would definitely do that.
From John M:
"I wanted to give a shout out to Trey McBride. How many of his catches resulted in a first down to extend a drive? I can see him being to the Cardinals like Zach Ertz was to Philadelphia in his prime. Whenever they really needed a first down, you knew who was going to get the ball. What do you think?"
I think my belief in McBride is well-chronicled, but I think he's already that guy if Kyler wants it. Do I think he's the guy every time? No, because if everyone knows he's the guy every "need" time, so does the defense.
From Ken Moroney:
"Does our current OC have an evil twin or split personality? Why are we NOT creative in our two losses during the second half when we don't call running plays that aren't vanilla? Plenty of time left in both losses to try sustained drives using dink-and-dunk short yardage plus QB keepers and draw plays and taking advantage of heavy rush versus throwing long passes to ONLY ONE WR when he is covered?"
Couple things. One, the issue the Cardinals had Sunday was less about a heavy rush and a lot more about a Detroit front seven that was allowing nothing up front when the Cards were trying to run. I am not sure what "creative" you are looking for. Personally, I hate the idea of running a bunch of QB keepers with Kyler (or frankly, any QB.) Recipe for injury. Curious to know if you think Drew Petzing was "creative" in the Rams game. Or if an OC has to only be creative when a team loses?
Here is my take on playcalling. In individual circumstances, I get it. If a team runs a play out of shotgun on fourth-and-1, that is ripe for second-guessing. But I am going to agree to disagree if people think Petzing (or any OC) is philosophically way different week to week. You adjust for the opponent and flow of the game, but it's the same stuff. If Kyler throws to the open Michael Wilson on the play in which he throws an INT, that play looks totally different. But it's the same play call.
From Tom Cowley:
"Hi Darren: My question is a tough one for so early in the season. With the preseason media fandango ringing in our ears, where is the beef? The execution, which we were told was top hole in practice, is confounding to say the least. The ups and downs from one game to the next -- offense up, defense down, offense down, defense up -- when do the two come together? The roller-coaster performance ain't going to feed the bulldog. How would characterize all of this confusion?"
This was ... quite the entry. Not sure what the heck the "preseason media fandango" refers to, because you can't possibly be saying the media predicted a big season, because I didn't see that. If you ask me how I characterize this team through three games, I'd say 1-2, with two tough one-score losses. The offense is gonna be up when they can run the ball. They couldn't Sunday or in the second half in Buffalo, and that doesn't bode well. I don't know what to tell Fido.
From Bruce Chamberlain:
"Hi Darren, I'm curious why NFL TV coverage always shows Kyler on bench pouting after an unsuccessful drive. Couldn't they show him rallying the offensive team and congratulating his defense when they made stops?"
I appreciate you asking me, but there are few things I have less control over than what the networks show during the game. I'm not sure how they choose those things, but I know they are trying to pick stuff quickly as the camera gets the truck the various shots.
From Victor Sanchez:
"Hi Darren. I'm noticing some players using the foam helmet overlay in actual games. It looks like a stretched-out helmet as the helmet design looks like a cloth cap. Is there a reason for this, i.e. player Y is susceptible to concussions? A players choice? Just curious."
Every player has the ability to wear the Guardian Cap over their helmet this season if they want. As opposed to the ones they wear at practice, game Caps have the helmet logo (and the right color) to make it look more like the regular helmet. A handful of players have decided to wear it, but yes, it is up to the player.
From Kenny Williams:
"Hey Darren! I've always been a RB guy and was excited to see we'd drafted Trey Benson. I don't pretend to be an analyst, so what are your thoughts so far? It seemed like against the Rams everyone else had huge holes to run through, but when he got the ball it seemed like the defense was already in the backfield with him. Is he making poor decisions or just not quickly enough? I'd appreciate your insights. Thank you!"
I asked Drew Petzing that after the Rams game and he said he was not concerned. I think Benson is still learning; because the run game went nowhere against the Lions Benson only got two offensive snaps. James Conner was always going to get most of the work this season, so I think part of this is being patient as Benson figures out the NFL.
From Matthew Stroh:
"Hey Darren, thank you for the best Mailbag in the NFL. With Drew running a lot of 13 personnel. Isn't he already making defenses not run two-high safety a lot? Mel Kiper Jr needs to watch the Arizona Cardinals. Do you think the NFL will ever make defensive change how to deploy the players?"
I think the whole having-to-move-a-safety-down rule discussion is moot. I agree with all the other people who say, if teams keep both safeties deep, you need to run the ball down their throat. Which is exactly what the Cardinals like to do -- they just didn't get it done against the Lions.
From Lorna Green:
"Hi Darren, So thankful to have a place to go with our questions. Thank you! I have always wondered why they alternate introducing the offense players and defense players each week at home games but never the special teams? I know it would be a small list, but the kick returners could be added. We have the best kicker in the league and he never gets announced before the game. Maybe just once a season? Just a thought. Maybe at least announce the special teams with the offense?"
I am sure Matt Prater, Blake Gillikin and Aaron Brewer appreciate that someone is looking out for them. But for a number of reasons, I don't see that happening. I'm trying to picture the smoke coming out of the pregame Cardinals "tunnel," Jim Barnett on the PA trying to get everyone hyped and ... Aaron Brewer waving his arms up and down egging on the crowd? It doesn't seem like Brewer. (No offense, Aaron.) In all seriousness, all three of those guys usually try to stay out of the spotlight. I would guess it doesn't bother them.
From Jonny Counts:
"Hi Darren, I've got a couple opinions on the modern game which I've never heard anyone agree with. The extra point should have remained being snapped from the 2-yard line. And the kickoff should have remained at the 30-yard line with touchbacks placing possession at the 20. Am I alone in these opinions? Have you ever heard anyone express agreement?"
Yes. You are utterly alone.
(Although those particular trains have long left the station regardless.)
From Jake Wood:
"Loved seeing Markus Golden at the game last week. Just want to keep a foot on the gas stumping for him to get a retirement contract. There are front-office folks around from his time, right? I'm sure there is someone (other than Michael Bidwill) who could advocate for him. I don't know the ins and outs of the ceremonial deals but I can't imagine they are complicated. Do it for the fans, please! We won't ask about new uniforms for one calendar year."
The front office doesn't have any higher-ups that were around for Markus. Not sure that means much either way. I do know that the uniform thing doesn't sway; the new unis came out last year and that needs to be OK for the fans for a while.
From Sidney Sexson:
"When Kyler had his perfect passer rating in the game against the Rams it made me remember that I have been meaning to ask you why in football they set arbitrary numbers to determine the rating rather than accept actual statistics. I am hoping you can enlighten me as to why they set completion percentage at no more than 77.5 percent and no lower than 30 percent, yards/attempt at no higher than 12.5 yards and no lower than 3 yards; and touchdown percent at no higher than 11.875 percent and no lower than 2.75 percent? None of the other major sports round to arbitrary numbers; so why football? It has always been something that has been hard for me to understand. Thanks as always for your time and knowledgeable answers."
Howard, is that you? ... I don't know. I don't know if it really matters, to be honest. When it was created the passing game was nothing like it is now. You mention completion percentage. Check out the top completion percentages from the 60s and most of the 70s. Thinking a player would complete more than 77 percent of his passes was crazy talk. It's a different game now. Why they don't change it I can only guess is so that you can still measure apples to apples through the years.
From John Turilli:
"I have a very big question for all the other readers and participants of your mailbag. When have you quarterbacked a professional football team? Have any of you ever made mistakes is work or at home? Have any of you ever said something you regretted? Kyler Murray is an NFL professional quarterback and he is ours. Please let's all root for him and think positive thoughts after our next loss. I have the known answers: No Never. Yes and Yes. Yes and more than once."
Since this question doesn't seem directed at me, I'm going to let this be.
OK, I gotta say something. Ultimately the QB is going to get the attention, a ton of praise when things go well and criticism when it doesn't. Perhaps more than most QBs, Kyler has strong stans regardless and strong critics regardless. Nothing has really changed in that regard, and I'm not sure it ever will.
From Don P:
"Hi Darren. I want to ask a question and a favor. I notice we have been doing our due diligence in churning the practice squad by bringing in players for tryouts but I have not seen any pass rushers/ edge brought in. Is it because there is just no potential young talent out there or is there another reason? Also, is there any possibility that when putting out the opposing team's injury report we can get some idea of the impact that player being out might have? I don't mean anything in depth, maybe just something like an S for starter or D for depth?"
With the latter idea, that is a good suggestion. As for the practice squad, the front office is of course looking at players all the time so if they haven't signed one, I think there is good reason. I'd also add that this idea that there are true raw pass rushers sitting out there for development doesn't make a lot of sense to me; teams are so desperate for the position if you have a hint of talent, you are usually on a 53-man roster, much less a practice squad already.
From John Ingram:
"Hi Darren. My wife and I really enjoy your work, especially the Cardinals Underground podcast with Paul and Dani. My question is about the sound level at State Farm stadium. We were at the game Sunday against the Rams, and the Cards fans were loud and supported the team well. However, when we watched the replay at home, the crowd sounded much louder on TV. Do the networks broadcasting the game amplify the sound somehow to make it seem much louder to the fans watching the game? Keep up the good work and thanks again."
Like the question about when networks decide to show Kyler, this is a question for which I don't have an answer. It wouldn't surprise me if that was tinkered with. It makes me think of golf tournaments a little; there are many times at a major where the sun is going down in the East and I'm watching TV and thinking "It's plenty bright" and hearing announcers make the point that it's actually much darker in real life than what the TV is showing.
From Hank Buell:
"Hi Darren. In your time with the Tribune did you ever have a chance to interview Al McCoy?"
I never interviewed Al but I did do enough Suns games in my time at the newspaper that I met/said hi to him a handful of times. Like many who grew up in Arizona, McCoy was important to my sports-loving development. We moved to Arizona in 1976; I started getting into sports a year or so later. There was no cable quite yet (and in my family I wasn't getting control of the TV anyway) so many nights I listened to KTAR and Al do Suns games (and in the summer, pre-Diamondbacks, the legendary delivery of Vin Scully, since KTAR carried Dodgers games.). Those two were the soundtrack to my youth.
From Lily P:
"If the Suns or Cardinals win a championship, would you cry?"
That's a good question, Lily. How about one of those teams win the title so we can find out.
