Welcome back to the mailbag.
First thing I noticed: no Caleb Williams questions this week as the Cardinals continue to play well despite a 1-3 start.
With each passing week, faith builds that Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon can engineer a turnaround in Arizonahttps://t.co/5OHnqik6sc
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 3, 2023
Onto the questions.
“Could Ertz have any sort of trade value or is it going to be a cut during/after the season?” – Roland Sebestyen
Kyle Odegard: Ertz has a base salary of $8.8 million this season and a team that trades for him would take that on. So unless the Cardinals eat almost all of that number, they are not going to get off that contract.
The most likely scenario is that he cedes playing time to Trey McBride as the season goes along. It’s entirely possible Ertz gets stronger in the ensuing weeks as he fully recovers from a torn ACL, but there is also the reality that he’s 33 years old.
I’d expect Ertz to be the No. 2 tight end for most of the season before getting cut before the 2024 league year, where he will cost $5 million in dead cap (thanks, Steve Keim) but will give the Cards $7.6 million in cap relief.
“What does the type of production from Dennis Gardeck say about himself and the coaching staff?” – Cody Marmon
KO: It says a lot about Gardeck, who has gone from an undrafted free agent to one of the NFL sack leaders. He is very much a one-trick pony because the Cardinals can’t really play him on run downs, but, hey, Dwight Freeney made a very good living as a situational pass-rusher late in his career.
It’s definitely a good thing the coaching staff has allowed Gardeck to flourish, but honestly, most of the credit goes to Vance Joseph. Gardeck could have remained a backup inside linebacker/special teams star with Arizona but the former DC (who might be out of a job soon in Denver if the Broncos don’t turn things around) allowed him to give the edge a try despite being so undersized.
Gardeck has great bend and a great motor, which has been really fruitful for himself and the defense.
“Does Paris Johnson have a shot to make all pro as a rookie? He’s had probably the most grueling start to anyone in the NFL with facing the Washington DL, Giants DL, Micah Parasons, and Nick Bosa and only allowing 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 3 hurries, and 5 pressures which are all better marks at this point in their rookie season compared to Quenton Nelson and Tristian Wirfs when they were rookies.” – CardinalsUpdate
KO: All-Pro leaguewide? No. He’s had some promising reps but also had some bumpy ones. The trajectory is good but he’s not an elite NFL player yet like a Trent Williams.
“How are the non-heralded rookies (BJ, Gaines, Pappoe, Stills) looking? When do you think Garrett Williams plays?” – Linda Falulu
KO: Ojulari isn’t playing much but his movement skills are enough to have me intrigued. I wouldn’t discount him coming on strong in the second half of the year. Don’t know too much about the others.
It seems like Williams’ situation is being kept pretty quiet. I’m not sure when he will get out there but it would be nice to get an extended look at him. In a perfect world, the Cardinals could be starting two rookie cornerbacks in the final month to see if they can hold up.
Passer rating allowed by the Cardinals’ defensive backs this season, per @pfref.
Jalen Thompson – 73.1
Kei’Trel Clark – 93.7
K’Von Wallace – 99.9
Marco Wilson – 130.8— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 3, 2023
“When will PJJ be moved to left tackle?” – Joe Kovaceviv
KO: Good question. The offensive line is playing well enough that he could very well stay there in 2024 with DJ Humphries on the left side. Or, Johnson could move over this offseason.
We will have a better sense at the end of the season but I think either option is in play.
“I have a question, why do you think the Cardinals are slow playing the Kyler Murray return so much?” – Will
KO: I just think there is a lot of anticipation about a return. I wouldn’t consider it a slow-play. He’s nine months out of surgery and tore the ACL and MCL. As a quick-twitch athlete, it seems like a pretty standard timeline.
“Wilkinson has been awful at left guard. Whats the fix? Can’t risk Kyler getting hurt again when he is a liability.” – Austin Cross
KO: That’s definitely the one glaring issue on offense. Dennis Daley was terrible at tackle last year but maybe he’s an upgrade over Wilkinson at guard? I’d assume something will be attempted soon.
“When’s a good time to bring K1 back to the field?” – The One NFL Fan
KO: The moment he is ready. I’m not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon. I think everyone wants to see him in action, especially in this offense.
The Cardinals are up to No. 6 in offense DVOA through four weeks, directly ahead of the Chiefs and Eagles.
Incredible scheming and execution by a group many assumed would be the worst in the NFL until Kyler Murray returned.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 3, 2023
“Do you think the cardinals D-line is under performing and what options are available to improve their QB pressure and get more sacks.” – Random Z
KO: I mean, not really. The group was low on talent to start the year and several pieces have gotten hurt.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will likely engineer some pressure this week against an ailing Joe Burrow. Cincinnati has some offensive line issues but I still think that group has the advantage if the Cardinals only rush four.
“What position would you prioritize on the defensive side, the defensive line or the secondary particularly the Cbs for the off-season? Both need help, but what takes priority for you?” – Monster Demo
KO: It’s got to be the defensive line. I’d rather get continual pressure on a quarterback and rely on scheming up the back-end than trying to cover forever.
Now, if there is an elite cornerback in the draft or a value add in free agency, I’m fine with that taking precedence. I’m just glad you asked about those two spots. No need to spend more resources at safety or inside linebacker.
“Give us mock draft Kyle. Need front 7 in 1st round.” – Batman Beyond
KO: Well as of today the Cardinals would be drafting Nos. 9 and No. 13 overall in the first round. So let’s go with Penn State edge Chop Robinson at 9 and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 13. I’d also be fine with another offensive lineman or pass-catcher.
“Would they consider benching ertz over mcbride, Marco Wilson over garret Williams and Elijah Wilkinson over anyone else?” – angrycardsfan
KO: Yeah, I think all three of those positions could see some turnover at some point this season.
“Will Kyler play this season ? Wording in Adam Schefter report sound ms like it’s up in the air.” – Blaine C.
KO: Yes, he’s playing.
“Why isn’t Dortch getting any snaps on offence?” – Anth D
KO: He’s a slot receiver and Rondale Moore is the superior player. So unless Moore gets hurt there isn’t really anywhere for Dortch to play.
“Chances on Michael Wilson being a second contract star player for us ? He looks damn good.” – Charles Mendoza
KO: He does look damn good. He doesn’t have the jaw-dropping measurables so I’m going to be a bit more cautious than with someone who was a first-round pick, but he certainly looks like a potential steal.
Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs has a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting rookie WR Michael Wilson this season.
14-of-16 for 237 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 2, 2023
“Penalties? Plus after the game Conner sitch…Is this undisciplined playing or were the Niners just being that dirty?” – Andee Stewart
KO: I wouldn’t worry about either. Many of the Cardinals’ penalties this season have been in-play compared to pre-snap. They are organized and play with aggression but usually aren’t reckless.
“Do your dogs know that deandre Hopkins called them ugly and what were their responses?” – DCIntegra
KO: They don’t care. More interested in naps and walks than what anyone says about them.
“Look at all these softball questions these homers are serving you Kyle….Must be nice having such an obedient and tame base of follwers… Here is my question, At what point will we see a return on the contract we gave K1? We are just about 1.5 years in. Save me the he is injured excuse cause that is EXACTLY why YOU DO NOT pay a player a year earlier than you have to. Dont put that blame on Keim either cause K1 scrubbed his S. Media and had his agent pen a passive aggressive letter on why he should be paid. Its on Kyler…Kyle…” – AZReaper
KO: I ain’t reading all that. I’m happy for u tho. Or sorry that happened.
