Buffalo Plus Podcast: What they're saying in Arizona with Bo Brack (Bills vs. Cards preview)

Date: September 3, 2024
Guests: Bo Brack (PHNX All Cities Sports, Phoenix)
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode offers a comprehensive preview of the Buffalo Bills’ season opener against the Arizona Cardinals from an Arizona perspective. The Buffalo Plus team brings in Bo Brack, a Cardinals beat reporter, for an in-depth discussion on Arizona’s roster, expectations, and what Bills fans can expect in Week 1. The conversation dives into key storylines for both franchises, the legacy of Kyler Murray, the hype around Marvin Harrison Jr., and the overall trajectory of the Cardinals as they rebuild under Jonathan Gannon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National Perspective on the Cardinals

• Opening Jokes about National Media (00:00, 19:07):
  • The recurring theme is that the Cardinals get little national respect, often portrayed as underdogs—even by their own local media who play up the “no respect” angle.
  • Bo Brack: “If you follow me on Twitter...we're always, you know, fighting the good fight as far as we feel.” (19:16)

Insight:

• Despite a rough recent history, there’s optimism about the Cardinals’ direction in year two of the rebuild.

2. Kyler Murray’s Trajectory (01:03–02:56, 06:00–08:17)

• Main Question: Is Kyler Murray a good quarterback?
  • Bo Brack: “Flat out, yes. But…from that moment [the “Hail Murray” vs. Bills, 2020], the organizations went two different directions.” (01:36)
  • Murray’s career has been up and down, with a playoff berth but hampered by what Brack calls a "lack of infrastructure" from old regimes.
• Current Outlook: Brack feels this is the first season Murray is “set up for success” organizationally, with a play-calling system and surrounding cast finally falling into place.
• Bo Brack: “I think we haven’t seen his best football just yet.” (02:38)

3. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Role and Expectations (02:56–05:28)

• Rookie Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
  • Bo describes MHJ as not only “pro-ready” but “star ready” due to both physical tools and work ethic; unique in having NFL lineage (his father is Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr.).
  • Concerns raised pre-draft (opting out of certain events/interviews), but after being picked 4th overall, he’s impressed with a steep but surmountable learning curve.
  • Bo Brack (on expectations): “The pressure is [not] on Marvin Harrison Jr. to necessarily be the, you know, the top guy in this offense...I still think he’s going to have a great rookie season...maybe about 1,100, 1,200 yards and six, seven, eight touchdowns.” (05:08)

Comparative Note:

• The Bills’ own rookie WR Keon Coleman is brought up as a point of contrast.

4. Offensive Weapons and Scheme (07:38–10:46)

• Growth Late Last Season:
  • Despite being out of contention, the Cardinals showed legitimate offensive improvement in the second half of 2023.
  • The run game became a strength—top 10 unit in the league with Kyler Murray in the lineup.
• Supporting Cast:
  • Michael Wilson quietly emerged as a reliable WR alongside tight end Trey McBride (whose “breakout” last year is highlighted).
  • Trey McBride expected to continue producing, benefiting from attention on Harrison Jr. and Wilson.
  • Bo Brack: “I think McBride has the chance to replicate those numbers, but it’s over a full season’s worth of time…so, like, 80 catches, 800 yards—you can get pretty close to some pretty eye popping numbers, 100 and 1,000.” (10:46)

5. Defensive Concerns and Culture (11:55–16:23)

• Skepticism about the Defense:
  • Cottrell notes Bleacher Report ranking the Cards’ defense as worst in the league. (12:09)
  • Bo concedes it’s a unit still seeking talent, especially on the edge. The D-line is improved but lacks “game-wrecker” talent.
  • Secondary upgraded via recent high draft picks, but pressure on new faces to produce.
  • Bo Brack (on defense): “You’re going to have to find unique production from unknown places.” (12:17)
  • Only Budda Baker is a proven, high-level presence.
• Budda Baker’s Leadership:
  • Highly respected, the “rock” of the defense through multiple coaching changes.
  • Bo Brack: “He’s been their heart and soul of this defense...he continues to be the heart and soul of this team.” (14:41)

6. Personnel Moves and Scheme Fits (16:07–17:42)

• Surprising move: Trading away Cam Thomas despite injury losses and his preseason performance. Bo views this as a sign the coaches are confident in their scheme and new personnel, but he personally remains skeptical.
• Bo Brack: “The team has a sense of conviction in this edge group that I don’t think myself [or] the fan base has…” (17:36)

7. Arizona’s Perspective on the Bills (17:42–19:06)

• High national expectations for Buffalo to contend for the Super Bowl, with Josh Allen seen as the “chance” every year.
• Notes significant changes for Buffalo (Diggs, Davis gone; new coordinators), implying potential Week 1 vulnerability.
  • Bo Brack: “All the changes...could be very vulnerable Week 1…with blood in the water, could the Cardinals come across the United States and steal one?” (18:10)

8. Keys to a Cardinals Upset (20:29–21:36)

• Cardinals could capitalize if Bills’ offense starts “a little bit stagnant,” particularly with so many new faces.
• Turnovers (Josh Allen interceptions) seen as potential equalizer if Arizona gets early momentum.
  • Bo Brack: “It would take [the Bills'] offense coming out a little bit stagnant…can the Cardinals pull off the upset? Only if both sides of the ball click out of the gate.” (20:44)

Notable Quotes

• Bo Brack on Kyler Murray’s Potential:
  “For the first time in his career...Kyler Murray is set up…with play calling and organizationally...I think we haven’t seen his best football yet.” (02:38)

• Bo Brack on Marvin Harrison Jr.:
  “Not only is just pro-ready...but star ready. Just because of who his father is...but Marvin’s a bigger, more imposing specimen…The learning curve wasn’t as steep.” (03:25, 04:33)

• Bo Brack on Changing the Cardinals Narrative:
  “You have to—the only way you’re going to change the narrative is by winning football games.” (19:38)

• Bo Brack on Budda Baker:
  “He’s been their heart and soul of this defense…He fits the mentality of what Gannon wants.” (14:41, 15:29)

• Bo Brack on the Bills’ Reputation:
  “Anytime you’ve got a player like Josh Allen, you’ve got that chance...week one, this team [Bills] with all the changes…could be very vulnerable.” (18:10)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–00:57 – Opening jokes re: Cards media respect, intro of Bo Brack
• 01:03–02:56 – Kyler Murray’s legacy and context since “Hail Murray”
• 03:18–05:28 – Marvin Harrison Jr.: expectations, draft process, impact
• 06:00–08:17 – Kyler Murray’s current setup for success
• 08:17–10:46 – End of 2023 offense, Michael Wilson, run game, McBride
• 11:55–14:41 – Defensive struggles, Budda Baker’s leadership
• 16:07–17:42 – Cam Thomas trade and defensive line doubts
• 18:10–19:06 – Arizona’s perspective on Buffalo’s offseason changes
• 19:07–19:38 – The “no respect” narrative and the underdog mindset
• 20:29–21:36 – What needs to happen for an Arizona upset

Tone, Vibe, & Memorable Moments

• Conversational & Candid: Bo Brack is open about the Cardinals’ flaws, coaching optimism, and the long road back to relevance.
• Humorous Undercurrent: Recurring jokes about how the Cardinals get “no respect.”
• Informed but Realistic: Both sides acknowledge strengths and instability, e.g., Murray’s growth, skepticism about the new Bills offense, needing signature wins to shift narratives.

Takeaways for Bills Fans

• Expect a more organized and motivated Cards team than in previous years, with a young, star-studded offensive cast.
• Cardinal defense remains a question mark, but leadership and attitude are improving.
• Bills are clear favorites, but Arizona is a “dangerous underdog” with nothing to lose, especially early in the season as Buffalo integrates new receivers and coaching staff.
• Watch for how the new weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr. are featured and whether Kyler Murray can finally capitalize on a stable system.

For more Cardinals content: Follow Bo Brack at PHNX All Cities Sports on YouTube and @PHNX_Cardinals on Twitter.

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