Tag: Kyzir White

Cardinals’ Budda Baker always makes it hard to cross the Red Sea

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker doesn’t let offensive players cross the Red Sea without feeling his physical presence.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker and the defense weren’t flawless in the 28-27 win over the Miami Dolphins, but they did just enough to get their offense the ball back in clutch time.

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Baker leads the Cardinals with 79 total tackles through eight weeks and hasn’t been shy about sticking his nose in on every down. Once rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson returns, Baker will be able to increase his utility, working as a blitz component, quarterback spy, or stealth robber in shell coverage to confuse opponents.

The Cardinals are struggling to stop the run and Robinson was drafted to help in that department but the unit is showing glimpses of determination.

Fans know that Baker aims to make defenders pay for coming across the middle of the field and he finished NFL Week 8 with 12 total tackles. Thus far Baker has shown to be the most physical player on the Cardinals defense and trying to cross his path is like the Egyptians trying to cross the Red Sea. 

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Cardinals LB Kyzir White prefers those that lead by example they set

Kyzir White reacts to being named a team captain for the second straight season.

Jonathan Gannon knew linebacker Kyzir White from their time together with the Eagles, and White signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals in the 2023 offseason.

When it was time to have captains, the head coach named White one of the six. This year, players voted and White is a captain again.

“It feels good to get the respect from your peers for me doing the right things,” he said Monday after the first practice of Week 1. “I talk when I need to talk. I don’t try to do too much. I really just try to lead by example, so definitely feel good to know that my teammates see me as a captain. It’s something I don’t take lightly.”

Asked when he votes what he wants in a captain, White said, “Just be a leader. Try to do things the right way all the time. Nobody perfect, (but) be accountable, be somebody that the guys go to. Just be a good teammate. Just because you’re a captain, that don’t put you above anybody. We’re all on the same level, but it’s a good honor.”

White joins quarterback Kyler Murray, running back James Conner and safety Budda Baker as captains. Talking about Conner, he said, “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve been around. He’s always in here getting extra work. He talks when he needs to talk. You just see the work he puts in. He got a lot of good results from it last year. You just gotta respect a guy like that.”

While there has been significant changes in the roster since Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort arrived early in 2023, the other captains are holdovers. Still, Gannon noted Monday that many players received votes, meaning there are numerous leaders in the locker room even if they aren’t captains.

White concurred, saying, “(Defensive lineman) Justin Jones is a guy I got drafted with (Chargers 2018). I voted for him to be captain. Obviously, he didn’t get it, but he’s a captain in my eyes. (Linebacker) Dennis Gardeck, (he’s) another captain in my eyes. (There’s) a lot of captains in the room. We have just four this year, but there’s more than four captains on this team.”

Finally, asked if it’s important for there to be a balance of players that lead by example along with being vocal, White said “for sure,” while noting the importance of the vocal ones backing it up with production.

“I’ve been around a lot of rah-rah guys that go out there and don’t do nothing,” White said. “Then you got guys who just lead by example and they go out there and perform. I like that approach better: Lead by example and talk when you need to talk.”

We’ll find out soon enough if all of that is enough to win when you need to win.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Cardinals LB Kyzir White says Kyler Murray and Patrick Mahomes ‘are real similar’

LB Kyzir White has played against both Murray and Mahomes. He thinks the two are pretty similar.

It can’t be understated how important it was this offseason for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to be on the field over the last two months during the offseason program.

It obviously was a world of difference from a year ago while Murray was rehabbing a torn ACL and trying to learn a new offense at the same time.

How important was it?

Murray said recently, “It’s felt like one of the best offseasons I’ve had in a long time just being able to 1) be healthy and then 2) be in touch with the guys and actually be a part of it. Last year, working on the side with (senior conditioning coordinator) Buddy (Morris) every day, having to watch and having to be in meetings and not really get a feel for anything, it just makes a difference.

“It makes a difference when I’m out there. We’re all getting better together. Not only on the field but off the field, it’s been a good offseason.”

His teammates readily agree.

Noting how the positive vibe was noticeable this spring, linebacker Kyzir White said this week, “Definitely a different energy knowing you’re gonna have him out there.”

Wide receiver Greg Dortch said Thursday “it’s super big” to have had Murray on the field. He added, “I think it’s more important than a lot of people expect. Kyler’s a dynamic player and when he’s in the huddle and like he speaks, we listen and we follow behind him. He’s the leader of the offense. He’s in control of everything so to have him in the huddle from Day 1 and just being out there in practice every day; it means a lot.”

As for what it’s like playing against Murray, White said, “He’s been a winner his whole career. I played against him in college, so I definitely know what he can do. He’s a prolific quarterback. He’s a little smaller, so it’s kinda hard to read his eyes, stuff like that. He’ll look you off. He can beat you with his feet and his arm so it’s great to go against a quarterback like that.”

White then raised some eyebrows when he claimed, “I feel like him and (Patrick) Mahomes are real similar. They can beat you with their arm and their feet. I feel like he’s going to do a lot of great things and prove a lot of people wrong.”

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Cardinals LB Kyzir White: ‘I’m never gonna get complacent, take this for granted’

“I don’t get bored because I know I’m going into Year 7 and you can’t take this for granted because within a blink of an eye this could be gone.”

It was Nov. 19 last season in Houston when Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White entered the game having played all 657 defensive snaps in the first 10 games of the season.

Unfortunately, everything changed in the second quarter during the Texans’ third possession of the game. He suffered what he thought was “a real aggressive cramp” and believing it was going to go away, stayed on the field for another five or six snaps until the drive ended with a Jalen Thompson interception.

But the “cramp” didn’t go away and his day and season ended. He acknowledged Tuesday, “It felt weird. I didn’t think I tore my biceps when I was out there” even though he admitted to hearing a pop.

On the day after the game, head coach Jonathan Gannon said, it “was actually kind of gut-wrenching to watch, because I didn’t know he tore his bicep(s) and he was out there playing with one arm. It’s why he is who he is, a captain. What he’s done for this team and the defense, being a captain, the player that he is, the person that he is, you just feel bad for the guy. But he’ll bounce back and be ready to go next year.”

White knew he hadn’t missed a snap and said, “I was talking about it with some of my family members a few days before (the game). I feel like I jinxed myself a little bit. I was telling them I was excited because I hadn’t missed any snaps. I got it sent to me from one of my boys. He’s not an agent yet, but he’s like in the works and he sent me a lot of different statistics and he sent me that.

“I was sharing it with some of my family because I was excited about it and then that Sunday I tore my biceps.”

He underwent surgery and began rehab, but still had a presence around the team. Some players retreat when a season-ending injury occurs, but not White.

“I just really love football,” he explained. “It’s my safe haven; it’s really my sanctuary. This is where I enjoy myself the most. So it was good to still be around the guys even though I was out. Hopefully, bring a light into the room. Still laugh with them, joke with them, keep my spirits up so that was real important to me.”

Did he learn anything about himself going through that ordeal?

White said, “I feel like I’m a real resilient guy. Not just last year, but I’ve been through a lot throughout my NFL career. First season, my rookie year, I was starting as a rookie, never played linebacker in my life. Me and Derwin James were leading the team in tackles. I had a pick; in my first three games I was balling out. Then I got hurt (in the third game) with my knee and I was out the (rest of the) year.

“In my second year, I was just coming in on base downs. Felt like I should have been playing. We got Thomas Davis; an older guy. They’re not going to put him on the bench. Respectfully so; he might be in the Hall of Fame one day. I’m gonna keep rollin’ with the punches and control what I can.”

He added that missing games “was tough, but I’m a strong believer in everything happens for a reason, so I just try to keep my faith and keep working and hopefully this year I can play every snap in every game.”

As for rehab, which can be a drudgery, White said, “It was just more like mentally coming in every day and it gets repetitive but when you want something it ain’t too tough. Just coming here and trying to get better each and every day. I’m still working through some things, but if we had a game tomorrow I’d be able to play.”

He will continue working between now and training camp and be diligent about his recovery, saying, “I got cleared, but I’m still going to be doing this all year to make sure I’m all the way right.”

He realizes the importance of doing the daily mundane work that can be, well, boring, especially after turning 28 in March.

“I don’t get bored because I know I’m going into Year 7 and you can’t take this for granted because within a blink of an eye this could be gone,” White said. “So especially with getting hurt, I’m not taking anything … I’m never gonna get complacent, take this for granted.

“I’m just gonna come in and keep working every day. Even if it’s boring, I’m gonna keep doing the same thing over and over.”

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Cardinals LB Kyzir White enthused about the team’s defense

White on defensive additions: “We’re real big up front. We got a lot of good pieces.”

After missing the final six games of the 2023 season because of a torn biceps, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White can’t wait to get back on the field for the 2024 season.

In addition to his love of the game, White is excited about the additions the team made on defense.

Noting the free agent signing of fellow inside man Mack Wilson Sr., who White said is “definitely a physical guy,” he also emphasized, “Don’t forget Krys Barnes, either. He’s a great player. Owen (Pappoe; fifth-round choice in 2023); he’s coming into his own. I think the linebacker room as a whole; we’ve got some good guys in there.”

When asked if he and Wilson can be one of the top inside duos in the league, White got passionate and at one point decided to cut short his comments.

“I feel like they are sleeping on us,” he said. “Mack sent me something like two weeks ago I guess; they put out top linebacker duos and we were nowhere to be found. So when we’re in there working out, running, or we’re tired or something, that’s definitely in our head. Like we ain’t trying to prove anybody wrong or ourself right, but that’s a little disrespectful because … I ain’t gonna say too much.”

To be fair, since starting 14 games as a rookie with the Browns in 2019, Wilson started a total of only 14 the next two seasons in Cleveland and then three and one the last two seasons with the Patriots.

So, while they’ll simply let their play do the talking, Wilson does have something prove provided he becomes the starter.

Meanwhile, White is also impressed by the defensive line room.

He said, “We’re real big up front. We got a lot of good pieces. One guy in particular, Justin Jones. We got drafted together to the Chargers the same year. We played four years together, so that’s my dog. I know what we’re getting out of him. He’s a great player. Other guys, Bilal (Nichols). We got a couple of different pieces up front that I’m really excited about. They’re just gonna make my job easier.”

Jones was selected in the third round of the 2018 draft while White went to the Chargers one round later.

Finally, when White was asked about coordinator Nick Rallis, who was his linebackers coach with the Eagles in 2022, he said, “He’s the same guy he was at Philly. He’s like a wizard; he’s so smart. He knows everything that’s going on. To see him in this role is definitely cool to see. He’s gonna keep expanding that defensive playbook. He’s a real mastermind, so it’s gonna be exciting.”

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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LB Kyzir White on the Cardinals: ‘We really believe we can win’

LB Kyzir White really likes what he saw from the team in offseason work.

The offseason program is over for the Arizona Cardinals, but that doesn’t mean all the players have scattered far and wide with training camp set to open in five weeks.

Linebacker Kyzir White, in his second season with the Cardinals and seventh in the NFL, is one who will be staying close to the club facility in Tempe.

During a session with the media Tuesday, White said, “I’m gonna be here. Might go to Cali for a little weekend, but throughout the week, I’ll be here.”

White knows the time between the end of official offseason workouts and camp are still very important.

Asked about the message given by head coach Jonathan Gannon after the minicamp ended June 12, White said, “Don’t look at this as time off and a break. Still work. Still keep that goal in your mind that we focused on and come back ready to go in training camp. You can’t be coming back out of shape and slowly ramp up. That’s the NFL protocol, where you gotta do that, but we should be coming back firing on all cylinders. That was pretty much the message for everybody.”

White, who signed as an unrestricted free agent 15 months ago (March 17) after being with the Eagles, said he likes what was accomplished in the two months from mid-April to mid-June.

“I think it went pretty smooth,” he said. “A lot of energy out there. Everybody’s focused; locked in. I just feel like we’re a whole different team than we were at this time last year.”

Asked in what ways, he said, “I feel like there’s a different level of maturity, different level of seriousness. Last year, it was a new coaching staff; nobody expecting much. This year we’re going out there really trying to win. We really believe we can win.”

One thing he liked was the near-perfect attendance, especially in voluntary OTAs. When asked if he had been with a team with that buy-in, White quickly said, “2022 (NFC champion) Eagles. It’s a good sign, for sure.”

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

LB Kyzir White, DL L.J. Collier, DL Dante Stills to be healthy for offseason program

The Cardinals will count on White, Collier and Stills in 2024 and they will start the offseason “full tilt” with the start of the offseason program.

The injury bug bit the Arizona Cardinals a lot in 2023 and a number of players ended the season on injured reserve. Three defensive players the Cardinals will be counting on in 2024 should be good to go by the time players take the field for offseason workouts in April.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters (via AZCardinals.com) at the annual league meeting in Orlando this past week that defensive lineman L.J. Collier and linebacker Kyzir White, both of whom saw their seasons end with biceps tears, will be “full tilt” when the offseason program begins.

Also healthy is defensive lineman Dante Stills, who injured his knee at the end of the season and missed the finale after a solid rookie season.

Collier re-signed this offseason one a one-year contract. White has one year remaining on his two-year deal and Stills enters the second of his four-year rookie contract.

The offseason program for the Cardinals begins April 15.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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2024 NFL Draft: Final compensatory pick projections for the Eagles

Philadelphia will receive a third-round compensatory pick and three fifth-round compensatory picks, according to Nick Korte of OverTheCap after losing Javon Hargrave, Isaac Seumalo, Andre Dillard and T.J. Edwards in free agency.

The Eagles made several critical signings during the 2023 NFL free agency process, with all of the additions being one-year deals.

Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman watched ten contributors leave on the open market.

Thanks to his shrewd maneuvering and roster building, the Eagles are in line for four valuable compensatory picks in 2024, according to Nick Korte of Over The Cap.

The Birds were slated to have six picks in the 2024 NFL draft, but thanks to the compensatory formula, they’ll have 10.

1 Eagles’ own pick
2 Eagles’ own pick
2 From Saints
3 Projected compensatory pick
5 From Vikings (can become fourth-round pick if conditions are met)
5 From Buccaneers
5 Projected compensatory pick
5 Projected compensatory pick
6 Eagles’ own pick, or the Titans’ sixth-round pick, whichever is better
6 Projected compensatory pick

Here’s an early look at the four compensatory picks and how Philadelphia landed the extra assets.

2023 Cardinals Defensive Player of the Year: LB Kyzir White

White gets the edge over Jalen Thompson in this year’s 2023 player awards.

The Arizona Cardinals’ 2023 season is over and now we can look back at player and team performance. We are at the part of the offseason where awards and honors are beginning to be doled out.

We do the same for the Cardinals and their 2023 season.

Running back James Conner was the team’s MVP this season.

The team’s defensive player of the year isn’t as cut-and-dried.

In a close decision, it is linebacker Kyzir White, edging safety Jalen Thompson.

White set the tone for Arizona’s defense in 2023. Signed as a free agent last offseason and thrust into the “mike” linebacker role for the first time in his career, he was productive.

A torn biceps injury ended his season prematurely, but he still piled up stats.

Despite missing the final six games of the season, he still led the team with 90 tackles and nine tackles for loss.

He added a paid of sacks, an interception and three pass breakups. His physicality was noticed from the very first game.

Thompson had a fine season with 78 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, nine pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Thompson did more statistically across the board in 15 games but White gets the edge.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Cardinals place DL Leki Fotu, LB Kyzir White on IR

White’s season is over and Fotu has to miss at least the next four games.

The Arizona Cardinals added two starting defensive players to injured reserve on Tuesday. They officially placed linebacker Kyzir White on IR after he tore his biceps on Sunday in the team’s 21-16 road loss to the Houston Texans. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced on Monday that would happen. White’s season is over.

However, in addition to White, the Cardinals also placed defensive tackle Leki Fotu on IR with a broken bone in his hand.

It was reported initially that he might not have to miss any time, even if he needed surgery. Gannon said on Monday the team would see what would be best for Fotu and then the team.

With Fotu landing on IR, he will miss at least four games. The earliest he would be eligible to return is Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

With those two moves, the Cardinals re-signed safety Qwuantrezz Knight, whom they released on Saturday, and signed defensive tackle Ben Stille from the practice squad to the active roster.

They also made a pair of practice squad moves, releasing receiver Davion Davis and bringing back receiver Daniel Arias.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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