THE BAD: Arizona Cardinals Gauntlet to Start Season, Pressure on Nick Rallis, and Week 14 Bye
On this episode, Alex Clancy dives into the "Bad" segment of his Good, Bad, and Ugly series examining the 2026 Arizona Cardinals schedule and roster situation. He breaks down the brutal start to the season, highlighting the daunting first 11 games—seven of which are on the road against tough opponents like the Chargers, 49ers, Chiefs, and Cowboys. Alex Clancy analyzes major concerns at key positions, including an unsettled quarterback situation (with Jacoby Brissett at the center of polarizing discussion), the weakness at right tackle, and a thin edge rush group plagued by uncertainty and lack of proven impact players. He calls special attention to the immense pressure on defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who must navigate a gauntlet of elite offenses while trying to save his job. The addition of Terrell Austin to the coaching staff is discussed as a positive, especially for the development of the defensive backs. The episode also addresses the negative implications of the Week 14 bye, which offers little reprieve for a team and coaching staff under pressure. Despite the challenges, Alex Clancy notes the offense has reason for optimism with new talents like Jeremiyah Love and upgrades along the offensive line, but stresses how the team will have to strategically insulate its weaknesses to remain competitive through a punishing schedule. Throughout, Alex Clancy blends detailed analysis with his trademark candor, setting the stage for upcoming discussions on the "Ugly" elements of the Cardinals’ offseason and 2026 campaign. Let's discuss The Best Daily Arizona Cardinals Podcast. Host Alex Clancy (@ClancysCorner) take an unbiased approach covering the biggest Cards stories. Become a part of the Locked On Cardinals EveryDayer Club: https://lockedoncardinals.supercast.com/ Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cardinals/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nfl/ #NFL #arizonacardinals Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
