👋 GOOD MORNING — Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway home, and I hope your week is going well!

If you don’t follow the Indoor Football League, boy, are you missing out. The Arizona Rattlers — the defending champs — saw their season end on a controversial play at the end of their playoff game against San Diego on Monday, and it was, shall we say … quite an ending.

So much so, in fact, that coach Kevin Guy absolutely LOST HIS MIND following the loss in an expletive-filled tirade that is going to live in internet fame for years to come. Oh by the way, he filed a protest against the loss, which the league is now reviewing.

You can bet I’ll follow-up on this one. Stay tuned.

On to the show!

— Patrick Brown, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

If you’re going to Saturday’s preseason opener against the Chiefs in Glendale, you’re in luck.

Kyler Murray and Co. are starting the game.

It’s a little unconventional to see the starters play in the first game of the preseason schedule, but coach Jonathan Gannon delivered that message to the team on Monday, indicating Murray, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, and other Sunday regulars will suit up against Kansas City.

Gannon elaborated that even though he has used starters sparingly in previous preseasons, playing the starters to kick off this year’s exhibition slate is, “the best thing for our team this year.”

Of course, Chiefs coach Andy Reid has become known for also giving the lead players a look during preseason play, though Gannon said that has not factored in to his decision making.

Gannon said during Tuesday’s press conference that playing starters offers multiple advantages over the risk of injury. He didn’t elaborate when asked about a specific snap count, but he also said the next few practices will play a determining factor, as well.

Harrison Jr, despite battling a recent injury, has made plenty of highlight-reel catches in camp this season. Gannon said the Cardinals are not heading into Saturday’s matchup — or any subsequent preseason game — with a specific game plan.

It’s all about evaluation.

“I want to see us operate, make sure we’re doing the right things,” Gannon said. “It’s really kind of about us, make sure that we’re learning from those reps.”

My Take: This is one of those decisions that flies under the radar unless the unthinkable happens — something that I’m not even going to write down, but I’m sure you know what I’m alluding to. As the Cardinals attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, these games offer a valuable opportunity for the team to mesh together as they look to make a postseason push this season.

Make no mistake, though, if the unthinkable happens, it’s a decision that will go down in infamy.

Almost Answer-backs: The D-backs fell 10-5 to the Padres in a marathon game last night, rallying to tie it up in the bottom of the eighth before surrendering five runs in the 11th to take the loss. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had a four-RBI night, and made history by recording a home run on a 103.9 mph fastball — the fastest pitch under pitch tracking (since 2008) hit for a home run.

Arizona wraps up its series against the Padres tonight, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 pm.

Gink Again: Reliever Kevin Ginkel, currently on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder sprain, is seeking a second opinion, though manager Torey Lovullo said prior to Tuesday’s game that the diagnosis was unlikely to change. It’s still unknown if he will be able to return this season.

Home, Sweet Home: The Mercury returned home after a five-game road trip to top the Connecticut Sun, 82-66, at PHX Arena last night. Alyssa Thomas notched YET ANOTHER triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds, while Satou Sabally, who returned returned from her personal leave to lead all scorers with 23 points.

Phoenix is back in action on Thursday, hosting Indiana while looking for their third straight win. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm, and the game will be broadcast on Prime Video.

On the Sunny Side: Yesterday’s PHNX Suns pod was amazing. The crew takes a look at potential lineups for the upcoming season, discusses what players should command your attention heading into camp, and even take a look at Espo’s Arizona All-Half Decade Team — is it missing some Suns? Make sure you check it out!

These are the best moments of training camp.

Watching the Rattlers coach melt down like