When you have a player as good as Baker – and who is willing to make sure his personal situation isn’t impacting on the field – make those points, it resonates.
“Budda is a guy who has done it right year after year after year,” Conner said. “When he talks, guys listen. He’s been a captain every year for a reason, and he’s our tone setter for sure.”
“I was just expressing what was in my mind, what was in my heart,” Baker said.
That’s not what Baker was once upon a time, a kid who despite being a great player would get anxiety in high school when asked by his coaches to address the team. Now, though, Baker is a veteran, only 28 but heavily experienced on a roster that doesn’t have a ton.
He’s having fun too. After a season in which Baker did not have an interception or pass breakup, he broke up a Kyler Murray pass early in practice Friday both enjoying the moment and lamenting he didn’t make the interception.
“It’s the players’ team,” Baker said. “If you see one guy slacking, get on that guy, and understand we are all brothers but we are trying to get better.
“I love seeing guys grow, I love seeing guys getting better.”
Coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier in the week he didn’t want to consider the hypothetical of Baker not being a Cardinal beyond this season. If Baker has thought about it, he’s not giving any hints.
He’s too busy thinking about what can happen right now.
“It’s time to win,” Baker said.
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