Arizona Cardinals rookie film room: 5 plays that define Kyler Murray

Play 3: Big-12 Championship, 4th quarter, 2:04 remaining, 3rd & 10

What the offense is running: Looks to be a deep high-low concept with right side receiver running a curl to clear space for the tight end to get open on the corner, the other side is similar to this where the wide receiver runs deep and the slot runs a quick out.

What the defense is running: Defense is running man coverage with safeties covering slot/tight ends; bunch of quarterback spies and contain pass-rush in order to keep Murray in check.

What happens: The play design with the tight end running a corner route and the receiver running a curl worked really well; it kept the outside cornerback in check, which, in turn, gives a one-on-one matchup of safety and tight end. The safety defends the play well, though.

However, this ultimately looks like the matchup that Murray wanted. Notice how he gets the ball, and immediately looks to throw that corner route. He sees that the safety will be covering the tight end in man coverage pre-snap (multiple indicators), and sees that as the play that will get them out of a third and long.

The tight end really isn’t open, because the safety plays it well. But, that doesn’t stop Murray from making a brilliant pass, he tosses a lob-back-shoulder throw to only where the tight end can catch it. Obviously a fantastic pass and catch, but it’s a good understanding of leverage and mechanics. This play also shows his ability to stay cool and calm under pressure, if Oklahoma kicked a field goal it was just a one-score game.

Takeaways: 

• Murray read the defense pre-snap and looked like he changed the play at the line of scrimmage to that corner, curl combination. That’s an impressive audible.
• Excellent mechanics; he follows through with his body and arm to lead the ball into a tight window.
• Reaffirms that Murray is an excellent fade-route thrower. His ability to throw not just with touch, but with accuracy and velocity will be key in red-zone play.
• Love his mentality here. This was a close game and Murray led the Sooners down the field to win and ultimately get into the playoffs.