Arizona Cardinals passing game looks impressive in debut

The Arizona Cardinals passing attack looked mighty impressive during their preseason debut against the Los Angeles Chargers

The starting field position couldn’t have been much worse for the rookie quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers had coughed up a fumble at Arizona’s two-yard line, putting Kyler Murray’s back up against the wall. With the coolness of a cucumber, however, the first-overall pick of the 2019 draft led his team out of it.

Murray played in just one series, but it certainly was an impressive one. The 22-year old exhibited the poise of a veteran, completing six of seven passes for 44 yards on the drive. Murray flashed outstanding arm strength, and every one of his throws was on the mark.

With a bit more help from his teammates, Murray’s first action of his professional career may have even ended with some points. Before catching a bullet of a pass from the Cards new starter, wide receiver KeeSean Johnson inadvertently stepped out of bounds. The mistake wiped out what may have been another drive-extending first down for the offense.

On the following play, a third down and nine, Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries seemingly forgot to block Chargers edge rusher Chris Peace. Murray had no chance to evade the oncoming defender, and was sacked for a five-yard loss. General manager Steve Keim may soon come to realize that replacing Humphries should’ve been an offseason priority.

Next in for Arizona at the signal-caller spot was newcomer Brett Hundley. After sailing a couple of his early attempts, the free agent pickup settled in nicely. Hundley went 10 for 14 for 104 yards, and lofted a beautiful 22-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Trent Sherfield.

Rookie Drew Anderson began the second half for the Cards, and would play in three series. The undrafted free agent made good on three of his seven passes for 29 yards and an interception. Wideout Hakeem Butler did drop one of the 23-year old’s tosses, but the pick that Anderson served up was absolutely terrible.

Last but not least was second-year Cardinal Charles Kanoff. The Princeton University alum led the squad on a touchdown jaunt in the fourth quarter, hitting tight end Caleb Wilson for a 12-yard gain on the first snap of the drive. Kanoff completed all four of his attempts for 42 yards during the two series that he was in for during the contest.

All in all, it was an impressive night for the Arizona passing game. Especially considering the fact that the “Air Raid” offense is brand spanking new for most of the players in the locker room. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury has a fine track record with passers, a characteristic that was clearly evident on Thursday night.