Kyler Murray already playing like a veteran QB early on
After 5 games, the Arizona Cardinals finally have a notch in the win column. They are 1-3-1 and their rookie quarter is starting to look like a savvy veteran more and more with each game.
Before the 2019 season started, rumors were flying around that Kyler Murray was a lock for the No. 1 pick in the draft. Many (including myself) were not on board with the plans to pick an undersized QB to take reins for the Arizona Cardinals. As the off-season moved on and the regular season began, Murray is showing the NFL that he belongs in this league.
Through the first 5 games, Murray has amassed 1,324 yards passing, 206 yards rushing with four interceptions and 6 (4 passing, 2 rushing) total TDs. He’s completed 62.7% of his passes and has a QB rating of 80.1, according to Pro Football Reference.
Twice now he’s rallied his team in the fourth quarter; exhibiting a cool, calm demeanor you usually only see from veteran QBs. And former players are taking notice as well. “That was a great deal of improvement and you’ve seen it in the drive of the game when he led his team down the field to kick a FG to win it, and that’s not easy as a rookie,” former QB Micheal Vick said. To be able to that as a rookie, is proof-positive that the Cardinals made the right choice in dealing Josh Rosen and going with him as their franchise QB.
In his last outing against the Cincinnati Bengals, Kyler Murray had a Pro Football Focus game grade of 90.4. He completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 253 yards, ran the ball 10 times for 93 yards and scampered into the end zone for his second rushing TD of the season.
“Michael Vick-like,” as Skip Bayless said, after Vick’s assessment. Certainly. But through 5 games, Murray has shown that he’s way ahead of the curve when it comes to learning the nuances of the NFL. And coach Kliff Kingsbury showed what this offense can be when you establish a run game and play with a lead.
dark. Next. 5 things Cardinals need to clean up
Albeit the Cardinals still have their Red Zone struggles and the defense has been sub-par, they have their QB of the further — and he’s a pretty darn good one so far.