Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray had a much better sophomore season compared to his rookie year.
In year two, Kyler Murray took his game to a whole other level with the Arizona Cardinals. He threw for a career high in completions (375), yards (3,971), touchdowns (26), and completion percentage (67.2).
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins did play a role in Murray having his best throwing season, however. Hopkins accounted for 1,492 of Murray’s yards, 115 of his completions, and six of his touchdowns. Had it not been for Hopkins this season, Murray would have more than likely struggled in the passing game.
His running ability, however, increased dramatically in 2020. He finished with 819 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while also setting the NFL record for most games with a passing and rushing touchdown in a season (9).
Murray’s willingness to run more helped Arizona reach the top 10 in rushing, and at one point led the league. After his shoulder injury against Seattle in week seven, however, Murray would limit his rushing attempts. He would have three straight games with five rushes, and finished the season with two rushes against the Los Angeles Rams, but this was due to an ankle injury he suffered in the game.
With Murray having the entire offseason to recover both his shoulder and ankle, along with hopefully having some new weapons to throw to, he should have his best season of his career when he enters year three. Before both injuries, he was on pace to be the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards. This is still a possibility for him once the new season begins.
However, it looks like head coach Kliff Kingsbury will go back to calling the offense, and his “air raid” scheme has been anything but that in his first two years. If the Cardinals are to succeed and make the playoffs in 2021, his play calling must change.