NFL gets it right this time with Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

After getting snubbed for the award in Week 1, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 2.

Two games into the 2021 season and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is playing at a level that could result in him becoming the recipient of this year’s league MVP award if he keeps it up.

After accounting for five of the Cardinals‘ touchdowns in Week 1, Murray followed up that performance by throwing for 400 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in addition to rushing for another score in the team’s win this past Sunday.

His Arizona teammate, Chandler Jones, was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after racking up five sacks in Week 1. Despite his five touchdowns in the regular-season opener, Murray didn’t end up getting the same honor as Jones on the offensive side of the ball. After the quarterback’s performance this past Sunday, however, the NFL made up for their mistake last week.

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray named NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Following his efforts in Week 2 resulting in Arizona getting a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the league recognized Murray by naming him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

It’s the fifth time in the quarterback’s NFL career that he’s earned the award. Murray was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week three times last season and once during his rookie year.

After two games this season, Murray currently ranks second in the league in passing yards, second in passing touchdowns, fifth in passer rating, and fifth in QBR.

The Cardinals are certainly reaping the benefits of their quarterback being healthy so far this year, unlike the second half of last season when the team struggled while Murray played through injury. If he can stay healthy for the majority of the year, there’s no reason to believe that Arizona can’t contend for the top spot in the NFC this season.