The top four wide receivers on the Arizona Cardinals roster have been utilized evenly during the first five contests of 2021.
Anyone who has watched the Arizona Cardinals during the first five games of the current campaign would have to be impressed with the squad’s passing attack.
Kyler Murray, the Cards’ third-year quarterback, is a legitimate candidate for the NFL’s MVP award. While the 5-foot-10, 207-pounder has the tools to do damage with his legs, it’s been Murray’s work as a passer that has really propelled the “Air Raid” offense.
The secret of Murray‘s success thus far has been his ability to use every wide receiver he’s been given. The 24-year-old has spread the ball around in a way that has made it difficult on the opposing defenses he has faced this fall.
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers are a talented and unselfish foursome
During Arizona’s week-one blowout of the Tennessee Titans, it was DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk who basked in the limelight. Hopkins hauled in six passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns, while Kirk tallied five receptions for 70 yards and two scores.
In week two, it was rookie Rondale Moore‘s time to shine. The 5-foot-7,180-pound speedster caught seven balls for 114 yards and a touchdown during the Redbirds’ 34-33 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings.
The following Sunday, it was 33-year-old A.J. Green who hogged the spotlight during the Cards’ week-three victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 11th-year veteran snagged five passes for 112 yards, averaging an outstanding 22.4 yards per catch.
One week later, Hopkins and Green combined for nine receptions and 134 receiving yards during Arizona’s 37-20 upset of the Los Angeles Rams. Green made the play of the day as well when Murray found the revitalized receiver for a score from 41 yards out.
Last Sunday, Hopkins garnered the bulk of Murray’s attention once again. During the Cardinals‘ hard-fought win over the San Francisco 49ers, the five-time Pro Bowler totaled six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Having this much talent around has made Murray’s job a whole lot easier. It’s obvious that the signal-caller is thrilled with the extensive wealth of riches.
"“We’ve just got a lot of weapons. I’m confident in every one of those dudes. I was looking at the receiving stats, and they’re pretty even all around. I think we’re doing a good job of getting those guys the ball.”"
Arizona is employing an unselfish group of pass-catchers in 2021. Murray doesn’t play favorites, so they have to be. Head coach and play-caller Kliff Kingsbury’s utilization of the wide receivers is certainly doing wonders for the playoff-hungry Cardinals.