Byron Murphy Jr. could be transforming into the number-one cover guy that the Arizona Cardinals defense so desperately needs.
When the great Patrick Peterson left the Arizona Cardinals last year, the squad’s defense lost something of vital importance. For 10 consecutive seasons, the eight-time Pro Bowler provided the franchise with a shutdown cornerback that every secondary so desperately needs.
Waiting in the wings to take over for the gifted Peterson was Byron Murphy Jr., the first of Arizona’s two second-round picks from the 2019 draft. The 5 foot 11, 190 pounder had shown flashes of brilliance since he came to the desert, but a contingent of observers wondered if Murphy Jr. had what it takes to be a true number-one cover guy.
That question may have been answered last Sunday during the Cards’ 29-23 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Murphy Jr. limited wide receiver Davante Adams to just a pair of receptions for 12 yards. The former Green Bay Packers star did find the end zone on one of the catches, thanks to a legal pick that knocked Murphy Jr. off of the tight coverage he was applying on Adams down at the Cardinals goal line.
Byron Murphy Jr. provided game-winning score for Arizona Cardinals
Murphy Jr. topped off his phenomenal outing against Adams and the Raiders with a magnificent play in overtime. The 24-year old scooped up a fumble cause by linebacker Isaiah Simmons and raced 59 yards to paydirt. It was a badly-needed touchdown for Arizona, and the second defensive score of Murphy Jr.’s professional career.
Many Cards fans expressed their displeasure during the offseason when general manager Steve Keim refused to acquire a high-profile corner. Keim did orchestrate a trade for the lesser-known Trayvon Mullen last month, but the former Raiders starter has yet to see the playing field.
Keim and the Cardinals have put a lot of faith in the team’s current stable of cornerbacks by electing to basically roll with what they have at the position. Murphy’s performance thus far is showing the front office that they may have made the right choice.