Arizona Cardinals quarterback can erase work ethic concerns in 2023

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has endured his fair share of work ethic concerns from critics over his first four seasons.

We are not sure when Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will play in 2023, but we do know he will eventually return to the field in a cardinal and white uniform. What else do we know? That new head coach Jonathan Gannon, along with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, will design a system to fit Murray, but it will be an ultra-complex one. 

How ultra-complex will this system be? Just check out the following quote for a bit of context.

“He will be getting stressed out, mentally, I know that.” - Jonathan Gannon, via AZ Central.

Of course, Murray’s work ethic concerns intensified in 2022 thanks to the contract extension he signed last season and its infamous “independent study” clause. But the way Gannon is speaking, Murray will need to invoke a lot of independent study for the upcoming season. 

Arizona Cardinals QB can put questions of poor work ethic to sleep in 2023

Last season, Murray handled the infamous clause in the worst way possible. Instead of taking things in stride and using his actions to prove doubters and critics wrong, he held a press conference regarding the issue. Murray used words, and a lot of them, that didn’t necessarily translate into action. 

In 2023, while rehabbing, he has another opportunity to take a challenge in stride. This one being the challenge of learning a new offensive system designed for him, and not one that will force him to adapt. 

So while it will undoubtedly be mentally taxing for the 25-year-old, it should also serve as a golden opportunity for the former number one overall pick. If Murray takes the time to learn the new offense and prepare himself properly for the 2023 season, he can hit the ground running and show all the doubters that they were wrong about questioning his work ethic. 

Murray has the talent to be a top quarterback in this league, something he’s shown time and again. And if he adopts the work ethic to match his talent, you might just see a fair bid to be the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in the making. 

Source: Kyler Murray will be 'stressed out, mentally' in Cardinals' plan to get him up to speed by Bob McManaman, AZCentral.com.