Optimism High for Arizona Cardinals as Kyler Murray Returns Stronger
As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for their new season, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the preparation and recovery of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. This time last year, the Cardinals were embarking on their first season under head coach Jonathan Gannon, and the team faced significant challenges, including Murray's absence due to an ACL injury sustained late in the 2022 campaign.
Throughout the offseason, Murray dedicated himself to an extensive rehabilitation regimen, working intimately with the team’s trainers to regain his full health. Unlike last year, when he was mostly sidelined, Murray has been a full participant in the Cardinals’ offseason program this time around, a development that has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
“Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good,” Gannon commented, conveying his enthusiasm about Murray’s progress. This marks a significant improvement from last season, where Murray had to jump back into action without the benefit of a full offseason or training camp.
Even though he returned mid-season last year, Murray managed to put up respectable numbers, completing 65.7% of his passes with an average of 6.7 yards per attempt. His performance included 10 touchdowns against five interceptions, along with 244 rushing yards and three additional scores on the ground, despite the limited preparation.
“You know, 'cause you gotta think, he played really good football for us; he had never taken a snap in this offense until Atlanta [in Week 10], you know what I mean, his first game back. I mean, he had a couple weeks of practice leading up to that, but no offseason program, no training camp. No however many games we played without him. Couple weeks of practice and then, you're going, 'Let's play football,’” Gannon reflected, pointing out the difficulty of Murray’s plight last year.
With the benefits of a full offseason under his belt, Murray’s current condition appears significantly better compared to last season. “So, I think from a mental and physical standpoint, right now where he's at, to even when he got back last year or even where he finished last year, I think he's leaps and bounds ahead,” Gannon said, clearly impressed with Murray’s development.
The Cardinals are not only buoyed by Murray’s return but also by strategic additions to their lineup, most notably the inclusion of rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. This move signifies the team’s commitment to bolstering their offensive capabilities and providing Murray with more weapons to work with on the field.
Beyond his physical recovery, Murray’s determination and leadership have set a strong tone for the Cardinals. “What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high,” Gannon remarked, underscoring Murray’s drive and competitive nature. “And if you detail out and lay out for him what is needed from him to improve himself, the offense and the team, he is one thousand percent willing to do that.”
Coach Gannon’s confidence in Murray extends beyond his physical abilities. “So, I love the guy, because he's done everything that I've asked of him and more. He's been a phenomenal leader on and off the field -- not just with the offense, but with the entire team,” Gannon lauded, highlighting the quarterback’s role in fostering team cohesion and morale.
With Murray at the helm, fully integrated into the team’s offseason program and poised to lead a more robust offense, the Arizona Cardinals are setting their sights high for the season ahead. The unwavering support from his coach and the significant strides Murray has made in his recovery position him as a key figure in the Cardinals' aspirations this year.