As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the upcoming season, there is a palpable air of optimism surrounding the team’s progress and the recovery of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. Last year, the Cardinals began their journey under the new leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon. This year, however, the team seems more prepared and determined to make a significant impact.
Murray's Road to Recovery
Kyler Murray faced a challenging setback late in the 2022 campaign when he sustained an ACL injury that sidelined him for a substantial period. Throughout the offseason, Murray’s dedication was evident as he worked tirelessly with the Cardinals' trainers to return to full health. Unlike the previous year, when his participation was limited, Murray has been fully involved in the offseason program this time around.
Jonathan Gannon, who has been a pivotal presence since his appointment as head coach, is full of praise for Murray’s progress. “Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good,” Gannon remarked, emphasizing the quarterback’s readiness.
Performance and Stats
After making his return from injury last season, Murray demonstrated his resilience and skill on the field. He completed 65.7% of his passes, with an average of 6.7 yards per attempt. His performance included 10 touchdowns against five interceptions, and he added 244 rushing yards with three additional scores on the ground.
“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,” Gannon noted. “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.'”
Strides Ahead
According to Gannon, Murray’s current condition is a significant improvement over his form at any point last year. “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,” the head coach stated.
Gannon’s relationship with Murray has been instrumental in fostering a strong team spirit. “What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high,” Gannon said. “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.”
Leadership and Team Impact
Gannon's admiration for Murray extends beyond the quarterback's athletic prowess. “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,” he emphasized.
The Cardinals have also made strategic additions to their roster, including rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., which bolsters their offensive potential. With a healthy and driven Kyler Murray at the helm, the Arizona Cardinals are setting the stage for a promising season.