As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the upcoming NFL season, the atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm, particularly around the return to form of star quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray, who had been sidelined with an ACL injury late in the 2022 campaign, is back and looking stronger than ever. Last year marked a significant transition for the Cardinals as they started their journey under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Gannon's first season was a mixed bag, with Murray unable to contribute fully due to his injury. However, this offseason has painted a promising picture. According to Gannon, “Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good.” These words reflect a sense of confidence and optimism that is palpable throughout the organization.
Relentless Offseason Effort
Throughout the offseason, Murray has invested significant time and effort in working with the team's trainers to ensure he returns to peak performance. Unlike the previous year, he has been an active participant in the offseason program. Gannon's comments shed light on Murray's diligent 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.'”
The head coach's acknowledgment of Murray's commitment and football intelligence speaks volumes about the quarterback's potential impact on the team this season.
Performance Under Pressure
Despite returning mid-season last year, Murray managed to put up respectable numbers. He completed 65.7% of his passes, averaged 6.7 yards per attempt, and threw for 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his dual-threat capability with 244 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. These stats underline his capability to make a difference, even when coming off a significant injury.
Leadership and Will to Win
From his rehabilitation journey to his preparation for the new season, Murray has demonstrated both physical resilience and mental tenacity. Gannon emphasized this, stating, “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.”
His leadership qualities have also been recognized by Gannon, who shared insight into Murray's drive and commitment. “What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high. 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.”
The quarterback's positive influence extends beyond the offense, as he has been a guiding presence for the entire team. Gannon remarked, “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.”
New Offensive Arsenal
Adding to the excitement around Murray's return is the incorporation of new talent into the Cardinals' offensive unit. The arrival of rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. brings fresh firepower to the team. With the blend of Murray's fully recovered capability and Harrison's talent, the Cardinals are poised for an offensive resurgence.
This combination of a renewed quarterback and promising new additions to the roster sets the stage for a potentially impactful season. The energy around the Cardinals' camp is unmistakable, driven by the shared belief that Murray's return will elevate the team's performance on multiple fronts.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Cardinals and their revived quarterback, eager to witness the fruition of this hard-fought offseason preparation.