As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their upcoming season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the team, particularly regarding the progress and recovery of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray.
This time last year, the Cardinals were navigating their first season under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Gannon. The season had its challenges, not least because Murray was sidelined with a significant ACL injury sustained late in the 2022 campaign. This injury kept him from fully participating in preparations, a situation dramatically different from this offseason.
Through sheer determination and hard work, Murray spent the offseason working closely with the team's trainers to restore his health. The benefits of this commitment are already apparent, as he has been an active participant throughout the offseason program, a welcome change from the previous year.
Injury Recovery and Performance
Kyler Murray’s dedication to his recovery has not gone unnoticed. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has noted significant improvements, both physically and mentally. "Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good," Gannon remarked, reflecting his confidence in Murray's current shape.
Last season, Murray's return to the field post-injury saw him completing 65.7% of his passes, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. He threw for 10 touchdowns against five interceptions and added 244 rushing yards with three additional scores on the ground. Despite not having an offseason program or training camp and with minimal practice before his return, Murray still managed to deliver commendable performances. "You gotta think, he played really good football for us; he had never taken a snap in this offense until Atlanta [in Week 10]," Gannon highlighted, underlining the quarterback's adaptability and resolve. "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 contrast in Murray’s condition now versus at the end of last season is stark. Gannon pointed out, "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."
Leadership and Will to Win
Beyond his physical comeback, Murray has impressed with his leadership and commitment to the team's success. His will to win is unmistakable, as Gannon described, "What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high." This drive is complemented by his willingness to improve and adapt. "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," Gannon added.
Gannon’s admiration for Murray extends beyond his capabilities on the field. "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 praised. Such endorsements underscore the high expectations and reliance placed on Murray as the Cardinals aim for a stronger season.
New Additions to the Roster
To bolster their offensive capabilities, the Cardinals have also added rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to their roster. The integration of new talent like Harrison aims to support Murray and provide additional options in their offensive playbook, potentially elevating the team's overall performance.
With Murray’s recovery and the strategic additions to their squad, the Arizona Cardinals are poised for an exciting season. The foundations laid during this offseason and the visible improvements in Murray’s game and leadership set a promising stage for the challenges ahead.