The Arizona Cardinals are riding a wave of optimism as they prepare for the upcoming season, buoyed by the return and revitalization of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. A year ago, the Cardinals embarked on their inaugural season under head coach Jonathan Gannon, a period marred by Murray's absence due to a late 2022 ACL injury.
The offseason has been a grueling yet rewarding journey for Murray, who has committed himself to a rigorous rehab regimen alongside the team's trainers. Unlike last year's truncated participation due to his recovery process, Murray has been fully engaged in the offseason program this time around, rekindling hopes among fans and the organization alike.
Optimism Surrounds Murray's Return
Head coach Jonathan Gannon didn't mince words when praising Murray’s condition. "Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good," Gannon stated unequivocally. The coach highlighted the challenges Murray faced upon his return last season, stepping into action in Week 10 against Atlanta without the benefit of a full offseason or training camp.
Assessing his quarterback's readiness, Gannon remarked, "You know, 'cause you gotta think, he played really good football for us; he had never taken a snap in this offense until Atlanta, 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.'
Performance and Prospects
Upon returning from injury, Murray’s statistics painted a picture of resilience and capability. He completed 65.7% of his passes, averaged 6.7 yards per attempt, recorded 10 touchdowns against five interceptions, and added 244 rushing yards along with three rushing touchdowns. Gannon believes these numbers are just a stepping stone, emphasizing that Murray is now "leaps and bounds ahead" compared to where he was post-injury 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," Gannon observed. This substantial progress is a testament to Murray’s determination and dedication.
The Will to Win
At the heart of this promising comeback is Murray's unwavering will to win, a trait that has deeply impressed Gannon. "What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high," Gannon said, reflecting on Murray’s competitive spirit.
This fierce determination translates into tireless work on and off the field. "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 affirmed, highlighting Murray’s commitment to both personal and team improvement.
A Leader on and off the Field
Gannon’s admiration for Murray extends beyond his physical and mental attributes. He recognizes the quarterback's leadership qualities as pivotal to the Cardinals' team dynamics. "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 noted.
The Cardinals' offensive lineup has also been bolstered by the addition of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., promising to add another potent weapon for Murray. This latest acquisition, combined with the quarterback’s resurgence, sets a promising stage for the Cardinals as they aim to make a strong impact this season.
As the Arizona Cardinals look ahead, the palpable excitement surrounding Kyler Murray’s return to full health is more than justifiable. With unwavering dedication, a robust offseason program, and strategic additions to the team, the Cardinals are poised to capitalize on their quarterback's renewed vigor and leadership.