The Arizona Cardinals are approaching their new season with a renewed sense of optimism, largely due to the progress and recovery of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. With the hard work of offseason rehabilitation paying off, there's palpable excitement within the organization.
Kyler Murray's Road to Recovery
Kyler Murray, who was sidelined late in the 2022 campaign with an ACL injury, has spent the offseason working diligently with the team's trainers to regain full health. This achievement is a testament to both his commitment and the support from the Cardinals' medical staff.
Last season, despite limited preparation time, Murray managed to return towards the latter part of the year. He showcased his resilience by completing 65.7% of his passes, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. His comeback included 10 touchdowns against five interceptions, alongside contributing 244 rushing yards and three additional scores on the ground. All these stats underline Murray's capability to perform under challenging circumstances.
Full Participation Brings Renewed Potential
Unlike last year, Murray has been able to fully take part in the offseason program this time. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, who is stepping into his second season with the Cardinals, couldn't be more pleased with Murray's physical and mental condition.
"Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good," Gannon shared, expressing his satisfaction with Murray's progress.
Gannon remains particularly impressed with Murray's ability to hit the ground running, despite the limited practice time he had when he first returned from his injury. "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.'
A Leaps and Bounds Improvement
According to Gannon, Murray's current condition is significantly advanced compared to 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," remarked Gannon.
Gannon’s faith in Murray isn't just about his physical recovery. He highlighted Murray's leadership qualities and unyielding desire to win. "What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high," Gannon said.
Moreover, Gannon commended Murray’s dedication to self-improvement and his commitment to the team's success. "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," remarked Gannon.
The Cardinals' head coach also emphasized Murray’s influence beyond just his on-field contributions. "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."
Fresh Talent in the Roster
Adding to the Cardinals' optimism is the inclusion of rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team's offensive lineup. This fresh talent, combined with Murray's improved condition, sets a promising stage for the Cardinals as they head into the upcoming season.
With Murray's successful recovery and new additions to the roster, the Arizona Cardinals are primed for an intriguing season ahead. The main focus now is to capitalize on this momentum and translate it into success on the field.