The Arizona Cardinals and their fanbase saw exactly what kind of player Kyler Murray can be when he uses his legs in their thrilling Week 2 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Cardinals had no offensive movement until Murray began to take control of the game with his legs, ultimately leading them to the win.
The next week, however, Murray’s legs were a non-factor against the Rams and it appeared to be by design. Of course, the Rams were playing a spy and are in general a much better defense than the Raiders, but some designed runs could have really boosted the struggling offense in a winnable game.
Apparently, Murray’s lack of rushing in recent weeks, as well as the end of the 2021 season, are by head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s design.
When asked about using his legs in the gameplan on Wednesday, Murray said, “It’s more so if I’m asked to do it then I do it…I’ve said I would love to implement that more but I just do what I’m asked to.”
It seems apparent that Murray would be comfortable utilizing his legs more in the game plan, but Kingsbury has been calling plays otherwise.
Prior to injuries and the overall collapse last season, the Cardinals were having loads of success with a pass-heavy scheme. This was when DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, A.J. Green and Rondale Moore were all healthy and at their best.
While that offense was electric, the Cardinals clearly do not have that personnel on the field right now, nor did they when they lost Hopkins to a knee injury last season.
Take the Baltimore Ravens for example. They are thriving behind the legs of Jackson without Hollywood Brown. That is the sort of scheme that could be replicated with Murray’s skillset, at least while Hopkins and the other receivers are banged up.
Part of having an elite offense is being able to adjust. It doesn’t appear the Cardinals have changed their scheme whatsoever to meet their current strengths and weaknesses.
The Cardinals’ offense was to blame for the team’s Week 3 loss to the Rams and they’ll need to perform better this week. If the team can be .500 or better when Hopkins returns, they may be alright. If not, the critics will only grow louder.
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