When the Arizona Cardinals drafted quarterback Kyler Murray, they thought they had a generational talent that would lead the franchise to glory days. Six years have passed, and since then, the NFC West team has achieved only one winning season. Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, the signal-caller knows where he can make an improvement to lead the offense to better numbers.
Speaking to ESPN, Murray was honest about a key factor that could change the way the offense plays. “It’s just we have to be better on off-scheduled plays because, obviously, I have that ability to make extend plays, and we have the guys to go do it off schedule,” Murray said. “I believe that’s an area we got to be better at.”
Being able to play “off-script” is what separates good offenses from great ones. When you see the likes of Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Patrick Mahomes scramble, you know the danger is still there. That’s what Murray wants to implement in the Cardinals offensive identity.
Murray has the weapons to exploit off-script plays
When you look at the Cardinals roster, it’s clear they have the talent to be a massive threat when plays extend. Not only is Murray a precise QB with big mobility, but his weapons are actually capable of doing their part.
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
All eyes will be on second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He was drafted 4th overall and the hype surrounding him was massive. However, his rookie season wasn’t stellar. He posted 885 yards. However, the silver lining were his 8 touchdowns. He proved he can be a red zone threat.
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Kyler Murray’s key weapon on the Cardinals sends big warning to the rest of the NFL teams
Aside from Harrison, Michael Wilson is another young receiver that has lots of potential. If you combine them with hugely-talented tight end Trey McBride, there’s no denying this offense should be among the best in the NFL. McBride could easily be a Kelce-esque option for Murray. Also, James Conner is a workhorse running back but also excels as a pass-catcher.
Arizona’s offensive coordinator knows it’s high-risk, high-reward
Drew Petzing has the offensive coordinator role in the Cardinals organization. Speaking to the media, he also touched on the subject of these long, extended plays. “When you hit them you have really good numbers out of the pocket and when you don’t, that’s bad plays, turnovers, those are the things you try to eliminate,” Petzing declared.
Petzing added, “Are you playing point guard the right way? Is the ball going where it should? I think those are game-changing plays. (Murray) is one of the few people in this league that can do it physically at a high level and create some of those. So, we want to make sure we’re taking advantage of that.”
