As the Arizona Cardinals approach a new season, there is a sense of optimism due to a significant development: quarterback Kyler Murray's road to recovery and his renewed participation in the team's activities. This time last year, the Cardinals had newly appointed Jonathan Gannon as head coach, and hopes were high. However, the challenge was immediately apparent with Murray sidelined by an ACL injury incurred late in the 2022 campaign.
It has been a year marked by perseverance for Murray, who spent the offseason working intensely with the team's trainers to reclaim his peak physical condition. Unlike the previous year, Murray has now been a full participant in the offseason program, signaling a bright future for the team ahead. Head coach Jonathan Gannon shared his enthusiasm about Murray's progress and his return to form.
Gannon's Confidence in Murray
"Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good," Gannon said, encapsulating the sentiment around the Cardinals' training facility. Last season, despite missing significant preparation time, Murray returned to the field and displayed his inherent talent. He completed 65.7% of his passes, averaged 6.7 yards per attempt, and amassed 10 touchdowns against five interceptions.
Additionally, Murray’s capability as a dual-threat quarterback shone through, with 244 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Reflecting on Murray’s performance post-injury last season, Gannon acknowledged the quarterback's potential and resilience. "You got to think, he played really good football for us; he had never taken a snap in this offense until Atlanta [in Week 10]," noted Gannon.
"His first game back... 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,'" Gannon continued, emphasizing the uphill battle Murray faced. "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."
A Leader On and Off the Field
This offseason, the Cardinals have also strengthened their lineup with the addition of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., aiming to provide Murray with more offensive weapons. Gannon's remarks underline not just Murray’s recovery but also his leadership qualities, which have evidently flourished.
"What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high," Gannon said. "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."
"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, highlighting the quarterback's influence and work ethic.
As the Cardinals set their sights on the new season, the combination of Murray's complete return to form and the addition of promising new talent like Harrison Jr. provides a robust foundation for their ambitions. The upcoming season promises to be one where the Cardinals, led by a rejuvenated Kyler Murray, have the potential to make significant strides and perhaps surpass the expectations set a year ago.