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Arizona Cardinals: Don’t Tug On Superman’s Cape

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arizona cardinals kyler murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray put on his Superman cape late in the fourth quarter. On a third-and-10, with a play quickly disintegrating, Murray did what he did best: make his legs the weapon when no others were immediately available. With 1:50 left on the game clock, he would go left, then as the lane closed, break right and head upfield. Murray would pick up a quick 13 yards, get into Atlanta Falcons territory, and set up shop for a Cardinals win.

When tight end Trey McBride caught a perfectly-placed pass to get Arizona to the Atlanta nine-yard, running back James Conner did the rest. Conner would touch the ball twice to move it exactly where kicker Matt Prater wanted it. With :02 left in regulation, Prater would hit it true for a much-needed 25-23 win.

Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray Comes Back

Murray delivered. The feeling at State Farm Stadium was electric and relieved all at the same time. To expect rust, slower wheels, and mistakes due to a new system never happened. Instead, fans got vintage Murray, and all seemed well.

The Cardinals still have decisions to make. For now, seeing Kyler being Kyler is a very good sign with seven games to go. Suddenly, a two-, three-, or four-win team could wind up with six or seven wins. The NFC West is a division that will not scare anyone. The toughest game on the schedule as of now is the Philadelphia Eagles on New Year’s Eve, as well as a home game against the San Francisco 49ers. That leaves five that are a toss-up.

However, scanning fan posts, and the excitement contained in them, there is some ill-fated triumph. Murray on the field, running and improving is like a classic out of a highlight reel. For Cardinals fans, it’s like the return of a conquering hero. But Murray is a quarterback who will be tested over the next seven games. How he performs, protects the football, and listens to a new offensive coordinator has yet to be determined.

Let Kyler Be Kyler

One thing Arizona should consider is letting Kyler be Kyler. Meaning, instead of trying to limit Murray’s best attributes, let the former Heisman Trophy winner play his game. By doing so, the Cardinals can determine if Murray is a “One Trick Pony” or is on the verge of a re-emergence. It can also help GM Monti Ossenfort make a critical decision before the 2023 NFL Draft.

Fans will overreact and overreach. That is part of being a Cardinals fan since Murray arrived. But there are some things to remember before canonizing him in Glendale. First, he has never won a playoff game. It was Murray who pulled himself out of a game against the Rams with 1:05 left. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, backup Colt McCoy tried to get Murray to finish the game with the rest of his Cardinals teammates. The Arizona signal caller did not relent and shut it down in front of a National TV audience. It wasn’t a good look then, and for some, it is a not forgotten act of either selfishness or self-preservation. Depending on your level of fandom, you can decide.

The Tank is Off

The Cardinals are as lost as they have ever been. They seemed to be “all in” on tanking for Caleb Williams. Josh Dobbs would keep them in some games, even beat Dallas, but a level of ineptitude kept his win total at one. Clayton Tune got his shot with no starting running back, and injuries at wide receiver. His prize was an overlooked beating by the Cleveland Browns defense.

Enter Kyler Murray. He had his first win since injury, plus one courtesy of the Cowboys. Now, and almost unexpectedly, all things are back on the table with only seven games to go. The map for where the Cardinals head next is a question mark for a confused BrainTrust in Arizona.

Main Image: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

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