TEMPE, Ariz. — Kyler Murray was back to doing Kyler Murray things on Sunday, flinging footballs downfield, evading would-be tacklers with his uncanny scrambling ability and generally being a nightmare to contain for the Atlanta Falcons’ defense.
“It felt normal,” the 26-year-old quarterback said. “It felt right.”
The Arizona Cardinals couldn’t agree more.
The Cardinals (2-8) have played 10 games this season, but in many ways, it felt like the season started on Sunday when Murray led the Cardinals to a game-winning drive in the final minutes of a 25-23 victory over the Falcons. It was the first game for the two-time Pro Bowl selection since Dec. 12, when he tore the ACL in his right knee in a matchup against the New England Patriots.
It appears Murray, who threw for 249 yards and one touchdown and ran for another, hasn’t lost a step. His 13-yard scramble on third-and-10 during the final drive was a vintage moment and eventually helped the Cardinals snap a six-game losing streak.
“Superman, he’s superman,” running back James Conner said. “He’s making magic happen, converting big third downs when we need them. He did his thing.”
Now first-year coach Jonathan Gannon has a glimpse of what his team could look like in 2024. The Cardinals already are out of this year’s playoff race but have stockpiled draft picks and salary cap space to prepare for what they hope is a quick turnaround.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) leavs the field after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons , Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. The Arizona Cardinals won 25-23. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin
The goals for the rest of this season are clear: keep Murray healthy and continue building a solid young nucleus that includes promising rookies like right tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and receiver Michael Wilson.
For the first time in a long time, the Cardinals have hope.
That’s why a healthy Murray can do.
“I kind of have goosebumps right now, it’s just so cool…
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