Kyler Murray shines in preseason debut for Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray shined in his preseason debut on Thursday night.
The Arizona Cardinals just gave us a little taste of what they have in Kyler Murray in their preseason debut against the Los Angeles Chargers. Murray only played for one series on Thursday night, but he showed off the skill-set that led the Cardinals to draft him with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Murray looked crisp and under control in the pocket against the Chargers, completing six-of-seven passes for 44 yards. He did a great job of taking what the defense gave him, and of course, put his elite playmaking skills on display.
Murray’s drive did end with a punt and he then went to sit down for the rest of the night. As the Cardinals’ unquestioned starting quarterback, there was no reason to risk injury with Murray and play him too much in the first preseason. However, he saw the field enough to show off his impressive poise and explosive natural skill-set.
Kyler Murray is going to be one of the most interesting players to watch in the NFL this season. He is a relatively raw player, but his overall ability and upside at the quarterback position are incredibly impressive.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is an incredible playmaker with the ball in his hands. His speed and mobility at the quarterback position are legitimately elite. He also has fantastic arm strength, showing the ability to easily push the ball down the field and fit the ball into tight spaces with velocity. He is also an accurate quarterback who consistently gets the ball to his receivers in stride.
With Murray under center and head coach Kliff Kingsbury calling the plays, the Arizona Cardinals are going to have an interesting offense watch in 2019. One drive in a preseason game does not mean that Murray is instantly going to become a superstar, but it is a good sign.