In the NFL, the offseason is always filled with uncertainty and excitement as rosters change. The Arizona Cardinals are a hot topic of discussion with the recent acquisition of five-time pro bowl defensive end, J.J. Watt.
Watt was a highly sought after free agent but what drew him to signing a two-year with Arizona? That would be the squad’s talented dual-threat quarterback, Kyler Murray. Watt admired him from afar throughout his career trajectory and now has the opportunity to stand with Murray on the same sideline. High praise for the former Oklahoma Sooner.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 2, 2021
A lot of factors went into J.J. Watt signing with the #AZCardinals. The biggest was Kyler Murray.
Check out the entire #CardsCover2 show w/myself and @mikejurecki on Apple Podcast https://t.co/qiTnkf0p0U
or Spotify https://t.co/LoPnfAwDgP pic.twitter.com/6mOerfKSaN— Craig Grialou (@CraigAZSports) March 3, 2021
Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick had a stellar start to his 2020 campaign garnering an MVP discussion but in week 11, Murray suffered a shoulder injury against the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals went on to lose five of their final seven games.
The NFC West newcomer racked up 819 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He also made strides as a passer, compiling 3,971 yards through the air and 26 touchdowns in 16 games for a 94.3 quarterback rating.
Cardinals head coach, Kliff Kingsbury met Murray years back and heavily recruited the young mobile QB to play for Texas Tech. The two are together at last and hoping to propel themselves forward in 2021 to a playoff berth. On the Cardinals’ official website, Kingsbury described one of his top priorities.
“I want to make sure we continue his [Kyler Murray’s] progression … to be able to do what he’s done from year one to year two without an offseason, I’m excited to see where it heads next. I think we all know the talent is immense, and he has a chance to be as good as anybody in this league.”
Kingsbury, an offensive innovator that played for air raid pioneer, Mike Leach, understands Murray’s dynamic skillset- both as a runner and passer. He possesses accuracy in ball placement, the ability to make off-platform throws, and outstanding improvisation with his legs to extend plays.
He is a young player but one with a high ceiling. A belief that Kingsbury has built his offense upon and a factor that is also motivating defensive players to join the roster.
“Kyler is very confident. Kyler knows what he can be in this league and what he can be moving forward. But to have a guy like that [J.J. Watt] kind off validate it and say, ‘Hey, I’ve watched you, I know what you have brewing out there, I know what you can be.’ A guy with probably limited years left in his career and wanting to win a championship and chooses the quarterback, that’s pretty impressive.”
Watt has made a name for himself in the NFL throughout his illustrious career as one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league. The clock is ticking and with the desire of hoisting a Lombardi Trophy before retirement, Watt chose Murray and the Cardinals as his path way to the grandest stage in football. That is telling.