Kyler Murray’s return to the field for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 had an immediate impact after his ACL, injecting much-needed energy into the struggling team.
In reflecting on his performance, Murray attributed his motivation to the pressure of returning from an ACL injury. “You’re always on edge,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and being in the zone to deliver optimal performance. Despite initial concerns about rust, Murray showcased his skills, contributing significantly to an offense that had struggled the previous week.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray credits "edge," "different energy" for strong 2023 debut in Week 10https://t.co/fQVp9oyUbc
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 17, 2023
Murray’s stats were solid, completing 19 of 32 passes for 249 yards with one interception. He also made up for the interception with a rushing touchdown. The highlight of the game came in a critical sequence against the Atlanta Falcons, where Murray’s dynamic plays included a 13-yard scramble for a crucial first down and a 33-yard completion to rookie tight end Trey McBride. These efforts set up Matt Prater’s game-winning field goal.
The Week 10 game served as an audition for Murray, proving his readiness to return to star-caliber form after injury. The quarterback acknowledged feeling some rust initially but dispelled any doubts by the end of the game, securing the Cardinals’ second win in the challenging 2023 season.
Teammates, including offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., noted the positive energy and seamless chemistry with Murray. The debut marked the beginning of Murray’s journey to demonstrate not only his health but also his value to the Cardinals, potentially fending off speculation of a first-round quarterback replacement in the upcoming draft.
Murray expressed a refreshing positivity within the team, attributing it to the change in leadership. The “different energy” surrounding him and his teammates suggests a promising shift for the Cardinals. If Murray continues to perform at this level and the positive atmosphere persists, he could carry this optimism into the 2024 season.
