GLENDALE – Entering his seventh season with the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback Kyler Murray believes the offense isn’t lacking talent, but it’s lacking execution when things break down.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a recent interview with ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, Murray pointed to off-schedule plays, those broken plays where he’s forced to improvise. The former Oklahoma Sooner says this is a key area for improvement in 2025.
“We have to be better on off-scheduled plays,” Murray said. “I have that ability to extend plays, and we have the guys to go make something happen. It just takes reps. Reps, reps, reps.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during organized team practice at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe on May 28, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Murray on what needs to improve for the Cardinals offense:
“It’s just we have to be better on off-scheduled plays because, obviously, I have that ability to make extend plays, and we have the guys to go do it off schedule. So, I believe that’s an area we got to be better at.
“It’s tough to do it in practice because some of it, it’s not live and it’s not real. So, I think it’s just reps, reps, reps, reps. Practicing it as much as possible and you get into the game [it’s] second nature. Guys aren’t thinking about it.”
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing shared Murray’s sentiment, as the offense is trying to “eliminate” those miscues outside of the pocket. Ad-libbing is when Murray-Magic happens but also leaves the Cardinals quarterback vulnerable to bad plays and turnovers. Petzing emphasizes “true decision making” within his offense and compares it to a point guard on a fast break of not forcing a pass.
Murray is already considered one of the best improvisers in the NFL, as since Week 10 of the 2023 season, he has had 56 scrambles for 515 yards. Since returning from his ACL injury, Murray hasn’t been scared to use his legs outside of the pocket, leading the NFL last year with 8.2 yards per rush on all carries.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles away from Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) during the third quarter in Glendale, Ariz. Oct. 28, 2021 Syndication: Arizona Republic
In 2024, Murray had the second-most carries of his career with 31 designed runs and 40 scrambles. The two-time Pro Bowler is returning to his stature pre-injury and bodes well for the Cardinals offense. Murray can bide time better than most under center, and it’s up to wide receivers to get open when he leaves the pocket.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
