GLENDALE – Once again, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is questioned about whether he can be the leader of a playoff team. Sports Illustrated Matt Verderame released a full 32 NFL quarterback rankings heading into the 2025 season, measuring the list by how each team will end their 2025 season. Murray found himself with a below average ranking at 18th overall.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Verderame stuffed Murray as the last name in the tier titled “Something to Prove.” The 27-year-old quarterback still has zero career playoff wins and hasn’t thrown over 4,000 passing yards in a season, both aspects leading to Verderame’s decision.
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Verderame on what Murray brings to Cardinals:
“Murray was good last year, but if he has a similar campaign, will that be enough to help Arizona into the playoffs?
“In his first healthy season under coordinator Drew Petzing, Murray threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 572 yards and another five scores. Although the offensive line doesn’t have household names, the unit allowed a 5.2% sack rate, fifth-best in the league. Plenty of that is also due to Murray’s legs, with him scrambling 42 times, eighth-most in the NFL.”
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Murray was ranked behind New England Patriots Drake Maye and Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence, both in a tier titled “Class of Very Good.” Whether the two-time Pro Bowler’s placement is fair compared the competition in front of him, Murray still has that monkey on his back of zero playoff wins.
Next season will be the best defense that the six-year Cardinals quarterback has ever had in his tenure, while the offense looks remain a top-five rushing attack with him and running back James Conner under the helm. The tools are present for Murray to make this ranking look silly by making the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and perhaps his first postseason victory.
Cardinals fans believes RB James Conner is the engine for team’s offense in 2025
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
