GLENDALE – With the Arizona Cardinals offensive shortcomings to start the 2025 season, quarterback Kyler Murray is the easy choice for fans to blame when things go wrong. The seven-year Cardinals QB is the longest-tenured player on the team and has been through the high and lows of being a team captain.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As the highest-paid player on the roster, Murray understands the responsibility he holds on the team winning or losing. With him being bottom-five in passing yards and having the 19th scoring offense, the 28-year-old knows he needs to be better. However, despite the low counting stats, the two-time Pro Bowler is still amongst the top rank QBs in the league in efficiency.
Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) stands in the pocket against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Murray in upper ranks of NFL QBs:
Murray is 12th in QB PFF overall grades and expected points added (EPA) in the NFL. The graph shows that he is playing in the same realm as Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Jordan Love. The difference between the Cardinals QB and those other players is the scheme. Murray is in a more run-first and short yardage passing scheme under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws downfield against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Petzing runs the most 13 personnel in the NFL, meaning there is a lack of wide receivers for more complex or long, developing routes. A reason to run 13 personnel is to aid the run game with extra blockers, but also because of a lack of depth at wide receiver.
Through the first three weeks, only WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is the only receiver to have over 30 receiving yards. The lack of a serious WR2 has hurt the offense and Murray’s production. The injury to RB James Conner could open up Petzing’s playbook to give Murray and Harrison for more explosive plays and down the field routes.
What does the Cardinals offense look like after James Conner injury?
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
