As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for their upcoming season, there is a palpable sense of optimism emanating from the team's camp, particularly around their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. The previous year had seen the Cardinals navigating the uncharted waters under the new leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon while grappling with the significant absence of Murray, who had been sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained late in the 2022 campaign.
In a display of resilience and tenacity, Murray dedicated the offseason to rehabbing his injury, working closely with the team's trainers to ensure a robust return to form. His efforts bore fruit as he fully participated in this year’s offseason program, a marked contrast to the previous year when he was merely a spectator due to his recovery process.
"Physically and mentally, I mean, he looks damn good. He looks damn good," said an impressed Gannon, highlighting Murray's remarkable progress. The head coach further elaborated on the quarterback's commitment, noting, "You know, 'cause you gotta think, he played really good football for us; he had never taken a snap in this offense until Atlanta [in Week 10], you know what I mean, his first game back. I mean, he had a couple weeks of practice leading up to that, but no offseason program, no training camp. No however many games we played without him. Couple weeks of practice and then, you're going, 'Let's play football.'
Murray's dedication and hard work during his recovery phase were clearly evident upon his return to the field. Despite the limited preparation time, he managed to complete 65.7% of his passes, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. His comeback performance included an impressive tally of 10 touchdowns against just five interceptions, complemented by 244 rushing yards and three additional touchdowns on the ground.
Gannon's assessment of Murray's current condition is overwhelmingly positive. "So, I think from a mental and physical standpoint, right now where he's at, to even when he got back last year or even where he finished last year, I think he's leaps and bounds ahead," Gannon asserted.
The Cardinals have infused new energy into their offensive lineup by bringing in rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., a move that signals the team’s intent to bolster their aerial attack. This addition could potentially amplify the impact of an already dynamic offense, with Murray at the helm.
Reflecting on his relationship with Murray and the quarterback's unyielding determination, Gannon shared, "What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high." He continued, "And if you detail out and lay out for him what is needed from him to improve himself, the offense and the team, he is one thousand percent willing to do that."
Under Gannon's stewardship, the team is not only anticipating an injury-free season for their star player but also banking on his leadership and on-field prowess to drive them forward. "So, I love the guy, because he's done everything that I've asked of him and more. He's been a phenomenal leader on and off the field -- not just with the offense, but with the entire team," Gannon praised.
The synergy between head coach Gannon and Kyler Murray bodes well for the Arizona Cardinals as they chart their course for the new season. With Murray in prime physical and mental shape, and the roster fortified with promising talent, the Cardinals are poised to make a significant impact.