Cardinals Coaches, Teammates Praise Kyler Murray in Return

The Arizona Cardinals sure are glad to have Kyler Murray back in the mix.
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ARIZONA -- In case you haven't heard, Kyler Murray is back. 

The Arizona Cardinals emerged out of State Farm Stadium with a 25-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, the first taste of action Murray's seen all season after suffering from a torn ACL in 2022. 

Murray didn't pass for a touchdown and turned the ball over once, though he did find the end zone with his feet and eventually shook off the rust to orchestrate a game-winning drive in the late stages of the fourth quarter. 

After the game, numerous Cardinals spoke on the return of their franchise quarterback: 

Cardinals Coaches, Teammates Praise Kyler Murray in Return

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) huddles with the offense in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium.
The Arizona Cardinals were sure glad to see Kyler Murray back in the mix.  / Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Gannon: "Obviously, (QB Kyler Murray) 1 coming back, he made plays with his legs and made plays with his arm. The last two-minute (drive) there, I know (where) the line to gain there for a field goal (was) and where we're comfortable. He said ‘I'm going to get it all the way down there’, and that's what he did. Obviously a jolt of energy and belief within our team. That's why he is who he is. I couldn't be happier for the guy. Onto Houston.”

Dennis Gardeck: "It was incredible. Just how special of a player he is and it's so cool being the guy that prides himself on being one of the first in and last out and to see Kyler already in and still there when I’m leaving … also going through an ACL (injury). Not too much before him. I kind of have goosebumps right now, it's just so cool to see. I know that feeling, I know all the hard work, the loneliness of having to do that rehab. Everything he’s gone through and just to hit it in stride as a starting quarterback. I have the utmost respect for him and really happy for him.”

James Conner: "Superman, he’s superman. He’s making magic happen, converting big third downs when we need them. He did his thing.”

Budda Baker: “It was awesome. I was sitting on the edge of the sideline just watching him work. It was definitely special, especially on third down where he got that conversation. It was great. ... Like you said, franchise QB. Anytime without having that, it’s definitely a hard game overall. Just having him back brought a lot of juice to the team, even our fans. I thank all the fans for coming and happy we got a win.”

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up prior to facing the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium.
Kyler Murray required some rust to be shaken off, but he eventually found his footing to lead a game-winning drive / Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Marquise Brown: “Good. He looked like he was ready to go out there and made some plays on the ground. It was exciting to see. ... It felt good, he had command, he was comfortable. You couldn’t tell that he’s been out for a while because he was really comfortable.”

Matt Prater: "It was great, it was so exciting having Kyler back. It was just a different energy, I know it’s a big team game but when you have someone like Kyler coming back who’s special. When they went up and we had two minutes left, I knew we’re going to get a chance to kick one or score. It’s so much fun playing with Kyler.”

Trey McBride: "It was awesome, it felt good to have (QB) Kyler (Murray) back. It felt good to get this offense moving a little bit. It was a lot of fun out there no doubt. Kyler is a heck of a player. He’s a guy who makes plays. He’s a guy who extends plays. It’s third and long and he runs around for 80-yards. You never stop with him, he’s a great player. I’m very excited to have him back and thankful he gave me some opportunities today.”


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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!