Kyler Murray Expected to Take Major Step in 2023

The Arizona Cardinals' quarterback - once healthy - should bounce back in major form.

There's been a lot of talk around Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and his rehab - rightfully so.

It's always notable when a player is returning from a significant injury such as an ACL tear, especially a franchise quarterback - especially after being paid a massive contract extension. 

Murray himself is a polarizing figure, and working under a new head coach and offensive coordinator brings plenty of question marks surround his future with the Cardinals. 

The talk around when Murray will return has been loud, but his actual performance after hitting the field will bring talking points, too. 

Pro Football Focus' John Kosko says Murray is in for a bounce-back season.

"Murray is expected to miss extensive time in 2023 after tearing his ACL late in 2022. But expect him to improve when he does return. He’ll have to adjust to a new offensive scheme and system, but it’s one that has proven time and time again to boost efficiency and production out of a signal-caller," Kosko wrote. 

"There will be some growing pains as he learns to operate under center at a significantly higher rate than ever before, but it’ll ultimately lead to big plays in the air and on the ground.

"He’s just one season removed from being one of the highest-graded quarterbacks in the NFL. The arm talent and athleticism are still there for Murray, and he’ll now get a scheme to make things easier for the whole team."

The Cardinals lost DeAndre Hopkins to free agency, though there's plenty of excitement around rookie receiver Michael Wilson and what he can potentially do. 

Many pinpoint Kliff Kingsbury as one of the main problems for Murray's play. Kosko highlighted Arizona's new offensive plan. 

"What we’ll see from a schematic standpoint in 2023 could be similar to what Cleveland ran the previous three years: under center, wide-zone play action and rollouts. This will utilize Murray’s athletic ability and speed on the move while creating easy throwing lanes and open targets," said Kosko. 

"Murray will still operate out of the shotgun, something we saw Kingsbury use almost 91% of the time, but putting him under center will alleviate stress on the offensive line as well as Murray.

"The Browns have utilized a shift or a motion on a play 56.7% of the time over the past three years, the 11th-highest rate in the NFL. Expect that to be the norm in Arizona after the team did so at a league-low 37% clip under Kingsbury. In 2022, Amari Cooper saw a near-even split between the left and right wide receiver positions while mixing in at slot receiver. Marquise Brown can be a moveable chess piece to stress defenses and create mismatches."

There's a new flurry of hope in the desert, and even if Murray won't be the same quarterback he was upon taking his first steps back on the field, there's good reason for belief the new regime will bode well for him and his talents. 

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