Atlanta Falcons Preparing for Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

How Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith plans to prepare his team for the potential return of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray this week.

The Atlanta Falcons have had the misfortune of facing new quarterbacks the past two weeks, giving the team’s defense little time to prepare for the opposition; this week, the Arizona Cardinals could present the same challenge.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been out all season recovering from a torn ACL in Week 14 of last season. However, this week is expected to feature the star quarterback’s return to action, barring any setbacks.

Arizona’s quarterback situation is something that Falcons head coach Arthur Smith will be keeping an eye on. 

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray congratulates his teammates after a touchdown against the New York Giants at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 17, 2023 :: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

“We’ll monitor it,” Smith said. “You’ve got to have a plan for both. I’d expect [Kyler] Murray if they think it’s the time to do it. We’ve got to shut down the quarterback extension plays. He’s as good as anybody. As the season goes on, there’s things that you’re doing well. Things come up, and you’ve got to put a stop to it. Certainly, the quarterback extension, regardless of who’s out there. If Kyler plays, we’ve got to be ready for him.”

If Murray plays this week, it’s anyone’s guess what he’ll bring to the table, considering how long he’s been inactive and how confident he’ll be scrambling after a significant knee injury. 

Even if Murray only operates at 75 percent of his two-time Pro Bowl self, it’d be a significant upgrade for Arizona, whose rookie quarterback Clayton Tune was torn apart a week ago in his first start, posting a measly 1.3 quarterback rating.

Atlanta must prepare as though Murray will be operating at 100 percent for the team to have the best chance at avoiding a three-game losing streak against quarterbacks all making their first starts of the season (Will Levis and Jaren Hall).

Now behind the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South standings, this could be the most pivotal game of the season regarding the Falcons playoff aspirations.