Blame directed at Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury after Cardinals latest loss
Add the Arizona Cardinals to the list of dysfunctional NFL offenses.
They lost to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday and are averaging 12.7 points in their past three losses. The defense is only allowing 19.7 points during the same span.
Kyler Murray signed a contract extension worth $230.5M over five years this offseason. On Sunday, he put up impressive stats, including a nice early run, but it didn't amount to much.
The six sacks Murray took lost the team a staggering 51 yards and was a significant drag to their ability to put up points. Players given contracts like the one Murray got are usually expected to help cover some of their team's deficiencies. Murray's recent performances have only exacerbated them.
As much as Murray has not looked like a $230M QB (let alone much above average), head coach Kliff Kingsbury received plenty of criticism as well.
There were questions about the front office's decision to invest in Murray when they initially put a clause in his contract that required him to spend four hours every week studying film independently. Many said film study was something any NFL quarterback should be doing, while others ridiculed the organization for giving so much money to a player that needed to be told how to prepare.
The doubts that surrounded this team in the offseason have so far turned out to be prophetic.
Since beginning the 2021 season 7-0, the Cardinals are 4-10 in their past 14 regular season games. The offense folded in their playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams and has carried that same energy with them into 2022. They'll need to rekindle that spark soon, but whether they do may be irrelevant in regard to each's job status. On top of Murray's extension, the team also gave Kingsbury an extension this offseason that ties him to the team through 2027. Murray's deal expires after the 2028 season.
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