Cardinals Kyler Murray names the offense’s main issue heading into 2025

Murray on what needs to improve for the Cardinals offense:

“It’s just we have to be better on off-scheduled plays because, obviously, I have that ability to make extend plays, and we have the guys to go do it off schedule. So, I believe that’s an area we got to be better at.

“It’s tough to do it in practice because some of it, it’s not live and it’s not real. So, I think it’s just reps, reps, reps, reps. Practicing it as much as possible and you get into the game [it’s] second nature. Guys aren’t thinking about it.”

Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing shared Murray’s sentiment, as the offense is trying to “eliminate” those miscues outside of the pocket. Ad-libbing is when Murray-Magic happens but also leaves the Cardinals quarterback vulnerable to bad plays and turnovers. Petzing emphasizes “true decision making” within his offense and compares it to a point guard on a fast break of not forcing a pass.

Murray is already considered one of the best improvisers in the NFL, as since Week 10 of the 2023 season, he has had 56 scrambles for 515 yards. Since returning from his ACL injury, Murray hasn’t been scared to use his legs outside of the pocket, leading the NFL last year with 8.2 yards per rush on all carries.

In 2024, Murray had the second-most carries of his career with 31 designed runs and 40 scrambles. The two-time Pro Bowler is returning to his stature pre-injury and bodes well for the Cardinals offense. Murray can bide time better than most under center, and its up to wide receivers to get open when he leaves the pocket.