Cardinals OC makes major statement about QB Kyler Murray

Drew Petzing has only served as offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals since February but sounds all-in on quarterback Kyler Murray. 

Whether or not Murray will ever take a meaningful snap under Petzing's guidance is unknown. 

"He’s been unbelievable, really since we walked in the building," Petzing said about Murray on Tuesday, as shared by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "Just done everything we’ve asked from a rehab standpoint, from a learning-the-offense standpoint, from an engagement in the offensive room and getting to know his teammates and things like that."

Petzing spoke one day after it was learned that Murray had been named one of the Cardinals' captains even though the 26-year-old has to miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season while on the reserve/physically unable to perform list as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered on Dec. 12. 

Some within the NFL community believe Arizona will sit Murray throughout the campaign amid an alleged tank that could result in the club landing the rights to draft signal-caller Caleb Williams of the USC Trojans next spring, but Petzing indicated his long-term QB1 is already on the roster. 

"...Really pleased with where he’s at, kind of how he’s handled things, and certainly expect that to continue moving forward, and I think that’s one of the main reasons you see him as a captain," Petzing added about Murray. "I certainly view him as a franchise quarterback and a leader of this organization, and I think his teammates do, too. So, I was really happy for him to kind of get that nod. It’s been good." 

Petzing, head coach Jonathan Gannon and the rest of Gannon's staff could all be shown the door in January if the Cardinals finish the season in the basement of the overall league standings. It's unclear if a new regime would essentially be stuck with Murray through the 2024 campaign due to the five-year extension reportedly worth $230.5M with $160M guaranteed he signed in July 2022. 

For now, either journeyman Joshua Dobbs or unproven fifth-round draft pick Clayton Tune will start in Murray's place for Arizona's regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders this coming Sunday.