Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Kyler Murray 'thinks he's been framed as scapegoat' for Cardinals failures

By Adam Stites | Last updated 2/13/22

Kyler Murray's decision to scrub his social media of all things Arizona Cardinals raised eyebrows, and now ESPN's Chris Mortensen says there's even more reason for concern.

In a pair of tweets, Mortensen described a tense relationship between the quarterback and team. Murray is characterized as childish while the Cardinals are portrayed as aiming to ease the tension.

Where’s it headed?
Despite the acrimony, the Cardinals expect things to calm down and Murray is their QB.
Select veterans hope to reach Murray on how he handle adversity better.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury also is self-scouting where he can provide better alternatives for QB.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) February 13, 2022

Murray, 24, began the 2021 season on a torrid pace with 17 passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns, and a stellar 116.8 passer rating through the Cardinals' first seven games. But he missed time due to an ankle injury and was much less efficient after his return.

In Arizona's 34-11 postseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Murray passed for just 137 yards on 34 attempts and threw two interceptions, including an awful pick-six.

While Mortensen's report says the Cardinals are optimistic the conflict with Murray will "calm down," it remains to be seen how the quarterback will react to being described as "self-centered" and "immature."

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