Kyler Murray accepts blame for Cardinals' lack of achieving 'ultimate goal'

Quarterback Kyler Murray has been a polarizing figure in NFL circles throughout his pro career that began in 2019, in part because he has yet to guide the Arizona Cardinals to a single playoff win. 

During a recent trip to South Korea, Murray spoke with KSB World Radio English about what he has and hasn't accomplished at the highest level.

"At the end of the day, I've had some success, but as a unit, in totality, I think the ultimate goal for us is to win the Super Bowl, and we haven't done that yet, and I haven't done enough," Murray said, as shared by Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "I'm looking forward to this next season. I think, as an organization, we're on the up and up, and I'm looking forward to it."

Murray and the Cardinals suffered a wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January 2022. Later that year, he went down with a serious knee injury in December that kept him out of action until the following November. While he made 17 starts this past season, Arizona missed the playoffs and finished the campaign at 8-9. 

"I've only been in the playoffs once," the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winner for the 2019 season continued during his comments. "That, in itself, is disappointing to me and frustrating. Got to turn that around. I'm only getting older. But I'm only 27, I'm still young, so we've got time and I know we're headed in the right direction."

According to Pro Football Reference, Murray ended the 2024 regular season ranked ninth in the league among qualified players with a 66.5 adjusted QBR and tied for 16th with a 93.5 passer rating. He was 11th with 3,851 passing yards and tied for 13th with 21 touchdowns through the air. 

Per the StatMuse website, Murray averaged a career-low 4.59 rushing attempts per game this past campaign. Earlier this winter, Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon indicated Murray could be asked to make more plays with his legs next season. 

Murray added during the interview that he's convinced the Cardinals are "not far at all" from competing for the "ultimate goal." If he finishes yet another season without a playoff win on his resume, some will wonder if the team could look for an advertised upgrade at the position in 2026.