Kyler Murray's imminent return will 'change the dynamic' of the Arizona Cardinals' offense
Bob McManaman Sunday’s game against the visiting Baltimore Ravens could be a significant “last” for both Josh Dobbs and Kyler Murray. For Dobbs, it could mark his last game as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals (1-6). For Murray, it could represent the last game he misses on the Reserve/Designated to Return list.
Murray is eligible to be activated to the Cardinals’ 53-man roster at any time now, although it isn’t expected to happen in time for the game against the Ravens (5-2). His return following surgery to repair the ACL in his right knee likely won’t take place until Arizona’s Week 9 game at Cleveland on Nov. 5 at the earliest.
If not, he almost certainly will be the starter in Week 10 at home against the Falcons a week later. Coach Jonathan Gannon continues to say it’s a day-to-day situation with Murray and that he’s getting closer and closer. “Just keep going about our business and our process, get him out there today and see where it goes,” Gannon said Wednesday when asked if the team plans to add anything more to Murray’s plate in practice this week.
It remains to be seen how quickly it will take Murray to get comfortable in Arizona’s new offense, but his mere return should provide a major boost. He’s been getting some reps with both the first- and second-team offense, he’s practiced against the Cardinals’ starting defense, and he’s played at an MVP level at times when he’s been healthy. “Certainly, the experience at the position, his ability to do it at a high level, it changes the dynamic of your offense,” Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said.
“He’s an elite quarterback. ” Will Murray be able to fix the problems on offense? “Yes and no. It takes all 11 to be good on offense,” Petzing said.
“And he’s certainly a big part of that and a great player, but all 10 other guys have to continue to do their job at a high level and if they’re not, Kyler can’t fix all that. I think that’s going to be really important to keep in mind for those guys, too. It’s hey, he’s back out there, but that doesn’t change the nature of your job or what you’re trying to get better at as we move forward.
” Petzing said he’s been encouraged by what he’s seen out of Murray after a week’s worth of practice, noting how well the quarterback has responded during meetings and on-field work. “He’s asking the right questions, he’s doing the right things, he’s putting himself in the position to be successful in the offense when he is out there,” Petzing said. How Dobbs has performed in Murray's absence Dobbs has been serviceable in Murray’s absence, but he hasn’t been consistently good.
Although he’s used his mobility well, ranking fourth among quarterbacks in rushing yards (232) and first in number of rushing plays of 15 yards or longer (five), Dobbs is 25th in completion percentage (62. 0), 20th in passing yards (1,361) and 22nd in passing touchdowns (six). Dobbs also has six turnovers — three interceptions and three lost fumbles.
Arizona’s offense, meanwhile, has been nearly nonexistent in the second halves of games this season. The Cardinals have been outscored 104-30 in the second half, including 67-7 in the fourth quarter. “I think it’s a combination of things,” Petzing said.
“I think certainly the defense makes some adjustments and doing some things hard. I think execution is a part of it. And I think a lot of it is I’ve got to give some better plays and better opportunities for our key players in critical situations to make sure that those guys are touching the ball and that they are affecting the game in the second half so that we do find a way to get some points.
“We’ve been close. We’ve been in the red zone multiple times. We’ve been in plus territory.
We’ve got to find a way to get it in. ” More Cardinals:As losses pile up, Cardinals sticking to the process Whether it’s bogging down because of a poor throw on third down by Dobbs, a dropped catch by one of his receivers, ill-timed penalties or turnovers, there’s been increased frustration because the offense has had its moments of keeping the chains moving, especially in the second half of games. Other than their 26-16 victory over the Cowboys back in Week 3, the Cardinals just haven’t been able to finish.
“It’s hard and it’s also encouraging at the same time, which is kind of a weird dynamic,” Petzing said. “You’re not a million miles away. You’re not looking at it and saying, ‘We’ve got to change everything, we need to fix everything, we need to be exponentially better.
’ But at the same time, you can taste it and you know how close you are and you’re not getting it done, so I think there’s some frustration in that and certainly some things to be encouraged by and to build off. ” For Dobbs, who is expected to make his eighth straight start on Sunday, it’s all about trying to be as consistent as possible without getting down on himself or the lack of positive results. “He’s been very level-headed,” Gannon said.
“He doesn’t ride the emotional rollercoaster on game day, and he does a good job with consistency in practice, too, which helps him on game day. ” A shaky outing against the Ravens, who clobbered the Lions 38-6 on Sunday, will no doubt have Cardinals fans screaming for Murray. “We’re excited to have him back when he’s ready,” Petzing said, “but I wouldn’t say it’s desperation.
We certainly have complete faith in Josh and the ability of the guys that are out there to go operate at a high level and that’s going to be preached in the room, regardless of who’s playing quarterback and regardless of who’s at most of those positions. “So, we love (Murray) when he’s out there because he’s a great player and a great teammate, but also have full faith in the guys we have right now. ” .