At 26, Murray signed a significant $230 million extension in 2022, securing his tenure with the team until the 2028 season. However, the Cardinals’ recent coaching changes and the team’s performance underscore the significance of Murray’s contribution down the stretch. The Cardinals, currently on a six-game losing streak with a 1-8 record, are looking to turn the tide.
Addressing concerns about potential alterations to his playing approach, especially considering his history as one of the league’s premier scrambling quarterbacks, Murray conveyed trust in his offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Despite the Cardinals’ recent struggles, Petzing expressed no plans to curtail Murray’s dynamic running abilities through play calling.
Reflecting on the challenging journey of the past 10 months, Murray underwent ACL repair on January 3, commencing a rigorous rehabilitation process. The quarterback recently emerged from the reserve/physically unable to perform list after his 21-day practice window had opened on October 18.
Kyler Murray’s Mindset Playing Post-Injury
Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons marks Murray’s debut with the Cardinals’ new coaching staff, brought in during the offseason after the departure of Kliff Kingsbury. Despite coach Gannon’s emphasis on patience, Murray expressed a strong rapport with him, noting their shared perspective on the game and a mutual competitive spirit.
In the lead-up to his highly anticipated return to the field, Kyler Murray conveyed a measured emotional stance, describing himself as ‘kind of emotionless’ during his meticulous preparation. This underscores the paramount importance of maintaining a balanced mindset and diligently steering clear of extremes of high or low emotions.
Murray was quoted saying, “Every time I take the field, I’m trying to do my thing,” in response to his coach’s caution about managing expectations post-injury. Murray further dismissed the notion that the injury would change his playing style, asserting, “I hear what [Gannon is] saying, but that’s not in my head.”