We may only be two weeks into the newest NFL season, and the Arizona Cardinals may be just 1-1 on the year, but folks seem to really be buying into the Kyler Murray hype, and NFL Network's Kyle Brandt is leading the charge.
Murray was good against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 despite the Cardinals losing 34-28, but was legitimately great during his team's 41-10 thrashing of the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday. The former Heisman Trophy winner went 17-for-21 through the air against LA for 266 yards and three touchdowns.
Through two weeks, Murray has completed 73.1% of his passes, thrown four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and owns a QB rating of 122.9. Those are big-time numbers for a guy who had plenty of pressure on him to perform entering his first full season since tearing his ACL in 2022.
Brand, a co-host on ‘Good Morning Football,’ appears to be ready to run through a brick wall for Murray. Not only did he award the signal caller his ‘game ball’ during Monday's show, he stood up for Murray and said that jokes about the quarterback's height and his love for video games are officially off-limits moving forward.
"You’re going to have to find a new joke. It’s over guys. You’ve been feasting on this guy for two years, three years."
"The short jokes. The video game jokes. I’m going to go all in here. It has been brought to my attention that there is a new edition of the ‘Call Of Duty’ franchise that comes out this fall. It comes out Oct. 25. …I’m going to say right now that Kyler Murray is going to be brilliant in that game," Brandt said, with the Cardinals playing the Miami Dolphins shortly after the game's release.
Kyler Murray: From Jokes To MVP Contender?
For anyone who may have forgotten, the NFL world went crazy for a few days when the Cardinals put the now-removed "Independent Study" clause in Murray's new contract in which they were essentially forcing the star QB to mandate four hours a week to film study. Some Internet sleuths determined that Murray plays significantly worse on weekends when Call of Duty is running promotions on the game.
Brandt's passionate defense of Murray isn't just a random act of kindness; it reflects a growing sentiment across the league. Analysts and fans alike are starting to take notice of Murray's exceptional play and the Cardinals' potential to be a force in the NFC West.
The Stats Don't Lie
Murray's performance against the Rams was historic. He's the second NFL player ever and first since 1974 to surpass 250 passing yards and 50 rushing yards with a perfect passer rating.
His early-season success isn't a fluke. Murray ranks fourth in passer rating (122.9) and second in adjusted QBR (91.2), the latter of which accounts for his threat on the ground. He's completing 73% of his passes, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt, has thrown for four touchdowns without an interception and has added 116 rushing yards on just 10 carries through two games.
Murray is not just playing well; he's playing at an elite level, challenging the established quarterbacks in the league and making a case for himself as a legitimate MVP contender.
The Call Of Duty Challenge
While Murray's on-field performance is undeniable, the question remains: can he overcome the hurdle that is Call of Duty? If he can maintain his focus and stay healthy, the Cardinals could be a serious contender for a playoff berth.
The upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins on October 27th will be a crucial test for Murray. It will be a chance for him to show that his dominance is not just a temporary burst but a sustainable force. With the new Call of Duty game dropping on the same day, Murray will be facing a major distraction. Can he avoid the siren call of virtual battlefields and lead his team to victory?
It's Not Just The Stats
Brandt's bold pronouncements aren't just based on stats. He's seeing a different Kyler Murray on the field - one who looks focused, confident, and determined.
Murray seems to be playing with a fire in his belly, eager to prove his doubters wrong. He's not letting the distractions get to him, and that's what makes him truly dangerous.
The Cardinals have a long way to go, but with a quarterback playing like Kyler Murray, the sky's the limit. It’s a new season, and a new Kyler Murray is ready to take the league by storm.
It's time to take notice, because the Kyler Murray show is just getting started.
