The Cardinals’ had high hopes after drafting Kyler Murray first overall in 2019. But two seasons in, Murray and the Cardinals have still not made the postseason. And Kyler Murray is not thrilled about it.
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The Cardinals are unfortunate to be competing in one of, if not the toughest division in the NFL. The team, however, made a ton of big moves in the 2020 offseason hoping to make the playoffs, but still couldn’t cross the line. Arizona started the 2020 season brightly, sitting tied atop the NFC West after winning six of its first nine games. But the Cardinals only won two of their next six contests and missed the playoffs after failing to beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.
Kyler Murray spoke about missing the playoffs
Murray helped lead Oklahoma to a Big 12 Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff in his final year of college. And then won the Heisman trophy. So he’s not used to losing.
“Emotionally, (last season) was definitely frustrating, especially for a guy like me,” Murray said, according to team writer Darren Urban. “I want to win. Not going to the playoffs is weird for me. I know it’s the NFL, and I haven’t been yet, but … I’ve always played past the regular season in every sport. It’s different. I am definitely not looking to get used to that.
“It’s definitely upsetting – lot of anger and (frustration) when you are losing those games you think you should win. At the same time, I’m a self-motivated guy. I take all that as motivation.”
Murray made a big jump in his sophomore season but it wasn’t enough. With star WR DeAndre Hopkins to throw to, the 23-year-old improved his completion percentage by nearly three points, and he threw for 26 touchdowns and 3,971 yards. He also finished second among QBs with 819 rushing yards, trailing only Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
The NFC West will be as competitive as ever in 2021. All 4 teams made upgrades to their teams, but the Cardinals could have made the best ones by acquiring J.J. Watt and AJ Green. The NFC West should be very interesting to see in 2021.
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