The Arizona Cardinals have struggled to consistently play well week in and week out.
Their 2-2 record reflects that and now they are headed into their toughest test of the season in Week 5.
On Sunday, the Cardinals host the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
Plenty of pressure will be on Kyler Murray to play well in this game.
After signing that mega-contract in the offseason, Murray now needs to step up his play and win some big games.
The two wins the Cardinals have this season are against the Raiders and Panthers.
Both of those teams are 1-3.
Okay, so Murray is good enough to beat the bad teams.
But, how will he respond against the undefeated Eagles?
Philadelphia has a great pass rush, so Murray better be ready to use his legs plenty in this game.
He will need a big rushing game, something he has not done much of this season.
With his season-high being only 29 rushing yards, that is too low for a dual-threat QB like Murray.
Also, Murray will have to take advantage of the limited amount of man coverage the Eagles play.
Philly is currently playing man-to-man coverage 26.5% of the time this season.
While Murray has the number one accuracy rating vs man this season.
A dime from Kyler! 🎯 @K1
📺: #AZvsCAR on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/9lU7qSdJtG pic.twitter.com/oBAMuvOh4K— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
It has been difficult at times for the Cardinals to have success on offense this season.
But, they need Murray to be more productive.
In four games, he only has five touchdown passes.
Missing DeAndre Hopkins to suspension could play a factor in the lack of touchdowns through the air.
But, that is no excuse for one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
Arizona is currently averaging only 22.0 points per game.
That lack of scoring is putting a lot of pressure on a defense that is already allowing 25.8 points per game.
The Cardinals should feel lucky they have two wins with how poorly they have played most weeks.
Facing the Eagles in Week 5 is a prove-it game for the former first-overall pick.
He needs to play well and give the Cardinals a chance to pull off the upset.
Bumpy-Ride In Arizona
Not only is Murray under pressure this year, but so is Cardinals head coach, Kliff Kingsbury.
Arizona has seemingly been going downhill ever since they started last season 7-0.
They got dominated in their playoff game against the Rams and have yet to recover this season for whatever reason.
But, with the quarterback now under contract long-term we know he is not going anywhere.
Making Kingsbury the first man out the door if things do not turn around this season.
The relationship between Murray and Kingsbury is unknown, but they did not seem to be on the same page last week in Carolina.
Kyler Murray showing some frustration on the field. pic.twitter.com/AAgj0Eooa6
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 2, 2022
Every year you see this happen with plenty of quarterbacks.
But, on the Cardinals, it will be magnified if they are not winning games.
Playing in the NFC West will make things very difficult for the Cardinals this year.
Each team in the division is tied at 2-2 through four weeks.
The remainder of the 2022 season will be huge for the long-term outlook of the franchise.
Murray must prove he can beat good teams, and he will get a chance to do so in Week 5.
NEXT: Former NFL Player Unloads On Kyler Murray