In some ways, Kyler Murray has been a godsend for the Arizona Cardinals.
Before he arrived, they were a three-win team with Mike Glennon and Josh Rosen at quarterback.
But since the former Oklahoma standout took over, the Cardinals improved to 5-10-1 and 8-8.
Last season, the team entered the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.
That achievement earned him his second Pro Bowl nod, two seasons after he won Offensive Rookie of the Year.
While he is an integral part of the Cardinals’ transformation, the grim reality is that he falters during the most important games.
NFL on CBS summarized that claim by posting his numbers early in the season compared to the homestretch wherein postseason berths are often decided.
Kyler Murray career
Aug-Oct Nov-Jan*
24 Starts 23
15-8-1 Record 7-16
51 Pass+Rush TD 39
264.7 Pass Yds/Gm 228.9
97.2 QB Rating 88.1*inc. postseason pic.twitter.com/A3R38Elrny
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 28, 2022
The tweet reveals that Murray had an almost equal number of starts from August to October and November to January.
Unfortunately, the tale of the tape reveals the two sides of Murray’s game.
He plays great at the beginning of the season and is often regarded as an early candidate for Most Valuable Player.
In 24 starts, he led the Cardinals to a 15-8-1 record and scored 51 total touchdowns.
Murray also averages 264.7 passing yards per game during the early months.
The Downfall Starts Late In The Season
Sadly, Murray can’t maintain that level of production, especially when the playoffs come near.
His record drops to 7-16 while generating only 39 total touchdowns.
His passing yards per game also drop to 228.9.
November to January is around the time when most players get injured due to the in-season grind.
That said, Murray does not perform well when some of his top targets are not playing.
He performs well when all the pieces around him are in place.
It’s the harsh reality the Cardinals must face once they engage with Murray during contract negotiations.
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