K1 Podcast: Look at the sack numbers to judge Kyler Murray’s success

Kyler Murray leads the Arizona Cardinals to wins when he doesn’t get sacked.

That, according to K1 Podcast host Rudy Carpenter, is a correlation to make when judging how the rookie quarterback played. And since Murray was sacked zero times Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, it was a good day for Arizona.

The Cardinals topped Murray’s pal, Baker Mayfield, and the Browns by a 38-24 score at State Farm Stadium.

Murray went 19 of 25 for 219 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while adding 56 rushing yards.

Murray got some help from a number of characters.

The offensive line helped running back Kenyan Drake rush for 137 yards and four scores, Damiere Byrd led the team in receptions (six) and receiving yards (86), while tight end Dan Arnold made a tough touchdown catch during his Arizona debut.

So in the Week 15 episode of the K1 Podcast, Carpenter and co-host Kevin Zimmerman discuss Murray’s outing and the concerning storylines that continue to develop around a few of the Cardinals’ veteran players.

1:27 — Rudy isn’t overly concerned about Murray’s interception in the first half.

2:29 — The threat of Murray’s legs played a big role in the run game getting going alongside Drake.

6:37 — How did the running game open up the playbook for Kingsbury?

8:15 — Arizona’s red zone offense succeeded against former Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks. What was working?

11:33 — The running back situation produced. But what is to make of Drake’s upcoming free agency and the lack of touches for David Johnson and Chase Edmonds?

13:50 — Patrick Peterson looked good against Odell Beckham Jr. and said his legs are coming back, but Rudy still sees a problem.

18:13 — The top of the NFC playoff race is a mess. Arizona heads to Seattle to face a team focused on its playoff positioning. But the Seahawks are banged up.

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