Cardinals’ Kyler Murray named NFC Offensive Player of Week for Week 2
Sep 22, 2021, 6:36 AM | Updated: 6:43 am
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
After getting beat out for the NFC Offensive Player of the Week seven days ago, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was named winner of the award for his play in the team’s 34-33 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The award marks Murray’s fifth such honor in his career, tying former Cardinals QB Kurt Warner for the most in team history.
In Arizona’s down-to-the-wire win over Minnesota, Murray completed 80% (29-of-36) of his throws for 400 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He added another 31 yards and a score on five carries.
“I think the game has really slowed down for him,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game Sunday. “You see him doing stuff that he did at the collegiate level.
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“He’s very confident in his legs and moving around, and making throws, and extending plays. It’s Year 3 and hopefully we can keep it going.”
Quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams got the Week 1 edge for the NFC Offensive Player of the Week despite Murray throwing for four touchdowns with another rushing against the Tennessee Titans.
Murray has now scored at least three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in each of the first two games to start the season, an NFL first.
He is the second Cardinal in the past two weeks to take home a weekly honor.
In the team’s 38-13 win over the Titans in Week 1, linebacker Chandler Jones earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his five-sack outing.
Week 2 NFL Players of the Week
AFC
Offense: RB Derrick Henry, TEN
Defense: LB Odafe Oweh, BAL
ST: K Daniel Carlson, LV
NFC
Offense: QB Kyler Murray, AZ
Defense: S Mike Edwards, TB
ST: P Mitch Wishnowsky, SF
