Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, Colts’ Jonathan Taylor trade blows on Christmas

The Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts traded blows early on in Saturday night’s Christmas Day game at State Farm Stadium, which Arizona lost 22-16.

After allowing the Colts to score the opening points of the game on a one-yard T.Y. Hilton touchdown grab, Cardinals QB Kyler Murray decided to take matters into his own hands — or feet.

With 4:28 to go in the first quarter, Murray took off for a 57-yard run — the longest of his career — before he was brought down at the Indianapolis two-yard line.

KYLER TURNED ON THE BURNERS 🔥 @K1 #RedSea

📺: #INDvsAZ on @NFLNetwork
📱: https://t.co/WOTaxHv8uR pic.twitter.com/IP2lffWsUR

— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021

Murray reached a top speed of 20.78 mph on the run, marking the fastest speed reached by an NFL quarterback this season, per Next Gen Stats.

Two plays later, Arizona running back Chase Edmonds punched it in from two yards out for the Cardinals’ first touchdown of the game.

However, kicker Matt Prater missed the extra point after missing a 51-yard field goal attempt on the opening drive of the contest.

Backup quarterback Colt McCoy is serving as the Cardinals’ holder after punter Andy Lee was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday.

Both the missed kicks have seen the laces either facing Prater or just to the side while the ball was leaning left, which former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely said is worse for a right-footer.

On the Colts first play of the game, running back Jonathan Taylor took off for a 47-yard run that reached a top speed of 20.74 mph.

Jonathan Taylor's 43-yard run: 20.74 mph

Kyler Murray's 57-yard run: 20.78 mph

These guys are FLYING. (via @NextGenStats) pic.twitter.com/DYqGSRPCX1

— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021

Related

Arizona Cardinals' James Conner, Rondale Moore inactive vs. ColtsArizona Cardinals arrive in holiday spirit for Christmas Day game vs. ColtsWhat are the Cardinals position battles to watch this training camp?Cardinals have toughest strength of schedule per PFF, expected to win fewest gamesReport: Jacoby Brissett reports to Cardinals training campCardinals quarterback Carson Beck signs rookie contract as camp begins