Kyler Murray accurate, completes 6 passes in Cardinals preseason debut
Aug 8, 2019, 7:38 PM | Updated: 9:16 pm
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to the start of the NFL pre-season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
It wasn’t an 80-yard touchdown drive and it wasn’t a humongous play but Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looked as advertised in his preseason debut against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Murray completed six of his seven passing attempts for 44 yards in his first drive. His night was over after that, with backup quarterback Brett Hundley taking over the duties under center.
Starting on his own two-yard line thanks to a forced fumble by inside linebacker Jordan Hicks, Murray and the offense began things with a run for David Johnson that gained a yard.
Murray’s first completion was to wide receiver Damiere Byrd for six yards on the next play.
First Completion ✔️ pic.twitter.com/WcGdSAnilo
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 9, 2019
On 3rd-and-3, Murray took his time in a pocket that gave him said time and worked through his progressions to Trent Sherfield for eight yards and a first down.
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Facing 1st-and-20 following a holding call, Murray let a screen pass to Johnson develop before quickly rifling it to his running back for a gain of 14 yards.
Another completion, this time to Byrd for another seven yards, was the second first down of the drive.
In what will be one of the most noteworthy plays of the night made by Murray, the No. 1 overall pick ran a run-pass option, electing to hold the ball away from his running back and pass on a wide receiver screen to Larry Fitzgerald.
Murray showed his elusiveness on his next throw, one that was called back after rookie KeeSean Johnson stepped out of bounds before coming back into the field of play. That was ruled as his lone incompletion.
Kyler Murray looking like he's back at Oklahoma.pic.twitter.com/DXCA5IWTrZ
— Eli Hershkovich (@EliHershkovich) August 9, 2019
On another third down, Murray took a sack and his night was done.
It was not as good of a start for the Cardinals defense against the Chargers and Tyrod Taylor. Hicks’ forced turnover had them avoid points on the first drive but the Chargers scored a touchdown after Arizona’s punt and had 160 yards of total offense through two possessions.
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