PFF: Cardinals’ Kyler Murray ranks 20th among quarterbacks

According to Pro Football Focus’ Week 3 quarterback rankings, Arizona Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray checks in at No. 20 on the list following the team’s 38-20 loss at home to the Carolina Panthers.

The rankings were based on PFF’s play-by-play grading through three weeks.

During Sunday’s game against Carolina, Murray went 30-of-43 for 173 yards. He threw for two touchdowns along with two interceptions, both taken away by Panthers CB Donte Jackson.

Through three games this season, Murray is 84-of-137 for 830 yards.

PFF noted Murray has flashed his ability through the first three games, but it’s been in short passes. They also said:

Perhaps more concerning is Murray’s work in the pocket, where he’s been charged with seven sacks, three more than any other quarterback in the league. He must do a better job of maneuvering the pocket, and a more aggressive approach will do him well as the Cardinals should tap into the downfield accuracy that he showed at Oklahoma.

This season, Murray’s been sacked 16 times, including eight in Sunday’s loss. With less support up front in the Air Raid offense, Murray is left to think quickly or flee. The only quarterback to be taken down more is Tennessee Titans’ Marcus Mariota (17).

In a PFF ranking of the the top offensive lines, the Cardinals ranked 30th. PFF said the only silver lining to the Cardinals was that guard Justin Pugh looks like the player he was in New York before his injuries. They also noted that guard J.R. Sweezy was the highest-graded offensive lineman for Arizona, clocking in with a 64.1.

Elsewhere on the ranking, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady checked in at the No. 1 spot. Through the first few weeks, he’s avoided “turnover-worthy plays” and has good decision making when he throws to all parts of the field.

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, who the Cardinals will have a chance to see this weekend, ranked fourth on the list. PFF called Wilson’s start “fantastic” as he’s avoided the “randomly poor decision-making that has littered his tape through the years.”

Elsewhere in the NFC West, San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo checked in at No. 10 and Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff ranked No. 17.

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