Cardinals’ Kyler Murray finds success through the air, sets record vs. Falcons
Oct 13, 2019, 2:30 PM | Updated: 2:49 pm
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Entering play on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals knew they needed to move the chains if they wanted to have any chance at knocking off the offensive-minded Atlanta Falcons.
At least for a half, rookie quarterback Kyler Murray did just that, efficiently finding the open man downfield and giving the team a 20-10 lead after two quarters of play.
While the running game has contributed some in the first half, it’s been the aerial assault that’s impressed early on.
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Completing 16 of his 19 throws for 240 yards and a touchdown, Murray looked like the seasoned signal caller he was up against.
He also made some history, setting an NFL record for completions in a player’s first six career games with 138.
Following an opening-drive touchdown from the Falcons, Murray and the Cardinals went to work dissecting the opposing defense.
Completing his first four of his five throws, including a 38-yard completion to Trent Sherfield, Murray effortlessly drove Arizona down the field.
Unfortunately for the home team, the drive stalled, but still ended in a 39-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez.
Murray wouldn’t be denied the end zone in the next possession, however.
Using the same type of gameplan as the first drive, Murray continued to find his receivers in the open, connecting with Damiere Byrd and Larry Fitzgerald for 58 yards and 18 yards, respectively.
Murray capped off the drive soon after with a two-yard TD throw to Chase Edmonds.
The running game, although slow to start, has also impacted the game with a limited amount of touches.
While the team is totaling 33 yards on 12 attempts, David Johnson was able to rumble his way into the end zone.
Following consecutive 30-yard completions from Murray to both Johnson and Edmonds, the running back finished off the four-play, 79-yard drive with the one-yard TD run.
The touchdown also marked the RB’s 33rd rushing score in just 55 career games. Only two other rushers in franchise history, Otis Anderson and Wayne Morris, have more in their career.
That is also David Johnson’s 33rd career rushing TD (he’s played in just 55 career games). In franchise history just 2 have more in their career (Ottis Anderson & Wayne Morris). #ATLvsAZ pic.twitter.com/AnvvsLOUqS
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) October 13, 2019
With the score and a late field goal, the Cardinals finished the half 3-for-3 in the red zone, a problem that has plagued the offense this season.
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