NFL analyst Aqib Talib calls Kyler Murray the best QB in the NFC West

Former All-Pro cornerback and FOX Sports NFL analyst Aqib Talib was in the broadcast booth during the Arizona Cardinals 34-33 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

He watched as quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns while making athletic runs and off-balance throws to lead the offense.

On Monday, Talib joined the Rich Eisen Show, and Eisen asked his guest which NFC West quarterback he would take if he needed to win one game. Talib thought it was too close to pick, but eventually said Murray over Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo.

“He can dominate a game by himself almost,” Talib told Eisen. “No one questions his arm talent at all … but his pocket presence and leg talent is just as talented as anybody in the NFL. He can escape and keep his eyes downfield like Russell or he can get out of there and run like Lamar (Jackson). He’s kind of both of them put together.

“He’s the total package, so I’m taking Kyler.”

Talib said that Murray looks more comfortable in the system in Year 3, and that he’s beyond the rank of young quarterback and in the realm of someone like the seven-time Pro Bowler Wilson.

Since the Cardinals defeated the Vikings, Murray has seen a spotlight in the national media. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said on First Take he would rather have Murray than Wilson at this point.

“Kyler Murray, ladies and gentlemen, he’s putting everybody on notice,” Smith said. “I’m looking at this dude just make things happen. He’s got an arm. When you talk about a guy who can move in and out of the pocket, extend plays and create opportunities for this offense, in terms of running with the football, there’s nobody better than him other than Lamar Jackson.”

I’d rather have Kyler Murray right now than Russell Wilson. pic.twitter.com/JD0GaYhXTg

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 20, 2021

On Around the Horn, Pablo Torre said that while Murray’s big plays look chaotic, he is in control.

Murray said postgame on Sunday that the Cardinals work on scramble drill a lot, and his accuracy on the move and facing pressure was impressive on Sunday. He threw two of his three touchdowns while scrambling.

He released the ball while running at over 16 miles per hour on his is 77-yard connection with rookie receiver Rondale Moore, according to Next Gen Stats.

KYLER MURRAY IS ELECTRIC. #AZCardinals

📺: #MINvsAZ on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/MQ2THg6Qau

— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

The third-year Cardinal is now tied for second on FanDuel’s MVP odds list at plus-600.

It’s early, but Murray has turned heads after Arizona’s 2-0 start. To stay in the spotlight, he and the Cardinals will need to keep winning.

Follow @AZSports