Pocket Money

Dec 20, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas

“I don’t have to run the ball in order to win. I can win games from the pocket.” Cardinals’ Pro Bowl QB Kyler Murray.

Most recent case in point:

What is very impressive about Kyler’s performance throwing from the pocket (the majority of times) versus the Eagles was doing it against one of the best pass rushes in the NFL and with such a smooth, fluid, controlled passing motion.

Here is a team stat that doesn’t often get much mention:

http://scores.nbcsports.com/fb/tmleaders.asp?range=NFL&type=Receiving&rank=232

Did you see where the Cardinals rank in dropped passes as a team?

What the video above shows, Kyler throws what are called very “catchable” passes. It’s his combination of smooth spin, touch and accuracy, particularly when he throws the ball, as Kliff Kingsbury says, “on schedule.”

i think it’s commendable and is worth mentioning how Kyler regrouped after a tough stretch following his interception in the 3rd quarter. Kyler tends to get a little more down on himself after making mistakes, and he knew the second he threw the ball that it was going to be picked. Aqib Talb felt like Kyler actually was trying to stop his motion on that pass, knowing that the coverage in the end zone was too strong.

The next couple of possessions, Kyler got over-protective, and when he does, he tends to overthrow the ball. That is a natural reaction.

However, Kliff Kingsbury said that he told Kyler to stay aggressive and try to regain the momentum he had built earlier in the game.

Kyler was able to accomplish that.

This speaks to how Kyler’s is maturing as an NFL QB.

Sometimes one of the hardest things to do, is get back in rhythm when it’s lost for a few possessions. Momentum, as you know, is a tricky and very unpredictable thing.

Credit Kyler and his head coach for getting him back on schedule and in the right mind frame, just in time to lead the team to the 33-26 victory.