Despite raves of criticism, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray finished the 2024 NFL season ranked No. 7 in completion percentage, a stat that is imperative when understanding game flow. The flow of the Cardinals‘ offense, however, doesn’t depend solely on Murray’s shoulders, but is a product of sequenced playcalling, situational schemes, and a deep understanding of the team’s personnel — things that are the responsibility of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and head coach Jonathan Gannon share a laugh during training camp July 27, 2025.
Eight of Murray’s 11 total interceptions in 2024 last season came after week 11. Moreover, of Murray’s 541 total passing attempts, 261 of them came within the final seven games of the season. Perhaps Petzing’s unwillingness to commit to a balanced offensive attack robbed Murray of his statistical splendor. Or worse, maybe the Cardinals had become too predictable and one-dimensional in the latter half of the season, and this led to the increased turnovers.
Petzing wants to push the envelope with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and other talented weapons on the outside, but game statistics show that Murray performs best when he is playing in a balanced attack. Play-action passes and a commitment to the ground game can help Murray settle into the offensive attack, and help him avoid being rattled by sacks, or a nerve-wracking pass rush which oftentimes led to holding penalties last season.
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The Cardinals were flagged for 27 offensive holding penalties in 2024 and were sacked 41 times. The undeniable correlation between sacks allowed and pass attempts are indicative and Petzing should consider lessening the pass plays in the offense to counter these dynamics.
Ultimately, Petzing and Murray are both equally responsible for the offensive success of the team. However, Murray does not have autonomy over the playcalling, and Petzing must be willing to make appropriate modifications when intuition calls him to do so. Petzing will get to test the waters in Week 1 versus the New Orleans Saints.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Kyler Murray will make magic if OC Drew Petzing is willing to modify