When Kyler Murray, quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, escapes pressure and gains yards on a scramble, it is often seen as just another part of his playing style. However, when he watches an opposing quarterback do the same against the Cardinals’ defense, he admits to feeling uneasy.
“The same as everyone else,” Murray said. “It’s like, ‘Damn.'”
“You never want to see a quarterback get out in the open and be free,” Murray added. “It’s inevitable in certain situations. It’s going to happen (with) four quarters in a game. It’s hard to contain some of the guys in the league. But you never want to see it. I probably feel the same as (fans) when you’re watching on TV.”
The issue of quarterbacks gaining yards on broken plays was notable during Arizona’s season-opening win over the New Orleans Saints and is expected to remain relevant with the Carolina Panthers and their quarterback Bryce Young visiting next.
In last season’s overtime game between Arizona and Carolina, Young managed five scrambles for an average of 13.6 yards per carry, including significant runs of 23 and 34 yards.
“I was the reason for one of them, too,” said defensive lineman Darius Robinson about last year’s difficulties containing Young.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis have emphasized improving containment after Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler broke loose several times in their recent matchup, totaling four rushes for 29 yards.
Dealing with mobile quarterbacks is familiar territory for players like Robinson, who recalled facing Jayden Daniels at LSU in college: “Rushing four, there’s a lot of gaps,” Robinson said. “You have to keep your leverage and keep your eyes up. We didn’t do that enough (in New Orleans.)”
Rookie outside linebacker Jordan Burch noted frustration with Rattler’s success despite preparations: “I think everyone is a little bit mad.”
Gannon observed that scrambling quarterbacks are more common now than in previous eras dominated by pocket passers: “It does seem like it’s a little more prevalent now than back in the day (of) pure pocket passers, but it does make it hard to defend,” Gannon said. “You have to have different tools, and we’ve got to be very aware of how he moves, and you’ve got to have vision on them.”
There are risks involved with scrambling; Murray himself was sacked by Saints cornerback Alonte Taylor while trying to escape pressure late in their most recent game.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing pointed out both sides of Murray’s mobility: “Off the top of my head I think Buffalo game, (Kyler) spun out, touchdown,” Petzing said. “Miami game, spun out, touchdown. That list is long. Sometimes he spins out and it’s an incompletion, or an explosive run. You have to live with that. It’s something he does at such an elite level you never want to take that away from his game.”
Murray also had a productive rushing performance against Carolina last season with 63 yards on eight carries—mostly scrambles—and used his legs effectively again last week.
“After rushing him in training camp, seeing him against other people is awesome,” Robinson said.
“And,” he added, “it helps my team.”
