PHX Reporter

The play has been seen multiple times from multiple angles: Kyler Murray's now-you-see-him-now-you-don't scramble against the Rams that, by the time it was over, ended up in the arms of sliding tight end Elijah Higgins for an improbable 18-yard touchdown.

In the moment, it was football artistry to everyone who saw it. Higgins didn't really see it, though.

"I honestly didn't realize how big of a play it was when it happened because I am out there running, but when I watched the video and saw him do what he does, I felt bad about celebrating," he said. "I didn't do much. I just caught the ball."

"If I knew what he did, I would've run to him."

Murray has had such plays before. It's what he's best known for. But this is different; this version of Kyler. His legs can still kill an opponent, but it's no longer under the idea that the offense can only function if Murray is a superhero.

Even if it looks that way sometimes.

"Those plays weren't forced at all. They just happen, and that's just how it should be," Murray said. "I'm not looking for those things to happen. I'm just trying to play good quarterback."

Two games is a small sample size, but thus far Murray is second in the NFL in time to throw with 3.15 seconds (Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts is first at 3.24). A large part of that goes to an offensive line that has been solid even with the injury to right tackle Jonah Williams. But yes, Murray matters.

Of Murray's 10 rushing attempts, one was a half-ending kneel-down and two were designed runs for a total of 21 yards. The other seven were scrambles off pass plays, gaining 96 yards (and one crucial late hit penalty flag in Buffalo).

On pass plays where Murray has scrambled out of the pocket (not a designed rollout) and still thrown the ball, he is 5-for-6 for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

"It's almost like fastbreak basketball," offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said. "There is a philosophy and a system, but at the end of the day you're playing and feeling space and going out there and making the play."

The Cardinals have an excellent running game with James Conner which provides natural cover for not always needing Murray magic. The introduction of Petzing's offense – and the development of weapons like tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.– has synced well with Murray's work.

But in the NFL even the best offenses can get sideways at times; that's when having Murray hits hardest.

"It goes back to making things happen," Murray said. "You have to make plays to win the game. It's the NFL; things are going to be off-schedule and you've got to go out and be able to do that."

Murray has collected praise from across the NFL universe this week after his perfect passer rating day against Rams but none more so than within his own locker room – "What can't Kyler do?" Harrison asked rhetorically – as his teammates understand what their QB means to them.

"The play is always alive," Conner said."I got all nicknames for him: Houdini Superman all that."

Petzing emphasized there are still times when Murray doesn't always make right decision.He isn't perfect.No player is.But Murray has yet throw interception (or even make pass that was interception-worthy)and in this offense errors not only should rare there chance for play like one Higgins

"They couldn't do nothing with him," Conner said with smile."You see him turn away before pass was even completed? So yeah he was just in his bag"

"There's more come He's just getting started"

pic.twitter.com/3Fn6TiU5Ky

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 16 2024