PHX Reporter

As Kyler Murray progresses through his first full season after a knee injury, discussions are emerging about his potential recognition as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and possibly even MVP. Jonathan Gannon, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, has been particularly impressed by Murray's ability to avoid turnovers.

"That he doesn't throw it to the other team," Gannon remarked when asked about Murray's most significant impact ten games into the season.

Murray has thrown only three interceptions and lost three fumbles this season. The Cardinals have also committed a league-low 49 penalties, contributing to their competitive edge.

"Taking care of the football is something that's kind of a non-negotiable," Murray stated. "It's something you have to do when you play this position. You want to play it at a high level. (If) you want to be who you want to be in this league and go where you want to go, you have to take care of the football. I understand that if I'm giving the ball away I'm putting my team at a disadvantage."

Murray's interception record includes one poor decision against the Lions during Week 3 while attempting a deep pass. The other two interceptions resulted from a tipped pass against the Chargers and an impressive defensive play by Nick Bosa in San Francisco.

Even with fumbles, circumstances were unique—one occurred on a strip-sack against Buffalo, while two others involved handoff issues with rookie Trey Benson.

"He knows that the ball is a winning stat and there's times that he probably wants to try to thread it a little bit but understands when to pick and choose his spots," Gannon said. "I think he's done a phenomenal job with that and there are a lot of times throughout the game where you could say we like to put it in the quarterback's hands, and you trust him to make the right decision for that point in the game, 'This is something you can't do.'"

Murray has attempted 276 passes with only three interceptions. Only Justin Herbert of the Chargers (277 passes, one interception), Jayden Daniels of the Commanders (294 passes, three interceptions), and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens (321 passes, three interceptions) boast better ratios.

"I think in playing the position I've always tried to pride myself on taking care of the ball," Murray commented. "I think (it's just) not playing scared or anything like that, just being smart with the football and understanding where your outlets are whenever those situations come up. Maybe scrambling, whatever it is and just being careful with the ball."

Caitlyn Epes/Arizona Cardinals