San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
TRACKING MURRAY BIG UNDERTAKING
Rams face different challenge this week in mobile Cards QB
He was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and the offensive rookie of the year.
In his second season, he was voted to the Pro Bowl.
Now, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has complete control of an offense for an unbeaten team tied for the league lead in scoring.
Rams coach Sean Mcvay witnessed the growth in Murray, who has led his team to a 3-0 start heading into today’s game against the Rams at Sofi Stadium.
“He’s doing a great job distributing the ball evenly,” Mcvay said, adding, “It’s not like he hasn’t been a dynamic playmaker since he got into the league ... He’s a problem.”
After defeating future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, the Rams are preparing for a change of pace. They face the mobile Murray in the NFC West opener, and will play against elusive Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks four days later on “Thursday Night Football.”
Murray, 24, has completed 76.5 percent of his passes for 1,005 yards, including seven touchdowns, with four interceptions. He also has rushed for three touchdowns.
“He’s, respectfully, in his own MVP race right now,” Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said.
Murray is in his third season running coach Kliff Kingsbury’s system. His mastery of the system was evident in victories over the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars.
“He really has a good understanding of our offense now — where his checkdowns are, where his outlets are, how to get out of trouble,” Kingsbury said. “And he’s taking advantage of it.”
All-pro receiver Deandre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, Rondale Moore, A.J. Green and running back Chase Edmonds are reaping the benefit of Murray’s maturation.
“Covering those guys for, you know, six seconds is already tough enough,” Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey said. “So, if he extends a play to a couple more seconds, then you can just imagine how much tougher that makes it on the defense.”
Said Rams lineman Aaron Donald: “He is similar to how Russell Wilson plays. He can run 20 yards back and throw a deep ball and hurt you.”
The Rams defense could have a slightly different look. Outside linebacker Justin Hollins is out because of a chest muscle injury suffered last week.
Second-year pro Terrell Lewis, Obo Okoronkwo, who was activated Saturday from injured reserve, and rookie Ernest Jones could be part of a rotation opposite Leonard Floyd.
Their mission: control Murray.
In last Sunday’s 31-19 win at Jacksonville, Murray completed 28 of 34 for 316 yards, with an interception. He also rushed for a score.
“We love this kid and how he moves and how he plays,” Morris said of Murray. “It’s a great challenge for us to get (him) on the ground.”