I Don’t Think We Understand What The Arizona Cardinals Are Doing: A New Vision for the Future With Kyler Murray

The Arizona Cardinals have long been one of the more enigmatic teams in the NFL, with moments of brilliance followed by periods of frustration. However, as the team embarks on a new chapter with head coach Jonathan Gannon at the helm, there’s a feeling that the Cardinals are doing something the league doesn’t fully grasp yet. From their decision to move on from Kyler Murray’s former head coach to the direction they seem to be taking with their franchise quarterback, Arizona is making moves that have many wondering what their long-term strategy is.

While the team’s rebuilding phase is evident, the question remains: Do the Cardinals have a clear plan for the future? Or are they simply trying to weather the storm and rebuild with a clean slate? The reality might be somewhere in between. The focus now is on Kyler Murray and how he fits into the bigger picture, and whether Arizona’s moves will pay off down the road.

Kyler Murray: The Centerpiece of the Cardinals’ Future

At the heart of this uncertainty lies Kyler Murray. After a promising start to his NFL career, Murray faced growing criticism, particularly around his leadership and ability to win in the postseason. The Cardinals’ offense under Murray had its highs and lows, but there was an undeniable talent at quarterback. In 2022, Murray’s season was cut short by an ACL injury, and since then, the Cardinals have been in a state of flux.

The decision to give Murray a massive contract extension had some questioning whether Arizona had fully committed to him as the future of the franchise. However, the team’s decision to part ways with Kliff Kingsbury—Murray’s former head coach—seemed to suggest that Arizona wanted to start fresh, with a new leadership team that could develop the roster in a way that fit better with Murray’s skill set.

Now, with Jonathan Gannon taking over as head coach, the question is: How does Murray fit into the team’s vision moving forward? The Cardinals have made it clear that they aren’t just building around Murray’s talents but rather shaping their offense in a way that will set the stage for future success. That could involve building up the offensive line, adding more weapons to the receiving corps, and giving Murray the support he needs to thrive in a new system. But will that system be one that maximizes his potential, or is there a more significant shift underway?

A New Identity Under Jonathan Gannon

Gannon’s appointment as head coach marks a turning point for the Cardinals. Coming from a defensive coordinator role with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gannon’s focus has been on creating a balanced team that can compete on both sides of the ball. The question now is how his defensive philosophy will translate into his management of Arizona’s offense, especially with a quarterback like Murray at the helm.

In some ways, Gannon’s approach could be beneficial for Murray’s development. Gannon’s background in defense means he understands the importance of complementary football. If the Cardinals can improve their defense and special teams while allowing Murray to play in a more stable offensive environment, Arizona could find itself in a much better position down the line. Rather than relying on Murray to carry the team single-handedly, Gannon may opt for a more collaborative approach, allowing Murray to shine while the defense keeps opposing offenses in check.

There’s also the consideration of how Gannon’s philosophy might impact the team’s offensive play calling. In Philadelphia, Gannon’s teams were known for a balanced attack that didn’t lean too heavily on any one area. If the Cardinals follow suit, they may focus more on developing a running game and using a more controlled passing attack to keep opposing defenses on their toes. If Murray can thrive in a more balanced offensive system, he might be able to fulfill his potential and become the cornerstone the Cardinals need for sustained success.

Roster Moves and Future Draft Strategy

Beyond the coaching change, the Cardinals have also made a series of moves to shape their roster. The most significant of these moves was trading away key veterans, signaling a clear shift toward rebuilding the team from the ground up. The Cardinals have put a premium on drafting young talent, with their sights set on adding high-impact players who can grow alongside Kyler Murray.

The most notable move for the Cardinals this season has been the trade of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins had long been a security blanket for Murray, and parting ways with the veteran receiver shows that Arizona is not only rebuilding but also giving Murray a new group of playmakers to work with. This move could help Murray develop his chemistry with a new crop of younger, hungrier players who could fit better into the team’s long-term vision.

Along with roster moves, the Cardinals have also been stacking up draft capital, setting themselves up for a future where they can build an even more competitive roster. With an eye on the future, the Cardinals are clearly in rebuild mode, and many believe that their plan hinges on selecting the right players in the upcoming draft.

But perhaps the most intriguing part of Arizona’s strategy is the direction they choose to take at the quarterback position. If Murray continues to show growth and resilience, Arizona may choose to stick with him as their long-term quarterback. However, if the team believes that another quarterback could be better suited to lead them into the future, they could opt to trade Murray and pivot to a new leader. That’s the risk of building a team around a quarterback who has yet to fully meet expectations, but also has the tools to become a franchise player.

The Road Ahead for the Arizona Cardinals

It’s clear that the Arizona Cardinals are undergoing significant changes, and while their long-term strategy isn’t entirely clear yet, there are several factors that could help determine whether this rebuild works. First and foremost, Kyler Murray’s development will be central to the team’s success. If Murray can stay healthy and adapt to a more structured system under Gannon, the Cardinals may be able to find the consistency they’ve lacked in recent years.

Equally important will be the team’s ability to draft and develop talent. The future of the team is reliant on the success of their draft picks and how they fill out the roster around Murray. The decisions made in the coming seasons—especially when it comes to who surrounds Murray at key positions—will play a pivotal role in determining whether this rebuild is successful.

Ultimately, Arizona’s ability to blend offense and defense into a cohesive unit, while developing Murray into the player they envision, will determine whether their rebuilding phase leads to sustained success or further frustration. For now, it remains to be seen whether the Cardinals’ plan will pay off, but one thing is for sure: The NFL might not fully understand what the Arizona Cardinals are doing, but if it works, the league will take notice sooner than later.