Kyler Murray was quickly blamed but was Drew Petzing's play call questionable?
With 10:17 to go in the first quarter, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had seemed to be putting together an ideal scoring drive in the team's preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Running back James Conner had just gained seven yards on an inside zone run play that had Petzing's offense operating in plus territory at the Chiefs' 17-yard line. Yet, Petzing's shift from single-back formation to the pistol made it obvious to Chiefs mastermind defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo that Petzing was considering a pass play.
Petzing could have committed to the ground attack, but his desire to get his quarterback Kyler Murray a passing touchdown overrode his practicality. With only 17 yards of field to cover, the Chiefs' linebackers and defensive backs dropped back into a Cover 3 and were well in position to obstruct any throwing lane Murray was beguiled to believe he had.
Petzing's use of 12 personnel allowed for physicality to be a strength on offense during the eight-play drive. Mix this, and Conner's determination to get yardage in the red zone, and Murray likely wouldn't be spending his birthday month receiving public scorn after another interception. Yet, here we are.
Murray's 21 touchdown passes in 2024 were neighbor to his 11 interceptions. Thus, a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio isn't elite, and it's time to take a deeper look into why Murray is yielding these stats when his talents are undeniable. Sure, Murray may have made a bad read on his interception throw to Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks, but Petzing's play call on 1st and 10 from the 17-yard line should have been to run the football. Respectfully.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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