QB Murray dons headset, calls plays for Cards


He might not have been in uniform Friday night but Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was still able to put to use what he did in practice in the weeks leading up to the first preseason game of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Murray helped call offensive plays during the fourth quarter of the Cardinals’ 36-23 win over the Bengals alongside co-pass-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Cam Turner. Murray was on a headset relaying plays to quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who played the entire second half.

Murray was in charge for two actual series and then the two kneel-down plays to close the game, which coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game weren’t Murray’s preferred choice of plays. Arizona went three-and-out on both of Murray’s series — the “last thing I anticipated,” Kingsbury said — running three pass plays and two run plays.

EDITOR’S PICKS

NFL preseason Week 1 takeaways: QB Deshaun Watson returns to game action, QB Zach Wilson limps off
9hESPN NFL Nation reporters
Guarantano was sacked on a play, as well. The Cardinals gained 15 yards in total on those plays.

“He called a couple of really nice plays,” Kingsbury said. “It just didn’t work out. Had some guys open. He does a good job with it. I’ve been impressed.”

Kingsbury didn’t give Murray any parameters Friday night. However, Murray wanted to throw the ball when Arizona got it back with 1:14 left in the game, but Kingsbury put the kibosh on that.

“That wasn’t going to happen,” Kingsbury panned.

Kingsbury took his headset off during the fourth quarter, not wanting to add any more pressure to Murray. Delegating a responsibility such as playcalling was a bit of a relief for Kingsbury.

“I liked it,” he said. “I think that administrative head coach role kind of fits me. I may just figure that out one of these days. I’d be able to sleep in a lot longer.

“Yeah, it’s fun just to be able to watch the overall macro perspective and take it all in and not always be so consumed with playcalls and things of that nature.”

Murray, who hasn’t practiced since Aug. 5 because of a sore wrist and then COVID-19, has called plays during practice. He started calling them through a handheld mic and graduated to the headset. Kingsbury didn’t want to commit to Murray calling more plays throughout the offseason, saying, “we’ll see,” but he wants to keep the quarterback involved in some way.

Earlier in the game, Murray found a different way to be involved. He was seen by cameras handing out water to teammates on the sideline. Whatever the role Friday night, Murray was embracing it.

“He’s done a nice job,” Kingsbury said. “He likes doing it, gets excited when good things happen and he’s a tough coach when bad things happen.”

ESPN’s Ben Baby contributed to this story.

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.

Giancarlo Esposito Can’t Keep Overcrowded, Rushed Parish on the Road | TV/Streaming
Femme Review | An Edge-of-Your-Seat Queering of the Neo-Noir Crime Thriller
Jerry Bruckheimer Still Wants Nicolas Cage for National Treasure 3
Enter Regina Taylor’s Black Album Mixtape Contest | Chaz’s Journal
Little kids go viral with cover of Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Wish’
Watch Militarie Gun’s “incredibly hard” cover of ‘Song 2’ by Blur
Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse have first child together
Gossip’s Beth Ditto had never heard Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’ until Jessie Ware sang it to her
The Jinx, Which Transformed the True Crime Landscape, Returns with More Robert Durst
Marvel Zombies Confirmed for a TV-MA Rating, According to Marvel Head of Animation
Grey’s Anatomy Round Table: Are They Running Out of Things to Do With Amelia Shepherd?
Neil Patrick Harris’ Uncoupled Series Axed by Showtime Before Season 2
Report: Cowboys haven’t made Dak extension offers
The Money Game: How Much Can College Athletes Earn with NIL
Understanding the NIL Process: A Comprehensive Guide from Industry-Leading Lawyers
How Online Gaming Platforms Ensure Your Safety
Marvel’s Blade Delayed Amid Writers Strike
Joe Exotic Rocking Longer Mullet in New Mug Shot
New Video & Photos Show More of Raid on Diddy’s Miami Home, Airport Run-In
Alex Ferreira Talks Fatherhood and New Music
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses Editor Review
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson Welcome Their First Baby!
Best JW Pei Bags on Amazon
Kaia Gerber ‘Hearts’ New York City for DKNY’s Newest Line