Kyler Murray is Repaying Jonathan Gannon’s Belief in Him

A camera was rolling the first time Jonathan Gannon met Kyler Murray, and the excitement was palpable.

The new Cardinals coach dashed toward the training room at the team’s practice complex in mid-February of 2023, dapped up Murray and said the main reason he wanted the job was the presence of the franchise quarterback.

But that was for public consumption, and no head coach in his right mind would make the initial interaction with this starting quarterback look dull.

What was it really like behind-the-scenes during those early days? 

The exact same, according to multiple sources close to the situation.

The non-stop praise Gannon has showered on Murray during their 16 months together has always been duplicated privately, as the first-time head coach has held a steadfast belief in Murray’s ability to be the high-end quarterback we’ve seen through two weeks in 2024.

When Gannon was hired, Murray was still recovering from a torn ACL, was just out of a toxic relationship with the old regime, and Caleb Williams rumors swirled because Arizona was the favorite to finish with the league’s worst record.

But Gannon had his guy at quarterback, and while Murray’s confidence in himself never waned, it was refreshing to have someone so convicted leading the charge.

“Kyler just wanted someone to believe in him,” a source said.

That unwavering belief is now being repaid.

Murray had a game for the ages on Sunday, finishing with a perfect passer rating and 11.8 yards per carry on five rush attempts, and will aim for more in Week 3 against the Lions.

The Kyler Murray film is the greatest film I’ve ever watched in the first 27 plays of a game

I really can’t believe my eyes.

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 18, 2024

After two down seasons in the desert, there is noticeable energy heading into this one, as Arizona is only a three-point underdog against a team many expect to compete for a Super Bowl berth.

Much of the hype is because of Murray, who is second in the NFL in Total QBR behind only New Orleans’ Derek Carr.

“He’s a premium player for a reason,” Gannon said. “You take him against anybody. That’s how I feel.”

When everyone on the outside was talking about tanking last year, Gannon thought an OK start and the return of Murray could give his team a shot at a playoff berth.

The Cardinals fell short of that, starting 1-8 without Murray and finishing 4-13 overall, but the product was better than outsiders expected.

And once Murray returned to full health this season, it was all systems go.

The relationship has always been great, beginning with Gannon’s initial enthusiasm, and then buoyed when the Arizona brass attended Murray’s Heisman Trophy statue reveal at the University of Oklahoma last offseason.

On the field, Murray has always liked being coached hard, and that’s what Gannon gives him.

He loves to talk ball, which is where Murray found immediate chemistry with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. 

“I like the connection we’ve had,” Murray said. “Being able to relate to each other, the way he communicates everything. Attention to detail. He understands the position, he understands what we go through, and he sees it like I see it.”

I've reported this in the past and I'll reiterate it today: Kyler Murray and the Cardinals' new decision-makers have jelled really well.

Both sides envision a bright future together.

— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 6, 2023

Petzing isn’t as flashy as Kliff Kingsbury, nor does he have the same name recognition, but Murray gravitated quickly to his scheme.

The Cardinals pound the ball now and use the same formations to take play-action shots.

Wide receiver screens are virtually dead, replaced by a giant dose of James Conner in heavy personnel and pass plays that utilize Murray’s strengths.

Murray is not asked to be a superhero as often, and while he certainly showcased those plays against the Rams, the offense allows him to stay in-rhythm much of the time.

“At the end of the day, that’s what it comes down to,” Murray said. “It’s not trying to do too much or be Superman or play outside the body. Just execute what Drew calls.”

Murray is the only quarterback in the NFL with four touchdown passes and zero interceptions this season, and his MVP odds are ascending.

The 2022 season was erratic for everyone on the Arizona sidelines, but one promising showing came against the Eagles, who went on to play in the Super Bowl that year.

The Cardinals lost because a last-second field goal went wide, but Murray had some head-turning plays against a stacked defense.

Gannon was on the other sideline that afternoon, the defensive coordinator tasked with slowing him.

When the Arizona job came open that January, Gannon loved the idea of teaming up with Murray.

Now they stand arm-in-arm, an upset victory of the Lions away from becoming the toast of the NFL.