Home

NFL

Kyler Murray Accused of Tanking Arizona Cardinals’ Playoff Run: “He Refused to Run.”

Published 03/01/2022, 3:00 PM EST

Follow Us

Kyler Murray has been making headlines ever since he scrubbed his Instagram account. Social media is buzzing with different takes on the issue of his situation with the Cardinals. Even broadcasting shows added the matter to their long list of things to talk about.

Colin Cowherd, the veteran broadcaster, is known for his wildly in-depth takes. He goes on and on endlessly about a subject, using vivid analogies and meticulous metaphors. On Murray’s contract issue as well, Colin had a descriptive take for his audience.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Colin first admits that he is on Kyler’s side. He might not like what the Heisman Trophy winner is doing but that does not mean that he has anything against his game.

“I’m a Kyler Guy,” Cowherd said.

He further adds, “But I gotta tell you I have sacked four agents in my life.” Cowherd says that Kyler’s agent has taken “a big misstep.” Here’s the statement Cowherd is talking about:

And Kyler does deserve a big contract as per the FS1 Radio host. But the statement that his agent put out is direct and lengthy. And to drive that larger point, the former-ESPN broadcaster said something interesting.

Deion Sanders Draws Comparisons Between His Retirement and Tom Brady Retirement From The NFL

After the playoff Wild Card game, Cowherd “theorized” that there could be only one reason behind Kyler Murray not using his feet sufficiently enough in the playoff game.

“He tanked,” Colin reiterated recently. “He refused to run. You know it wasn’t Kliff Kingsbury’s idea. Kyler Murray would not run in that playoff game. He made a decision, a business decision.” It might seem like Cowherd is sensationalizing the matter but even the numbers back his claim.

Numbers against Kyler Murray

In the regular season, Murray attempted 88 rushes in 14 games. He gained 423 yards through those tries. In the playoff game against the Rams, the Cardinals QB attempted just two rush attempts for 6 yards gained. Arguably a strong deviation from his natural game.

USA Today via Reuters

In contrast, Matthew Stafford had only 32 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season games. But in the Wild Card game, he had six rushing attempts for 22 yards.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The numbers reverse from regular season to postseason for the two opposing quarterbacks. So, Cowherd’s claim that there might be some tanking involved is not entirely far-fetched. There might be some truth to the matter.

It could be that with DeAndre Hopkins out of the game, Murray suspected the Cardinals could not go far into the playoffs. It is understandable for some that Murray would take lesser risks to safeguard his future.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: Key Takeaways From Netflix’s Drive to Survive Season 4 Trailer

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Utsav Khanna

130Articles

One take at a time

Utsav Khanna is an NFL Author at EssentiallySports. He did his PGDM from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and went on to work in Public Relations. A deep interest and love for the sport of NFL drew him towards working in Sports Journalism.
Show More>