Kyler Murray arrives at the 2025 season with more questions than headlines, even as his electric talent remains undeniable. The Cardinals’ franchise quarterback, entering his seventh NFL campaign, has long dazzled when healthy, but a 36-45-1 career record quietly marks a significant portion of his resume as Arizona tries to turn the page toward consistent winning.
Former Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart weighed in on Murray’s arc, urging that this is the year Murray must put it together and take the next step. The sentiment isn’t that Murray hasn’t shown flashes of brilliance; it’s that the organization needs to see those moments translate into sustained performance and victories. Leinart underscored that Murray has the ability to be special, but he needs to unlock it this season for the Cardinals to realize the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.
Arizona’s supporting cast will shape Murray’s path in 2025. The rising tight end Trey McBride had one of the league’s top seasons at the position in 2024, and he’s expected to pick up where he left off. On the receiving end, Marvin Harrison Jr., the centerpiece the Cardinals drafted fourth overall in 2024, showed promise with 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. Still, that production came with rookie growing pains, and both team and quarterback will be counting on a quicker, more seamless connection in year two.
Leinart also stressed the need for quarterback-wide receiver chemistry to evolve more quickly, especially between Murray and Harrison. He noted that a rookie season often involves adjustments across the board—from offensive line communication to route timing—and the goal is to see those pieces mesh more rapidly in 2025.
The Cardinals aren’t leaning entirely on the passing game to carry the offense. Arizona’s ground attack last season was among the league’s best, ranking second in yards per rush and seventh in total rushing yards, with the run game delivering both volume and efficiency. Murray himself contributed 572 rushing yards on more than seven yards per carry, and the Cardinals could rely even more on a two-headed approach this year. James Conner remains a strong back, and there’s growing optimism around adding Treya Benson to the mix and letting the run game continue to anchor the offense.
Murray himself has been bullish about the running game’s role. He recently spoke about Benson’s potential breakout season, emphasizing confidence, reps, and the importance of letting the game slow down as Benson gains experience. The plan to lean into a more robust ground attack could provide Murray with more play-action opportunities and time to attack downfield when defenses bite on the run.
What to watch this season
– Connection with Harrison Jr.: The most high-profile developer of the Cardinals’ offense will be the on-field chemistry between Murray and Harrison Jr. If the second-year receiver builds on his rookie foundation, the depth and explosiveness of Arizona’s receiving corps could elevate the entire offense.
– Tight end production: McBride’s continued development will matter as a security blanket and a consistent red-zone option, helping relieve pressure on the quarterback and diversify the passing game.
– Run game balance: With Benson potentially stepping into a larger role and Conner still a reliable force, Arizona could deploy a more balanced attack, exploiting play-action and keeping defenses off balance.
– Offensive line and game management: Murray’s efficiency depends on clean pockets and timely decisions. The Cardinals will need to maximize protection and reduce costly sacks or misreads to keep the offense moving.
Outlook
If Murray can merge his undeniable playmaking with improved rhythm with Harrison Jr. and the rest of the pass catchers, while the run game continues to provide a steady foundation, Arizona could turn the page on a bumpy past and emerge as a more consistent, competitive unit in the 2025 season. The calculus remains straightforward: elite moments from Murray, steady growth from the receiving corps, and a sharpened ground game can translate into meaningful wins and a brighter trajectory for the franchise.
Summary
As Kyler Murray enters 2025, the Cardinals are betting on a higher level of consistency from their high-octane offense. With Harrison Jr. and McBride growing as targets, and a productive backfield class backing Murray’s dynamic style, Arizona seeks a breakthrough season that converts potential into steady performance and wins.
Additional note
This season’s setup invites optimism: a proven playmaker in Murray, a developing receiving corps, and a running game that already showed elite upside. If the chemistry and execution click, the Cardinals could emerge as a tougher, more balanced threat in a division that rewards teams for both explosive plays and sustained drives.