Kyler: Vibes going into Cardinals' 2022 season were 'all negative'
(Warning: Story contains coarse language)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray recently opened up about the 2022 season, saying that things didn't feel right for him and his team before the campaign even began.
"To hit a wall Year 4, especially after going through the whole contract thing, the energy, the aura, the vibes going into the season were all negative," Murray told team reporter Darren Urban. "Having to deal with all that stuff and trying to focus on football, and then I got COVID in camp, I hurt my wrist in camp, so I missed a lot of reps, and having to play catch-up in the season, starting with the (Kansas City) Chiefs, it was kind of a compilation of fucked-up things going on."
Murray went on to tear his ACL in Week 14.
He added: "(Last year) happened for a reason. The things we were doing weren't sustainable for success. It was necessary and in turn, good will come out of what happened."
Murray and the Cardinals negotiated a contract extension for months before agreeing last July on a five-year, $230.5-million deal that includes $160 million guaranteed.
With Murray under center, Arizona went 3-8 in 2022. The 2019 No. 1 pick passed for 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions before suffering the knee injury.
"I feel you get your little grace period right after it happens, dwell on it, soak in it, let the feelings take over," Murray said of the injury. "After that, we gotta go. Life doesn't stop. The job doesn't stop. And I'm not going to stop."
Though Murray has earned two Pro Bowl berths and the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year award since entering the NFL, he's failed to take the Cardinals to the next level; Arizona has made just one playoff appearance with him under center.
The Oklahoma product seems excited about the future, however.
"I think winning cures all, and it's been tough to do that with some of the circumstances we've had to deal with. But I think we are headed in the right direction," said Murray, who isn't expected to be ready for the start of the 2023 campaign.
It's still uncertain when Murray will be cleared to play. Arizona will rely on veteran quarterback Colt McCoy until Murray is available.
The Cardinals began a new era this offseason by hiring Jonathan Gannon to replace Kliff Kingsbury as head coach. They also brought in Monti Ossenfort as their new general manager.
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