Frustrated Murray 'not looking to get used to' missing playoffs
The Arizona Cardinals haven't made the playoffs since drafting Kyler Murray first overall in 2019, and the young quarterback is tired of missing out on the NFL postseason after enjoying consistent success in his formative years.
"Emotionally, (last season) was definitely frustrating, especially for a guy like me," Murray said, according to team writer Darren Urban. "I want to win. Not going to the playoffs is weird for me. I know it's the NFL, and I haven't been yet, but … I've always played past the regular season in every sport. It's different. I am definitely not looking to get used to that.
"It's definitely upsetting - lot of anger and (frustration) when you are losing those games you think you should win. At the same time, I'm a self-motivated guy. I take all that as motivation."
Arizona started the 2020 season brightly, sitting tied atop the NFC West after winning six of its first nine games. But the Cardinals only won two of their next six contests and missed the playoffs after failing to beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.
An ankle injury sidelined Murray for most of that Week 17 contest as L.A. - which was playing backup John Wolford in place of then-starter Jared Goff - beat Arizona 18-7. The Cardinals finished 8-8 and lost the final NFC wild-card spot to the Chicago Bears.
Though Arizona has yet to play beyond the regular season under the duo of Murray and third-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury, general manager Steve Keim is certain the club has its long-term answer at quarterback in the former Heisman Trophy winner.
"Knowing we have a guy who is a game-changer and a special player; he is a rare competitor. ... I would say my confidence at the position and in general is at a real high," Keim said.
Murray made a significant leap in his sophomore year. The 23-year-old improved his completion percentage by nearly three points, and he threw for 26 touchdowns and 3,971 yards after tossing 20 touchdowns and 3,722 yards as a rookie. He also finished second among QBs with 819 rushing yards, trailing only Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.