Cardinals' Gannon: Murray 'leaps and bounds ahead' of where he was in 2023

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes quarterback Kyler Murray is in for a big season.

"I think from a mental and physical standpoint, right now where he's at, to even when he got back last year or even where he finished last year, I think he's leaps and bounds ahead," Gannon told Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio.

Gannon added: "I love the guy because he's done everything that I've asked of him and more. He's been a phenomenal leader on and off the field - not just with the offense, but with the entire team."

Murray returned to the starting lineup in Week 10 last season after tearing his ACL in 2022. Arizona's offense struggled without him to start the year but took a step in the right direction when he returned, ranking ninth in EPA/play from Weeks 10-18 and second in EPA per rush during that stretch.

The 27-year-old hasn't played a full season since 2020 when he set career highs in passing yards (3,971) and touchdowns (26). Murray will have a new weapon to work with in Marvin Harrison Jr., who the club selected No. 4 overall this year.

Gannon believes he and Murray are on the same page heading into this campaign.

"What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high," Gannon added. "And if you detail out and lay out for him what is needed from him to improve himself, the offense, and the team, he is 1,000% willing to do that."

Arizona kicks off its season Sept. 8 against the Buffalo Bills.