The Arizona Cardinals face the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium in Week 4, marking the return of former head coach Kliff Kingsbury, now the current Commanders’ offensive coordinator. This reunion sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup, with Kyler Murray at center. Here are four bold predictions for Murray and the Arizona Cardinals Week 4 matchup against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.
1. Murray outduels Kingsbury’s offense
Murray’s familiarity with Kingsbury’s strategies could give him an edge. Expect Murray to showcase his growth since Kingsbury’s departure, leading the Cardinals to outscore the Commanders.
“I’ve competed against him before and many other coaches that I’ve been coached by. It doesn’t really affect me,” Murray stated when meeting with the media earlier this week.
The Cardinals QB seems pretty unfazed by the coming matchup between the Cardinals and Kingsbury. This “unfazed” disposition could be perceived a number of ways but considering the Cardinals are favored to win on Sunday, I would say it’s more of a positive.
2. Career-high in rushing yards for Murray
Murray’s confidence in his knee has visibly improved. Kingsbury noted, “At the end of last year, you could see the confidence getting back in his knee.”
This renewed trust in his mobility could lead to a breakout rushing performance against the Commanders’ struggling defense, which ranks 29th in the NFL.
Historically, outside of the 2023 season, Murray has been the first or second run game option throughout the first few games. While he appears to be getting less carries these days, he is more impactful on yardage when he does run the ball.
This season he is averaging between nine to eleven yards per carry a game, which is a career high. In the 2020 matchup against the Commanders, Murray had 8 carries for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns securing a win for the Cardinals.
Kyler Murray All Time Rushing Stats for Games 1-3
| Year | Week | Opponent | Carries | R. Yards | AVG | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | Detroit | 13 | 13 | 4.33 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | Baltimore | 3 | 4 | 1.33 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | Carolina | 8 | 69 | 8.63 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | San Francisco | 13 | 91 | 7.00 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 | Washington | 8 | 67 | 8.40 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 | Detroit | 5 | 29 | 5.80 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 | Tennessee | 5 | 20 | 4.00 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 | Minnesota | 5 | 31 | 6.20 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | Jacksonville | 7 | 19 | 2.70 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | Kansas City | 5 | 29 | 5.80 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | Las Vegas | 5 | 28 | 5.60 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | LA Rams | 2 | 8 | 4.00 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | Buffalo | 5 | 57 | 11.40 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | LA Rams | 5 | 59 | 11.80 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | Detroit | 5 | 45 | 9.00 | 0 |
3. Perfect red zone efficiency
Under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Murray’s decision-making has improved. Look for Murray to capitalize on red zone opportunities, scoring multiple touchdowns without turnovers. This efficiency will be compounded against a Commanders’ defense that has shown major vulnerabilities.
The Commanders are currently ranking 31st defensively against the pass allowing 9 passing TDs and 255 yards through the first 3 games of the 2024 season.
A favorably defensive matchup for a dual threat quarterback like Murray will definitely put the odds in the Cardinals’ favor. Going into Week 4, Murray ranks 3rd in completion percentage in the red zone, tying with Justin Fields at 75%.
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4. Cardinals defense forces multiple turnovers
Despite losing defensive lineman Justin Jones for the season, the Cardinals’ defense will step up. They face a Commanders offense that, while improving, is still led by a rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Don’t be surprised by a turnover or two from a middle of the pack Cardinals defense.
Since 2020, the Cardinals’ defense has logged between 11 and 13 interceptions each season and while it’s not the most impressive number the picks have to come at some point in the season. Looking at a rookie led offense and new coaching hire, Dan Quinn, could be a good place to start.