I’m not clear on the scenario where Kyler balls out and we still end up 4-13. How does that work?
I got it for you.
Kyler's first game back is week 8 against the Ravens.
Prior record is 1-6.
Week 8: Kyler comes back and keeps the Ravens game competitive but ultimately they ultimately lose by a FG. 1-7
Week 9: Cardinals journey to Cleveland in early November and the Browns just run all over the Cardinals. The Cardinals lose by less than a TD. 1-8. Kyler looks a little rusty in his second game back and the city is gnashing
Week 10: Cardinals hosting the Falcons. Kyler puts on a show in his third game back and the Cardinals win by 10 over the Falcons. 2-8
Week 11: Cardinals at Texans. Two worst teams in football but Kyler is in Texas and again plays very well. He gets his record to .500 3-8
Week 12: Rams at Cardinals. Divisional game at home and Kyler plays decent but the Cardinals miss 2 FGs and lose by 3. 3-9
Week 13: Cardinals at Steelers. December in Pittsburgh and its a physical low scoring game that is similar to the Browns. Cardinals are run off the field 3-10
Week 14: Bye
Week 15: 49ers at Cardinals. Fresh of the bye week, Murray is ready to go and outplays Brock Purdy. The Cardinals land a massive upset over the 49ers and are now 4-10.
Week 16. Christmas in Chicago. The Cardinals run into two curses at once...cold weather game plus a game on the holiday. They have unforced errors and lose a close one 4-11
Week 17. Cardinals at Eagles. See the previous game. Everyone is predicting a blowout but the Cardinals keep it much closer than expected and the Eagles win at the last minute. 4-12
Week 18. Home Seahawks. Cardinals don't play a bunch of guys rather than risk their draft position. That includes Murray. The Cardinals end the season 4-13 and have a top 3 pick.
Cardinals lose every game Murray plays in by less than 1 score despite the 3 road December games. Murray plays well enough to give the organization pause about what if the team around him is better.