I would also point out that Kyler was already a very good rookie. Sure Josh Allen had a big jump both from year 1 to year 2 and year 2 to year 3, but Josh Allen was bad as a rookie and still wasn't as good of a passer in his 2nd year as a rookie Kyler Murray. In other words he left himself a ton of room for improvement. Josh Allen wasn't a legitimately good QB until year 3, let's see what KM does in year 3.
Looks at Kylers rookie stats....Then looks at Justin Herberts rookie stats
Joe Burrow would have outperformed Kyler's rookie season had he stayed healthy. He was on track for 4300 yards and 21 TD's.
Gardner Minshew had a better statistical rookie year had he played all 16 games instead of starting 12.
Baker Mayfield had a better rookie year and he did it in 13 games.
Deshaun Watson had a better rookie year.
Dak Prescott had a better rookie year.
Hell, even Jalen Hurts 4 games played in a garbage Philly team would have outstripped Kyler had he played a full season at the same rate. 4244 yards and 24 TD's.
He had a very average rookie year. On par with someone like Carson Wentz but below many guys we consider to be top QB's in the league. And his second year was only slightly better.
Kyler is supremely talented which is why it's frustrating that he isn't making the most of it. I expected at least Deshaun Watson things from him thus far, but instead got less than Carson Wentz (who had 33 passing TDs in year 2 and a 101.9 passer rating).
Before the "don't disrespect my QB" pile on's begin. I want Kyler to succeed. I like him as a person and a player. But we are lying to ourselves if we say he has lived up to his potential so far. For the #1 overall pick he has been distinctly average.
Maybe it's Kliff? It wouldn't surprise me. But either way let's not fool ourselves that as a passer he's been great.