Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
There’s really no other way to characterize the Washington game other than regression. We saw Murray’s apparent emotional withdrawal instead of leadership. It was in unfortunate contrast to Daniels. Even when he was intercepted and the game’s outcome was still in doubt, Daniels was energized. The tough thing about scouting Murray years ago was he had such continual success that it was hard to judge how he’d handle setbacks. Sadly he went to a team that historically has more setbacks than steps forward. Many of us hoped that as Murray matured he would grow into a figure of leadership. So far we have to question his ability to handle adversity.
At this point I don’t see Murray changing dramatically. Couple in the fact that at least for 2025 Murray cannot be cut ($40 mil dead money even post 6/1). He could be traded (only $10 mil dead money post 6/1). The question is would anyone trade for a QB after 6/1 with that contract? Certainly the Cards would be lucky to get a second round pick with that contract size and the areas of concern, but I think somebody’s ego will assume they can fix him. Gannon did. That means riding out 2024 with Murray. Then picking a QB in 2025 or 2026. There’s likely no Daniels in either draft. In 2025 there’s Sanders & Ewers. I’m not a Beck fan. Sanders needs a great deal of technical development. The emotional component is hard to judge because he’s been playing for his dad. Ewers has the talent, but seems very injury prone. Additionally the Cards will need a high draft pick. I still think the Cards win 6 or 7 games this season and possibly more next season. Tanking again seems impossible. So ironically it seems the Cards may have to trade for a QB while trading away theirs if they choose to move on from Murray.
I see one other option. Forget the defensive problems for now. Build the best O-line imaginable. Part of that is bringing in leadership players on the line and maybe one at receiver. Look at the difference Hopkins made. With Harrison already here they can prioritize the leadership aspect. So a veteran who can still contribute would be a great fit. Murray still has an exceptional arm. He can still be elusive when on the run.
I mentioned in an earlier post about Petzing that he was the darling of 2025 coaching candidates. In an amazing, almost unprecedented turn, it’s questionable if he can even keep his current job. To say he seems frozen in his ability to respond to unexpected change is understatement. Football is a game of adjusting to opponent’s strategy changes. Teams shouldn’t easily abandon their game plans, but when it becomes clear that the plan cannot be executed; it’s time to change. Petzing seems lost on how to shift strategy. So keeping Murray means finding the right OC & a good QB coach. Teams have won without their QB being the main leader, but that’s challenging . However, I’d say Murray is a unique puzzle that might just work with this strategy. Murray’s Jekyll & Hyde performance has left the fans and the board hopeful one week crestfallen the next. This is not sustainable.
Possible immediate acquisitions to consider are Robert Woods from the Texans. Think 7th round conditional pick. Bringing Hopkins back wouldn’t be shocking. Cut Pascal. Also Titan Daniel Brunskill, center/guard, is another possible option. He’s versatile and has good leadership skills. He’s more likely the inside OL backup if re-signed, but he’s exceptional at being a guy who takes responsibility. He’s not a star but depth and leadership are desperately needed. I’d also check in on Humphries rehab.
The worst thing the Cards’ brass can do is bury their heads in the sand. One good game out of four should provide enough evidence the current theory of success should be changed. Most of us on the board were pleased Murray had more weapons. We were skeptical the O-line, especially its depth, would be adequate. Sadly the trade deadline looks unlikely to offer enough options to produce an outstanding O-line. With Jones due to return soon and Woods available, the Cards are in position to strengthen their receiver group. I think this season will be characterized by inconsistency. There will be some exciting moments, but overall success continues to be elusive.
At this point I don’t see Murray changing dramatically. Couple in the fact that at least for 2025 Murray cannot be cut ($40 mil dead money even post 6/1). He could be traded (only $10 mil dead money post 6/1). The question is would anyone trade for a QB after 6/1 with that contract? Certainly the Cards would be lucky to get a second round pick with that contract size and the areas of concern, but I think somebody’s ego will assume they can fix him. Gannon did. That means riding out 2024 with Murray. Then picking a QB in 2025 or 2026. There’s likely no Daniels in either draft. In 2025 there’s Sanders & Ewers. I’m not a Beck fan. Sanders needs a great deal of technical development. The emotional component is hard to judge because he’s been playing for his dad. Ewers has the talent, but seems very injury prone. Additionally the Cards will need a high draft pick. I still think the Cards win 6 or 7 games this season and possibly more next season. Tanking again seems impossible. So ironically it seems the Cards may have to trade for a QB while trading away theirs if they choose to move on from Murray.
I see one other option. Forget the defensive problems for now. Build the best O-line imaginable. Part of that is bringing in leadership players on the line and maybe one at receiver. Look at the difference Hopkins made. With Harrison already here they can prioritize the leadership aspect. So a veteran who can still contribute would be a great fit. Murray still has an exceptional arm. He can still be elusive when on the run.
I mentioned in an earlier post about Petzing that he was the darling of 2025 coaching candidates. In an amazing, almost unprecedented turn, it’s questionable if he can even keep his current job. To say he seems frozen in his ability to respond to unexpected change is understatement. Football is a game of adjusting to opponent’s strategy changes. Teams shouldn’t easily abandon their game plans, but when it becomes clear that the plan cannot be executed; it’s time to change. Petzing seems lost on how to shift strategy. So keeping Murray means finding the right OC & a good QB coach. Teams have won without their QB being the main leader, but that’s challenging . However, I’d say Murray is a unique puzzle that might just work with this strategy. Murray’s Jekyll & Hyde performance has left the fans and the board hopeful one week crestfallen the next. This is not sustainable.
Possible immediate acquisitions to consider are Robert Woods from the Texans. Think 7th round conditional pick. Bringing Hopkins back wouldn’t be shocking. Cut Pascal. Also Titan Daniel Brunskill, center/guard, is another possible option. He’s versatile and has good leadership skills. He’s more likely the inside OL backup if re-signed, but he’s exceptional at being a guy who takes responsibility. He’s not a star but depth and leadership are desperately needed. I’d also check in on Humphries rehab.
The worst thing the Cards’ brass can do is bury their heads in the sand. One good game out of four should provide enough evidence the current theory of success should be changed. Most of us on the board were pleased Murray had more weapons. We were skeptical the O-line, especially its depth, would be adequate. Sadly the trade deadline looks unlikely to offer enough options to produce an outstanding O-line. With Jones due to return soon and Woods available, the Cards are in position to strengthen their receiver group. I think this season will be characterized by inconsistency. There will be some exciting moments, but overall success continues to be elusive.
