Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
One of the knocks I’ve heard about Kyler Murray is he doesn’t have a deep passing game. It’s true last season he only connected on one pass over 40 yards. In 2022 he had no completions exceeding 40 yards. So, is this indeed a major issue of concern?
Here are some of the factors that combine to provide an effective deep passing game. First, a team needs an offensive line, capable of giving the QB enough protection to allow the receivers to get deep. Second, if protection is a concern, will the formation keep a back in to pick up a free pass rusher? Third, does the QB have the arm strength to throw deep? Fourth, does the team have a receiver capable of getting open deep? Finally, will the play caller, call for deep passes?
As to the offensive line, it’s clearly a work in progress. Three of the five spots will feature new starters there. I anticipate this line will prove to be adequate as the season unfolds, but it will likely take a few games for enough coordination to develop to allow the time to consistently go deep. This leads to the question of play design. If the Cards want to go deep they may need to keep a back in. The key to that is Connor or Benson needs to step up to provide this protection. Otherwise if the Cards have to use Demercado, as last season to get adequate protection, they will alert the defense of the likely intention to go deep.
Perhaps the most important key is Harrison. Other receivers may help some, but for deep throws to work, Harrison needs to live up to his billing. Despite being a rookie, Harrison must resemble his college performance and beat defenses deep. If he can do that deep throws will be a part of this arsenal. As to Murray’s arm strength, one only needs to look back to 2019 where Murray tied for 7th among QBs for the most 40+ completed passes. I believe Murray has the arm strength to throw deep. He did in college. He did when he came into the league. He is still that player and now that he’s finally getting some support I believe that also answers the question of if those plays will be called. They will be and likely more frequently as the season goes along. So be patient; the best is yet to come.
Here are some of the factors that combine to provide an effective deep passing game. First, a team needs an offensive line, capable of giving the QB enough protection to allow the receivers to get deep. Second, if protection is a concern, will the formation keep a back in to pick up a free pass rusher? Third, does the QB have the arm strength to throw deep? Fourth, does the team have a receiver capable of getting open deep? Finally, will the play caller, call for deep passes?
As to the offensive line, it’s clearly a work in progress. Three of the five spots will feature new starters there. I anticipate this line will prove to be adequate as the season unfolds, but it will likely take a few games for enough coordination to develop to allow the time to consistently go deep. This leads to the question of play design. If the Cards want to go deep they may need to keep a back in. The key to that is Connor or Benson needs to step up to provide this protection. Otherwise if the Cards have to use Demercado, as last season to get adequate protection, they will alert the defense of the likely intention to go deep.
Perhaps the most important key is Harrison. Other receivers may help some, but for deep throws to work, Harrison needs to live up to his billing. Despite being a rookie, Harrison must resemble his college performance and beat defenses deep. If he can do that deep throws will be a part of this arsenal. As to Murray’s arm strength, one only needs to look back to 2019 where Murray tied for 7th among QBs for the most 40+ completed passes. I believe Murray has the arm strength to throw deep. He did in college. He did when he came into the league. He is still that player and now that he’s finally getting some support I believe that also answers the question of if those plays will be called. They will be and likely more frequently as the season goes along. So be patient; the best is yet to come.
