Daniel's Kyler Murray film breakdown

For a veteran QB, Murray looked...well, kind of on par for who he is. And considering how many people have criticized McCarthy’s mechanics, Kyler didn’t exactly provide much evidence that he’s better in that department. 😂

That big leg swing is something KO specifically wanted to clean up with McCarthy, yet Murray still does it at times, along with throwing while falling backward. I’ve said before that I’m not a fan of Kyler’s deep lobs or some of those hospital balls, although thankfully I didn’t see too many of the latter in this game.

What stood out to me more was how many open receivers he missed. There were checkdowns to RBs and TEs sitting right in front of him, and missing Felton on that final play was criminal. That looked like it could have been an easy chunk play, if not a TD. He also missed opportunities on the dig/corner routes to Hock and Addison, but missed Jennings a couple of times as well.

There’s no denying his escapability is elite, probably right up there with Lamar and since he's smaller he has the ability to hide a little more, and I’m sure we’re going to see more of that as the season goes on. But we also know KO isn’t designing this offense around Kyler consistently getting outside the pocket, and I still think that’s a major issue for this offense.

And I’m not buying the “he just needs more time with his teammates” excuse for everything. Yes, timing and chemistry matter, but some of these throws Chase and others are talking about where Kyler simply misses his receiver aren’t because he hasn’t had enough reps with the guys. That’s Kyler being Kyler, getting his mechanics out of whack and throwing the ball expecting something slightly different than what the receiver is doing.

One play that I actually thought was more on Hock was the four-verticals play where he was coming up the seam. Hock literally saw Kyler wind up and start throwing in his direction, then appeared to stop his route. I’m not sure if he felt the DB behind him and got spooked, but Kyler was trying to lead him up the seam. The throw may have been a little hot, but if Hock keeps running, I think he at least has a chance to get a hand on it.

Kyler is a veteran QB. At some point, he needs to play like one and start consistently making the plays that are there for him.

Here’s another one highlighting Kyler’s fear to throw the football over the middle. For what it’s worth, KOC drew up good plays getting multiple guys open.

pic.twitter.com/iihzCLHqX1

— Phoenix (@dalvincookin) October 1, 2026

It's clear that he and the rest of the offense aren't in sync yet. They could have used the reps together all the way back to the qb "competition."

Water under the bridge now.

Hopefully we'll see improvements each week going forward.

I am guardedly optimistic that the Dolphins game represents a "Get Well Soon" opportunity to have the offense clicking. If not, then we have bigger problems.

Most of those throws where he held onto the ball are passes Wentz excels at and would have made. That looks like a QB issue and not a getting use to the offense problem. I can hear Denny Green in the background, I think he it is what he is and that is why we got him for a million this year. When you go buy a 75" flat screen and there is one that is 1/10th the price of the others there is a good chance when you get home and hook it up you will not be watching the game Sunday on it!

This is a great breakdown. The plays are there. 3 throws that if he makes completely changes the conversation. The deep post and the corner to addison, where his mechanics are bad and the ball sails. Then the lob to TJ that needed to be fired in there. Hit 2 of those 3 and it is a different story.

CFIAvike wrote:

Here’s another one highlighting Kyler’s fear to throw the football over the middle. For what it’s worth, KOC drew up good plays getting multiple guys open.
https://x.com/dalvincookin/status/2105509216966586554?s=46

I'm not so sure Trey McBride would agree with the take on Kyler not wanting to throw the ball over the middle, but that is also where I have seen his hospital balls thrown too, so while there may be a slight apprehension to doing so, I don't know that the middle is the problem. That said, this past game, the middle was open when he didn't throw and not really open or the best option when he did decide to throw there. More time is needed for sure with Kyler and this offense, but he should be further along as a veteran QB.

JR44 wrote:

Most of those throws where he held onto the ball are passes Wentz excels at and would have made. That looks like a QB issue and not a getting use to the offense problem. I can hear Denny Green in the background, I think he it is what he is and that is why we got him for a million this year. When you go buy a 75" flat screen and there is one that is 1/10th the price of the others there is a good chance when you get home and hook it up you will not be watching the game Sunday on it!

I truly don't understand why you keep pumping Wentz. Do you honestly think Wentz can win us a Superbowl and do you think he's our future?

If you believe the former to be true, he would most likely not make it that far before being injured and if you think the latter is true, then you cannot be taken seriously.

Wentz is a backup and while he can make some throws, he is so inconsistent. While he can remain in the pocket and go through reads, he cannot escape and is a statue. He's a shell of what he was prior to his injury and a great backup QB when needed in moments from an injury, but not for long periods of times/games.

IceRatz16 wrote:

I truly don't understand why you keep pumping Wentz. Do you honestly think Wentz can win us a Superbowl and do you think he's our future?

If you believe the former to be true, he would most likely not make it that far before being injured and if you think the latter is true, then you cannot be taken seriously.

Wentz is a backup and while he can make some throws, he is so inconsistent. While he can remain in the pocket and go through reads, he cannot escape and is a statue. He's a shell of what he was prior to his injury and a great backup QB when needed in moments from an injury, but not for long periods of times/games.

We currently have two options at QB, out of two, I think Wentz is the better fit for the offense. That is it, everything else is your own narrative.

I have stated several times recently that I do not believe our 2027 starter is on the roster. Or for that matter, possibly the QB who finishes the 2026 season. Personally, I would sign Will Levis off the Jets PS and make him our #3 here.

JR44 wrote:

We currently have two options at QB, out of two, I think Wentz is the better fit for the offense. That is it, everything else is your own narrative.
I have stated several times recently that I do not believe our 2027 starter is on the roster. Or for that matter, possibly the QB who finishes the 2026 season. Personally, I would sign Will Levis off the Jets PS and make him our #3 here.

I don't disagree with you here, but it's not my own narrative as you've stated over and over again how much you think Wentz should be starting and gives us the best chance to win a title. And I also agree that our 2027 QB is not on our roster today, now that McCarthy has been jettisoned to NYC, which is where you and I have disagreed for awhile.

Regarding Levis, no thanks. He's seen ghosts in the NFL and has never been the same. He's a lost cause at this point and unlike Darnold, I don't see him turning the corner and becoming a long-term starter again in this league.

At this point, we are ride or die by KM...let's hope it's the former!

IMO watch his feet gang - It speaks VOLUMES. He's not comfortable & gun shy

Comfortable QB's "micro hitch hop" - K1 looks like he's stomping grapes

Murray needed more PS reps.

Watchingthe vikings IOL go 1 on 1 against Vea , a 365 lb. 2 time All-Pro wrecker ball and play him to a stalemate was impressive to see.

Montana Tom wrote:

I am guardedly optimistic that the Dolphins game represents a "Get Well Soon" opportunity to have the offense clicking. If not, then we have bigger problems.

It’s the Vikings remember? Watch the Dolphins play us tough and make the game really competitive.

This is a huge opportunity for KOC, K1, and the "non-Jefferson offense" to look like they're better than the Cleveland Browns' practice squad.

Check that...we're finally getting some consistency from the o-line, so the potential is up even as the excuses are running out.

Oliver's a big loss, though. He was solid for us last season, even when other offensive elements were out of sync. I hope he achieves a miraculous recovery.

I didn't realize Chase Daniel was doing in-depth stuff like this. Thanks for posting OP.

Sad we need to rummage around on Youtube for intelligent NFL analysis these days but the halftime shows gotta make time for McAfee, Berman, and Kelce's brother 🫠

Montana Tom wrote:

I am guardedly optimistic that the Dolphins game represents a "Get Well Soon" opportunity to have the offense clicking. If not, then we have bigger problems.

Unfortunately, I'm not as optimistic as you. Yes, I think we win, but it was always going to take Murray time to get acclimated to this offense. Some are expecting his breakout this week. I expect that around week 7 or 8. What I do expect is modest improvement each and every game.

Some people are acting as if he's a rookie, or that he's 5-10 for the first time in his life. This is 100% about his comfort in the system. That will come.

MaroonBells wrote:

Unfortunately, I'm not as optimistic as you. Yes, I think we win, but it was always going to take Murray time to get acclimated to this offense. Some are expecting his breakout this week. I expect that around week 7 or 8. What I do expect is modest improvement each and every game.
Some people are acting as if he's a rookie, or that he's 5-10 for the first time in his life. This is 100% about his comfort in the system. That will come.

I agree with this, I feel the big jump in the offenses production with be seen after the bye. Hopefully the special teams and defense will continue to carry them until they finally get to where a lot of us envisioned they would be.

mblack wrote:

It’s the Vikings NFL remember? Watch the Dolphins play us tough and make the game really competitive.

Fixed!!

I would not be at all surprised if the Phins cover the 11.5 pt spread.

Lets just get a win, no injuries and see some improvement from the offense.

They may have to get it w/out Jettas again.

MaroonBells wrote:

Unfortunately, I'm not as optimistic as you. Yes, I think we win, but it was always going to take Murray time to get acclimated to this offense. Some are expecting his breakout this week. I expect that around week 7 or 8. What I do expect is modest improvement each and every game.
Some people are acting as if he's a rookie, or that he's 5-10 for the first time in his life. This is 100% about his comfort in the system. That will come.

I think the mid season will tell us a lot more as you say. I like chase’s breakdown you can see the good and bad in KM’s current fit.

I’m optimistic because Kyler is historically an accurate passer and adds the running element when needed to get some “free” conversions.

Wentz is a great backup to have. Still really like our QB room.

I saw that and I also saw wide open receivers.