Cardinals OC Petzing already impressed with Kyler Murray, ready for ‘unique’ challenge of QB’s absence

With only a few months left before returning to the field, Kyler Murray has already found a way to impress his new offensive coordinator.

After all, this is the peak season of optimism.

Drew Petzing is new to Arizona, having left Cleveland to join the Cardinals, and it didn’t take long for him to like what he saw from Murray.

“The way he attacks his rehab and just his competitive nature and how important winning is to him is really impressive,” Petzing said Thursday of Murray. “I think it was fun to watch it. It was fun to be around even for a short amount of time. So I’m excited to see him and help him move forward.”

Petzing will have the tools to turn the Arizona offense into a competitive team. Since Murray, the Cardinals also have weapons in Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, James Conner and Robbie Anderson.

There is also DeAndre Hopkins, whose future in Arizona is not so certain at the moment. Arizona could save a lot of money by trading Hopkins, and with a new regime in power, a deal is possible.

However, for now, Hopkins remains one of the leading playmakers in the Cardinals’ roster. Arizona won’t get their other headliner, Murray, for some time due to his recovery from anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

“I think it creates some unique challenges,” Petzing said of Murray’s lengthy return schedule. “But I think that is the nature of this league. I think that no matter what year you are going, there will be something that you will have to deal with and deal with. employees, and we’re going to put our guys in the best position to go out there and win when the fall comes.”

New general manager Monty Ossenforth will have to answer a series of questions about Murray, Hopkins and the future of the Cardinals next week in Indianapolis. For now, however, the most impressive offensive coordinator candidate – according to new coach Jonathan Gannon – will begin to develop an offense that can maximize Murray’s abilities.

Petzing has already seen enough to know his quarterback will be ready to go.