Who Should I Start? Kyler Murray or C.J. Stroud

Sunday, June 22, 3:37 PM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray noted in an interview with ESPN that he wants the team to improve this season in situations when the original play call breaks down. "It's just we have to be better on off-scheduled plays because, obviously, I have that ability to make extend plays, and we have the guys to go do it off schedule," said the former Oklahoma Sooner. "So, I believe that's an area we got to be better at." Arizona is looking for Murray to make a jump this season, and they're hoping he can get back to some of the improvisational tendencies he displayed when he bolstered WR DeAndre Hopkins as one of his weapons. The 27-year-old has been put in a situation to succeed, though it hinges on his own development. He's one of the more intriguing mid-round QBs due to his rushing upside.

Wednesday, July 16, 2:47 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a sophomore slump following his fantastic rookie season in 2023 out of Ohio State. After throwing for more than 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 games in Year 1, he regressed to just over 3,700 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 picks in Year 2. Entering 2025 in what could set him up for a lucrative contract extension, Stroud has trained hard to improve his physical fitness. "I've been working really hard on getting my body right -- losing body fat, trying to be faster, stronger," Stroud said. "And it went really well. ... [Working] pocket mobility, running out the pocket, throwing the rock. Everything kind of works hand in hand." Last season, Houston's offensive line struggled mightily, and Stroud was sacked 63 times, good for the second-most in the NFL behind only Caleb Williams (68). The offensive line could remain an issue after the team traded away franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but sacks are often largely a quarterback stat, too. If Stroud can become more dynamic operating inside and outside of the pocket, it could create more downfield opportunities for pass-catchers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Jayden Higgins, among others.