Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, left, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrate after connecting for one of Harrison’s two touchdowns Sunday against the Rams. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
TEMPE – A day after Kyler Murray’s near-perfect performance and domination of the Los Angeles Rams, running back James Conner and coach Jonathan Gannon took to the podium to sing the team’s praises.
Murray threw for 266 yards, with 130-yards worth of his passes being pulled in by the young rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. Sunday at State Farm Stadium in a 41-10 rout.
Murray ended the game with a 158.3 quarterback passer rating (QBR), the highest score a quarterback can receive and a career high.
Murray hasn’t reached a QBR of 150+ since November 2020, when the Cardinals narrowly lost to the Miami Dolphins 34-31.
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“He’s one of the premier players in the world,” Gannon said Monday.
Murray joins a list of 64 other players who have previously recorded a perfect passer rating, on top of being the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 250-plus yards, rush for 50-plus yards and have a 158.3 passer rating. Ken Anderson was the last quarterback to do so on Nov. 3, 1974.
Despite the rare feat, Conner wasn’t surprised by the play of his quarterback, adding it was “still awesome to watch, awesome to see.”
”When he’s rolling he’s one of the best in the game,” said Conner, who also found success in Sunday’s win with 122 yards on 21 cards.
While Murray was outstanding, wins in the NFL don’t just come because of high-end quarterback play. Gannon made sure to let everyone know, “it takes all 11.”
All 11 fired on all cylinders, but Murray received a boost from former Ohio State superstar Harrison Jr., who created separation and used his superhero-type speed to cash in two touchdowns.
MARVIN HARRISON JR.'S FIRST NFL TOUCHDOWN HAS ARRIVED pic.twitter.com/EFquDWaM8V
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
It was just a week ago where Harrison Jr. found himself standing alone down field waiting for a pass that never came during a 34-28 loss against the Buffalo Bills, a play that was scrutinized by national media and raised questions about Murray’s ability to utilize his new weapon. Those questions were answered in a hurry against the Rams.
Wow: #AZCardinals rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. was WIDE OPEN for a potential game-winning TD, but Kyler Murray didn't see him…
(h/t @TrainIsland)pic.twitter.com/O7j07hFpqL
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 8, 2024
“I wouldn’t say they were taking him away,” Murray said after Harrison’s single reception in the Week 1 loss.
In Week 2, the Cardinals and Murray made the game plan very clear by giving Harrison four receptions on eight targets for130 yards receiving.
“That’s why we got him, he’s doing his thing,” Conner said.
Team morale is high following a dominant win at home over a division rival that has historically given the Cardinals fits, but Arizona is focused on hosting the team’s next visitor: the Detroit Lions.
“They’ll come ready to play, so we’re excited about that,” Conner said.