"Kyler Murray may retire at halftime and go play baseball" - NFL fans torch Cardinals QB for dismal showing against Rams
Kyler Murray's performance in the Arizona Cardinals 34-11wild-card round loss against the Los Angeles Rams was as uninspiring as can be. The former number one overall pick threw two interceptions, including a pick-six while being sacked in the end zone.
Fans took to social media to roast Murray for his lowly efforts. Some claimed Murray should retire at halftime and switch his full-time career to baseball. Others couldn't get over how poorly he played in the biggest game of his career.
Particularly in the first half, when Murray looked timid against the Rams pass rush.
Kyler Murray's halftime stats:
7/17
28 yards
1.6 average
2 INTs
9.3 passer rating
-1 rush yards on 1 attempt
One of the most popular takes after Murray's poor game was that the quarterback is better off playing baseball. Murray played football and baseball in college but ultimately chose to go the route of playing in the NFL over the MLB.
Sports reporter Billy Heyen was just one supporter of Murray switching sports.
Kyler Murray may just retire at halftime and go play baseball
Expanding on the baseball takes was another fan who made a meme of Murray calling the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics drafted Murray in the first round of the 2019 draft.
That made him the first player in history to be a first-round draft pick in both leagues.
Kyler Murray on the phone with the Oakland A’s after this game apologizing for not picking baseball https://t.co/hSk0mc73as
Kyler Murray's Pro Bowl selection was criticized based on Josh Allen not making the Pro Bowl when the Cardinals signal-caller did. Allen threw for 12 more touchdowns and 620 more yards than Murray during the season.
Kyler Murray is a pro-bowl quarterback and Josh Allen is not.
Think about that.
In addition to the loss against the Rams, Kyler Murray has struggled in big games throughout his playing career. One fan reminded everyone of that on Twitter.
KYLER MURRAY CAN NOT PERFORM UNDER THE BRIGHT LIGHTS
Lamar Jackson got roped into the conversation as his lack of postseason success has often been critiqued. Murray and Jackson are two of the brightest young stars in the NFL, but their lack of wins in the playoffs hasn't gone unnoticed.
I’m old enough to remember people killing Lamar Jackson for failing to win a playoff game in his first two seasons. Kyler Murray is on year three. https://t.co/CndHmUqozb
Jalen Hurts' status as the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback of the future was questioned after their loss in the wild-card round Sunday. James Nagle called out the media for questioning Hurts' future, while Murray's future hasn't been as publicized.
Jalen Hurts in his 1st playoff game:
- 53.5%, 258 yards, 1 TD & 2 INTs
- 8 carries, 39 yards & 0 TDs
Kyler Murray in his 1st playoff game:
- 55.9%, 137 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
- 2 carries, 6 yards & 0 TDs
Interesting that only the #Eagles’ media will say their QB isn’t a starter.
ESPN analyst Booger McFarland had a hilarious quote comparing Kyler Murray's ghastly pick-six to a play Carson Wentz would make.
Booger McFarland on Kyler Murray’s pick 6 throw:
“What in the Carson Wentz was that?!”
😭😭😭😭
The pick-six Murray threw was an NFL postseason record for the shortest (distance) ever. The inexperience showed as Murray was halfway down in the end zone when he threw the ball.
Dwayne Johnson looked on in disgust as a guest on the Manningcast.
Shortest pick six in NFL playoffs history is a fitting record for Kyler Murray
The comparisons between Wentz and Kyler Murray were among the most popular takes on social media. Wentz had a solid season but choked when it mattered most in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kyler Murray 🤝 Carson Wentz
Finally, the college football subreddit's Twitter joked that Kyler Murray opted out of the game. The message was a humorous play on the numerous college athletes who opted out of bowl games this season.
Kyler Murray has opted out of the bowl game
What does the future hold for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals?
It's unknown what changes could be made by the Cardinals ahead of next season. Kyler Murray will play next season in the final year of his rookie contract.
After that, the Cardinals will have to decide whether he's their long-term answer.
Kliff Kingsbury's status as head coach doesn't appear to be in danger at the time.
The Cardinals' roster is still one of the most talented teams in the NFC. With the San Francisco 49ers and Rams to contend with, ownership must figure out what will need to change for the Cardinals to ascend into true contention.
Also check out: Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more