“He still needs to grow”- Ex-Cardinals GM gives brutally honest assessment of Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray are looking to atone for the previous season by returning to the playoffs once again. Under head coach Jonathan Gannon, they will be looking to recapture their form and make the postseason once again.
One person who will not be there for the ride is former Cardinals GM Steve Keim. He was the general manager for nearly a decade in the organization, with his association going way back before retiring at the end of last season to focus on his health, and was responsible for introducing Kyler Murray to the Cardinals and extending his contract.
People will remember that during Kyler Murray's contract extension, a study clause was inserted that mandated him having to study film for at least four hours per week on his own. While it was later removed after it became public, Keim has now said that the clause was inserted because Murray was still raw in that area.
He said on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast,
“(Kyler Murray) still needs to grow... He’s not a bad guy. He’s a good kid, has a good smile, has a nice way about him. I think it’s like anything: Guys have to continue to learn what it’s going to take to be great. Does he know what Tom Brady and Peyton Manning know of what it takes to be great? No."
Keim reiterated that the area of film study is of particular concern. He continued,
“Does he work? He does work. I think it’s just that side of the game — the film study, the attention to detail part that he can continue to improve upon, and I think he will. Kyler’s a proud guy, man. He doesn’t want to lose and he doesn’t want to let people down.”
Steve Keim's comments on Kyler Murray reinforces Kelvin Beachum's comments
Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum also recently said that Kyler Murray needs to grow and show leadership.
“I didn’t say he lacks leadership, I just think he needs to grow up a little bit. I think if he has the ability and willingness to grow up, he’s going to be just fine. They paid him for a reason, they paid him because of his talent. He has the ability to lead. When you’re in that position, we need you to lead more. You’re the face of the franchise . . . you have to lead in every single capacity.”
It points to a pattern of comments that show the Cardinals quarterback has to improve on certain off-field aspects, given his physical abilities are not in question.