Perfection in the Desert: Kyler Murray’s Historic Masterclass Sinks Jets
The 12-yard score was vintage Murray. Facing a third-down pressure, the former No. 1 pick broke the pocket, hit the edge, and accelerated past the pursuit. He didn’t just reach the pylon; he glided to it. It was one of two rushing scores for Murray, who has finally looked fully recovered and dangerous since his return from ACL surgery.
Surgical Precision and Total Dominance
The Jets arrived in Arizona boasting a top-tier pass defense, but Murray treated them like a scout team. He finished the afternoon 22-of-24 for 266 yards. By missing only two throws all day, he eclipsed the previous franchise completion record held by Kurt Warner. The Cardinals’ offense was so efficient they didn’t punt until the fourth quarter, scoring on five of their first six possessions.
Arizona’s offensive line bullied the Jets’ front four, allowing Murray to operate in a clean pocket for most of the game. When the pocket did break, his 12-yard TD run served as a reminder that he remains the most difficult dual-threat assignment in the NFC.
“I felt like we were in a rhythm from the first snap. When the guys up front play like that and the receivers win their matchups, it’s my job to just deliver the ball. The rushing TDs were just about taking what they gave me.”
— Kyler Murray on his record-setting performance
The Jets’ Season Hits Rock Bottom
For Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, this was an embarrassing collapse. New York’s offense managed only two field goals and appeared completely outmatched by a hungry Arizona defense. The Jets’ tackling was porous, particularly on James Conner’s 33-yard burst and Murray’s scrambles. New York fell to 3-7, a record that likely signals the end of their postseason aspirations in a crowded AFC.
Arizona’s defense deserves equal billing. They held Rodgers to just 151 yards and forced a fumble on the Jets’ opening drive of the second half, effectively ending any hopes of a New York comeback. The Cardinals’ Budda Baker led the way with nine tackles, spearheading a unit that hasn’t allowed a touchdown in two consecutive home games.
NFC West Outlook: Cardinals in Control
With this win, the Arizona Cardinals are now the outright leaders of the NFC West at 6-4. Jonathan Gannon has transformed this team from a basement dweller into a physical, efficient contender. If Murray continues to play with this level of 90% completion accuracy, Arizona isn’t just a playoff team—they are a threat to anyone in the conference. Next up, the Cardinals head into their bye week before a critical division showdown with the Seattle Seahawks.
