Kyler Murray came into the press conference room after the first padded practice of training camp on Monday and showed his exasperation.
“We hadn’t had a bad day (on offense) until today so it’s a little frustrating I have to talk to you after all that,” the quarterback said.
How one analyzes Monday’s work is a matter of preference. The defense won the day, clearly; one example was the very first play in 11-on-11, when linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. leaped in the middle of the field to intercept a Murray pass. Murray talked about how the Cardinals upgraded on defense, particularly the defensive line, and it was apparent.
“We’ve been feeling that for sure,” Murray said. “We definitely felt that today.”
A good defense is often going to be ahead early in camp of the offense. It would be disappointing if this defense in particular didn’t flash right away, given everything poured into it.
It also didn’t mean the offense had no highlights. It was hard not to notice the first pass of practice, during one-on-ones, where Marvin Harrison Jr. got just enough past rookie cornerback Denzel Burke and made a spectacular one-handed contested reception.
But there was also the “gotta have it” session in the red zone, where the No. 1 offense had the ball inside the 10 on fourth down, and Murray’s pass to Harrison was just a touch behind, signaling more work still was needed.
Then again, that’s the point of practice. There will be more pads this week, and more chances for Murray and the offense to take back a piece of pride.
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