Kyler Murray still has support as a 'Tier 1' quarterback

Not everyone is down on Kyler Murray.

In Mike Sando's "NFL Quarterback Tiers" list, Murray was the only quarterback on the third tier, described by The Athletic as "a legitimate starter [who] needs a heavier running game and/or defensive component to win," to receive a Tier 1 vote.

Per The Athletic, "A Tier 1 quarterback can carry his team each week. The team wins because of him."

Surprised? Allow the voter to explain.

"When he was healthy, he was the reason they were a playoff team (in 2021) ... It wasn't because of their defense or special teams, or DeAndre Hopkins or a great running game," the voter said. "When a guy can take over games as often as he did, it means he is the franchise," the voter continued.

Hopkins may have played a bigger role in the Cardinals' success than the voter suggests. A hamstring injury limited him in the team's first loss of the 2021 season, Week 8 against the Packers, and he played only two more games the entire season as Arizona limped to an 11-6 finish after beginning the season 7-0.

While Hopkins' role can be debated, Murray's influence was undeniable.

From Weeks 1-7 in 2021, Murray was the front-runner for league MVP. He was 164-of-223 (73.5 percent) for 2,002 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions with a passer rating of 116.8.

Murray missed three games immediately following the Packers' loss with a sprained ankle and after returning, wasn't nearly as productive. 

From Weeks 13-18, Murray was 147-of-225 (65.3 percent) for 1,511 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions with an 89.3 passer rating. Then came the playoff disaster against Los Angeles when Murray was 19-of-34 (55.9 percent) for 137 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 34-11 rout.

His image took a hit after that wild-card debacle in January 2022 and then again months later when he had a clause added (and removed) to his contract that required him to study film, raising questions about his work ethic.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon refuted that last point on Thursday.