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Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray has been chased around all night by the Oakland Raiders defense and they were finally able to take him down for a safety. Oakland released new defensive back LaMarcus Joyner upon Murray and he took him down for the safety.
That safety brought the score to 26-0 and gave the Raiders offense the ball back. The Cardinals don’t seem to have any answer for what the Raiders are dishing out. The team has been succeeding at all levels. The Cardinals were the worst team in football a year ago, so take this showing with a massive grain of salt, but it’s a promising start for the Raiders. What’s most exciting is how good the pass rush looks. The team had no pass rush whatsoever a year ago, so it’s important they see development in that area.
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How’d Kyler Murray Do?
The Cardinals decided to take Murray out after the safety and put in Brett Hundley. He finished the game completing 3 of 8 passes and only mustered 12 passing yards. He led the offense to zero points. Murray obviously has work to do, but he should develop in time. His performance doesn’t make for much excitement. Especially against a Raider defense that struggled greatly a year ago.
Murray is in the perfect system for his skillset under Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury is also new to the NFL so the two will have to learn and work things out together. Rookie quarterbacks typically struggle, especially in the preseason. His numbers should improve over time.
LaMarcus Joyner Is Exactly What the Raiders Need
LaMarcus Joyner is among the new members of the silver and black that’s looking to make an impact. The Raiders shouldn’t expect too many sacks from the veteran defensive back, but Joyner brings more than just skill as a defender to the team. Oakland’s defensive backfield is full of youth. Gareon Conley, Johnathan Abram, Daryl Worley and Karl Joseph are all young guys. They have a lot of potential, they just need to bring it all together. Joyner is the veteran presence the unit needs.
Joyner has never played to the same level as some of the upper-echelon defensive backs in the NFL, but he’s consistently solid. He spent the first five years of his career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. He played cornerback and safety throughout the years, which shows his versatility. He’s expected to play the slot corner for the Raiders. He has a leadership quality that should help bring the defensive backfield together. The unit has struggled greatly over the past couple of years, but things are looking up.
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