The unveiling of the Kliff Kingsbury offense in the NFL, piloted by No. 1 overall draft pick Kyler Murray at quarterback, showed the world … well, the head coach was blunt.
"It was three quarters of the worst offense I've seen in my life and it was my fault," Kingsbury said.
The playcalling was "too cute," Kingsbury said. He didn't allow Murray to get in any kind of rhythm. But the game lasts four quarters, and once it was over, and the Cardinals had rallied for an improbable 27-27 tie with the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium, it was crystal clear of what the Cardinals – and Murray – are capable.
Murray completed 15-of-19 passes for 154 yards, two touchdowns and added a two-point conversion pass in the fourth quarter alone, and had another 84 yards passing in overtime, as the Cards (0-0-1) stormed back from a 24-6 deficit with just over 11 minutes left in regulation.
"No matter what it's looking like – and it was pretty ugly at first – you just have to stay the course," Murray said.
The result, in many ways, felt irrelevant. It wasn't of course. Safety Budda Baker said he was "kinda mad," and Murray said he'd never played in a tie before.
"We didn't get the result we wanted," linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "We wanted to get the first one out of the way for Coach (Kingsbury). I guess that has to wait."
This season, however, is ultimately about the installation of Kingsbury's offense and the growth of Murray. It was hard to see Sunday's game as anything but a microcosm of that narrative.
Murray finished 29-of-54 for 308 yards, throwing an early interception that was forced along the sideline. He actually was outrushed by Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, 22-13, each getting three attempts. The Cardinals had a measly 58 yards of offense at halftime, only 100 yards through three quarters.
"I have to do a better job early in the game getting (Murray) comfortable and getting him in a groove," Kingsbury said. "I was just trying to do too much."
Murray, however, wasn't going to back Kingsbury's analysis.
"We've got to execute better," Murray said. "It's not one person's fault. We're out there on the field. We have to execute what he calls. It's a learning experience. Next week, we've got to be better."
Murray did say the Cardinals basically went to what they do best. There was a beautiful 27-yard touchdown throw to running back David Johnson on a play not even designed to go there. There was Larry Fitzgerald's 4-yard touchdown catch, and a two-point conversion pass to Christian Kirk that shockingly tied the game.
"You don't have to worry about (Murray) getting discouraged," said Fitzgerald, who finished with eight catches for 113 yards. "With all of us (receivers), he's going to give us a shot."
That was the momentum the Cards took to overtime. They had the ball first needing a touchdown to win, and managed to reach the Detroit 8-yard line on first-and-goal. But the drive stalled, and Zane Gonzalez needed to kick his fourth field goal of the game.
After the Lions (0-0-1) tied it, Murray again moved the team, but a third-down pass from the Detroit 46 was batted down with 1:10 left. Faced with going for it and potentially giving Lions kicker Matt Prater – who owns the NFL record with a 64-yard field goal – an easier chance if the play failed, Kingsbury went with the punt.
"If you don't convert there, it's pretty much game over," Kingsbury said.
It should've sealed the tie. But Matthew Stafford inexplicably threw a ball straight to veteran cornerback Tramaine Brock with 11 seconds on the clock and Brock around the Lions 20 – only to have Brock drop the interception.
"I just have to focus on bringing the ball in," said Brock, who added he probably would've tried to score on the play.
But Brock also broke up a potential game-winning Lions TD pass in overtime. The Cardinals also could've helped themselves by scoring a touchdown after a first-and-goal from the Detroit 8 (and second-and-goal from inside the 1) following Trent Sherfield's recovery of a muffed punt. That possession only got a field goal, as did another drive sparked by a 41-yard Larry Fitzgerald catch.
Again, there were growing pains. Baker and Suggs lamented the plays the defense didn't make, and they weren't talking about Brock's drop. Too often there were Lions pass-catchers running open, and there were a few instances of players discussing miscommunication after plays.
"We definitely wish we had played better, got some more turnovers and made some more plays," said Suggs, who had two sacks to move alone into 12th all-time in NFL history with 135½ in his career. "But it's not the end of the world. The sun will rise tomorrow."
Assuming Murray continues to trend in the direction he was headed Sunday, it's tough not to feel that the future is bright for the Cardinals.
"That would've been terrible if we had not done anything at all (on offense)," Murray said with a smile. "That would've left a bad taste in our mouth. The fact we can kind of feel decent with what happened … it's something to build on going forward."
Images from the first game of the year on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium
OLB Chandler Jones forces a fumble
WR Trent Sherfield celebrates a tackle on special teams.
OLB Chandler Jones celebrates his fumble recovery.
Bret Michaels (left) with Michael Bidwill before the game.
Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is sacked by Detroit Lions outside linebacker Devon Kennard (42) as offensive guard J.R. Sweezy (64) flies over during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Big Red arrives before the game.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws as Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals wide receiver Damiere Byrd is tackled by Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to pass again the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
OLB Chandler Jones celebrates his fumble recovery
QB Kyler Murray throws a pass.
RB David Johnson runs with the ball.
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) is hit by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Haason Reddick (43).
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambles against the Detroit Lions during the first half.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) takes a hit by Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) during the first half.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) hands off to running back David Johnson during the first half.
Kyler Murray stands on the sidelines during the first half.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez (5) kicks a field goal against the Detroit Lions.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tries to elude Detroit Lions defensive end Mike Daniels (96).
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield, left, during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury talks with his players during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (19) runs against the Detroit Lions.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald watches from the sidelines.
Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver KeeSean Johnson during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws during the second half of an NFL football game as Detroit Lions outside linebacker Christian Jones looks on.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) pulls in a touchdown pass as Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) defends during the second half.
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) makes a catch as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Chris Jones (25) defends.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch against the Detroit Lions during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a catch as Detroit Lions cornerback Rashaan Melvin defends.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tries to elude Detroit Lions defensive end Mike Daniels (96).
Arizona Cardinals fans cheer on Larry Fitzgerald during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) scores a two point conversion to tie the game as Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) defends.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald scores a touchdown in the second half.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) celebrate his two point conversion catch with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) late in the fourth quarter.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) tries to elude Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) after the catch.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) shows as Arizona Cardinals free safety D.J. Swearinger (36) pursues during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tries to elude Detroit Lions defensive end Mike Daniels (96) during the first half.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11), tight end Charles Clay (85) and wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) celebrate Kirk's two point conversion against the Detroit Lions.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray reacts with wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) after a near interception by the Cardinals during the final seconds of overtime against the Lions.
The Arizona Cardinals bench reacts to a dropped interception during overtime. The Lions and Cardinals played to a 27-27 tie in overtime.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches the final seconds of the game Sunday against the Lions.
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, left, greets Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions and Cardinals played to a 27-27 tie on overtime.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, right, greets Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions and Cardinals played to a 27-27 tie on overtime.
