Ask Odegard: Kyler, Kyler and More Kyler

From what I hear, the Cardinals have a pretty important piece coming back this week.

Kyler Murray is set to start Sunday against the Falcons, and unsurprisingly, the mailbag is filled with questions about Arizona’s star quarterback.

Let’s dive in.

“How well do you expect K1 to perform vs ATL given the factors at hand? First game back, banged up OL, weapons coming back from injury etc” – Jamie5152

Kyle Odegard: Those are the worrying factors, as is lesser mobility than usual and his first game in a new offense. As we all recall, Joshua Dobbs had a rough go of it in his debut.

But I don’t know, man. This game is at home against a Falcons team that is No. 25 in defensive efficiency on the season. Maybe I’m just hoping for a spark following such a lousy season, but I have a feeling Kyler gets things rocking from the pocket on Sunday.

The arm talent is special, and I think it will shine through against the Falcons.

“Bringing Kyler back with the team 1-9 and the o-line in shambles feels very risky, due to the risk of injury and lost draft capital (Kyler has to be worth a win or two). Why do it? I don’t buy the argument that we need to see him in this offense; he is a known quantity. – Robert Nkemdiche’s Burner

KO: I think this evaluation time is quite important. If James Conner comes back and runs the ball well, and Kyler proves to play off that nicely, then there is proof of concept for what the offense is trying to accomplish.

There is a risk of injury, but the Cardinals were smart to take their time with the return, as it’s at a decreased level now. Obviously the No. 1 overall pick would be huge, and considering the Cardinals will still be underdogs in the vast majority of games down the stretch, they still have a shot at it.

But if Kyler excels with the new staff in place, then you know the franchise quarterback is good to go and you can build accordingly. 

And there is also the personal element to it: Kyler has been grinding for months to get back to game action. It doesn’t seem right to keep him sidelined all year when he’s ready to roll.

“Does Kyler need to be dominant in the final 8 games to establish himself as the future franchise Qb or does he need to just be competitive?” – Mike Mendias

KO: He doesn’t need to be dominant, no. I think everyone understands what he’s up against here. I honestly don’t feel like the bar is super high for Kyler to lock himself in as the franchise QB for years to come. His ability is on tape, and as long as the athleticism returns by the end of the year and he takes to the scheme, it certainly seems to be the best path moving forward for the franchise.

Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are intriguing prospects, but Williams’ stock, especially, has dropped of late. Can you imagine if Arizona took one of them and it didn’t work out, a la some of the other top quarterback picks in recent years? We’d be on an infinite loop for a roster rebuild, and nobody wants that.

“There's a lot of speculation and assumption that the transition to the pro style offense; "Kyler can't do it." At least that's the pessimistic side of the fan base.  What is your genuine take on his change to the pro style? I think he will kill it. He was a 1st overall pick ;)” – Caleb Anderson

KO: I’m not too worried about it. I think the emphasis on the run game and play-action shots should actually fit Murray’s skillset quite well. I know people are concerned about Murray going under center when he’s usually been in shotgun, but I think he will figure it out just fine.

“Would you consider firing Monti and Gannon based on this year results? Gannon has no idea how to coach a team and Monti only good move was to cut Markus golden and Robbie Anderson” – angrycardsfan

KO: No, this year is a mulligan for them. I’ve actually been quite impressed with Ossenfort’s decision-making, while it’s wait-and-see with Gannon until the talent on the roster improves.

If the Cardinals are in this same position next year, with a healthy Kyler under center and upgrades around him, then the seat can start getting warm. But this year was always going to be ugly.

“Kyle's best case scenarios first round draft for the cards.” – Bryan Abdallah

KO: Best-case would be finishing with the No. 1 overall pick, trading down to 3 for Marvin Harrison while also stockpiling future picks. That’s pie in the sky.

But I agree with most that Kyler’s return will probably lead to a few wins and a potential drop in the draft order. So getting Marvin with the first pick is still the goal, and then adding another player from a premium position with the Houston draft choice. 

I don’t really care if they go offense or defense because both sides of the ball need so much help. Just nail the picks.

“Hey Kyle! How do you size up the future of the CB room? The coaches continues to start Wilson as CB1, despite uneven performances. Do you think Garrett Williams, who has been playing well, will be CB1 by season's end, or will they continue to play him primarily in the slot?” – Jokomo13

KO: It seems pretty clear that Garrett Williams is already the best cornerback on the roster, which is a great development considering he is a rookie with three more controllable years after this one.

I would imagine he eventually moves outside, yeah. That’s where the most value lies, and he played outside in college, so it would be good to see how he handles it.

“With Kyler back, are Hollywood's targets about to skyrocket again?  What about McBride’s?” – AZTXOutdoors

KO: Hollywood, yes. His chemistry and connection with Kyler is off the charts. Expect plenty of targets and a major uptick in production. McBride is wait-and-see. 

Rondale Moore actually had some pretty good numbers with Kyler last season so maybe that’s the guy who gets the biggest boost outside of Brown. Rondale needs it. His year has been extremely underwhelming.

“What do you think is the best possible outcome for the Cardinals this year?” – Barry M

KO: Best possible outcome to me would be a top-12 offense down the stretch and a defense that continues to struggle, meaning you have signs of hope on the most important side of the ball and can still lose close games.

If the Cardinals can go 3-14 with promising flashes from Kyler but still get the No. 1 pick, well, the fanbase would have to be feeling pretty good about that.

“How often will we see Murray under center as opposed to shotgun?” – Dan Lorti

KO: Hard to know the plan until it’s unveiled, but I don’t think Petzing will avoid under center because it’s Kyler now instead of Dobbs. I think the Cardinals are comfortable using him either way.

“Which QB is the franchise going to invest in next year?” – Gabe McFadden

KO: It’s very likely going to be the one they’ve already invested in.

After seeing Antonio Pierce's explanation, just curious where are the Cardinals practice squad players on gameday? In stadium, in a suite, at home etc – Dan Kurtz

KO: I can’t speak to the present-day practice squad members. When I covered the team it felt like a mixture. Some coaches had them on the sidelines, others in the box. They were usually around for home games and rarely on away trips unless there was a chance to be elevated to the active roster on Saturday.

“The 7th we sent Minnesota was conditional based on Dobbs playing time, right? Since he’s the starter now it seems like we have a good chance to get it back, right? I couldn’t find the full trade details anywhere.” – Jayrome

KO: I can’t find the details either but that’s what everyone is saying. In all likelihood, the Cardinals will get the sixth rounder free and clear.

“Realistic prediction for how many wins the Cards can get with Kyler back at the helm? Follow up to that, who do you think is the most likely draft pick if they sneak out 3-4 more wins?” – Chalupa Batman

“With Kyler or not, what’s your gut feeling on how the Cardinals will do the rest of the season?  Can they scratch out a few more wins? And if so, against which teams?” – Ed Helinski

KO: They have a chance against the Falcons, Texans, Rams, Steelers, Bears and maybe Seahawks. How many will they get? I’ll say three of them.

So that leaves you at 4-13, which will be borderline Marvin Harrison, Jr. territory, and he would be the obvious pick. If they end up drafting a spot or two lower, I think they will go offensive tackle again since D.J. Humphries’ performance is falling off a cliff.

“Would love to know if Kyler and offense struggles, if more blame will go to Kyler, or will Petzing be under fire for his scheme being figured out.” – Dylan Richards

KO: Oh, Kyler’s going to get the lion’s share of the blame, or the glory, depending on how it goes. Is that totally fair? Not really. But such is life as a star quarterback. 

I don’t think we will totally be able to evaluate Petzing or Murray in the next month or so because he’s coming back from a major knee injury and learning the offense. But I think we will be able to see flashes of the passing attack identity, with designed runs hopefully coming by the end of the year.

“What do you find to be our most blaring roster need? I find it hard to argue with any position they use draft picks on if they are premium positions. CB? Sure. DE? Sure.” – Newfootballguy

KO: I guess I’d vote edge because it is the most important position beyond quarterback and Vic Dimukeje is the only one that’s impressed me this season. But, yeah, cornerback is a huge issue. Defensive tackle is barren. Offensive tackle and wide receiver could use upgrades.

The Cardinals will almost certainly address one the premium positions with both of their first-round picks, and there are so many holes that they can easily take the best player available.

“How many rushing yards and TDs you think we see from Kyler for the rest of the season?” – Vony Duncan

KO: I think the rushing yards are going to be down considerably for awhile. My guess is 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns by the time we get to the end of the season.

“Will Michael Wilson be playing on sunday?" – Giel van Huisseling

KO: No inside info here but my guess would be yes. 

“What do you project Houston's win total will be at the end of the year?” – SuperFlyTN

KO: Took a very quick look at the schedule and my rough estimate is eight or nine. Either way, any designs of a potential top-5 pick are long gone, and I doubt the Texans finish top-10.

Do you think the Keontay Ingram project/experience is coming to an end sooner rather than later?” – Roland Sebestyen

KO: Well he might stick on the roster for a bit longer, but when you’re beaten out by an undrafted rookie free agent for playing time early in the season and then perform like this when given the opportunity, it’s not a great sign that you’ll be a long-term piece.

“Is Minnesota in for a let down regarding Dobbs’ inconsistent performances? Don’t get me wrong, rooting for the guy & appreciate what he did keeping us in games, but I saw film reviews of his game that pointed out he was basically lost and winging it. Yes I know he just got there” – AZ Cards Andrea

KO: Yeah, it was an awesome debut and he deserves all that love. Dobbs seems like a great dude. But the stats don’t lie, and he will come back to earth soon. There is a reason he has been bouncing around teams his entire NFL career.

“When should someone use 401k funds to buy a house?” – JJ

KO: I’m not an expert on the subject matter… but that’s never stopped me before in this mailbag. If at all possible, don’t ever touch the 401K. Try to put down as little as possible for the down payment so you can still get the house but keep the 401K funds in the market. 

Interest rates are sky-high right now but you can refinance down the road, and if you can get the mortgage rate down to, say, 3 or 4%, then keeping the money in the 401K will be better because the gains will almost certainly be higher than that over the long run.

Seriously, though, consult a financial advisor. They know much better than me.

“Is Daryl Washington gonna play next season?” – Tim

KO: Let’s see here. D-Wash is 37 years old and hasn’t played since 2013. In other words, yeah, man, he will be back. Martavis Bryant can serve as the inspiration.

“Based our ‘23 draft picks, do you have complete faith in what Monti will do in ‘24, MHJ or not? Nearly the entire fan base was pulling for AndersonJr last yr, but after it was all said & done, I don’t think I’ve seen any complaints about Any of the rookies. Does Monti cook again? – Nettles11

KO: I do have a lot of faith in Monti. His decisions to trade down in the draft and load up on premium positions was perfect. Until he gives us reason to doubt him, I’m in.

"What will be both Kyler’s and Hollywood’s stat lines this Sunday.” – Eric

KO: Kyler will go 22-of-32 for 247 yards with one touchdown and add three carries for 17 yards.
Hollywood will have six catches for 75 yards. Let me know if you need lottery numbers, too.

"When will we release Marco Wilson?” – TC

KO: Don’t think he is going to get released since he’s on a rookie deal, but his playing time could drop if the rookie cornerbacks make strides.

“Did the Dobbs trade signify the let it tank is in?  A guaranteed loss was quite valuable” – Dogecoin69

KO: Yes, the latest of many signs. The front office never planned to be competitive this year.

“What will the compensation be for trading up to the 1 overall pick in 24 draft. Let’s say from pick 5 to 1 overall.” – Andrew James

KO: I’d imagine it would take the No. 5 overall pick and two more first-rounders to get up to 1. Not sure if there would be more compensation than that but it seems like that would be the floor.

“How likely is it that we move off K1 ? I really want us to keep.him k1 is qb1” – Charles Mendoza

KO: I’ve said all along I think it’s very likely he stays. That hasn’t changed.

“A lot of people including yourself are saying we cant judge the new coaching staff until next season. Would that be fair if we end up dumping Kyler and draft a rookie qb essentially starting from scratch?” – AZReaper

KO: They would have a little more rope if that’s the case, but you’d still need to see some progress. If the Cardinals end up with Drake Maye or Caleb Williams and that quarterback starts out like Bryce Young, it will be a major concern. 

At some point you need to prove your worth. It can’t be about next year forever.

“How stupid are people who think Kyler is no good...not talented.....underperforms....that the Cardinals are tanking...should tank…” – Joe Gemma

KO: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion!

“Will you be posterizing a troll in this mailbag?” – The Cardinal Rule

KO: Didn’t get my Vince Carter on in this mailbag — but don’t try me, trolls. I’m always ready to elevate.

“Why do we suck” –  Fryan Turkeys

KO: That is a very apropos name with Thanksgiving on deck, Mr. Fryan Turkeys. 

Why do the Cardinals suck? Well, the last general manager made a plethora of head-scratching moves as his seat got hot and as a result of that, the new one decided to throw the towel in on the season before it began. 

So here we are.