CLEVELAND — From those who utilize run-pass options (RPO) to pocket passers, the Cleveland Browns have faced a variety of quarterbacks throughout the 2019 regular season, and they getting ready to face another unique challenge in Arizona Cardinals rookie Kyler Murray.
Murray has had a record-setting first season with the Cardinals, and the Browns know that keeping him in check is the only way to win Sunday’s game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and also, stay relevant in the postseason chase.
“Really just trying to contain this guy as a whole because he is a dual-threat throwing the ball as well as having the ability to escape and make play with his feet,” Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said. “We have to do a great job of really trying to keep him in the pocket and try to contain him. Not a lot of teams have been able to do that this year. It is going to be a difficult task on our part.
“Just really trying to pinpoint certain things you see on film with the way you incorporate things this week and how you practice. You have to be real disciplined in the things that you are doing to try to contain this guy.”
Through 13 games, Murray has broken franchise rookie records for passing yards (3,060) touchdown passes (16), completions (293), attempts (457) and games with multiple touchdown throws (seven).
Also, Murray has rushed for 448 yards and four touchdowns, which are Arizona rookie quarterback records. Murray and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson are the only quarterbacks this year to lead their teams in rushing.
“We can’t allow those guys to sustain drives,” Wilks said. “They are so potent at doing that just based off of who they have at quarterback. Up-tempo, we have to be quick getting in and out of the huddle. Those guys do a great job of substituting, sometimes just getting right on the ball. We have to be ready to play. We have to be locked in and focused.”
RELATED | ‘It would be special.’ Cleveland Browns linemen hoping Nick Chubb finishes year as NFL’s top rusher
Murray is closing in on several other records, both franchise marks and league-best showings.
Murray is 53 yards away from equaling the Cardinals’ record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season, a mark that was set by Charley Trippi in 1951. With 300-yard passing games over the last three weeks of the season, Murray would break Andrew Luck’s record for the most in a rookie season.
“Really, the offense as a whole helps him out because he gets the ball out so quickly,” Wilks said. “He is not holding onto the ball, and he has the ability to sustain plays with his feet. We have to do a great job of really trying to get the ball out of his hand even quicker most importantly, trying to contain this guy when he does try to escape.”
In the case of the Browns, sometimes the best defense is a good offense, one that can control the football and keep Arizona’s offense off the field.
“We have to convert first downs,” Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said. “We have to continue to hold onto the ball, but more importantly, we have to do something with the ball. You want to execute, of course, but in executing, you would extend drives, which keeps time of possession, which keeps their offense off the field.
“It does no good unless you convert and finish those drive with scores. That is ultimately what you want to do.”