The play has been seen multiple times from multiple angles, Kyler Murray‘s now-you-see-him-now-you-don’t scramble against the Rams that, by the time it was over, ended up in the arms of sliding tight end Elijah Higgins for an improbable 18-yard touchdown.
In the moment, it was football artistry to everyone who saw it.
Higgins didn’t really see it, though.
“I honestly didn’t realize how big of a play it was when it happened because I am out there running, but when I watched the video and saw him do what he does, I felt bad about celebrating,” he said. “I didn’t do much. I just caught the ball.
“If I knew what he did, I would’ve run to him.”
Murray has had such plays before. It’s what he’s best known for. But this is different, this version of Kyler. His legs can still kill an opponent, but it’s no longer under the idea that the offense can only function if Murray is a superhero.
Even if it looks that way sometimes.
“Those plays weren’t forced at all. They just happen, and that’s just how it should be,” Murray said. “I’m not looking for those things to happen. I’m just trying to play good quarterback.”
Two games is a small sample size, but thus far Murray is second in the NFL in time to throw, with 3.15 seconds (Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts is first at 3.24). A large part of that goes to an offensive line that has been solid even with the injury to right tackle Jonah Williams. But yes, Murray matters.
Of Murray’s 10 rushing attempts, one was a half-ending kneel-down, and two were designed runs for a total of 21 yards. The other seven were scrambles off pass plays, gaining 96 yards (and one crucial late hit penalty flag in Buffalo.)
On pass plays where Murray has scrambled out of the pocket (not a designed rollout) and still thrown the ball, he is 5-for-6 for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
