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Cardinals Aiming For Aerial Ascent

Kyler Murray has talented trio of receivers to target in passing game

The Cardinals are focused on improving their passing game in 2020.
The Cardinals are focused on improving their passing game in 2020.

Kyler Murray tried to get greedy.

The Cardinals made a blockbuster trade for DeAndre Hopkins in March, but the young quarterback wasn't fully satiated with that news.

He still lobbied coach Kliff Kingsbury to draft wideout CeeDee Lamb – Murray's former teammate at Oklahoma -- with the No. 8 overall pick.

"Hell, I play quarterback," Murray said with a smile. "For any quarterback, you can never have too many weapons."

The Cardinals went with linebacker Isaiah Simmons in the first round, so they won't be trotting out a fearsome quartet, but their top three wide receivers still hold plenty of high-end potential.

Hopkins takes over as the clear No. 1 option, while Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald round out a trio that could end up among the most potent in recent Cardinals history.

"I see myself fitting in very well," Hopkins said. "I know what I bring to the table. Those guys know what they bring to the table."

The Cardinals' offense made serious improvement a year ago, but the heavy lifting was done by the rushing attack, which set a franchise record for yards per carry.

Murray said the emphasis this offseason has been improving the passing game. He averaged 6.9 yards per pass attempt last season, which was below league average, and the Cardinals finished No. 20 in Football Outsiders’ passing efficiency.

"That's honestly one of the main focal points of the next step, is improving our dropback game, which was obviously kind of mediocre in a way last season," Murray said. "I think a lot of that comes with reps, time playing with the guys. Getting D-Hop is obviously a tremendous help for us. I can't wait to play with him."

Fitzgerald led the Cardinals with 75 catches for 804 yards last season. Kirk had 68 catches for 709 yards – and drew 111 yards worth of pass interference penalties – but missed three games with an ankle injury and labeled the campaign as "frustrating."

"The good thing about it is, if you look at it statistically, hurt or not, I was able to progress my second year," Kirk said. "The next step is taking that next jump, showing I'm progressing and getting better."

Fitzgerald is excited about the long-term capability of the Cardinals' aerial attack, as Murray, Hopkins and Kirk have plenty of career left ahead of them.

"The future is going to be extremely bright with (Hopkins) and Christian here for the next, hopefully, 10-plus years, catching balls from Kyler," Fitzgerald said.

In 2020, Fitzgerald will be a big part of it, too, as his ability to remain productive has not dimmed in his mid-30s.

As the hype continues to grow for the Cardinals, an improved passing game centered around Hopkins, Kirk and Fitzgerald seems essential for the team to contend for a playoff spot.

"Once we take that next step, we'll be even more dangerous," Murray said.

Images from the Cardinals' 51-45 overtime win over Green Bay. Listen to the re-air on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on 98.7 FM, Arizona's Sports Station.

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