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5 players who Cardinals need to be great in 2020

By William Schneiderhan

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 08: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at State Farm Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 08: Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at State Farm Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 38-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 38-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals x-factor: Kyler Murray, QB

Yes, it seems predictable, cliché and lazy to say the quarterback is the most important player to the success of the Cardinals in 2020. However, Kyler Murray needs to be great for the team to be more competitive this year.

In a league where you need a quarterback to win, Murray proved he is potentially the quarterback of the future for the Cardinals after a strong rookie campaign. Starting all 16 games, he threw for 3,722 yards and 20 scores with 12 interceptions. He also ran for 544 rushing yards and punched in four touchdowns on the ground.

Mentioned earlier, the Kingsbury-Murray led offense did do some nice work last year. The unit scored the 16th-most points (361), but most of that production came on the ground with the rushing attack. The team was top-10 in both rushing yards (1,990) and rushing touchdowns (18).

Passing the ball was not as successful last year. The team was towards the bottom part of the league in passing yards and passing scores, and they were 21st in total yards with 5,467.

Adding Hopkins makes the passing attack far more formidable this year. However, Murray needs to continue his development.

If Murray has a “sophomore slump” and regresses, the team will struggle. But if he builds off that AP Offensive Rookie of the Year season he had last season, this offense may be one of the most improved units in the entire NFL.

Next. 5 players who Panthers need to be great in 2020. dark

Murray, Hopkins, Kirk, Fitzgerald and Kenyan Drake. With great quarterback play and the mind of Kingsbury, this team can take off.

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