The Arizona Cardinals struggled mightily in the first half of their Wild Card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. When quarterback Kyler Murray threw one of the worst pick-sixes of the 2021 NFL season, his terrible performance took a turn for the worse. The Cardinals were deep in their own territory halfway through the second quarter, trailing 14-0. On 3rd-and-7, Murray took a snap in his own end zone and was swiftly sacked by the Rams pass rush.
The 24-year-old was eventually enveloped by LA defender Troy Reeder after failing to find an open receiver. Rather than taking a safety, Murray threw a reckless, underhanded scoop pass to rookie Rondale Moore. Los Angeles led 21-0 after the pick-six and ensuing extra point.
NFL 2021 Watch Kyler Murray Full Season Highlights Here
The pass was low-velocity and hung in the air long enough for Rams defensive back David Long to swoop in and intercept it. He caught the ball on the 3-yard line and easily sprinted into the end zone for the NFL’s shortest interception touchdown return.
Murray’s decision to attempt a pass was, to say the least, perplexing. After one of the worst plays of his career, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was widely mocked on social media.
I've been watching Kyler Murray for a long time. That was the worst play I've ever seen him make. Just bad on bad. So far, this is the worst GAME I've ever seen him play.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 18, 2022
“Kyler Murray drops back to pass” pic.twitter.com/Zgi5RENple
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 18, 2022
The Rams defense to Kyler Murray pic.twitter.com/yGF2ISzJ3C
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) January 18, 2022
Murray’s pick-six was by far the low point of an abysmal first half. The former No. 1 overall choice went 7-for-17 with 28 yards and two interceptions in his first postseason start. In addition, he took two sacks. The Cardinals were behind 21-0 at halftime.
During the first two-quarters of his first postseason start, Murray appeared absolutely frightened. Arizona will be out of the playoffs before the end of the night if he can’t settle down early in the second half.
