Murray, offense shine on Day 2 of Cardinals training camp

Glendale, AZ — It was a pretty quiet day on the practice field. Most of the action happened during the closed portion of training camp on Thursday. But the fireworks came in the press conference room when quarterback Kyler Murray showed up for an unscheduled meeting with the Cards’ press.

Here are the highlights from Day 2:

Who won the day: Offense (Kyler Murray)

Kyler Murray from the top rope clapped back at all of his critics in an impromptu press conference and won the day for the Arizona Cardinals offense on Thursday. Murray, who wasn’t scheduled to speak, took the podium after practice and defended his work ethic and study habits, which have been questioned since an “Independent Study” addendum surfaced from his mega contract extension.

It’s the most assertive we’ve seen the young quarterback since he arrived in the desert in 2019. Kyler said some of the comments have been “disrespectful” and are a “joke” to insinuate that he doesn’t watch game film. Murray pulled no punches defending himself and even ripped off his many accomplishments in his young career, including an undefeated high school football career, Heisman Trophy Award, and being drafted in the top 10 in both pro baseball and football. Kyler was throwing factual haymakers at talking heads and writers armed with reports and speculation of the quarterback’s work ethic. It was a big win for Murray and whenever he wins the Cards’ offense wins.

Play of the day: Greg Dortch laying out to secure a Kyler Murray pass over the middle was the play of the day, which earned cheers from his teammates and coaches. Dortch continues to impress head coach Kliff Kingsbury and could earn a spot on the final roster. Kingsbury already likes Dortch’s ability to play on special teams and mentioned a few plays he made early in the Cardinals’ win against Dallas late last season. Playing special teams could separate Dortch from other wideouts, like Andy Isabella, vying for a final roster spot.

Trending up: Josh Jackson

The cornerback signed after trying out during minicamp and is making a great early impression. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury mentioned Jackson made an impressive pick-six during 7-on-7 drills today at camp. The Cards are hoping Jackson can recapture the success he had playing at Iowa that turned him into a 2nd round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2018. Kingsbury says the team is riding with their cornerback but could add a veteran. If the team holds steady, that could mean Jackson earned a job.

Isaiah Simmons update

Although the third-year defender doesn’t have a traditional NFL position, the Cardinals seem to know how they want to utilize their versatile player this season. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury says the team wants “maximize” Simmons’s skillset. That role seems geared towards playing safety and seeing opportunities to rush the passer.

Injury report

• Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was in attendance Wednesday but was a nonparticipant in practice after being placed on the Active/Non-Football injury list with a tweaked hamstring. Kingsbury said they hope to get Brown back soon, and he was injured last week working out on his own.
• According to Kingsbury, left tackle D.J. Humphries is sick and it has kept him from practicing to open camp.
• DeAndre Hopkins had a veteran’s day off on Thursday after practicing on Wednesday. Kingsbury says the Cards D-Hop will operate on a different schedule than his wide receiver and veteran teammates since he is serving a 6-game suspension to start 2022.

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Jalen Thompson — The Cardinals’ safety continues to go from Supplemental Draft pick to an
integral piece of the defense’s success. Thompson told reporters he could handle calling the
Cards’ defense each play.
Traditionally, that role belongs to a linebacker, but if Thompson can handle playcalling duties,
the Cards could get the athleticism of second-year linebacker Zaven Collins on the field.
It’s a huge responsibility. J.J. Watt said he tried during his time in Houston and hated it having to
call plays for the defense.
Calling the Cardinals defense will be an addition to Thompson’s resume entering a contract year.
Isaiah Simmons — Although the third-year defender doesn’t have a traditional NFL position,
the Cardinals seem to know how they want to utilize their versatile player this season.
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury says the team wants “maximize” Simmons’s skillset. That role
seems geared towards playing safety and seeing opportunities to rush the passer.
Injury report
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was in attendance Wednesday but was a nonparticipant in
practice after being placed on the Active/Non-Football injury list with a tweaked
hamstring. Kingsbury said they hope to get Brown back soon, and he was injured last
week working out on his own.
According to Kingsbury, left tackle D.J. Humphries is sick and it has kept him from
practicing to open camp.
DeAndre Hopkins had a veteran’s day off on Thursday after practicing on Wednesday.
Kingsbury says the Cards D-Hop will operate on a different schedule than his wide
receiver and veteran teammates since he is serving a 6-game suspension to start 2022.