Looking at the tape, the Cardinals’ red zone performance has stalled, and the numbers back that view. The NFL Red Zone Stats show a direct correlation between Murphy’s lack of rushing attempts and a dip in scoring efficiency inside the 20‑yard line.
The film shows Murphy logged a single snap in 2021 for Arizona and another lone appearance in 2024 with Minnesota, both resulting in zero rushes and no yards gained. According to FOX Sports, his rushing attempts (ATT/G) and yards per game (RYDS/G) remain at zero for those entries. The numbers suggest the team has not utilized him as a ball‑carrier in critical short‑field situations, limiting play‑action options and potentially inflating the defense’s red zone predictability. While some analysts argue the sample size is too small, the data points to a missed opportunity in diversifying the Cardinals’ red zone playbook.
Based on the available data, the coaching staff may need to revisit scheme design to improve red zone conversion rates. For complete coverage, see Arizona Cardinals Plot Overhaul After Murphy’s Zero‑Rush.
