The Rise of the Cardinals Star Tight End

Disappointing. Pathetic. Embarrassing. These are all words that describe the Arizona Cardinals this season. One player who has been none of those things is Trey McBride. He has been a bright spot on a team of hopelessness. McBride has always been an excellent tight end. However, after finding the right quarterback this season, he has been better than he ever has been before.

Dealing with Kyler Murray

Last year, Cardinals fans were not happy with Kyler Murray’s failure to find his open wide receivers down the field. There always seemed to be a receiver open downfield that he was missing. Trey McBride was one of these receivers. When Kyler Murray was asked about getting the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr., another star on the team, last year, he said, “Sometimes the ball goes to him, but that’s not my job.” It was clear that Kyler Murray would not take accountability for failing to find his wide receivers. There always seemed to be an excuse. Trey McBride suffered from Murray’s failure to change as a quarterback.

Change of Quarterback

In Week Five this season, Kyler Murray suffered a foot injury and was out for the game. Later on, it was determined that he would be out for much longer. Just yesterday, it was determined that he would be out for the season. Most people would think that a tight end losing his starting quarterback would be a terrible thing. However, in Trey McBride’s case, it was a great thing. Trey McBride got an experienced veteran quarterback, who did not make excuses when he didn’t do his job.  

Improvement in Stats

In Trey McBride’s first five games of the season with Kyler Murray starting as quarterback, he had 275 receiving yards and only one receiving touchdown. In Week Six, Jacoby Brissett came in to replace Kyler Murray. Since then, McBride has had 604 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. It is clear that Jacoby Brissett has better chemistry with McBride than Murray ever did.

It has been an embarrassing season for the Cardinals. However, Trey McBride has found a way to shine. He has found a quarterback who sees him for the tight end he truly is. The Cardinals are out of the playoffs. This season is hopeless. However, with Trey McBride on the team, next season is not.