Arizona Cardinals: Evaluating Sean Murphy-Bunting’s Impact in the Secondary
The Arizona Cardinals made a strategic move during the 2024 off-season by signing veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting to a three-year, $25.5 million contract. The team aimed to bolster their secondary and provide a veteran presence amidst a group of developing young players. While Murphy-Bunting initially faced challenges, his performance throughout the season showcased both his strengths and areas for improvement.
Early Struggles and Concerns
At the start of the season, Murphy-Bunting appeared to be a step behind and frequently drew penalties due to his excessive physicality. These concerns raised doubts about the effectiveness of the Cardinals’ investment in the veteran cornerback. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals a surprising revelation.
Analyzing the Numbers
While Murphy-Bunting’s overall Pro Football Focus grade of 56.5 is far from impressive, it is important to consider the limitations of PFF grades in providing a complete picture of a player’s performance. The primary area of concern for Murphy-Bunting was his tendency to draw penalties. Throughout the season, he was flagged nine times, often resulting in crucial penalties that extended opponents’ drives.
Furthermore, Murphy-Bunting allowed a completion rate of 70.7%, the second-highest of his career. However, delving deeper into the statistics reveals a more nuanced perspective. In terms of yards allowed in coverage, Murphy-Bunting surrendered 390 yards, the third-lowest total of his career. He also held opposing quarterbacks to an 84.1 passer rating, the second-best of his career.
Additionally, Murphy-Bunting only conceded two touchdowns, which tied for his fewest in a season. His average of 11.7 yards per completion, while not exceptional, represented a solid improvement from the previous year and ranked as his third-best performance in that category.
Strong Finish and Encouraging Signs
Over the last four games of the season, Murphy-Bunting showcased his abilities by intercepting two passes and limiting opponents to 32 yards or fewer in each contest. Despite struggling to prevent completions without committing penalties throughout the season, quarterbacks began to avoid targeting Murphy-Bunting, especially towards the end.
Room for Improvement
While Murphy-Bunting’s overall performance may have fallen short of expectations, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges he faced in adapting to defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defensive scheme. As an established veteran, Murphy-Bunting needed time to acclimate to a new system. However, his progress was evident in his final five games, during which he surrendered only 119 total yards and received just two penalties.
Looking Ahead
Although there is room for improvement, Murphy-Bunting played a significant role in the Cardinals’ secondary during the 2024 season. With the growth of the other players in his unit, he is poised for a stronger performance in the upcoming 2025 season. As the Cardinals continue to invest in their secondary, Murphy-Bunting’s veteran stability and versatility will remain crucial components of the team’s defensive strategy.
In conclusion, while Murphy-Bunting did not deliver a lock-down performance, his contributions and potential for growth make him an important asset to the Arizona Cardinals. As the team evaluates his performance and works towards refining their defensive strategy, Murphy-Bunting’s impact will continue to be a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.