Zach Ertz
As the Washington Commanders gear up for their Week 4 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, the focus is on how their struggling defense will handle dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray. Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, who spent three seasons with the Cardinals from 2021 to 2023, warned his new Commanders teammates about the challenge ahead.
Ertz, now a key player for the Commanders, spoke highly of Murray, describing him as “one of the best quarterbacks in the league.” Ertz’s insight comes from experience, having seen firsthand what Murray can do when he’s at the top of his game. He shared that some of his Washington teammates have sought his advice, and he’s been candid about what to expect: “He’s got all the tools, so we’ve gotta be on our game.”
Murray’s play so far in 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular, making him the toughest test the Commanders’ defense has faced this season. Their unit is currently ranked near the bottom of the league in both points and yards allowed, making the task of containing Murray even more daunting.
Murray’s athleticism and ability to make plays on the move are well-known. His escape-artist abilities were on full display in a recent win against the Los Angeles Rams, where he scrambled to throw a touchdown under heavy pressure. This season, Murray has shown improved accuracy, completing 79.1% of his passes—one of the best marks of his career.
The Cardinals’ new offensive system under coordinator Drew Petzing has clearly brought out the best in Murray. It’s a stark contrast to the struggles Murray experienced with former Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who is now the offensive coordinator for Washington. Kingsbury admitted, “I basically banked my entire career on what [Murray] would be and I still believe in it.”
As the Commanders look to slow down the in-form quarterback, their own offense will need to fire on all cylinders. Fortunately, Ertz’s impact on Washington’s offense has been just as crucial as his defensive insights. The veteran tight end has quickly established himself as a go-to target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, catching 12 passes for 128 yards and six first downs.
Daniels and Ertz’s growing chemistry will be vital if the Commanders hope to keep pace with Murray and the Cardinals in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown. The Commanders’ defense will have to step up, but Ertz and the offense might be the key to staying in the game.
