Chiefs Paylor:Aaron Murray working on his footwork and deep ball

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-10-2015, 09:59 PM

Now healthy, Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray working on his footwork and deep ball
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR

[email protected]

Aaron Murray dropped back to pass, his eyes downfield. He identified the zone defense, saw his receiver break free on the post and let it rip.

This was June 3, the fifth practice of organized team activities for the Chiefs, and Murray’s long-ball completion to Frankie Hammond — who hauled it in and sprinted to the end zone without breaking stride — represented a fairly uncommon occurrence last season for the Chiefs, who possessed one the most conservative downfield passing attacks in the league.

And while it was just one play — without pads, in a fairly inconsequential setting — it caught the eyes of Murray’s coaches.

It also represented a positive step forward for Murray, Chiefs’ 2014 fifth-round draft pick and the team’s third-string quarterback behind Alex Smith and backup Chase Daniel.

“Well, you saw the deep one — it was a great throw, great read,” offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said. “It was excellent.

“I’ve been in that third-quarterback role where sometimes you’re playing with younger players and you’re just wondering if they’re going to run the right route. And for Aaron to put it up, that’s nice to see.”

Especially since the 6-foot-1 Murray, who said he bulked up this offseason from 204 to 209 pounds, tore the ACL in his left knee roughly 18 months ago.

“A lot of it is getting the strength back in my legs,” Murray said. “A lot of it is the lower body being able to torque, being able to drive through the legs, just like being a hitter. So getting the strength back in my legs has really helped with the deep ball. Being more comfortable with the receivers and timing, just trust and let it rip, man.”

To be clear, Murray’s no Warren Moon when it comes to the long pass. His NFL.com scouting report, which was based on his college tape before the injury, mentioned “marginal deep-ball accuracy.” And throughout OTAs, he’s generally been more accurate the closer his throws are to the line of scrimmage.

Still, the Chiefs’ coaching staff seems satisfied with the progress he’s making on those downfield throws.

“He’s where he needs to be,” quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy said. “Right now, we’re working on footwork with him, and we’re really doing it with all the quarterbacks, but with Aaron, there’s a couple things he had that we’re trying to get better at and improve on. He certainly has the arm strength — now it’s just trying to understand where we want the ball to be on the go balls.”

To his credit, Murray echoed Nagy’s sentiments without any nudging, noting that improved footwork is his biggest area of emphasis.

Daniel, the man ahead of him on the depth chart, praised Murray’s work habits, saying he’s shown a humility that’s crucial for young quarterbacks who hope to make it in the league.

“We’ve been hard on him — I’m going on year seven; he’s going on year two,” Daniel said with a laugh. “Me and Alex (Smith) both have got some seniority on him, so we make him pay his rookie dues. But he’s such a good learner.

“He came in here wanting to learn; he’s like a sponge, soaking it all up. So he’s got a bright future ahead of him. ... Coaches have to be able to feel like they can coach you up if you’re going to stick on.”

Murray said Daniel and Smith have been ideal mentors.

“You’ve just to take it,” Murray said with a laugh. “They weren’t mean to me — they were really nice. They’ve been in the league so long, I looked at it as this is such a great opportunity to learn about the game of football, not only on the field but off the field, how to take care of yourself.”

Murray was amazed by the amount of preparation Daniel and Smith put into the job. Daniel says NFL quarterbacks have 10 times the responsibility college quarterbacks do.

“Just the amount of film work they put in,” Murray said. “Being able to come in there and watch film the way they watch film (is crucial), because watching film in college is a lot different than (watching it) now. College has very basic defenses — you’re gonna get a couple blitzes, a couple defenses.

“Now (there’s) all these various fronts, (and you need to know) how many percentages of time they’ll blitz and play this coverage.

“Being able to pick up those tendencies is a lot more (challenging) than doing it in college. But learning how to do that has been awesome.”

Murray has been making strides in this area, too. Rookie receiver Chris Conley, his teammate at Georgia from 2011-13, said Murray has developed exponentially since he last played with him.

“There’s more maturity from him, and even Aaron is still learning things about this offense,” Conley said. “When Aaron was at Georgia, he knew everything that there was. This offense is so big and grand, and every year, wrinkles are added. Aaron is still evolving as a quarterback himself, and I think he’s light years better than he was.”

It remains to be seen if Murray is anywhere close to challenging for a No. 2 job, let alone a starting role. Those kinds of battles are fought in training camp and preseason.

But for now, he appears to be doing just fine.

“He’s a sharp guy,” Pederson said. “Again, as a third quarterback, he’s right where he needs to be to help our offense.”

**TimBone** · 06-10-2015, 10:01 PM

INB4 This thread becomes about Alex Smith throwing downfield.

JakeLV · 06-10-2015, 10:03 PM

Hard to put any weight behind it if the pads aren't on, but nice to hear they're actually developing somebody.

Would like to see him push Chase this year.

In58men · 06-10-2015, 10:09 PM

This is why I don't mind preseason, I can't wait to see what he can do in those games. Yeah we all know he'll throw against 2nd/3rd stringers, but just to watch his mechanics and reads makes it worth watching.

Reerun_KC · 06-10-2015, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

This is why I don't mind preseason, I can't wait to see what he can do in those games. Yeah we all know he'll throw against 2nd/3rd stringers, but just to watch his mechanics and reads makes it worth watching.

How do you know what the reads are on the plays?

eDave · 06-11-2015, 12:35 AM

I don't care what anyone says, I would love to see what he can do. If Alex goes down, I want Murray.

**TribalElder** · 06-11-2015, 12:42 AM

Playing Texans week 1 right

Clowney and watt could beat the shit out of Alex week 1

**007** · 06-11-2015, 01:02 AM

For some reason I still see Anne Murray instead of Aaron.

eDave · 06-11-2015, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

For some reason I still see Anne Murray instead of Aaron.

There's my night owl!

Something to get you going:

**007** · 06-11-2015, 01:17 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

**Ming the Merciless** · 06-11-2015, 01:24 AM

Im pretty excited to watch preseason man

I aint gonna lie

eDave · 06-11-2015, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Johnny Cash man!

eDave · 06-11-2015, 02:23 AM

Here's a bit of a rattlesnake:

**loochy** · 06-11-2015, 05:16 AM

Is murray becoming stanzi?

InChiefsHeaven · 06-11-2015, 06:26 AM

Quote:

“He’s a sharp guy,” Pederson said. “Again, as a third quarterback, he’s right where he needs to be to help our offense.”

I believe this is Pederson saying "People, settle down. Dude is a third stringer for a reason..."

06-10-2015, 09:59 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	Paylor:Aaron Murray working on his footwork and deep ball Now healthy, Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray working on his footwork and deep ball By TEREZ A. PAYLOR [email protected] Aaron Murray dropped back to pass, his eyes downfield. He identified the zone defense, saw his receiver break free on the post and let it rip. This was June 3, the fifth practice of organized team activities for the Chiefs, and Murray’s long-ball completion to Frankie Hammond — who hauled it in and sprinted to the end zone without breaking stride — represented a fairly uncommon occurrence last season for the Chiefs, who possessed one the most conservative downfield passing attacks in the league. And while it was just one play — without pads, in a fairly inconsequential setting — it caught the eyes of Murray’s coaches. It also represented a positive step forward for Murray, Chiefs’ 2014 fifth-round draft pick and the team’s third-string quarterback behind Alex Smith and backup Chase Daniel. “Well, you saw the deep one — it was a great throw, great read,” offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said. “It was excellent. “I’ve been in that third-quarterback role where sometimes you’re playing with younger players and you’re just wondering if they’re going to run the right route. And for Aaron to put it up, that’s nice to see.” Especially since the 6-foot-1 Murray, who said he bulked up this offseason from 204 to 209 pounds, tore the ACL in his left knee roughly 18 months ago. “A lot of it is getting the strength back in my legs,” Murray said. “A lot of it is the lower body being able to torque, being able to drive through the legs, just like being a hitter. So getting the strength back in my legs has really helped with the deep ball. Being more comfortable with the receivers and timing, just trust and let it rip, man.” To be clear, Murray’s no Warren Moon when it comes to the long pass. His NFL.com scouting report, which was based on his college tape before the injury, mentioned “marginal deep-ball accuracy.” And throughout OTAs, he’s generally been more accurate the closer his throws are to the line of scrimmage. Still, the Chiefs’ coaching staff seems satisfied with the progress he’s making on those downfield throws. “He’s where he needs to be,” quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy said. “Right now, we’re working on footwork with him, and we’re really doing it with all the quarterbacks, but with Aaron, there’s a couple things he had that we’re trying to get better at and improve on. He certainly has the arm strength — now it’s just trying to understand where we want the ball to be on the go balls.” To his credit, Murray echoed Nagy’s sentiments without any nudging, noting that improved footwork is his biggest area of emphasis. Daniel, the man ahead of him on the depth chart, praised Murray’s work habits, saying he’s shown a humility that’s crucial for young quarterbacks who hope to make it in the league. “We’ve been hard on him — I’m going on year seven; he’s going on year two,” Daniel said with a laugh. “Me and Alex (Smith) both have got some seniority on him, so we make him pay his rookie dues. But he’s such a good learner. “He came in here wanting to learn; he’s like a sponge, soaking it all up. So he’s got a bright future ahead of him. ... Coaches have to be able to feel like they can coach you up if you’re going to stick on.” Murray said Daniel and Smith have been ideal mentors. “You’ve just to take it,” Murray said with a laugh. “They weren’t mean to me — they were really nice. They’ve been in the league so long, I looked at it as this is such a great opportunity to learn about the game of football, not only on the field but off the field, how to take care of yourself.” Murray was amazed by the amount of preparation Daniel and Smith put into the job. Daniel says NFL quarterbacks have 10 times the responsibility college quarterbacks do. “Just the amount of film work they put in,” Murray said. “Being able to come in there and watch film the way they watch film (is crucial), because watching film in college is a lot different than (watching it) now. College has very basic defenses — you’re gonna get a couple blitzes, a couple defenses. “Now (there’s) all these various fronts, (and you need to know) how many percentages of time they’ll blitz and play this coverage. “Being able to pick up those tendencies is a lot more (challenging) than doing it in college. But learning how to do that has been awesome.” Murray has been making strides in this area, too. Rookie receiver Chris Conley, his teammate at Georgia from 2011-13, said Murray has developed exponentially since he last played with him. “There’s more maturity from him, and even Aaron is still learning things about this offense,” Conley said. “When Aaron was at Georgia, he knew everything that there was. This offense is so big and grand, and every year, wrinkles are added. Aaron is still evolving as a quarterback himself, and I think he’s light years better than he was.” It remains to be seen if Murray is anywhere close to challenging for a No. 2 job, let alone a starting role. Those kinds of battles are fought in training camp and preseason. But for now, he appears to be doing just fine. “He’s a sharp guy,” Pederson said. “Again, as a third quarterback, he’s right where he needs to be to help our offense.”
Posts: 43,454

06-10-2015, 10:01 PM	#2
TimBone Mostly Ignored Join Date: Jul 2013 Casino cash: $8419985	INB4 This thread becomes about Alex Smith throwing downfield.
Posts: 18,097

06-10-2015, 10:03 PM	#3
JakeLV Veteran Join Date: Nov 2013 Casino cash: $9976352	Hard to put any weight behind it if the pads aren't on, but nice to hear they're actually developing somebody. Would like to see him push Chase this year.
Posts: 1,163

06-10-2015, 10:09 PM	#4
In58men I didn’t say mud, I said crud. Join Date: Jan 2012 Casino cash: $-1561974	This is why I don't mind preseason, I can't wait to see what he can do in those games. Yeah we all know he'll throw against 2nd/3rd stringers, but just to watch his mechanics and reads makes it worth watching. __________________ Attendance Chief record 11-9
Posts: 30,926

06-11-2015, 12:35 AM	#6
eDave Banned Join Date: Jan 2013 Casino cash: $9998560	I don't care what anyone says, I would love to see what he can do. If Alex goes down, I want Murray.
Posts: 53,803

06-11-2015, 12:42 AM	#7
TribalElder Arrowhead Trail of Tears Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: KansasCity Casino cash: $-619559	Playing Texans week 1 right Clowney and watt could beat the shit out of Alex week 1 __________________ Pressure is a privilege, and champions adjust
Posts: 29,553

06-11-2015, 01:02 AM	#8
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $12140126 VARSITY	For some reason I still see Anne Murray instead of Aaron. __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,736

06-11-2015, 01:17 AM	#10
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $12140126 VARSITY	NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,736

06-11-2015, 01:24 AM	#11
Ming the Merciless Emporer of Mongo Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Milky Way Casino cash: $-642444	Im pretty excited to watch preseason man I aint gonna lie __________________ ---- 2018 Adopt-A-Chief : Chris Conley 2017 Adopt-A-Chief : FRANK ZOMBO Click here-->*The Holy Chiefsplanet Lexicon **
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06-11-2015, 02:23 AM	#13
eDave Banned Join Date: Jan 2013 Casino cash: $9998560	Here's a bit of a rattlesnake:
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06-11-2015, 05:16 AM	#14
loochy Hey Loochy, I'm hooome! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PooPooKaKaPeePeeShire Casino cash: $-1749603	Is murray becoming stanzi? __________________ Hey Loochy, I'm hoooome!
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