Kyler Murray 6-for-7 in NFL debut as Cardinals top Chargers

Aug. 9 (UPI) -- No. 1 overall 2019 NFL Draft pick Kyler Murray completed 6-of-7 pass attempts in his preseason debut, helping the Arizona Cardinals dispatch of the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night in Glendale, Ariz.

Murray threw for 44 yards and did not have a rushing attempt or score a touchdown in the 17-13 win at State Farm Stadium. Backup Brett Hundley passed for a game-high 104 yards and a touchdown while completing 10-of-14 pass attempts.

"I think [Murray] made quick decisions," Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters. "That's what we are looking for. He operated well and took care of the football.

"He is a really good thrower of the football. To have that dynamic running ability and you pair it with very accurate throwing ability, it's rare. He did a nice job tonight of putting it on the money."

Murray, 22, completed his first six passes on that Cardinals' opening drive before throwing an incompletion and being sacked for a five-yard loss. The Cardinals were forced to punt on the drive and Murray was replaced by Hundley on the Cardinals' next possession.

"It's natural as a rookie to have expectations, how is it going to be, over-think it," Murray said. "For me, I was just going out there being myself, like always. Trust in my abilities, trust in what Coach calls, and just trying to go out there and execute what he calls. It was fun."

Murray said he was "itching" to get back into the game after being pulled out.

The Chargers fumbled on their opening drive and followed Arizona's punt with a 9-play, 87-yard scoring drive. Arizona punted again to start the second quarter and alternated punts with the Chargers until scoring just before halftime. Hundley capped the scoring drive with a 22-yard touchdown toss to Trent Sherfield.

Arizona and Los Angeles exchanged punts to begin the third quarter before Zane Gonzalez connected on a 55-yard field goal to put the Cardinals ahead 10-7. The Chargers punted on the next possession before each team exchanged interceptions. The Cardinals and Chargers each scored on their next possessions. Arizona then ran out the clock with a 13-play, 58-yard drive.

The Cardinals host the Oakland Raiders at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday at Glendale. The Chargers host the New Orleans Saints at 4 p.m. EDT Sunday, Aug. 18 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.