After seeing Oklahoma in person in Week 3 against Iowa State, I came away convinced that Oklahoma is a better team with Kyler Murray than it was with Baker Mayfield. Yes, I know that's a hot take to many, but not only do the statistics back it up, so do the eye-popping plays Murray provides this offense that Mayfield didn't.
Oklahoma is an RPO-based offense with terrific perimeter weapons, but now it is also an RKO offense -- run-keep option -- because of Murray's ability to run and make plays with his feet. This creates a whole new set of problems for opposing defenses having to account for the QB as a true runner.
Statistically, two areas stand out with Murray's performance -- third-down efficiency and the QB run game.
Murray has been simply awesome on third down, completing 67 percent of his passes (14-of-21) with three touchdowns and no interceptions. All 14 of his completions on third down have resulted in either a first down or a touchdown. In 2017, Mayfield was 49-for-79 on third down (62 percent) with four TD passes and three interceptions. Sixth-nine percent of his third-down completions resulted in a first down or TD.
On third-and-long situations (7 yards or more), Murray is 6-of-10 passing, with three touchdowns. All six of his completions have resulted in either a TD or first down. Mayfield completed a higher percentage on third down (64 percent) but threw just one TD on third-and-long and had three interceptions. In addition, only 14 of his 25 completions (56 percent) on third-and-long went for first downs.
As far as the QB run game is concerned, in just four games, Murray has gained nearly as many yards on the ground (285) as Mayfield did in 14 games last season (311). Murray has four rushing TDs, while Mayfield had five all year. On first down, the rushing numbers of Murray and Baker are close. Murray has 145 rush yards on first down, while Mayfield had 150 in that situation. Murray does have four TD runs on first down already this season, as opposed to Mayfield's two.
Below are four plays that make Oklahoma more difficult to defend in 2018 under Murray's leadership. Despite baseball being his future, this is a complete QB and if he were 6-foot-1 or taller he would likely be the top overall pick in the NFL draft. He's that good.
A designated runner in QB counter
Under Mayfield, Oklahoma did not implement this type of scheme and was more one-dimensional. The threat of the QB run changes the defense's mindset and forces it to deploy another defender in the box to account for the extra runner. As you can see here, even when things are not perfect (high snap), this dynamic athlete turns a potential negative play into a big gain.
Seam throw
The assumption is that because Murray is such a good athlete, he isn't as far along as a passer, which couldn't be further from the truth. This seam off the token backfield fake must be completed between 18 and 22 yards downfield. This is a throw Baker Mayfield was very proficient at, and this throw by Murray was one of his six touchdowns against Baylor and the second seam-route TD on the day. Note the arm strength, decisiveness and accuracy.
Vertical throw off bootleg
This is a special throw and one of many that results in an explosive play down the right sideline. This is a sign that a player is innately accurate, as Murray's feet are not ideal in terms of driving off the back foot from a good platform. However, look at where this ball ends up. Even when players are covered, Murray can fit the ball into tight spots.
Improvising, extending plays
This play truly epitomizes what makes this offense better with Murray. Baylor chooses to rush four and drop seven, and gets pressure up the middle from the left side that forces Murray to escape to his left, which is difficult for a right-handed player. Instead of forcing the ball through the air, Murray slices and dices his way to a third-down conversion.
