Myles Murphy was always supposed to be a project, which is why his slow start to the 2023 season shouldn’t have come as a surprise.
Fortunately, as it turns out, he’s developing more quickly for the than even his backers anticipated.
Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, Murphy had a Pro Football Focus grade of 74.1, including a season-high run-defense grade of 70.8. He also notched his third sack by beating Christian Darrisaw around the corner.
In recognition of his development, Bengals coaches played Murphy for 54% of the snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a season high.