The Arizona Cardinals are stepping into the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is poised to make a significant turnaround, driven in part by the return of their star quarterback Kyler Murray.
Kyler Murray missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, but he's set to start the 2024 season at full strength. Reflecting on his recent struggles and the skepticism surrounding him, Murray stated, "I can understand why people are sleeping on me... In this world, it's kind of what have you done for me lately? We haven't won. So, I understand, but I'm primed and ready to prove what I'm able to do, what I'm capable of, what this team's capable of."
Murray's return is bolstered by his impressive early career achievements. As the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons, Murray's on-field prowess is undeniable. His optimism extends beyond his personal form to the team's overall potential.
A New Offensive Weapon
The Cardinals made significant moves in the 2024 draft, selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Harrison Jr., who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, adds a dynamic element to the Cardinals' offensive arsenal. Murray expressed his excitement about the rookie, saying, "I'm super excited for Marvin... The way they carry themselves off the field, in the building, he's catching jugs before or after practice. And a lot of guys do that, but it's different."
Strong Supporting Cast
The return of tight end Trey McBride, who caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, promises to be another crucial element for the Cardinals. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly alongside Murray.
On the ground, the running back unit offers a balanced attack. Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complement veteran James Conner, who had an impressive 2023 campaign with 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry. Arizona's run game was a bright spot last year, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Murray himself noted, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Season Expectations
With Caesars Sportsbook placing the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, the team clearly enters the season as underdogs. Yet, this status doesn't deter Murray. "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..." he remarked defiantly.
Murray is not just brimming with optimism but with newfound confidence in his team and coaching staff. Reflecting on his growth and the team's evolution, he shared, "I was watching the COVID year actually. 2020... I'm just looking, I'm so much better now... a lot of it has to do with being in a system where I feel like I don't have to do everything." He continued, "This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while... It’s a very tight-knit group. And the coaches, and JG [Gannon], man, I can't say enough of good things about him."
As the 2024 season approaches, the Cardinals' goals are set high. "For this team? My goal is win the Super Bowl. That's always going to be my goal... I'm excited, but I'm not putting any limits on what this team can do," Murray declared. While recent seasons have been tough, the blend of resilience, strategic additions, and the return of key players like Murray presents a hopeful vision for the future.