The Arizona Cardinals are approaching the 2024 NFL season with renewed determination and a quiet confidence. After enduring consecutive 4-13 seasons, there is a palpable sense of resolve within the team. At the heart of this resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after missing substantial time over the last two years due to a torn ACL.
It's worth remembering that Murray's impact on the field is significant. The 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has already earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. Reflecting on the past, Murray commented, "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."
Key Draft Picks and Rising Stars
The Cardinals aimed to bolster their offensive capabilities by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the past two seasons and is expected to make an immediate impact. Murray expressed his enthusiasm for his new teammate, stating, "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."
Another key player returning to form is tight end Trey McBride. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray, amassing 131 receiving yards. From Weeks 10 to 18, McBride was among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, showcasing his potential to be a game-changing player for Arizona.
Revamped Running Game
The Cardinals' run game was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. Anchored by veteran James Conner, who rushed for 1,040 yards and averaged five yards per carry in 2023, Arizona's ground attack ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. The team also led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Joining Conner in the backfield are running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, forming a formidable and versatile unit. Murray acknowledged the impressive performance of the run game, saying, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
A Cohesive Team and Strong Leadership
With a strong core and emerging talent, the Cardinals are poised to surprise many this season, even as Caesars Sportsbook places their odds to win the NFC West at +1500. However, the team's resolve is unwavering. "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here," Murray asserted.
Reflecting on his journey and the team's prospects, Murray 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." This sense of growth and trust in the system is evident as Murray expressed the highest level of confidence in his team in years. "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 [Jonathan Gannon], man, I can't say enough good things about him," he remarked.
As the 2024 season looms, the Cardinals are not shying away from ambitious targets. "For this team? My goal is to 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 emphasized.
The Arizona Cardinals are stepping into the new season with a blend of established talent, promising newcomers, and a collective drive to rewrite their narrative. If their offseason focus and Murray's return to form are any indications, the Cardinals might just be the team to watch this year.