The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination. Following two tough seasons with 4-13 records, the Cardinals are looking to pivot towards success, led by a rejuvenated Kyler Murray. Murray, who missed significant parts of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, is set to return at full strength, ready to spearhead the team's ambitions.
Kyler Murray's return is not just a boost in talent but a revival of hope for a franchise in need of it. The former 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons, Murray is no stranger to high performance. His focus is evident in his words: "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here...". Despite the previous setbacks, Murray embraces the challenge of proving himself once again, stating, "I can understand why people are sleeping on me... 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."
One exciting addition to the Cardinals' roster is Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison Jr., who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, arrives with high expectations. Murray is enthusiastic about his new teammate, sharing, "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." This burgeoning connection between Murray and Harrison Jr. could be pivotal for the Cardinals' offensive resurgence.
Tight end Trey McBride also aims to build on his strong finish last season. He stood out, particularly in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. From Weeks 10-18, McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards. His consistent performance is expected to continue as he builds chemistry with Murray.
Arizona's run game was a major bright spot last season, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Veteran running back James Conner had an impressive 2023 season, amassing 1,040 rushing yards and averaging five yards per carry. The Cardinals also led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Conner will be complemented by a dynamic group of running backs including Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, providing a robust ground attack. Reflecting on their performance, Murray remarked, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Murray's confidence in the team extends beyond just their on-field capabilities. He has expressed his faith in the team's cohesion and coaching staff, particularly head coach Jonathan Gannon. "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 good things about him," Murray shared. This sense of unity and purpose is crucial as the Cardinals aim to defy the odds set by sportsbooks. Caesars Sportsbook currently places Arizona's odds to win the NFC West at +1500, a figure that Murray and his teammates are determined to challenge.
As the new season approaches, Murray's vision is clear and ambitious: "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." With a healthier roster, key new additions, and an optimistic outlook, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to turn the page and make their presence felt in the NFL once again.