With the dawn of the 2024 NFL season approaching, the Arizona Cardinals find themselves cloaked in an air of quiet determination. Having endured back-to-back 4-13 seasons, they are eager to rewrite their narrative and show the league what they are truly capable of.
Kyler Murray: Full Strength and Focused
A major factor in the Cardinals' struggles was the prolonged absence of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, who missed significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Now, Murray is set to start the 2024 season at full strength, and his return is sparking new optimism within the team. Reflecting on the skepticism surrounding his performance, Murray remarked, "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 accolades are a testament to his talent. He was the recipient of the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and secured two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. His eagerness to return and perform at a high level is fueled by a deep sense of confidence in his own growth and the team's new dynamics. "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," Murray noted.
Rising Stars: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride
Bolstering the Cardinals' campaign is the addition of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., whom the team selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. made his mark by leading college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons. His work ethic and approach have already impressed his new quarterback. "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," Murray said.
The Cardinals also benefit from the rise of tight end Trey McBride, who turned in a promising performance late last season. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. From Weeks 10-18, he ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, solidifying his place as a key target for Murray.
A Potent Ground Game
While the passing game appears to be solidifying, the Cardinals' rushing attack remains formidable. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complement veteran James Conner, who had an impressive 2023 season with 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry. Arizona's run game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards in 2023. Reflecting on their success, Murray expressed his astonishment: "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
The Path Forward
Despite this impressive array of talent and the eager anticipation surrounding Murray's return, external expectations remain tempered. Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500. Yet, within the team, there is a palpable sense of unity and belief. "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," Murray stated, highlighting the cohesive atmosphere fostered by head coach Jonathan Gannon.
As for ambitions, Murray has his eyes set on the pinnacle of success. "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." His words encapsulate the spirit within the Cardinals' camp: a readiness to defy odds, fueled by talent, hard work, and an unyielding belief in their potential.