As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2024 NFL season, there's a palpable sense of quiet determination surrounding the team. Coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals are looking to rewrite their narrative, and it all starts with their star quarterback, Kyler Murray.
A Prodigious Talent Returns
Kyler Murray, the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is set to start the 2024 season at full strength after missing significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Despite the setbacks, Murray has shown resilience and drive, earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. His return could be the spark the Cardinals need to turn their fortunes around.
Murray acknowledges the doubters but is ready to prove them wrong. "I understand why people are sleeping on me," he said. "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."
A Young Star Joins the Fray
The Cardinals made a significant move in the 2024 draft by selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Harrison Jr. comes with a stellar collegiate record, leading college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and his presence in the lineup offers a new dynamic to Arizona’s offense.
Murray has high praise for the rookie, 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." The chemistry between Murray and Harrison Jr. could be a game-changer for the Cardinals this season.
A Revitalized Running Game
One of the bright spots from the Cardinals' 2023 season was their rushing attack. Arizona's ground game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, led by veteran running back James Conner. Conner amassed 1,040 rushing yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry. The team also led the NFL with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Joining Conner in the backfield are Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, providing the Cardinals a versatile and deep running back group. Reflecting on the past season, Murray said, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Building on Key Performances
Tight end Trey McBride emerged as a reliable target for Murray last season. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. His strong finish, ranking among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18, is a promising sign for the Cardinals' passing attack.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenges, there's a renewed sense of confidence within the team. "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 [Coach Jonathan Gannon], man, I can't say enough good things about him," Murray said.
Murray is not shying away from setting high expectations for the season. "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."
However, Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500. While the odds might not be in their favor, the Cardinals are embracing their underdog status. As Murray succinctly put it, "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here."
With Murray back at full strength, a promising rookie in Harrison Jr., a revitalized running game, and a sense of camaraderie within the team, the Arizona Cardinals are ready to make their mark in the 2024 NFL season.