As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2024 NFL season, there's a palpable sense of quiet determination surrounding the organization. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals are eager to turn the page, with several key changes and hopeful reinforcements poised to make an impact.
Kyler Murray's Return
Central to the Cardinals' resurgence is the return of quarterback Kyler Murray, who missed significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Murray is set to begin the 2024 season at full strength, a welcome development for a team that has struggled in his absence. Murray, the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler, remains undeterred by the challenges he and his team have faced.
"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 said with a measure of resolve. He acknowledges the skepticism surrounding the Cardinals but is ready to prove the doubters wrong. "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."
Marvin Harrison Jr.: The New Star
The Cardinals' ambitions received a significant boost with the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, brings a dynamic presence to the receiving corps. Murray expressed his excitement about 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."
A Strong Supporting Cast
While Murray and Harrison are expected to lead the charge, the Cardinals have a supporting cast capable of making significant contributions. Tight end Trey McBride showcased his potential last season, catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in a Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. McBride's performance from Weeks 10-18 placed him among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards.
In the backfield, the Cardinals boast a robust running game spearheaded by veteran James Conner. Conner amassed 1,040 rushing yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry in 2023, helping Arizona rank fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. He is complemented by a trio of running backs: Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter. Reflecting on the success of the run game, Murray remarked, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Confidence in the Cardinals
Murray's confidence in his team is at an all-time high, built on the foundation of a close-knit group and the guidance of the coaching staff led by JG (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 of good things about him," he shared.
The Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West, as placed by Caesars Sportsbook, stand at +1500, suggesting that they remain underdogs in the eyes of many. However, Murray remains unfazed by the odds and is focused on the ultimate goal. "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."
As the new season dawns, the Arizona Cardinals are resolute in their mission to make a mark, driven by the full return of their star quarterback and the promising additions to their roster. Whether they can translate this potential into victories remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Cardinals are ready to rise again.