The Arizona Cardinals are quietly gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, entering the field with an air of quiet determination. After weathering consecutive 4-13 seasons, the team is looking to turn the page and showcase a revitalized spirit and roster.
One of the most compelling stories surrounding the Cardinals is the return of Kyler Murray. The dynamic quarterback missed significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, but he is now set to start the 2024 season at full strength. Murray's comeback is highly anticipated, given his impressive track record when healthy. As the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons, Murray has shown he can be a game-changer. He remains undeterred by past setbacks, stating, "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."
One of the pieces of the Cardinals' puzzle is rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. set college football ablaze with his touchdown catches over the last two seasons, leading by a wide margin. Murray couldn't hide his enthusiasm about the newest addition to the team, "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 Cardinals' optimism doesn't solely hinge on their aerial attack. The run game, which emerged as a surprising strength last season, remains a focal point. James Conner led the charge with 1,040 rushing yards, boasting an impressive five-yard-per-carry average. This potent rushing offense ranked fourth in the NFL for rushing yards per game and topped the league with four games surpassing 200 or more rushing yards in 2023. Murray himself expressed his surprise and satisfaction with how the ground game developed, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide-open holes."
Complementing Conner are running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, each bringing their own style and energy to the backfield. This depth should provide plenty of options for head coach Jonathan Gannon as he strategizes for the season.
From a receiving standpoint, tight end Trey McBride demonstrated his capability last season, particularly from Weeks 10 to 18. He had a standout performance in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. Murray's reliance on McBride and the synergy they've developed could be a critical factor in the Cardinals' offensive schemes this season.
Murray's confidence in the team is at an all-time high, particularly with the guidance of 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." With such affirmations, the energy within the Cardinals' camp is palpable.
Despite external skepticism, symbolized by Caesars Sportsbook placing the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, the team isn't letting that dampen their spirits. Murray summed it up succinctly: "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..." His resolve is clear, aimed not just at personal redemption but at elevating the entire team's performance.
Murray also reflected on his growth and readiness to contribute within a more balanced system. "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." Such introspection highlights Murray's maturity and readiness to lead the Cardinals to greater heights.
As the Cardinals prepare for the season opener, their collective focus is unmistakable. Murray encapsulates the team's ambition and readiness to make a significant impact. "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." With renewed hope and a roster boasting both experience and fresh talent, the Cardinals are set on waking up the doubters and making a bold statement in the 2024 NFL season.