The Arizona Cardinals are stepping into the 2024 NFL season armed with a quiet determination, eager to turn the page on back-to-back 4-13 seasons. The narrative of previous years has been fraught with challenges, notably the significant absence of Kyler Murray. The star quarterback, who won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, missed a substantial portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. However, this year, Murray is set to start the season at full strength and ready to remind everyone of his capabilities.
Murray's Resilience and Preparation
Recently, Murray candidly addressed why perceptions might be low. "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," he remarked. His determination to change the Cardinals' fortune is palpable, and he seems to have developed a renewed sense of confidence in both himself and his 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 [Gannon], man, I can't say enough of good things about him," Murray added, reflecting his optimism as he looks forward to the season. The synergy within the team, especially under the new coaching strategies, seems to be a pivotal point for the Cardinals.
Rising Stars and Offensive Strategy
One of the most exciting additions to the team is Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. comes with an impressive collegiate record, having led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons. Murray’s excitement about his new teammate was evident. "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," he said.
The Cardinals' offensive setup is further bolstered by tight end Trey McBride, who has shown his potential with stellar performances, including catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons last season. From Weeks 10-18, McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s passing game.
Ground Game Strength
Complementing the passing attack is the Cardinals' formidable run game. In 2023, 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. Veteran running back James Conner played a significant role in this, amassing 1,040 rushing yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry. This year, Conner is joined by a trio of younger backs—Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter—forming a versatile and dynamic rushing unit.
Murray acknowledged the strength of the run game, saying, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes." This effective ground attack will be essential as the Cardinals seek to balance their offensive playbook and keep defenses guessing.
Expectations and Outlook
Despite the team's recent struggles, the overall atmosphere around the Cardinals has been one of cautious optimism. Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500—a clear indication that the team is not viewed as favorites. Yet, Murray isn't daunted by these odds. "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here...," he declared, underlining his faith in the team's potential.
The 2024 season represents a fresh start for the Cardinals, with a mix of seasoned talent and promising newcomers setting the stage. "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," Murray stated, encapsulating the spirit of a team looking to redefine itself amidst a competitive NFL landscape.
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Kyler Murray and his squad, eager to witness if their quiet determination can indeed awaken a sleeping giant in the form of the Arizona Cardinals.