The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination, driven by a roster brimming with potential and a hunger to overturn past struggles. Following back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is set on proving doubters wrong, led by a rejuvenated Kyler Murray.
Kyler Murray's Return
Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, is set to start the 2024 season at full strength. "I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray 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."
Murray's accolades speak volumes about his potential. He captured the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. His return undeniably injects optimism into the franchise, and the team is rallying around their quarterback.
Promising Additions
The Cardinals made a significant addition to their roster by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr., who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, brings a tantalizing blend of skill and promise to Arizona's wide receiver corps. "I'm super excited for Marvin," Murray expressed. "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."
This new dynamic could also open the field for tight end Trey McBride, who had a standout performance in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. McBride showcased his capabilities, ranking among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season.
A Potent Ground Game
Complementing their aerial attack is a formidable ground game. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter join forces with veteran James Conner to form a robust backfield. Conner himself had an impressive 2023 season, racking up 1,040 rushing yards and averaging five yards per carry. Arizona's run game was a powerhouse, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2023. The team also led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
"Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year," Murray admitted. "I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals are not naive to the odds stacked against them. Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, but the team is prepared to defy expectations. "This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while," Murray revealed. "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's confidence is contagious. "For this team? My goal is win the Super Bowl. That's always going to be my goal," he declared. "I'm excited, but I'm not putting any limits on what this team can do."
The Cardinals' combination of a reinvigorated quarterback, promising young talents, and a proven run game sets the stage for a potentially transformative season. As they step onto the field for the 2024 season, the team carries with them a quiet determination to rewrite their narrative and awaken those who have underestimated them.