The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a renewed sense of determination, hoping to shake off the specter of back-to-back 4-13 campaigns. Central to their hopes is the return of quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after being sidelined by a torn ACL for much of the past two years.
Murray, a standout from the outset of his career, was the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. His presence on the field is expected to be a game-changer for the Cardinals.
"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 declared, addressing the doubt surrounding the Cardinals. He added, "I can understand why people are sleeping on me... We haven't won. So, I understand, but I'm primed and ready to prove what I'm able to do, what this team's capable of."
New Faces and Familiar Leaders
Joining Murray on the offensive front is Marvin Harrison Jr., whom the Cardinals selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. is coming off an impressive college career where he led the nation in touchdown catches over the last two seasons.
"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," Murray said, expressing his optimism about the young receiver's potential.
Another key figure in the Cardinals' offensive arsenal is tight end Trey McBride. Last season, McBride demonstrated strong chemistry with Murray, particularly in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he hauled in eight of his nine targets for 131 receiving yards. He was among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18.
Ground Game Prowess
The Cardinals' run game was a bright spot in their 2023 season, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Their formidable running back lineup includes Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and veteran James Conner. Conner, alone, racked up 1,040 rushing yards with an average of five yards per carry, contributing to Arizona's league-leading four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Murray was particularly impressed with the team's ground attack, saying, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
A New Era Under Jonathan Gannon
Adding to the Cardinals' sense of optimism is new head coach Jonathan Gannon. Murray has expressed strong confidence in Gannon's leadership, "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."
The Cardinals' journey through adversity has perhaps equipped them with a unique and steely resolve. Murray reflected on his own evolution as a player, "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."
Despite the long odds placed by Caesars Sportsbook, which sets the Cardinals' chances of winning the NFC West at +1500, Murray's ambition remains high: "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 2024 season approaches, the Arizona Cardinals are ready to redefine their narrative, driven by a blend of seasoned leadership and promising new talent. With a fully healthy Kyler Murray and a roster brimming with potential, they are set to tackle the challenges ahead with quiet determination and an unshakable belief in their capacity to succeed.