The Arizona Cardinals are approaching the 2024 NFL season with a renewed sense of calm and determination. Following two challenging seasons where the team posted back-to-back 4-13 records, the Cardinals are eyeing a turnaround, bolstered by the return of quarterback Kyler Murray and a host of promising new additions.
Kyler Murray's Return to Full Strength
One of the major highlights for the Cardinals is the return of Kyler Murray, who missed significant time over the past two seasons due to a torn ACL. Now fully recovered, Murray is ready to make his mark once again. The 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons, Murray is eager to rediscover his form and lead his team back to relevance.
"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 stated, exuding confidence despite the underwhelming past seasons. He added, "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 Addition
The Cardinals made a high-impact selection in the 2024 draft, picking Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Known for leading college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, Harrison Jr. has already started to catch the eye in Arizona.
"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," Kyler Murray said, indicating the rookie's exceptional work ethic and potential.
Trey McBride: Rising Star
Tight end Trey McBride also looks set for a significant role in the upcoming season. Highlighted by his eight receptions from Murray for 131 receiving yards in a single game against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season.
A Formidable Run Game
The Cardinals are not just relying on their aerial attack. Their run game, anchored by veteran James Conner, is coming off a strong season where Arizona ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Conner, who amassed 1,040 rushing yards and averaged five yards per carry in 2023, will be complemented by a talented group of running backs – Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter.
"Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes," Murray remarked, reflecting on the team's impressive ground game.
Positive Outlook
Kyler Murray is optimistic about the team’s prospects and the close-knit nature of the squad. "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 said, highlighting the positive energy within the team and faith in head coach Jonathan Gannon.
As the Cardinals gear up for the new season, they find themselves considered outsiders with Caesars Sportsbook setting their odds to win the NFC West at +1500. However, the team spirit and Murray’s confidence suggest they might have much more to offer.
"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 declared, setting a high bar for the upcoming season.
With Murray back at full strength, the arrival of Harrison Jr., and a solid foundation in the run game, the Arizona Cardinals could well defy the odds and prove that underestimating them is a mistake.