The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a quiet resolve. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 campaigns, the team is determined to turn the tide, led by an invigorated Kyler Murray who is set to start the season at full strength after recovering from a torn ACL.
Kyler Murray's Comeback
Murray's return is not just about physical readiness but also a renewed mental focus. "I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray admitted. "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, who won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, is eager to showcase his growth. Reflecting on his journey, he said, "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."
A New Weapon: Marvin Harrison Jr.
One of the most significant off-season moves for the Cardinals was selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, has impressed his new quarterback.
"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 remarked, highlighting Harrison's dedication and work ethic.
Strengthening the Offense
Besides new additions, the Cardinals are banking on the continued development of their existing talent. Tight end Trey McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, showcasing his potential. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, indicating a promising future.
Dynamic Running Game
The Cardinals' running game was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging 2023 season. With James Conner leading the charge, Arizona's ground attack ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Conner racked up 1,040 rushing yards, averaging five yards per carry, and the team led the NFL with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Murray reflected on this success with a bit of amazement. "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes." This robust running game is bolstered by a supporting cast of running backs including Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, complementing the veteran Conner.
Building Confidence
The sense of confidence within the team is palpable. "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 stated, reflecting on the positive atmosphere and leadership within the organization.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges of the past, the Cardinals are not shying away from setting high goals. "For this team? My goal is to 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.
As the 2024 season approaches, the Cardinals are embracing the underdog status assigned to them by sportsbooks like Caesars, which places their odds to win the NFC West at +1500. However, for Murray and the Cardinals, these odds serve as fuel for their quiet determination to defy expectations and prove their capabilities on the field.