The Arizona Cardinals are quietly stepping into the 2024 NFL season, carrying with them a sense of determination that has been absent in recent years. After enduring two consecutive 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals are looking to turn their fortunes around, bolstered by the return of a healthy Kyler Murray and the acquisition of promising rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
Kyler Murray's Return to Form
Kyler Murray, the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, missed significant portions of the past two seasons due to a torn ACL. Now set to start the season at full strength, Murray is eager to prove himself once again. "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's optimism isn't unfounded. In his first three healthy seasons, he earned two Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his capabilities as a top-tier quarterback. Reflecting on his growth, Murray stated, "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."
New Faces and Rising Stars
The Cardinals' offense will also benefit from the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the past two seasons and is expected to make an immediate impact. "I'm super excited for Marvin," Murray said. "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."
Another key player to watch is tight end Trey McBride. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons last season, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray, amassing 131 receiving yards. From Weeks 10-18, he ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, demonstrating his potential to be a reliable target for Murray.
Strong Ground Game
The Cardinals' rushing attack was a bright spot in their otherwise dismal 2023 campaign. Veteran running back James Conner led the charge with 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry. Arizona's run game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and they 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 remarked. "I've never seen so many wide open holes." Complementing Conner, running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter add depth to this formidable rushing unit.
Challenging Odds
As the 2024 season approaches, the Cardinals are not viewed as favorites, with Caesars Sportsbook placing their odds to win the NFC West at +1500. Despite these long odds, Murray remains confident in his team's potential. "This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while," he said. "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 ultimate goal is clear. "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." With a renewed sense of purpose and a roster filled with both proven talent and promising newcomers, the Cardinals are poised to exceed expectations and make a statement in the 2024 NFL season.
"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 concluded, epitomizing the team's quiet, yet resolute, mindset.