The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination. After enduring consecutive 4-13 campaigns, the team is ready to put the past behind them and focus on the promise of the upcoming season. Central to their aspirations is the return of quarterback Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Murray, who won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, is set to start the 2024 season at full strength.
"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, encapsulating the team's desire to surprise their critics. He continued, acknowledging the skepticism surrounding his recent performances: "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."
Offensive Firepower
A key addition to the Cardinals' roster is rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., selected 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 fresh spark to the team. Murray is particularly excited about Harrison Jr.'s potential impact: "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."
Tight end Trey McBride also showed promise, catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 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, demonstrating his ability to become a reliable target for Murray.
A Dominant Ground Game
The Cardinals' ground game remains a potent weapon. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complement veteran James Conner, who had an impressive 2023 season 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 last year, and the team led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Murray himself marveled at their ground game: "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Leadership and Confidence
As the leader of the team, Murray's confidence in his squad is unmistakable. Reflecting on his growth and the system he's now in, he shared, "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."
This newfound confidence extends to his teammates and the coaching staff. "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 said, emphasizing the unity and strong support system within the organization.
Goal Setting
Despite the odds placed by Caesars Sportsbook, which lists the Cardinals’ chances to win the NFC West at +1500, Murray remains undeterred. "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," he declared, highlighting his unwavering ambition and belief in the team's potential.
As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to turn a new page. With a revitalized Murray at the helm, bolstered by emerging talents like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, and a robust running game orchestrated by James Conner, the Cardinals are geared up to make a statement. Their journey may be steep, but the resolve is palpable.