The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a sense of quiet determination, aiming to turn the tides after enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons. At the heart of this mission is quarterback Kyler Murray, who missed significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL but is now set to start the season at full strength.
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 silence the doubters. "I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray said. "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."
New Faces, Renewed Hopes
The Cardinals injected new talent into their roster by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. has been a college football sensation, leading 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 remarked, signaling his high expectations for the young receiver.
Strengthening the offensive line further is Trey McBride, who showcased his potential last season by catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. From Weeks 10-18, McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, cementing his role as a key target for Murray.
Ground Game Powerhouse
While Murray and Harrison Jr. prepare to light up the passing game, the Cardinals' run game provides a solid foundation. Veteran James Conner spearheads the backfield, having amassed 1,040 rushing yards and an impressive average of five yards per carry in 2023. He is complemented by running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, forming a formidable ground attack.
Arizona's run game was a force to be reckoned with last year, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. In fact, the Cardinals 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... I've never seen so many wide open holes," Murray exclaimed, reflecting on the team's success.
Eyeing the Prize
As the Cardinals enter the new season, their ultimate goal remains clear: winning a Super Bowl. "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 confidently.
Despite the long odds placed by Caesars Sportsbook, which lists the Cardinals' chances to win the NFC West at +1500, the team is motivated to prove the skeptics wrong. Murray's optimism extends beyond just player performance to the overall team environment and 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 good things about him," he said.
A Proving Year Ahead
As Kyler Murray prepares to lead his team back onto the field, there is a palpable sense of renewal and readiness. Reflecting on his past, he noted, "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."
With Murray healthy, Harrison Jr. ready to prove himself, and a powerful ground game to lean on, the Arizona Cardinals appear poised to make a significant impact this 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 asserted.
Only time will tell if the Cardinals can translate their quiet determination into victories, but the pieces are certainly in place for a potential resurgence.