The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with a sense of optimistic determination following a challenging period. The team, which faced back-to-back 4-13 seasons, is looking to rewrite its narrative. A crucial part of their resurgence depends on quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after missing significant time over the past two years 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 eager to remind everyone of his capabilities. "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," Murray acknowledged. "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."
A Dynamic Offense
The Cardinals made headlines in the 2024 draft by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Harrison, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, brings a new level of excitement to the team's offense. "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 noted.
Tight end Trey McBride also showed his potential last season, particularly in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18, showcasing a promising connection with his quarterback.
Running Game Strength
Complementing their aerial attack is a formidable running game. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter will join veteran James Conner in the backfield. Conner had a stellar 2023, rushing for 1,040 yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry. The Cardinals' ground game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Reflecting on the rushing success, Murray shared, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Team Confidence and Goals
Murray’s confidence in the team and coaching staff is apparent. "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 stated, emphasizing the strengthened team dynamics and leadership under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
The Cardinals are not just aiming for a better record; their ambitions are sky-high. "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, highlighting the collective aspiration to achieve the pinnacle of success in the NFL.
Despite the positive outlook within the organization, external expectations remain cautious. Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, reflecting the skepticism still surrounding the team. However, Murray embraces the underdog status, saying, "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..."
As Arizona prepares for the 2024 season, the critical blend of returning health, new talent, and a strong ground game positions them as a team to watch. If Murray and his teammates can channel their quiet determination into on-field success, the Cardinals might just defy the odds and make a significant impact this year.