The Arizona Cardinals are approaching the 2024 NFL season with a quiet determination after enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons. The team is looking to turn the corner, particularly with the return of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL.
Murray's Resolve
Kyler Murray, a player with a decorated early career that includes winning the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections, 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," he remarked confidently. Murray understands the skepticism surrounding the Cardinals but remains undeterred. "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."
New Weapons and Returning Strength
The Cardinals made a significant move by 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 already impressed Murray. "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 said, highlighting Harrison's work ethic and potential impact.
Another critical piece of the Cardinals' offense is tight end Trey McBride. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards, showcasing their chemistry. McBride was among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, providing a reliable option in the passing game.
Ground Game Prowess
Arizona's running game was a bright spot in the 2023 season, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. The backfield consists of James Conner, who amassed 1,040 rushing yards and averaged five yards per carry last year, complemented by Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter. "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes," Murray noted, underscoring the effectiveness of the Cardinals' ground attack.
Optimism and Unity
Reflecting on his journey and growth, Murray feels a renewed sense of confidence in his abilities and the team's potential. "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," he said. This sentiment is echoed in his praise for the current coaching staff and the atmosphere within the team. "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."
High Hopes
Despite the challenges of recent seasons, Murray remains ambitious and unyielding in his goals. "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." With Caesars Sportsbook placing the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, the team certainly has its work cut out. However, the combination of Murray's return to full strength, the addition of promising rookies, and a formidable running game could set the stage for a surprise resurgence in the 2024 season.
As the Cardinals prepare to embark on this new chapter, the air of quiet determination that surrounds them might just be the key to waking up a league that has been sleeping on their potential for too long.