As the Arizona Cardinals prepare to enter the 2024 NFL season, a sense of quiet determination permeates the team. After enduring consecutive 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals are looking to turn things around with a roster that is starting to show signs of promise.
Murray's Return to Full Strength
One of the most significant developments for the Cardinals is the return of quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray missed a substantial portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, but he is set to start the 2024 season at full strength. Reflecting on the upcoming season, Murray expressed his readiness to put the past behind him. "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," Murray said.
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 showcase his talents once again. This comeback has the potential to revitalize an offense that has struggled in his absence.
In a show of confidence, Murray added, "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."
Exciting New Talent
Bolstering the Cardinals' optimism is the addition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and his arrival has been met with enthusiasm. "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.
Harrison Jr.’s presence is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Cardinals' receiving corps, providing Murray with a reliable target downfield.
A Strong Running Game
The Cardinals' ground game has also been a bright spot. In 2023, veteran running back James Conner amassed 1,040 rushing yards, averaging an impressive five yards per carry. Arizona's rushing attack ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Murray marveled at the efficiency of the run game, saying, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide-open holes."
Complementing Conner are running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, all of whom add depth and versatility to the team’s backfield.
Continuity and Confidence
Tight end Trey McBride also emerged as a key player last season. His performance from Weeks 10-18 placed him among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards. McBride’s chemistry with Murray was evident when he caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.
Murray's confidence in his teammates and coaching staff is palpable. "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 shared.
Defying the Odds
Despite their struggles in recent years, the Cardinals are not short on ambition. Caesars Sportsbook places their odds to win the NFC West at +1500, a testament to the skepticism surrounding the team. However, for the Cardinals, this doubt only fuels their drive. "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 remarked.
The 2024 season represents a fresh start for the Arizona Cardinals, symbolized by the return of a healthy Kyler Murray and the infusion of new talent like Marvin Harrison Jr. With a formidable running game and a cohesive team spirit, the Cardinals aim to defy the odds and make a significant impact this season.