The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a sense of quiet determination, a quality that has characterized their offseason. Having endured back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is looking to turn the corner and make significant strides.
Kyler Murray's Resilience
The spotlight naturally falls on quarterback Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the past two seasons due to a torn ACL. Despite the setbacks, Murray is set to start the 2024 season at full strength. His return is crucial, and the optimism around his recovery is palpable. "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 said, addressing the team's recent struggles and the doubt cast by critics.
Murray, who won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, understands the skepticism surrounding his comeback. "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," he said.
New Faces and Key Performers
The Cardinals are also pinning hopes on Marvin Harrison Jr., the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and his addition could significantly bolster the receiving corps. Murray is particularly enthusiastic about his new teammate. "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, highlighting Harrison Jr.'s work ethic and potential impact.
Trey McBride's Ascendancy
Murray’s chemistry with tight end Trey McBride is another bright spot. McBride had an impressive showing late last season, 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, solidifying his role as a reliable target.
Dynamic Rushing Attack
On the ground, the Cardinals boast a deep and dynamic rushing attack. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complement veteran James Conner. Conner had a standout season in 2023, amassing 1,040 rushing yards and averaging five yards per carry. Arizona's run game was formidable, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Murray himself couldn’t hide his surprise and satisfaction with the ground game’s efficiency, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes," he remarked.
A Cohesive Unit
The collective spirit of the team has also seen a marked improvement. Murray's confidence in the team is at an all-time high. "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," Murray expressed. This unity and confidence will be essential as the Cardinals aim to defy expectations.
Facing the Odds
Despite the optimism, the road ahead is challenging. Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, reflecting the hurdles they must overcome. Yet Murray remains undeterred. "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," he asserted.
As the 2024 season approaches, the Arizona Cardinals are a team on the cusp, driven by a blend of seasoned resilience and youthful vigor. With Murray at the helm and a talented roster around him, they are poised to awaken the doubters and chart a new course.