The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination after enduring consecutive 4-13 seasons. This season, they aim to turn things around significantly, bolstered by key players and a mix of promising newcomers.
Kyler Murray’s Return to Full Strength
Quarterback Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, is set to start the 2024 season at full strength. Murray, who won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, is back to prove his mettle. Reflecting on his journey, Murray expressed, "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 Firepower in Marvin Harrison Jr.
One of the most exciting additions to the Cardinals is Marvin Harrison Jr., whom the team selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and Murray is particularly thrilled about his new weapon. "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 the rookie’s work ethic and potential impact.
Strong Supporting Cast
Besides star players, the Cardinals have a solid supporting cast. Tight end Trey McBride showed significant promise last season, catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. He ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18, demonstrating his ability was no fluke.
The backfield remains robust with the contributions of running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, who complement veteran James Conner. Conner, who amassed 1,040 rushing yards with an impressive five yards per carry last season, was part of an Arizona run game that 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 last season’s ground attack, Murray admitted, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Leadership and Goals
Murray’s confidence in the revamped team 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," he shared, emphasizing the positive impact of the coaching staff led by Jonathan Gannon.
When it comes to setting objectives, Murray is unequivocal. "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." This vision of transcending last year's shortcomings and entering a new era of success reflects the collective aspirations of the Cardinals.
Overcoming the Odds
Despite the optimism within the organization, external expectations remain tempered. Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals’ odds to win the NFC West at +1500. It’s a sign that the broader NFL community is taking a "wait and see" approach with Arizona. Murray's response to this external doubt is a mix of calm confidence and a competitive edge. "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 the Cardinals prepare for the 2024 season, they do so with a mix of cautious optimism and steely resolve. The blend of returning talents like Kyler Murray and emerging stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., alongside a capable supporting cast and strong leadership, gives the franchise a reason to believe that the upcoming season could mark a significant turnaround in their fortunes.