The Arizona Cardinals approach the 2024 NFL season with a quiet yet palpable determination. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team and its fans are eager to turn the page. Central to this optimism is the return of Kyler Murray, the dynamic quarterback who missed significant time over the past two seasons due to a torn ACL. Now, as the 2024 season beckons, Murray is back to full strength, ready to lead his team to new heights.
Kyler Murray’s Anticipated Return
Murray has shown his prowess in the NFL before, winning the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. His confidence heading into the 2024 season is unmistakable. "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, exuding a calm but firm resolve. Reflecting on the recent setbacks, he added, "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 Additions and Key Performances
Adding to the excitement is the arrival of Marvin Harrison Jr., whom the Cardinals selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. has already made a name for himself, leading college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons. Murray shared his excitement about the young receiver, stating, "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."
Complementing the potential breakout performances from newcomers, existing players like tight end Trey McBride have also stepped up. In Week 10 last season, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in a game against the Atlanta Falcons. He continued his high-level play, ranking among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18. With McBride's consistent performance, the Cardinals' offense is poised to be multifaceted and dangerous.
A Forceful Ground Game
The Cardinals' running game was a revelation in 2023, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Veteran running back James Conner was a significant contributor, amassing 1,040 rushing yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry. The backfield depth is further strengthened by the likes of Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, who will all play crucial roles in complementing Conner's efforts. Murray himself was pleasantly surprised by the ground game’s efficacy, commenting, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Team Dynamics and Coaching
Another element fueling optimism is the team’s cohesion and the impact of head coach Jonathan Gannon. "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 remarked. This harmony among players and coaching staff is shaping a culture of resilience and ambition within the organization.
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
Entering the new season, the Cardinals are set on defying expectations. Caesars Sportsbook places their odds to win the NFC West at +1500, a figure that may fuel the team’s underdog mentality. For Murray, the goal 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," he asserted.
As the 2024 season gets underway, the Arizona Cardinals stand at a crossroads. With a rejuvenated Kyler Murray, an exciting young receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr., and a ground game that surprised even the most seasoned observers, this could very well be a season of redemption. The NFL world might be sleeping on the Cardinals, but if Murray and his teammates have their way, the league will be wide awake soon enough.