The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination, looking to end a string of disappointments. Following two consecutive 4-13 seasons, the team is far from being favorites in the NFC West. However, they are not lacking in ambition or talent, as they prepare to surprise doubters this season.
Kyler Murray’s Return to Full Strength
Leading the resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after missing a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. The 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler is poised for a comeback. In his own words, Murray feels a strong sense of readiness and resolve. "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 stated, underscoring his readiness to prove skeptics wrong.
Murray's confidence isn't just bravado. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned, "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."
A Promising Addition: Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Cardinals have bolstered their offense by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and his work ethic has already impressed his new teammates. "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 remarked, emphasizing the rookie's dedication.
Tight End and Running Back Depth
The passing game isn't the only area showing promise. Tight end Trey McBride emerged as a reliable target, catching eight of his nine targets for 131 receiving yards from Murray in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, highlighting his potential to be a key player for the Cardinals.
In the backfield, Arizona boasts a versatile running game led by veteran James Conner, who rushed for 1,040 yards and averaged five yards per carry in 2023. Complementing Conner are running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter. This squad was instrumental in Arizona's run game ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, with the Cardinals leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes," said Murray, reflecting on the team's ground success.
Setting Lofty Goals
Despite the long odds set by sportsbooks, with Caesars placing the Cardinals' chances to win the NFC West at +1500, the team remains undeterred. Murray, reflecting on his growth and newfound comfort within the system, shared, "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." This underscores the depth and cohesion Murray feels within the current roster and coaching staff.
Murray's belief in the team's potential 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 stated, expressing strong faith in the coaching staff's ability to bring out the best in the players.
The goal for Murray and the Cardinals 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 affirmed, setting a high bar for the upcoming season.
As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2024 NFL season, they do so with a blend of renewed hope, key acquisitions, and a strong belief in their collective ability to defy expectations. Whether they can translate this quiet determination into successful results on the field remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: they're more than ready for the challenge.