As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2024 NFL season, quiet determination is the prevailing sentiment around the team. Coming off consecutive 4-13 seasons, the franchise has faced its fair share of challenges, but with a renewed focus and key players returning to full strength, optimism abounds.
Kyler Murray's Return
At the heart of this resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who has been sidelined for significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Now set to start the season at full capacity, Murray is eager to remind everyone why he was the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons. "I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray admitted. "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 Weapons on the Roster
Bolstering the offense is Marvin Harrison Jr., the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons. Murray speaks highly of Harrison’s work ethic and potential. "I'm super excited for Marvin... He's catching jugs before or after practice. And a lot of guys do that, but it's different," Murray observed, indicating the rookie’s exceptional dedication.
The Run Game Dominance
Complementing the aerial attack, Arizona’s ground game has proven to be a formidable force. In 2023, James Conner led the charge with 1,040 rushing yards, boasting an impressive average of five yards per carry. The Cardinals' backfield depth, featuring Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, provides a robust support system. Reflecting on their dominance, Murray said, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Indeed, the stats back up Murray’s astonishment. Arizona's rushing attack ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and the team led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards in 2023.
A Confident and Tight-Knit Team
Despite the external skepticism, the confidence within the team is palpable. "This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while," Murray shared. "It’s a very tight-knit group. And the coaches, and JG [Jonathan Gannon], man, I can't say enough good things about him."
Team cohesion extends beyond the offense. Tight end Trey McBride showed significant improvements during the latter part of the 2023 season, especially in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. McBride’s performance from Weeks 10-18 saw him rank among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, adding another layer of depth to the offensive unit.
Chasing the Ultimate Goal
With Caesars Sportsbook placing the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, the team is undoubtedly seen as underdogs. However, Murray remains unfazed by the doubters, firmly stating, "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."
It's a sentiment that encapsulates the team's mindset—determined, hungry, and ready to surprise the league. "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 declared, setting the tone for a season that the Cardinals hope will defy expectations.
As the 2024 season looms, the Arizona Cardinals are a team to watch, not for their past struggles, but for their potential to disrupt the status quo and carve out a new narrative—one driven by resilience, skill, and a belief that this could indeed be their year.