The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2024 NFL season with a quiet but palpable determination. Despite enduring back-to-back 4-13 campaigns, the team is poised to turn things around, drawing strength from key players returning to form and promising new talent joining the roster.
Kyler Murray: Proving the Doubters Wrong
Kyler Murray, the former 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is set to make a comeback after missing significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Murray, now back to full strength, seems to be carrying a chip on his shoulder.
"I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray admitted. "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."
Murray's resume speaks volumes, featuring two Pro Bowl selections over his first three healthy seasons. The quarterback's confidence hasn't wavered. "This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while," he noted. "It’s a very tight-knit group. And the coaches, and JG [Gannon], man, I can't say enough good things about him."
Rising Star: Marvin Harrison Jr.
One of the biggest moves for the Cardinals in the offseason was selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. is coming off a sensational college career, leading the nation in touchdown receptions over the last two seasons. His arrival has generated significant excitement within the team.
"I'm super excited for Marvin," Murray said. "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."
The Offense: A Balanced Attack
Trey McBride could be a crucial part of the team's offensive weaponry. The tight end showed flashes of brilliance last season, particularly in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons where he caught eight of nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season.
The running game, a strong point last season, remains vital for the Cardinals. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter will complement veteran James Conner. Conner had an impressive 2023 season with 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry. Arizona's ground attack ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
"Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year," Murray stated. "I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Long Odds, Relentless Drive
Despite the improvements and the return of key players, Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, reflecting skepticism from the broader sports community. Yet, Murray dismisses the doubters, embodying the team's undeterred attitude.
"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 said resolutely.
The quarterback's aspirations for the team are lofty but clear. "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."
The Cardinals' quiet confidence and determination, driven by a reinvigorated Kyler Murray and bolstered by exciting new talent like Marvin Harrison Jr., sets the stage for what could be a memorable 2024 season.