As the Arizona Cardinals approach the 2024 NFL season, the team embodies a sense of quiet determination, ready to overturn the narrative of consecutive 4-13 seasons. At the heart of this resurgence effort stands Kyler Murray, the dynamic quarterback who missed substantial game time over the past two years due to a torn ACL but is poised for a strong comeback.
Murray’s return at full strength brings renewed hope for a franchise eager to prove its mettle. "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," Murray acknowledged. With two Pro Bowl selections and the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award already under his belt, he has shown he can be a transformative presence on the field when healthy.
The Murray-Harrison Connection
One of the Cardinals' most intriguing new weapons is their fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Known for leading college football in touchdown catches in the past two seasons, Harrison Jr. brings not only talent but also a relentless work ethic. "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 said with enthusiasm.
Tight Ends and Offensive Depth
The offense isn’t just about Murray and Harrison Jr. The return of tight end Trey McBride, who showcased his reliability by catching eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, adds another dimension to the team. McBride’s impressive performance from Weeks 10-18 last season marked him among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, reinforcing the team's promising offensive arsenal.
Ground Game Power
Arizona’s ground game also received accolades last season. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter offer a strong complement to veteran James Conner. Conner's formidable output of 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry powered the Cardinals to rank fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2023. Arizona's ability to lead the NFL with four games of 200 or more rushing yards further substantiated their ground game prowess. Murray himself was pleasantly surprised by the team's rushing success, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
The Road Ahead
Under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals find themselves in a confident and cohesive state. "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 good things about him," Murray expressed. His sentiments reflect a collective belief in the new system and the potential of the squad.
While Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, Murray remains undeterred, "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 steadfast optimism signals a team ready to topple expectations and strive for excellence.
As the season looms, the Arizona Cardinals’ blend of emerging stars, seasoned veterans, and a rejuvenated quarterback sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying campaign. From the promise of high-octane offense to the robustness of their ground game, the pieces are in place. Now, it’s a matter of execution on the gridiron, waking up those who have underestimated this resurgent team.