The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination, despite being overlooked by many. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is poised for a potential turnaround with some key players returning to full health and the infusion of fresh talent.
Key Player Returns
Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, is set to start the 2024 season at full strength. “Yeah, I mean, let them sleep,” Murray stated confidently. “Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here...,” he added, highlighting the potential of the Cardinals' revamped offense.
Murray, who enters the season at 27 years old, has had a storied career already, winning the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons. His injury-plagued 2022 and 2023 campaigns are behind him, and he’s ready to lead his team once more. “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 asserted.
New Additions and Youthful Energy
The Cardinals made a significant splash in the 2024 draft by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Harrison, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, brings a formidable presence to Arizona’s receiving corps. “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 praised his new teammate.
The team’s offensive arsenal also includes young talents like Trey McBride, who caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in a standout Week 10 performance against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. McBride went on to rank among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season. Additionally, running backs like Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complement veteran James Conner, who had a career year in 2023 with 1,040 rushing yards and an impressive average of five yards per carry.
Run Game Renaissance
Arizona's run game was nothing short of spectacular 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. The offensive line, under the guidance of coach Klayton Adams, created massive running lanes that helped Conner achieve his career milestones. “Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes,” Murray noted, recognizing the collective effort of his teammates and coaches.
Defying the Odds
Despite these positives, the Cardinals are considered underdogs, with Caesars Sportsbook placing their odds to win the NFC West at +1500—the lowest in the division. Their rivals, including the Seattle Seahawks (+750), Los Angeles Rams (+350), and reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (-225), are all favored ahead of them. Yet, this underdog status may play to Arizona’s advantage by allowing them to play without the pressure of high expectations.
Murray reflected on the past, admitting to learning from previous seasons. “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,” he said, indicating a readiness to embrace a more balanced and cohesive offensive strategy moving forward.
Building a Winning Culture
The belief in the team extends beyond the field. Murray spoke highly of head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort. “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 said, expressing a newfound optimism and sense of unity within the locker room.
Eying the Ultimate Prize
With a rejuvenated Murray, promising new talent, and a supportive team culture, the Cardinals have their sights set high. “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,” Murray declared, embodying the fighting spirit that might just take Arizona further than most expect.
The 2024 season presents a fresh start for the Arizona Cardinals, and they’re ready to show the world what they’re truly capable of.