The Arizona Cardinals are stepping into the 2024 NFL season with a sense of quiet determination and a reinvigorated roster. After enduring consecutive 4-13 seasons, the franchise and its fans are looking for a fresh start, spearheaded by a fully recovered Kyler Murray and a promising rookie wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr.
Kyler Murray’s Return to Full Strength
For the past two seasons, the Cardinals struggled with the absence of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, who was sidelined due to a torn ACL. However, Murray is now set to start the new season at full strength, sparking hope among the team and its supporters. Reflecting on his journey, Murray expressed a clear understanding of the skepticism surrounding his return. "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," he said.
Since being named the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance that the Cardinals will undoubtedly rely on as they aim to reverse their fortunes.
The Arrival of Marvin Harrison Jr.
A key factor in the Cardinals’ potential resurgence is the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr., whom they selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. comes in hot on the heels of leading college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and the team has high hopes for what he can bring to the field. "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 explained, highlighting the rookie's work ethic and potential impact.
Offensive Weapons and Performance
Alongside Murray and Harrison Jr., the Cardinals' offense features promising elements, including tight end Trey McBride. Notably, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in a Week 10 game against the Atlanta Falcons last season. His performance from Weeks 10 through 18 placed him among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, underscoring his role as a crucial offensive weapon.
The Cardinals' run game in 2023 was another bright spot, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. Running back James Conner amassed 1,040 rushing yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry. He is complemented by Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, making up a formidable backfield that adds depth and versatility to Arizona's ground attack.
Murray, reflecting on their running game, noted, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Setting Lofty Goals
With all these pieces in place, Murray's confidence in the team 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 remarked, acknowledging the cohesive team environment fostered by head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Despite the current odds from Caesars Sportsbook placing the Cardinals at +1500 to win the NFC West, Murray remains unfazed and ambitious. "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 declared firmly.
As the Cardinals head into the 2024 season, they do so with an air of defiance and hunger, driven by their star quarterback’s return, a promising rookie receiver, and a cohesive team effort both on and off the field. If Murray's determination is anything to go by, those sleeping on Arizona might be in for a wake-up call.