The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with a renewed sense of determination and quiet confidence. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is eager to turn things around. Much of the Cardinals' optimism centers around the return of their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after missing significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL.
"I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray said, acknowledging the skepticism surrounding the team. "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, who won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, is not the only reason for the Cardinals' optimism. The team made a significant move in the 2024 draft by selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Harrison, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, is expected to make an immediate impact.
"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."
A Strengthened Offensive Unit
The Cardinals' offensive unit has additional reasons for hope. Tight end Trey McBride showed significant promise towards the end of last season. Notably, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. From Weeks 10-18, McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, signaling him as a key player for the upcoming season.
The running back room is equally compelling. With Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complementing veteran James Conner, the Cardinals have a deep and versatile backfield. Conner himself had an impressive 2023 season, racking up 1,040 rushing yards and averaging five yards per carry, helping Arizona's run game rank fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game.
"Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year," Murray commented. "I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Arizona also led the NFL with four games of 200 or more rushing yards in 2023, showcasing their ground game prowess. With such a well-rounded attack, the Cardinals aim to keep defenses on their toes throughout the season.
High Hopes and High Stakes
However, the road to success won't be easy. According to Caesars Sportsbook, the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West stand at +1500. Despite the long odds, Murray remains confident in the team's potential.
"This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while," Murray stated. "It’s a very tight-knit group. And the coaches, and JG [Gannon], man, I can't say enough good things about him."
With new head coach Jonathan Gannon at the helm, the Cardinals are embracing a fresh approach and a new era of leadership. Murray believes this change in coaching philosophy will unlock the team's true potential. Reflecting on his growth and the continuity in the team's system, he added, "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."
Murray’s ultimate goal is clear: "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."
As the Cardinals gear up for the 2024 season, they are determined to make a statement. With a healthy Murray, an exciting rookie in Harrison Jr., a revitalized running game, and a new coaching staff, Arizona is poised to surprise the league. "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep," Murray said defiantly. "Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here."