The Arizona Cardinals are approaching the 2024 NFL season with a blend of quiet determination and the hope of redemption. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is poised for a potential turnaround, bolstered by the return of a fully healthy Kyler Murray.
Kyler Murray's Return
Kyler Murray is set to start the 2024 season at full strength, having recovered from a significant ACL injury that sidelined him for large portions of the last two seasons. This comeback could not have come at a better time for the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler. Murray himself exudes confidence, remarking, "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."
Kyler's readiness isn't just physical; his mental game appears stronger than ever. Reflecting on his significant strides, Murray mentioned, "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." Such statements suggest that the quarterback is not just back to his old self but has likely elevated his game to new heights.
A Revamped Offensive Lineup
The Cardinals have also made strategic acquisitions to fortify their offense. The most notable addition is wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., drafted fourth overall in 2024. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, a feat that bodes well for Arizona's offense. Expressing his excitement, Murray said, "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."
Beyond new additions, Arizona will also look to capitalize on the chemistry between Murray and tight end Trey McBride. McBride had an impressive showing in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, hauling in eight of his nine targets for 131 receiving yards. From Weeks 10-18, McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, establishing himself as a reliable target.
The Running Game's Stalwarts
Arizona's running game was one of the team's brighter spots last season, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. The team also led the league with four games surpassing 200 or more rushing yards. Veteran James Conner spearheaded this effort with 1,040 rushing yards and an impressive average of five yards per carry in 2023. Complementing Conner are running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, forming a balanced and potent rushing attack.
Murray himself was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the run game, noting, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes." This robust ground game will be an essential asset as the Cardinals strive to reestablish their dominance.
The Road Ahead
Despite their recent struggles, there's a palpable sense of optimism within the team. Murray encapsulated this sentiment perfectly: "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." Fans and players alike have reason to believe that the Cardinals are on the cusp of turning their fortunes around.
Arizona's journey won't be easy, and they remain underdogs in the NFC West, with Caesars Sportsbook placing their odds at +1500 to win the division. However, Murray's goals and mindset are unwavering: "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, the blend of experienced veterans, dynamic newcomers, and a reinvigorated Murray provides a compelling narrative. Whether they can translate this mix into a winning formula remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this team is done being overlooked. As Murray aptly put it, "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..."