The Arizona Cardinals are approaching the 2024 NFL season with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is ready to turn the page and make a significant impact. At the heart of this resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength following a torn ACL that sidelined him for much of the last two seasons.
"Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..." Murray expressed, highlighting the underdog spirit that seems to be brewing within the Cardinals' locker room.
Murray, who was the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, is poised to prove doubters wrong. "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 stated with conviction.
An Impactful Draft Pick
The addition of Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, has added another layer of excitement to the team. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, making him a valuable asset for the Cardinals. "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," said Murray, emphasizing Harrison’s work ethic.
Offensive Prowess
Tight end Trey McBride has also shown promise, particularly in Week 10 last season when he caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards against the Atlanta Falcons. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 in 2023. His chemistry with Murray will be essential for the Cardinals' offensive success this season.
In the backfield, the Cardinals boast a robust group of running backs including Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, Michael Carter, and veteran James Conner. Conner had a standout year in 2023, rushing for 1,040 yards with an impressive five yards per carry. This performance contributed to Arizona’s run game ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, with the team leading the league in four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Quiet Confidence
Murray acknowledged the strides made in the running game, saying, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes." His comments reflect a team that, despite public skepticism, has found ways to excel and is ready to display their progress on a larger stage.
The positive vibes extend to the entire team and coaching staff. "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 praised, indicating a strong belief in head coach Jonathan Gannon's system and leadership.
High Stakes, High Hopes
As the season approaches, the Cardinals are focused on one ultimate goal. "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. This mindset of aiming for the highest achievements encapsulates the renewed ambition within the organization.
Despite their recent struggles, the Cardinals are not to be overlooked. Caesars Sportsbook places their odds to win the NFC West at +1500, a reflection of the challenges they face, yet also a potential opportunity for significant upsets. The combination of a healthy Kyler Murray, promising new talent, and a supportive coaching environment sets the stage for what could be a surprising and compelling season for Arizona.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, one thing is certain: the Arizona Cardinals are ready to make some noise. Whether they wake up the league remains to be seen, but their quiet determination speaks volumes.