Arizona Cardinals Enter 2024 NFL Season with Determination
The Arizona Cardinals are poised for a resurgence as they step into the 2024 NFL season. Following two challenging seasons with a 4-13 record, the team is channeling a quiet determination to turn things around. Central to their renewed optimism is the return of quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after missing significant portions of the last two years due to a torn ACL.
Kyler Murray's impact on the Cardinals cannot be overstated. The 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons, Murray’s presence on the field has been sorely missed. Now, back to full health, Murray is focused on proving both his and the team's potential. Reflecting on the team's underdog status, he remarked, "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."
A Promising Draft Pick
The Cardinals' optimism is also fueled by the addition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison Jr. distinguished himself in college football, leading in touchdown catches over the past two seasons. His work ethic and performance have already impressed Murray, who 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."
Strengthening the Offense
The Cardinals' offensive prospects don't rest on Murray and Harrison Jr. alone. Tight end Trey McBride showed significant promise in the latter part of the 2023 season. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. From Weeks 10-18, he ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, establishing himself as a reliable target for Murray.
Complementing the passing game is the Cardinals' robust rushing attack. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter add depth to the backfield, supporting veteran James Conner. Conner had an impressive 2023 season, amassing 1,040 rushing yards with an average of five yards per carry. This contributed to Arizona's fourth-place ranking in the NFL for rushing yards per game, including a league-leading four games with 200 or more rushing yards. Murray praised 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."
Leadership and Confidence
One cannot overlook the role of coaching and team ethos in the Cardinals' renewed confidence. Murray has expressed his contentment with the current coaching staff and team dynamic, stating, "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." This sentiment underscores the importance of cohesive leadership and team unity as Arizona seeks to translate potential into performance.
Defying the Odds
Despite the improvements and optimism, the external expectations remain tempered. Caesars Sportsbook has placed the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, reflecting a cautious outlook from the betting community. However, this only seems to fuel the team's desire to exceed expectations. Murray encapsulated this sentiment when he said, "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..."
Ultimately, Kyler Murray's goal is clear and 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 2024 season approaches, the Arizona Cardinals are gearing up to rewrite their narrative, driven by a combination of returning talent, promising new additions, and an unwavering belief in their potential.