The Arizona Cardinals seem poised for a new beginning as they approach the 2024 NFL season. After enduring consecutive 4-13 seasons, the team has honed a quiet determination to prove their mettle on the field. Central to this resurgence is quarterback Kyler Murray, who is set to return at full strength after missing significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Murray, the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in his first three healthy seasons, is eager to remind everyone of his capabilities.
"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 remarked, emphasizing the team's underdog spirit. His words resonate with a hunger and readiness to change perceptions cultivated by recent struggles. Despite understanding why some may doubt the Cardinals, Murray views the upcoming season as an opportunity. "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 added.
One of the bright spots is the arrival of Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. dominated college football, leading in touchdown catches over the last two seasons. Murray is particularly excited about the rookie wide receiver's potential. "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 said, hinting at the exceptional work ethic and potential Harrison Jr. brings to the team.
Tight end Trey McBride is another key player aiming to make significant contributions. McBride caught eight of nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in a single game against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. His performance from Weeks 10-18 last season placed him among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, showcasing his reliability and his synergy with Murray.
Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter join veteran James Conner to create a robust ground game. Conner impressed in 2023 with 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry, leading Arizona's run game to rank fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game. The Cardinals also boasted four games with 200 or more rushing yards, the most in the league. Reflecting on this achievement, Murray commented, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Murray's confidence in the team extends beyond individual performances. Reflecting on the differences since joining Arizona, he noted, "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." This newfound comfort with the system and the team dynamics is a cornerstone of Murray's optimism heading into 2024.
The leadership and influence of head coach Jonathan Gannon, or "JG" as Murray refers to him, have been pivotal. "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 good things about him," Murray gushed, highlighting the cohesive and supportive environment fostering the squad's ambitions.
The ultimate goal for the Cardinals remains ambitious. Murray, unwavering in his belief, declared, "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." Despite the high expectations, he insists on keeping an open mind about the team's potential achievements.
While Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, the team’s blend of seasoned talent, promising rookies, and a rejuvenated Murray may well defy the odds. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Arizona to see if they can turn their quiet determination into a loud statement on the field.