As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for the 2024 NFL season, there's an air of quiet determination around the team. After enduring two consecutive 4-13 seasons, the Cardinals are looking to turn the page, driven by a rejuvenated Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. The star quarterback is set to start the season at full strength, ready to redeem himself and his team.
"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, reflecting the team's understated confidence. "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 Revamped Offensive Arsenal
The Cardinals have bolstered their offensive weaponry with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Known for leading college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, Harrison Jr. brings a new dimension to the Cardinals’ passing attack. Murray's enthusiasm for his new target is palpable. "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, highlighting Harrison Jr.'s dedication.
The return of tight end Trey McBride is another bright spot. McBride had an impressive performance in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons last season, catching 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, showcasing his reliability as one of Murray's key targets.
Ground Game's Strong Foundation
The Cardinals' running game was a standout in 2023, ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and leading the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards. James Conner spearheaded the effort with 1,040 rushing yards and an impressive average of five yards per carry. Complementing Conner, running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter add depth and versatility to the backfield.
Murray's surprise at the team's ground game success underscores the collective effort. "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide-open holes," he admitted. This effectiveness on the ground bodes well for a balanced offensive strategy in 2024.
Renewed Optimism Under Jonathon Gannon
The Cardinals' confidence extends beyond the roster to the coaching staff, led by head coach Jonathon Gannon. Murray's trust in Gannon is strong, encapsulated in his praise: "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."
Gannon's system appears to be a perfect fit for Murray, who reflected on his growth since the 2020 season. "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 shared.
Defying the Odds
Despite the optimism, the Cardinals face long odds to win the NFC West, with Caesars Sportsbook placing their chances at +1500. However, this seems only to fuel Murray's determination. "For this team? My goal is to 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," he declared.
As the Cardinals prepare for the 2024 season, their blend of established talent, promising newcomers, and renewed leadership suggest that they might indeed have what it takes to "wake them up" and surprise the league. With Kyler Murray at the helm, fully recovered and more confident than ever, Arizona fans have every reason to be hopeful for a comeback story in the making.