The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination and a resolve to overturn their recent fortunes. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team has much to prove. Yet, the optimism surrounding the Cardinals is palpable, fueled largely by the return of their star quarterback and some promising new talent.
Kyler Murray's Comeback
Central to the Cardinals' hopes is Kyler Murray, who is set to start the 2024 season at full strength after missing significant portions of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL. Murray, who won the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons, is aware of the skepticism surrounding him.
"I can understand why people are sleeping on me," Murray said. "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."
His confidence extends beyond his personal performance to the entire team. "This is the most confident I've been in the team in a while," he noted. "It’s a very tight-knit group. And the coaches, and JG [Jonathan Gannon], man, I can't say enough of good things about him."
Emerging Stars
One of the key additions to the Cardinals roster is Marvin Harrison Jr., selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr. led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, and his presence is already making an impact.
"I'm super excited for Marvin," Murray expressed. "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."
Strong Supporting Cast
Trey McBride also showed significant promise last season. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards. He ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, providing Murray with a reliable target.
The Cardinals' running game, which ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2023, is another bright spot. The formidable backfield includes Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter, complementing veteran James Conner, who had 1,040 rushing yards and an average of five yards per carry last season. Arizona led the NFL with four games of 200 or more rushing yards in 2023.
"Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year," Murray reflected. "I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Underdogs No More
Despite these promising signs, the Cardinals remain underdogs in the eyes of many. Caesars Sportsbook places their odds to win the NFC West at +1500. However, this perception only fuels the team's motivation.
"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 stated resolutely.
When asked about his goals for the team, Murray didn't shy away from aiming high. "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 may very well be a team to watch, blending experienced talent with promising newcomers and led by a quarterback eager to reclaim his place among the league's elite. Their quiet determination might just be the waking call the NFL never saw coming.