Cardinals Embark on 2024 NFL Season with Renewed Determination
The Arizona Cardinals are entering the 2024 NFL season with an air of quiet determination. After enduring back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the team is looking to turn the tide and make strides towards success. The return of quarterback Kyler Murray, who missed a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, is a critical factor in their renewed optimism. Set to start the 2024 season at full strength, Murray’s presence brings a much-needed boost to the Cardinals.
Kyler Murray's Return
Kyler Murray, the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, is prepared to lead his team with a chip on his shoulder. Reflecting on the underwhelming past seasons, Murray stated, "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."
New Faces and Rising Stars
The Cardinals’ front office has made strategic moves to bolster the roster, including the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison Jr., who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, is expected to make an immediate impact. Murray expressed his excitement about his new teammate, saying, "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."
In addition to Harrison Jr., tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a reliable target for Murray. McBride’s standout performance in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, where he caught eight of his nine targets for 131 receiving yards, showcased his potential. McBride ranked among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, further solidifying his role as a key offensive weapon.
Revamped Rushing Attack
Arizona's run game has also been a highlight, with running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter complementing veteran James Conner. Conner had an impressive 2023 season, accumulating 1,040 rushing yards and averaging five yards per carry. The Cardinals' ground game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards in 2023. Murray marveled at the strength of their run game, saying, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes."
Team Culture and Confidence
With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Cardinals are cultivating a strong team culture. Murray credits much of the positive atmosphere to head coach Jonathan Gannon, noting, "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."
Ambitious Goals
As they prepare for the new season, the Cardinals are not shying away from lofty goals. Murray remains steadfast in his ambitions, declaring, "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." Despite the challenges ahead, the Cardinals are motivated by their potential and the desire to prove their doubters wrong.
Under the Radar
While Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' odds to win the NFC West at +1500, the team is embracing their underdog status. Murray succinctly captures this mindset: "Yeah, I mean, let them sleep. Our job is to wake them up and allow them to realize what's going on out here..." Equipped with talent, a resilient spirit, and a renewed sense of purpose, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to make a statement in the 2024 NFL season.