The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a renewed sense of quiet determination. Following consecutive 4-13 seasons, there seems to be a burgeoning belief within the team that they can defy their critics. At the center of this optimism is their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, who is set to start the season at full strength after being sidelined by a torn ACL for much of the last two campaigns.
"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 said when asked about the team's perceived underdog status. His return to top form is a crucial asset for the Cardinals, given his accolades, including the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl selections in his first three healthy seasons.
Embracing Underestimation
The notion of being underestimated isn't lost on Murray. "I can understand why people are sleeping on me," he admits. "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, New Hopes
One exciting development for the Cardinals is the selection of Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft. Harrison, who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, is expected to make an immediate impact. Murray is particularly thrilled about the addition. "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," he remarked.
Harrison's potential, combined with the rising form of tight end Trey McBride, who was among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards from Weeks 10-18 last season, underscores the promising offensive weapons at Murray's disposal. McBride notably caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.
A Robust Ground Game
The Cardinals' rushing attack also deserves mention. Spearheaded by veteran James Conner, who recorded 1,040 rushing yards and an impressive average of five yards per carry in 2023, the running game bolstered the team's offensive dynamics. Arizona's run game ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards last season. Complementing Conner are promising talents like Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter.
Murray's appreciation for the ground game was evident. "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes," he noted.
A Team Ready to Prove Itself
Reflecting on his journey and growth, Murray shared, "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 evolution points to a more balanced and cohesive team dynamic under the leadership of coach Jonathan Gannon, whom Murray speaks highly of. "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."
Despite the long odds—Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals' chances to win the NFC West at +1500—Murray remains confident about the team's capabilities. "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."
As the 2024 season approaches, the Arizona Cardinals, led by a revitalized Kyler Murray, appear ready to shake off the shadows of past disappointments and pursue success with a determined and united front.