Cardinals Enter 2024 NFL Season with Renewed Determination
The Arizona Cardinals are set to make waves in the 2024 NFL season, fuelled by an air of quiet determination and a roster ready to prove its mettle. After enduring consecutive 4-13 seasons, the team is poised for a significant turnaround, hinging on the return of a key player and the infusion of fresh talent.
Quarterback Kyler Murray, who has been sidelined for a significant portion of the last two seasons due to a torn ACL, is now back at full strength. 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 lead the Cardinals to success. Reflecting on the team's current state, he remarked, "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 acknowledges the skepticism surrounding the team but stands undeterred. "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 asserted. His confidence extends to new teammates, particularly Marvin Harrison Jr., the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
New Talent and Eager Veterans
Harrison Jr., who led college football in touchdown catches over the last two seasons, has already made a positive impression on Murray. "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's work ethic and dedication.
The receiving corps looks strong, particularly with tight end Trey McBride showing promise. McBride caught eight of his nine targets from Murray for 131 receiving yards in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons last season. His performance from Weeks 10-18 placed him among the top NFL tight ends in receptions and receiving yards.
The ground game also promises to be a vital asset for the Cardinals. Running backs Trey Benson, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter provide valuable support to veteran James Conner. In 2023, Conner rushed for 1,040 yards with an impressive average of five yards per carry. The team ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game and led the league with four games of 200 or more rushing yards.
Murray was candid about the team’s ground game success, "Hell, I was surprised at how good we ran the ball last year... I've never seen so many wide open holes." The bolstered rushing attack is expected to balance the offense and relieve pressure off Murray.
Coaching and Team Chemistry
As Murray prepares for the upcoming season, he reflects on his growth and the synergy within the team. "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," he observed. This system, under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Gannon, appears to be fostering a cohesive and confident unit.
"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 noted, emphasizing the strong team spirit and effective leadership that Gannon brings.
While Caesars Sportsbook places the Cardinals’ odds to win the NFC West at +1500, Murray remains unfazed, aiming high for the team's goals. "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," he declared, underscoring the ambitious outlook for the season.
The Arizona Cardinals are primed to rise from the shadow of past struggles. With a rejuvenated roster, a dynamic ground attack, and a motivated leader in Kyler Murray, the team embodies the spirit of redemption and is ready to tackle the challenges of the 2024 NFL season.