The Kyler Murray-Led Arizona Cardinals Are Primed For A Bounce-Back Season
Since Kyler Murray has been a part of the Arizona Cardinals, the team has just one winning season and has yet to win a playoff game. There have been quality pieces in Arizona over the years, but the team has never been consistent enough to win games. However, things could turn around in 2024 thanks to good health, intriguing young talent, and an improving head coach going into his second season
Murray did not play his first game of 2023 until early November due to a leg injury that kept him out for ten months. At the point of his return, Arizona had just one victory (1-9) which was week three versus the Dallas Cowboys.
In the last seven weeks, Arizona went 3-4 against a tough schedule that included games with the 49ers, Rams, Seahawks, and the Eagles. Murray showed flashes of his old ways during this stretch, continuously making plays for his team and keeping them in games. To end with a 4-13 record might not look great but if you watched them play with Murray behind center, they looked much better than without him. Additionally, that porous record landed them the 4th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the pick, Arizona made the "no-brainer" choice and selected Marvin Harrison Jr. The generational wide receiver traded his scarlet red jersey for Cardinal-red in a matter of days.
Like Father Like Son
The ex-Ohio State Buckeye had a standout collegiate career and was sought after by NFL scouts after his freshman season. He broke countless NCAA records and made hundreds of highlight-reel plays. Harrison Jr. brings his great route-running ability, elite ball skills, strong hands, speed, and toughness to this offense and specifically to Murray. The two have one thing in common, explosiveness. They will be a must-watch duo in 2024. There is a good chance Harrison Jr wins what Murray did in 2019, an offensive rookie of the year award.
Arizona drafted successfully behind Harrison Jr as well, getting tough-as-nails Darius Robinson (DL) from Missouri and the speedy Trey Benson (RB) from Florida State. In free agency, Arizona was equally as active signing quality contributors. Wide receiver Zay Jones, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, and defensive tackle Justin Jones, among others were signed via free agency. Arizona will see improving on both sides of the ball in 2024.
Confidence is Key
Another big factor to a possible-improved season in 2024 is the luxury of a favorable schedule. According the Pro Football Network, Arizona has the No. 21 ranked schedule for next season. As a result, Arizona could very well top their win-total from last season.
With what they have going for them, the team has developed some confidence, especially at quarterback. After day-three of OTA's, Murray had this to say about the current state of his team." Am I excited? You bet I am, Murray said Wednesday June 5. I feel good and I am blessed to have the support of my teammates and coaches while we progress. The least I can do for them is try to lead by example and play my very best. The future is bright for us." Will Arizona win the Super Bowl or let alone a playoff game? That is very unlikely. However, eclipsing their win total from last season seems wildly-possible. Arizona is a very likeable team and with the group of exciting players they have in place now, they are primed for a bounce-back season.
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