Arizona Cardinals 2024 Preview

The Arizona Cardinals are looking to bounce back from a tough 2023 season that saw them finish with a 4-13 record. After enduring a year filled with struggles and injuries, including most of the season without their star quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are eager to turn the page and rebuild their reputation in 2024.

With a win total set at 7.5, expectations are cautiously optimistic as the team looks to improve on both sides of the ball.

Let’s break down what to expect from the Cardinals this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Cardinals are poised for a turnaround in 2024, driven by the return of Kyler Murray and the addition of key playmakers, including top draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. The team is also undergoing significant changes on defense, aiming to shore up a unit that ranked among the worst in the NFL last year. With a mix of young talent and veteran presence, the Cardinals hope to make a leap forward and compete in the tough NFC West.

Offensive Changes

Kyler Murray’s Return:

Comeback Season: Kyler Murray is back after missing most of the 2023 season due to injury. Despite limited action last year, he managed 10 touchdowns against 5 interceptions with a near-90 passer rating. With a full offseason to recover and prepare, Murray is expected to regain his Pro Bowl form and lead the Cardinals’ offense to new heights.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Addition:
- Rookie Sensation: The Cardinals made a splash by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick. Harrison brings elite talent to the receiving corps and instantly becomes the WR1 that Arizona sorely lacked last season. His ability to make big plays down the field will be a game-changer for Murray and the Cardinals’ passing attack.
- Supporting Cast: Tight end Trey McBride, who led the team in targets and receptions with over 800 yards last season, will continue to be a reliable option for Murray. Meanwhile, Rondale Moore and Michael Wilson will look to step up in complementary roles, with Wilson coming off a solid rookie year where he posted over 500 yards.

Running Game Stability:

James Conner’s Consistency: James Conner remains the workhorse in the backfield, coming off a season where he averaged 5 yards per carry and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards despite playing in only 13 games. Conner’s tough running style will be complemented by rookie Trey Benson, who was drafted in the third round and brings explosive playmaking potential to the offense.

Offensive Line Adjustments:

New Faces: The Cardinals have made changes to their offensive line, most notably replacing right tackle D.J. Humphries, who struggled last season, with former Bengal Jonah Williams. Additionally, third-round pick Isaiah Adams joins the line at guard, bringing power in the run game but needing to improve in pass protection. Paris Johnson, last year’s first-round pick, will need to step up after allowing 9.5 sacks in his rookie season.

Defensive Adjustments

Defensive Woes and Overhaul:

Struggles in 2023: Arizona’s defense was one of the worst in the league last year, finishing 31st in points allowed per game and 25th in yards allowed per game. The pass defense was particularly porous, ranking near the bottom in nearly every category.
Secondary Changes:
- Key Departures and Additions: The Cardinals lost cornerback Antonio Hamilton, one of their few reliable defensive backs, but replaced him with Shawn Murphy-Bunting, who allowed a sub-90 passer rating and recorded a couple of interceptions with the Titans. They also drafted Max Melton, a raw but talented cornerback with significant upside, and Garrett Williams, who impressed in his rookie year by holding opposing quarterbacks to a low 50s passer rating.
- Safety Play: Jaylen Thompson and Budda Baker anchor the safety positions, with Thompson coming off a four-interception season. Baker, despite some inconsistencies, remains a Pro Bowl-caliber player who will be vital to the defense’s success.

Front Seven Upgrades:

Improving the Pass Rush: The Cardinals’ pass rush was almost non-existent in 2023, finishing 30th in sacks and dead last in QB hits. To address this, the team has moved Zaven Collins to outside linebacker after he recorded 3.5 sacks from the inside. B.J. Ojulari, last year’s second-round pick, is expected to take a big leap in his second season, while Dennis Gardeck, who led the team with 6 sacks, will continue to be a key contributor.
Revamped Defensive Line: Arizona overhauled its defensive line, bringing in Bilal Nichols, Justin Jones, and first-round pick Darius Robinson. These new additions are expected to provide better run defense and more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Season Outlook

The Cardinals are a team in transition, with a wide range of possible outcomes depending on how quickly their new pieces come together. Their win total floor and ceiling provide insight into the volatility and potential of this squad:

Win Total Floor: 5 Wins

Why? The Cardinals face a challenging schedule, with eight straight games against teams with higher win expectations. If Kyler Murray struggles to regain his form and the defense continues to be a liability, Arizona could find themselves in a tough spot, leading to another losing season.

Win Total Ceiling: 9 Wins

Why? If Kyler Murray plays at a high level, Marvin Harrison Jr. lives up to his hype, and the revamped defense makes significant strides, the Cardinals could surprise some teams and push for a winning season. A 9-8 record would represent a five-win improvement and signal a major step forward in the team’s rebuilding process.

Final Thoughts

The Arizona Cardinals are a team on the rise, with plenty of young talent and a franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray ready to lead them. However, the success of their 2024 season will hinge on how well the new additions mesh and whether the defense can rebound from a dismal 2023 campaign. With a mix of optimism and caution, Cardinals fans should prepare for a season filled with both challenges and opportunities.

Key Points Recap

Kyler Murray returns, looking to regain his Pro Bowl form and lead the offense.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the new WR1, bringing elite talent to the receiving corps.
James Conner remains a key player in the run game, with rookie Trey Benson adding explosive potential.
The offensive line has undergone changes, with Jonah Williams and Isaiah Adams joining the unit.
The defense was one of the worst in the league, but significant upgrades have been made, particularly in the secondary and pass rush.
The Cardinals have a wide range of outcomes, with a win total floor of 5 wins and a ceiling of 9 wins.

Cardinals fans, get ready for a season of growth and potential as Arizona looks to rise from the ashes of last year’s struggles and fly high in 2024.

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