Kyler Murray's Return to Full Strength Sets High Expectations for Cardinals
As Kyler Murray enters his sixth season with the Arizona Cardinals, he finds himself in a unique but familiar position — leading a team poised to reclaim its rightful place in the NFL. After an 11-5 record in 2021, which saw the Cardinals making it to the NFC Wild-Card round, the journey since has been tumultuous for both the team and its star quarterback.
2021 was a season of highs and controversial lows for the Cardinals. Kicking off with an impressive 7-0 start, the team showed immense promise and potential. However, the momentum faltered due to various challenges, including injuries that saw Murray sidelined. The most significant setback arrived in 2023, when the dynamic quarterback missed the first nine games while rehabilitating from a right ACL injury. This injury also kept him out of last year’s training camp, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team's performance.
"Last year was just such a whirlwind for me," Murray reflected. "Being hurt and then rehabbing the whole year, coming back in the middle of the season, which I've never done before... it meant something internally, but I think this year just getting to start off fresh, it is a big difference."
As the 2023 season unfolds, Murray is back and participating fully in his first training camp since 2022. Restored to full health, the quarterback brings a renewed sense of purpose and determination. His goal remains steadfast, driven by dreams that took root in his childhood. "You never know when the game's going to be taken away from you. You'll never know how long you're going to be playing. So, my goal is to be the best. Since I was 4 years old my dream was to be a quarterback in the NFL, win Super Bowls, and that's what I strive to do every single day," he affirmed.
The Cardinals' offensive lineup has seen significant changes, with notable additions aimed at bolstering their attack. Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and seasoned veteran Zay Jones have joined the roster, adding depth and talent to the receiving corps. Alongside them, Trey McBride, James Conner, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch form a potent offensive unit capable of challenging any defense.
Murray is optimistic about the capabilities of the revamped offense. "I don't put any limitation on what this offense can be or do. I think we're very versatile, got great skill set as far as receivers or running backs. Again, me coming back healthy, I don't feel like I even scratched the surface of what I'm capable of as far as moving around being a dual threat on the field at the back end of the season. So, like I said, I don't put any limitation on what we can do."
Understanding the importance of chemistry and unity, Murray took the initiative to organize a weeklong trip to Los Angeles with 12 of his teammates. This off-the-field bonding experience aimed to solidify the team's cohesion, ensuring they hit the ground running when the season begins. "Getting all those reps that we got, we may not have gotten if we didn't do those things off the field because there's the sense of urgency there. We want to hit the ground running," Murray explained. "We are not coming out this season, despite what everybody thinks or what they're saying, we know we want to do in this locker room, so, in order to do that, you got to put the work in."
The Arizona Cardinals are ready to write a new chapter in their storied history. With Murray at the helm, healthy and eager to prove his and the team's potential, the prospects for an exciting season are palpable. The lessons from the roller-coaster ride of past seasons have forged a more resilient and united squad, determined to achieve their ultimate goal: Super Bowl glory.