TEMPE, Ariz. — Just a day before the final game of the season, Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals quarterback known for his more reserved demeanor, took the initiative to address his teammates. Murray, while generally not one to speak up often, conveyed a crucial message: time is limited.
In light of their recent performance, Murray emphasized the urgency particularly for himself and head coach Jonathan Gannon, who concluded their second season together with an overall record of 8-9 following a significant 47-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. This marks an improvement, as the Cardinals managed four more wins than the previous year.
Despite this progress, the 2024 season is seen as a missed opportunity for the team. The Cardinals started strong, boasting a 6-4 record before their mid-November bye week, positioning them well for a playoff run. Unfortunately, they stumbled in the latter part of the season, losing five of their last seven games and subsequently falling out of playoff contention.
“I feel like we’re on the right track,” Murray remarked after the game. “It’s really about execution. Small slip-ups from earlier in the season ended up hurting us, and at the end of it all, you can find yourself just a few games shy of the postseason.”
The disappointing finish has placed pressure on both Gannon and Murray to ensure a playoff appearance next year. Now in his sixth season, Murray has experienced just one playoff game, which resulted in a heavy loss against the Los Angeles Rams. There remains a question about whether his career with the Cardinals will ever culminate in postseason success. His upcoming seventh year in Arizona is pivotal, despite being contracted through 2028.
Gannon has consistently backed his quarterback, stating, “He is a competitor and we’re going to go where he takes us. I have faith in that.”
However, the success of the team relies on more than just Murray’s performance. General manager Monti Ossenfort has been proactive in securing key players for the future, including extensions for safety Budda Baker and running back James Conner. With a core that includes tight end Trey McBride, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., along with a talented young defensive roster, there is optimism for a better 2025 season.
As the offseason approaches, Murray is eager to get back to training, saying, “I don’t want to be away from the game for too long, as this is my life.”
Rising star McBride has shown significant promise, earning his first Pro Bowl selection this year after amassing 111 receptions for 1,146 yards. Having been drafted in 2022, McBride has progressively improved throughout his three seasons with the team. “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but it was all about getting the opportunity,” he commented. “While I’m pleased to be healthy, we didn’t reach our goals, so I’m cautiously optimistic.”
Marvin Harrison Jr., the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft, closed the season strong with 62 receptions for 885 yards, tying a franchise rookie record with eight touchdowns. The 22-year-old enjoyed a solid rookie year, highlighted by touchdowns in the last two games. Murray expressed his enthusiasm for their connection, stating, “Once we were eliminated, I wanted to focus on establishing our rhythm. He’s only going to improve as we develop together.”
However, Harrison will need to enhance his game, particularly in facing tough cornerbacks. Coach Gannon highlighted the need for him to play more aggressively against defenders, an aspect he showed improvement in during the season’s final weeks.
On the defensive side, the Cardinals defied expectations, with coordinator Nick Rallis maximizing their talent. The defense performed respectably, placing in the middle tier of the league across various statistics. The secondary, featuring players like Baker and up-and-coming corners Garrett Williams and Max Melton, looks solid.
Nevertheless, the defensive line could benefit from additional talent, prompting Ossenfort to be active in the upcoming free agency period.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals hold the No. 16 overall choice in the upcoming NFL draft set for April, which could further shape the team’s future.
