Kyler Murray is set to embark on what many hope will be a revitalizing season for both him and the Arizona Cardinals. As the dynamic quarterback enters his sixth season, the anticipation is palpable, stemming largely from his inspiring return from an ACL injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the previous year.
Murray's journey over the past year has been nothing short of tumultuous. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "Last year was just such a whirlwind for me as far as being hurt and then rehabbing the whole year, coming back in the middle of the season, which I've never done before. And then again, as far as the play goes, having to get better each and every week again, and then feel like getting in the groove of things, and it kind of not really mean anything, but for me it meant something internally, but I think this year just getting to start off fresh, it is a big difference." Now fully participating in his first training camp since 2022, Murray's enthusiasm and optimism are off the charts.
The 2021 season saw the Cardinals put on a brilliant display, starting off with an impressive 7-0 record and finishing with an 11-5 tally. That record earned them a spot in the NFC Wild-Card round, a testament to their potential. However, with Murray missing the first nine games of 2023 to rehabilitate his right ACL, the past season did not quite meet expectations. Murray also had to forego last year’s training camp due to his injury, presenting an additional hurdle in his path.
Despite these setbacks, Murray's determination has only grown stronger. "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, and 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 remarked. This season, he is focused on not just returning to form, but elevating his game to new heights.
One of the significant changes this season for the Cardinals is the reshaped offensive lineup. The addition of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and veteran receiver Zay Jones is expected to bolster the team’s aerial attack. Alongside them, the offensive talents of Trey McBride, James Conner, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch present a versatile and potent mix. According to Murray, "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." His confidence in the offensive unit is clear and well-founded.
Murray has also taken proactive steps to ensure team cohesion and chemistry. In a bid to build stronger bonds, he organized a weeklong trip to Los Angeles with 12 of his teammates. This initiative underscores his leadership and commitment to the success of the Cardinals. Murray explained, "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. 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."
As Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals prepare to kick off the new season, the blend of fresh talent, renewed vigor, and focused determination could well spell out an exciting year ahead. Murray's return to form, coupled with strategic additions to the roster and a reinforced team spirit, sets the stage for what fans and analysts alike hope will be a standout season.