Bold predictions for the Cardinals in 2024: Kyler Murray back in MVP race?

TEMPE — Predictions and expectations are all over the place when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals.

So why not add some more bold ones to the mix before Arizona’s regular season gets underway in Buffalo?

Here are four bold predictions for the Cardinals in 2024:

Kyler Murray back in the MVP race

All signs point to Murray having a bounce-back season following eight games in 2023 and further emersion into Arizona’s new system this offseason.

But could “bounce-back season” be putting it lightly? Is something like 4,000 yards, another 600 on the ground and over 40 total touchdowns on the table? If it is, MVP consideration will follow. 2021 isn’t that long ago, after all.

So what are signs that this could be coming?

For one, the quarterback’s comfortability within the offense is noticeable. He no longer feels like he has to turn into Super-Man every Sunday in order for his team to be successful.

It’s a big deal for someone who was counted on to do just that throughout most of his career before Gannon and Co. came to town. It has a bigger impact than you think.

“I watch a lot of old stuff where I thought I was playing well, and then there’s still stuff that I look back and I’m like, ‘What was I doing? What was I thinking?’” Murray said. “I also think that goes back into being in this system, allowing me to play within the system and not have to do stuff off the wall to succeed.

“Within this system that we have now I feel like there’s a lot of room to grow, and if I can just be myself and play the game the sky’s the limit.”

Murray has had some really strong supporting casts over the years. This one, however, gives the signal caller an added boost in potential.

Aside from the offense bolstering some serious talent that includes Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, the quarterback is also gelling so much more with those around him.

One more notable caveat: The franchise signal caller couldn’t be happier in Year 6.

“You’re free,” Murray when asked what his happiness does for him physically and mentally. “I love what I do. I get to go out there and play the game I love with the guys that are there in that locker room, so it’s just playing football at the end of the day.”

Comfortability, happiness and confidence won’t come up on the stat sheet, but they can certainly have an impact on what does.

He’s healthy, has a good understanding of the offense, can beat you multiple ways and has even stronger relationships with those on the receiving end of his throws.

Maybe this isn’t as bold of a prediction as it seems.

Marvin Harrison Jr. puts up Anquan Boldin-like numbers

Harrison has been compared time and time again to Larry Fitzgerald early on in his Cardinals career.

But could his rookie numbers be more reminiscent of what Anquan Boldin did fresh out of college in 2003?

For those who don’t remember, Boldin went to town as a rookie behind 1,377 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 101 catches (165 targets). He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned a Pro Bowl nod. He was Him for the 4-12 squad, racking up the fifth-most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL history.

Harrison has a chance to do something similar. On top of his work ethic, size, route-running and NFL roots, the rookie out of Ohio State is locked in with Murray.

They quickly found their groove this offseason and carried that over into training camp and joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts. The amount of targets that went his way on a daily basis throughout camp was a clear indication of their chemistry with one another.

More K1-MHJ content for the timeline. pic.twitter.com/SJ1eWQNNub

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 4, 2024

“I don’t really view him as a rookie to be honest,” Murray said of Harrison on Wednesday. “I know he is, but his ability and his (mentality), it’s not on the level of a rookie. I expect him to go out there and do what he does.”

What’s stopping this prediction from avoiding the bold territory comes down to two things.

For one, there are plenty of mouths to feed offensively. McBride should get a healthy dose of targets as another focal point of the offense. Greg Dortch and Michael Wilson will get theirs, too.

There’s also Arizona’s run-first identity under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. When the Cardinals can run the rock effectively, they’re at their best. That can leave the passing game as an afterthought at times, especially when James Conner and the rushing attack are controlling the tempo.

That is if the defense can hold up its side of the bargain. If not and Arizona is forced into comeback situations in most instances, Harrison’s chances of reaching Boldin’s numbers slightly increase.

And if he kicks off his NFL career anything like the Cardinals legend, “get your popcorn ready.”

The greatest debut by a WR in NFL history?

In his 1st career game, @AZCardinals rookie @AnquanBoldin caught 10 passes for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns! #RedSea#DETvsAZ: Sunday (4:25pm ET) on FOX pic.twitter.com/LWtKnWHekD

— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) September 6, 2019

Three Cardinals hit 1,000-yard mark

Fun fact: Since Murray entered the league in 2019, there have been just one 1,000-yard receiver and one 1,000-yard rusher on the roster in a given year. DeAndre Hopkins put up 1,407 yards on 115 receptions in 2020 before Conner ran for 1,040 yards this past season.

Having a 1,000-yard anything hasn’t come easy for the Cardinals in recent years, making the potential for three in a single season seemingly out of the question.

Or is it?

The Cardinals have plenty of talent beyond Harrison, who is expected to at least hit the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie thanks to what’s noted above.

Conner is also expected to replicate — if not surpass — what he did in 2023 in Arizona’s run-first offense. Rookie Trey Benson is expected to eat into his touches, but it’s still the veteran’s backfield as long as he’s healthy.

As for who could secure that third 1,000-yard spot, McBride is the most likely candidate.

Sure, McBride’s got more competition for targets with Harrison onboard, Wilson improving and Dortch getting a well-deserved opportunity, but he’s still first on the depth chart in the tight ends room.

If that had been the case last year, there’s a very good chance McBride would already have a 1,000-yard season under his belt.

Same system, better connection with Murray, more confidence and a starting role give McBride at the very least a shot at hitting that mark in 2024.

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is expecting “a monster year” out of TE Trey McBride. pic.twitter.com/lyXvdeLLYp

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 4, 2024

“I expect Trey to have a monster year,” Murray said Wednesday. “He’s got the ability. When you’re young a lot of that stuff is mental like not getting the opportunities that you want and getting few of them, and then if you don’t make that play, how can that affect you. Now that he’s the guy and we know it’s running through him, I’m expecting a big year from him.”

Mack Wilson Sr. leads Cardinals in sacks

When projected starter BJ Ojulari went down with a season-ending knee injury this training camp, the attention quickly turned to the outside linebackers room and who was going to step up from a sacks and pressure standpoint in his absence.

But while questions still fill the OLBs room days out from the season opener against the Bills, could the answer be in another room entirely?

Mack Wilson Sr. was brought in to be complete a 1-2 punch alongside MIKE backer Kyzir White on the inside. He instantly jelled with White, forming a tight bond and further solidifying himself at inside backer throughout camp and joint practice.

But with Ojulari’s injury, plus the loss of defensive lineman Darius Robinson for at least the first four weeks of the season due to a calf injury, the Cardinals are going to have to get creative when it comes to pressuring the quarterback in 2024.

Wilson has the versatility to at least be a candidate.

Moving mainly to edge from Week 14 on with the New England Patriots last season, Wilson registered 3.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, four QB hits, a pass defensed and a forced fumble.

The sack total from the five-game stretch would have came in tied for fourth (Zaven Collins, Dante Stills) among Cardinals defenders in 2023.

Owen Pappoe’s emergence in Year 2 also makes Wilson a more flexible piece within the defense. He’s also gotten time with pass rushers during the open portion of practice.

It’s something to think about!

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