By Allison Mcknight

A New Era Begins For the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are entering a new chapter in their storied history, and football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating what the 2024 season will bring. With a revamped roster and a renewed sense of optimism, the Cardinals are poised to make a significant impact in the NFC West.

Key Additions and Departures

The Cardinals have made several strategic moves to bolster their roster and address key areas of need. The most important player for Arizona remains Kyler Murray, the talented quarterback who is expected to make a significant impact after recovering from injury. Murray’s elite passing skills and athleticism have the potential to elevate the Cardinals’ overall performance in the 2024 season, assuming he remains healthy throughout the year.

The Cardinals’ new head coach, Jonathan Gannon, enters his second season with the team. Known for his defensive expertise and innovative schemes, Gannon has been instrumental in shaping a young Cardinals defense. His leadership and fresh ideas are expected to drive improvement, especially after a challenging 2023 season.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals have parted ways with several key players, most notably wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Hopkins’ absence will be felt, but the team is confident in its young core of receivers and believes they can step up to fill the void.

Offensive Outlook

The Cardinals’ offense, led by Kyler Murray, has the potential to be explosive in 2024. Murray’s ability to make big plays, both with his arm and his legs, makes him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. The team hopes that Murray’s return will help them unlock the offense’s full potential.

The ground game will be anchored by James Conner, a versatile back who has been a steady presence since joining the Cardinals. Conner’s power running, combined with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, provides the offense with a reliable weapon.

In the passing game, the Cardinals will look to their young receiving corps, which includes Rondale Moore, Hollywood Brown, and Greg Dortch. This group brings speed and playmaking ability, and their development will be key to Arizona’s offensive success in 2024.

Defensive Outlook

The defense is where the Cardinals have seen significant changes under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Although they are in a rebuilding phase, the team is hoping for major strides in 2024, especially with a renewed focus on developing young talent.

Linebacker Zaven Collins continues to emerge as a cornerstone of the defense, with his versatility allowing him to both contribute in pass coverage and in stopping the run. The secondary, led by Marco Wilson, also shows promise. Wilson, along with a mix of young and veteran talent, will need to step up in a defense that struggled at times in 2023.

Coaching Staff

Jonathan Gannon leads the coaching staff as head coach, bringing with him his defensive expertise from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Gannon is known for his ability to develop young talent, which will be crucial as the Cardinals focus on building a strong core for the future.

Jeff Rodgers continues to serve as the special teams coordinator, a role in which he has found success over the years. His experience adds stability to the team’s overall coaching approach, which is focused on player development and long-term success.

Expectations for the Season

The 2024 season brings with it a sense of cautious optimism for the Arizona Cardinals. While there are many challenges ahead, including competing in a tough NFC West division, the team is hopeful that the changes they’ve made—both in personnel and in coaching—will lead to a more competitive season.

A lot will hinge on the health and performance of Kyler Murray, who is expected to be the centerpiece of the offense. If Murray can stay healthy and the defense shows improvement under Gannon’s leadership, the Cardinals have a chance to surprise their division rivals.

Football fans in Arizona are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024 season, with hopes that the Cardinals can exceed expectations and make a push toward the playoffs.

Arizona Cardinals 2024 Schedule

(Week 5 and Beyond)

Week 5

Oct. 6: Cardinals at 49ers, 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
The Cardinals face a tough divisional matchup against the defending NFC champions, the 49ers, who have a potent offense led by Brock Purdy and a strong supporting cast.

Week 6

Oct. 13: Cardinals at Packers, 10 a.m. (FOX)
The Cardinals travel to Lambeau Field to take on Jordan Love and the Packers, seeking a memorable performance in one of football’s iconic stadiums.

Week 7

Oct. 21: Chargers at Cardinals, 6 p.m. (ESPN+, Monday Night Football)
A prime-time Monday night game pits the Cardinals against Jim Harbaugh’s physical Chargers team, showcasing the Cardinals’ return to a national audience.

Week 8

Oct. 27: Cardinals at Dolphins, 10 a.m. (FOX)
Arizona travels to Miami to face the Dolphins and their dynamic offense, led by Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, in what promises to be a tough road challenge.

Week 9

Nov. 3: Bears at Cardinals, 2:05 p.m. (CBS)
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears visit State Farm Stadium as the Cardinals look to take advantage of a young Chicago offense.

Week 10

Nov. 10: Jets at Cardinals, 2:25 p.m. (CBS)
The Cardinals host the Jets, who come into town with questions surrounding Aaron Rodgers and their playoff aspirations.

Week 11

BYE WEEK

Week 12

Nov. 24: Cardinals at Seahawks, 2:25 p.m. (FOX)
Arizona heads to Seattle for the first of two divisional matchups against a Seahawks team adjusting to a new coach and familiar quarterback Geno Smith.

Week 13

Dec. 1: Cardinals at Vikings, 11 a.m. (FOX)
Facing the Vikings on the road, the Cardinals’ defense must focus on slowing down star receiver Justin Jefferson in this late-season contest.

Week 14

Dec. 8: Seahawks at Cardinals, 2:05 p.m. (CBS)
The Cardinals aim to end their home losing streak against the Seahawks as they face off again in a key NFC West battle.

Week 15

Dec. 15: Patriots at Cardinals, 2:25 p.m. (CBS)
New England and their rookie quarterback Drake Maye visit Arizona, where the Cardinals look to shine late in the season with Marvin Harrison Jr. leading the offense.

Week 16

Dec. 22: Cardinals at Panthers, 11 a.m. (FOX)
Arizona travels to Carolina to take on Bryce Young and the Panthers, looking to gain ground in the playoff race as they approach the end of the season.

Week 17

Dec. 28/29: Cardinals at Rams, TBD
The Cardinals’ push for the playoffs includes a crucial late-season divisional game against the Rams, with Arizona hoping to be in contention for the top of the NFC West.

Week 18

Jan. 4/5: 49ers at Cardinals, TBD
Arizona closes the season against the 49ers, aiming for a strong finish and possibly securing a playoff spot with home-field advantage in the final game of the regular season.