The 2024-25 Arizona Cardinals campaign is expected to be defined by two vitally important questions. Is Marvin Harrison Jr. really the superstar wide receiver so many scouts forecast him to be? And can Kyler Murray prove himself to be a viable long-term option at quarterback for this franchise?
Naturally, the answers to these queries could be linked, considering that the potential growth of each talent benefits the other. The pressure is mainly on the QB, though, as he enters a crucial season in his developmental process. Actually, one can even call it a make-or-break year for Murray.
Although the Cardinals have made a large commitment to the two-time Pro Bowl selection, there is no guarantee they decide to keep him as their starting signal-caller for the duration of the deal (runs through 2028). But it would obviously be easier for everyone if he does firmly reestablish himself as a sturdy franchise pillar this upcoming season.
Based on how Jonathan Gannon feels, Murray does not sound like a man who is on shaky ground. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is “lights out” and on the cusp of reaching his top form, according to his head coach.
Is Cardinals QB Kyler Murray ready for a full turnaround?
“I love the guy, He’s done everything that I want him to do and I honestly think that his best ball is right now,” Gannon told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Omar Ruiz, via Jess Root of Cards Wire.
“You couldn’t ask for a better — what he’s doing on the field, off the field, what he’s doing for his game to improve his game, what he’s doing for the offense leadership wise, what he’s doing for the team leadership wise,” he said. “He’s a sounding board for me. We have good candid conversations about what needs to get done and how do we get that done and I put a lot of expectation on him and he’s been fulfilling all of it.”
While a coach is supposed to instill confidence in his players, he is not obligated to gush over their character and work ethic. Gannon sounds genuinely mesmerized by Kyler Murray and excited about his immediate future in Arizona.
A young offensive core that includes Harrison, Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride could help the 26-year-old take a sizable jump in 2024-25. Gannon’s defensive soundness, which was on display for much of the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFC Championship-winning campaign two years ago, might also ease some of Murray’s burden.
Progress was gradually made at the end of last season– completed more than 73 percent of his passes in each of the Cardinals’ final two games, throwing four touchdowns in that span. Now, No. 1 must put everything together.
Jonathan Gannon expects as much, anyway.
