Ooof.

What it must be like to be a Cardinals fan. The difference in quality between this team with Kyler and without is striking. Last year they were 1-8 without and 3-5 with. 2023 marked the third straight year he didn’t play a full season. For a new coaching staff trying to build a winner, Kyler needs to be available or a decision on his future will be coming.

Besides the play on the field Coach Gannon is having to battle the history of losing in Arizona -the Bruce Arians era is a distant memory. Even with a solid offseason this team is still lacking talent and depth. Rather than taking big swings, this front office seems content on picking players that will be solid contributors. It definitely shows that they are willing to be patient and build the right way, but will the fan base be equally patient?

Marvin Harrison Jr. is a great addition to an offense that showed promise with Kyler on the field. Tight End Trey McBride was a bright spot last year and looks to be a long term weapon in the desert. Gannon has a challenge with the defense, but since that is his background we should expect improvement each year.

But ultimately this season is going to be decided by the health of Kyler Murray. If he struggles, or can’t stay on the field for the full 17 games, I think Arizona starts looking for their next quarterback.

For 2024 the schedule is much more difficult early. For any chance at a playoff run they have to survive the first half of the season with at least a .500 record. They can find some winnable games late to make that final push. But realistically, this team is going to give some exciting plays over the season, but it’s not going to be enough to create wins.

Prediction: 4-13 Last in NFC West.