GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals will open 2024 training camp on Tuesday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Here's a closer look at a few key storylines:
Biggest question: How will having an entire training camp help prepare Kyler Murray for 2024?
To properly answer that question, we need to first look at how Murray fared last season when he returned from an ACL injury in Week 10 with just three weeks to practice a new offense. He completed 65.7% of his passes for 1,799 yards -- an average of 224.9 per game -- and he threw for 10 touchdowns against five interceptions while leading Arizona to a 3-5 record. If Murray was able to play at that level while having just 21 days to prepare in a new scheme, imagine how he'll play with an entire training camp to work in the Cardinals' offense. Spending time learning the nuances of the scheme while fine-tuning his relationships, timing and rapport with his receivers within the confines of the offense will allow Murray to hit the ground running -- or throwing -- come Week 1 in Buffalo.
The most compelling position battle: There isn't a clear-cut starting pair of outside linebackers for Arizona, but with eight on the roster, there are plenty of options. Last year's starting duo of Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck will have plenty of competition throughout camp from the likes of Victor Dimukeje, Jesse Luketa, BJ Ojulari, Tyreke Smith, Cam Thomas and rookie Xavier Thomas. The need to improve the edge rush intensified after last season, when the Cardinals finished with 33 sacks, their fewest since 2010. With the addition of defensive linemen Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and Darius Robinson, the Cardinals addressed the interior pass rush, so getting to the quarterback off the edge will be a major focus in camp, putting the battle of the Cardinals' starting outside linebackers into the spotlight.
Training camp is a success if... The starting corners and starting outside linebackers become evident.
Arizona needs to break camp with a very clear idea of who their starters will be at both positions. It's imperative for both to happen in order for the Cardinals' defense to make major strides. The signing of cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting this offseason likely means one starting spot is taken but the other one can be filled by the likes of Starling Thomas V, Garrett Williams, Bobby Price, Max Melton, Elijah Jones, Kei'Trel Clark or Jaden Davis. The Cardinals finished 25th in total defense, 13th in passing yards allowed per game and 29th in passing yards allowed per play. Their interception rate of 2.17% was 18th. The Cardinals were also tied for 25th in their sacks per pass attempt rate (6.52%). They were last in rushing yards allowed per game and 29th in rushing yards allowed per play.
Most impactful offseason addition: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Sure, there are new players, both veterans and rookies alike, who'll have an impact throughout the season but no one will be more impactful among Arizona's offseason additions than their rookie wide receiver. His ability to instantly change how the offense is both played, called and run, as well as how it's defended puts him in a category by himself. He'll stretch opposing defenses and will have to be accounted for on every snap, which, in turn, will open up the rest of the offense. Having a dynamic, tall and talented receiver in Harrison will give the Cardinals the type of weapon who can make big plays, get important first downs and is a consistent scoring threat.