Arizona Cardinals 2024 Preview: Can the Underdogs Rise Again?

The Westgate SuperBook nailed their predictions for the Arizona Cardinals in the 2023 season, projecting them as underdogs in every game. The Cardinals did, indeed, “puppy up” in all 17 games, with their underdog status stretching to 25 consecutive contests as they headed into the 2023 season. Now, Elite Sports Beat will look ahead to the Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview, the big question is whether this team can finally shake off the underdog tag and rise to the occasion.

Unexpected Favorites: A Shift in Vegas Confidence

Surprisingly, despite their history as underdogs, Vegas has slated the Cardinals as favorites in five different events this season. Including an unprecedented three consecutive games in December. This newfound confidence in the Cardinals seems hard to justify, even with the addition of the highly-touted WR Marvin Harrison Jr., arguably the best player in this year’s draft. Harrison’s talent is unquestionable, but whether he can single-handedly boost the Cardinals’ power rating remains a subject of debate in this Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview.

Draft Strategy: Building a Winning Roster

One of the key talking points in the Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview is their draft strategy. The Cardinals had the luxury of seven picks in the first 100 of this year’s NFL draft, a significant haul by any measure. However, with Nick Petzing stepping into the role of offensive coordinator, one of 17 new OCs in the league this season, the pressure is on. This is Petzing’s first time in such a prominent position, and his performance is pivotal. The correlation between high-scoring offenses and playoff appearances is undeniable—every Top 10 scoring team made the playoffs last season. Meanwhile, nine out of ten teams that failed to average 20 points per game did not. For the Cardinals, who have managed to score over 30 points just once in their last 25 games, improving their offensive output is crucial.

New Challenges and Opportunities: Facing Fresh Leadership

The Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview also highlights their schedule. The Cardinals will face six teams that hired new head coaches this offseason: the Commanders, Chargers, Seahawks (twice), Patriots, and Panthers. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Facing teams in transition could give the Cardinals an edge, but it also means adapting to potentially unpredictable strategies.

The Road Ahead: Development and Cohesion

Another factor to consider in this Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview is the team’s overall development and cohesion. The introduction of new players, alongside a new offensive coordinator, requires a period of adjustment. The Cardinals’ success will largely depend on how quickly they can gel as a unit and execute their game plan under Petzing’s guidance.

Conclusion: The Cardinals’ Potential to Rise

As we conclude this Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview, it’s clear that the team has both challenges and opportunities ahead. The question remains: can they capitalize on their draft successes and overcome their historical underdog status? With the right combination of strategic planning, player performance, and perhaps a bit of luck, the Cardinals have the potential to surprise both fans and critics. The 2024 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Arizona Cardinals, and only time will tell if they can rise to the occasion and leave their underdog days behind.

This Arizona Cardinals 2024 preview underscores the team’s journey and prospects for the upcoming season. Will this be the year they break free from the shadows and emerge as true contenders? Stay tuned as the story unfolds.