The Cardinals finished the 2023 season with the second-worst record in the league (4-13), but this was largely due to quarterback Kyler Murray not playing for most of the year.

Murray suffered a torn ACL in late 2022 and did not return until Week 10 of last season. He made an immediate impact, leading Arizona to a 25-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon expects that to be the case even more this year now that Murray has spent the entire offseason on the offensive line of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who is now in his second year.

“Physically and mentally, he looks damn good. He looks damn good,” Gannon said on “Mad Dogs Sports Radio.” “I think mentally and physically, wherever he is now, he’s leagues ahead compared to when he came back last year or even how he performed last year.”

Murray has struggled with physical issues over the past few seasons, but Gannon believes the quarterback has become a leader during that time.

“What I know about the guy, my relationship with him when I got this job: His will to win is extremely high,” Gannon added. “I love the guy because he’s done everything I’ve asked of him and more. He’s been a phenomenal leader on and off the field – not just on offense, but with the entire team.”

However, it’s time for Murray to become a decisive player on the field again, something he did a little bit last year when he threw for 1,799 yards and 10 touchdowns and ran for 244 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2019 has a good chance to build on that, as the Cardinals signed wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison had 139 catches for 2,368 yards and 26 touchdowns in his final two years at Ohio State.

That doesn’t mean Arizona is a contender this season, but with Murray’s return and the signing of Harrison Jr., the team should take a step in that direction.

It is safe to say that Gannon is pleased with the development of his team.

“He’ll do whatever you ask of him because he wants to win,” Gannon concluded. “He’s insanely competitive and I love him for that.”