National media outlet has a harsh reason the Arizona Cardinals won't make the playoffs

If the Arizona Cardinals don’t make the playoffs, it comes down to the young guys not being ready for the moment.

Ian Kayanja
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Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes 2023 debut against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium.
Image via Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

For as much hype exists around the Arizona Cardinals' young talent the franchise added during the offseason.

It may be that young talent that fails to deliver a postseason appearance for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. 

Pro Football Focus put together a reason each team in the NFC won't make the playoffs, for the Cardinals, the national outlet believes if Arizona under-delivers it will be because the young players weren't ready to contribute at an NFL level right away. 

"The Cardinals have drafted well over the past two seasons, but we can’t pretend the NFL doesn’t have a steep learning curve, and the team looks set to feature three rookies and four second-year players in starting roles in 2024," writes Gordon McGuinness, an analyst with Pro Football Focus. 

"Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. ended the season strong and finished 2023 with a 64.2 pass-blocking grade, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is good enough to be a factor right away, but this roster may still be a season away."

It isn't a secret that Arizona has much of its future riding on the players it drafted. 

Murray hasn't had a true No. 1 wide receiver since the 11-win season. The offensive line needed to be restructured. And finally, it appears that both of those realities are coming to fruition. 

However, if they don't, the Cardinals may be looking at another four-win season, which means an even bigger question on the team's hands: Is Murray the quarterback that will make Arizona truly a competitive team again? 

For now, that question can wait. All faith appears to be riding on the shoulders of the young guys. 

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