Kyler Murray and the Cardinals could light up the NFL

The Arizona Cardinals are going to be an explosive offense in the desert, led by second-year quarterback Kyler Murray.

Every year, there’s one team in the NFL which shocks the world. Don’t be stunned if it’s the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.

After going 5-10-1 behind the rookie head coach-quarterback tandem of Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray, the Cardinals loaded up this offseason.

Without losing any notable players, Arizona added All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a one-sided trade with the Houston Texans. In free agency, the Cards landed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on a three-year deal. Last season, Phillips led the AFC for interior defenders with 9.5 sacks.

Finally, the 2020 NFL Draft yielded a steal in linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons along with former Houston Cougars offensive tackle Josh Jones in the third round. Both figure to start immediately for Arizona.

Why Kyler Murray is primed for a huge second season with the Cardinals

Behind a porous offensive line in 2019, Murray earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors with 3,722 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes against 12 interceptions.

Now, the Heisman Trophy winner is surrounded by Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk and Hopkins on the outside along with running back Kenyan Drake in the backfield. The Cardinals still need upgrades along their front, but Kingsbury showed he can scheme in his first year, and should only improve with better chess pieces in 2020.

While Arizona plays in the league toughest division alongside the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, there’s reason for optimism. None of those three possess an elite secondary, and the 49ers went from 4-12 to Super Bowl participant last year.

Getting to Super Bowl LV is a stretch for where the Cards are in their development, but contending for the playoffs behind a high-powered offense? Certainly within reason.