Getty Image / Christian Petersen
The Arizona Cardinals have done nothing but acquire future assets as the roster was left in bad shape at the end of the 2022 season.
It was clear the front office plans to rebuild after releasing DeAndre Hopkins from the roster.
With the Cardinals’ top wideout removed from the picture, a new opportunity arises for Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore.
Both should largely benefit, as each of their roles should increase. Even if Kyler Murray’s return is questionable for the start of the new season.
Regardless, they each realize the situation and open up about how they plan to step up for Arizona.
First, according to Pro Football Talk, Brown reveals he wants to prove he can “be the guy” for the Cardinals. He is a decent wide receiver, but he hasn’t quite been a superstar either.
Even so, he’s ready to prove himself in the 2023 season.
“I want to prove that I can be the guy. I want to prove that as an offense, as a team that we can be that team that we know we can be. I feel like everybody feels that way from coaches to all the players. The guys we got around me, the guys we got all around, for me, it’s just about being that one of 11. If I can execute my job when my number is called, being the guy, being not the guy, as long as I do my job.”
Meanwhile, Rondale Moore hopes to stay healthy and be available on the field for his team, per Pro Football Talk. Just doing that alone should increase his productivity overall.
He’s struggled to stay on the field so far in his career, as he’s missed 12 games the first two years in the NFL.
But he hopes to change that this season and could be in for a big leap in production now that DeAndre Hopkins is gone.
“It is what it is. I work my tail off every day. I do what I’m supposed to do. It’s just been an unfortunate turn of events and I haven’t been able to get it done. But at the end of the day, I know that I’ve done everything in my power to be out there. So hopefully that table turns and we get that narrative out the way.”
Marquise Brown becomes more efficient while Rondale Moore stays healthy, the Cardinals would largely benefit. Even if Kyler Murray doesn’t come back right away.
Regardless, public opinion on Arizona is that expectations are low. However, these two have a chance to shine in what might be a down year for the Cardinals.
As for DeAndre Hopkins, he just recently concluded his visit with the Tennessee Titans and will visit the New England Patriots next.