The Arizona Cardinals qualified for the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2016 last season after finishing in last place in the NFC West on multiple occasions.

After an outstanding regular season, the Cardinals were eliminated in the NFC Wild Card round when they lost 34-11 to eventual Super Bowl champions the Los Angeles Rams.

When looking back on the season they had and the fact they were eliminated by the very best, Arizona will season 2021 as a year that can be built upon in 2022.

The key component in the Cardinals meteoric rise was their quarterback Kyler Murray who was impressive all season was rewarded for his efforts with a five-year extension worth $230.5 million.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has recently revealed that Murray has a clause in his contract that requires him to complete at least four hours of independent study every week.

Murray commented on his new deal in an official press conference.

“I’m telling you, nothing really changes,” said Murray.

“It’s a payday, yeah, but I’m most excited about getting back on the field.

“My agent (Erik Burkhardt) will tell you, it’s been tough to get me to crack a smile the last couple of days because I am solely focused on football.

“For me it’s always been about fulfilling my promise, which is hopefully one day to bring a championship to this organization.”

The Cardinals will commence their 2022 season against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have qualified for the last four AFC Championship games with two Super Bowl appearances during that time, where they won and lost one each.

It is for this reason the Chiefs are one of the favourites to win the Super Bowl while punters are not giving the Cardinals much of a chance.

Kliff Kingsbury’s team will play in three preseason games where they take on the reigning AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans.

Their clash with the Bengals takes place in a little over two weeks.

In last season’s Super Bowl the Bengals were defeated in the final moments of the fourth quarter by the Rams ending a promising season but also indicating promise for the Cardinals to build a strong foundation of success.