The Arizona Cardinals kicked off their season with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but things took a downturn in Week 2 when they lost to the defending champion Seattle Seahawks with a score of 31-7.
After the game, much of the discussion revolved around wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He ended up with no receptions, which highlighted the offensive struggles of the Cardinals. It’s been, let’s say, a rather quiet start for Harrison in this 2026 season, especially considering he was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Harrison was seen as a top prospect when he entered the league, but so far, he’s caught only one pass for 33 yards in two games. It’s clear he hasn’t really found his place within the Cardinals’ offense yet.
The concerns regarding his performance aren’t new, either. Last season, injuries limited him to just 12 games, where he accumulated 604 receiving yards and scored four touchdowns. He’s still chasing his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL, and the slow beginning this year has only intensified the scrutiny he’s facing.
Interestingly enough, the focus on Harrison has shifted beyond just his numbers. Highlights showcasing his route running and blocking skills have led some to question whether he’s really putting in the effort during games.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur defended Harrison, stating that his running style might look different, but it doesn’t mean he’s lacking effort. “I don’t see it that way,” he said. “If that’s people’s narrative on him, that’s fine.” He went on to mention that Harrison’s teammates don’t share that opinion.
The game footage shows moments where Harrison displayed the precise route running that made him a highly touted prospect. Yet, there have also been instances where he seems frustrated, especially when dealing with drops or not meeting his own expectations.
Meanwhile, despite Harrison’s struggles, others in the Cardinals’ offense are thriving. For example, tight end Trey McBride earned first-team All-Pro honors last season and has made a name for himself as a top player in his position. Also, wide receiver Michael Wilson exceeded the 1,000-yard mark in 2025 and secured a contract extension during the offseason.
It’s worth mentioning that mid-season last year, Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr. criticized the Cardinals’ offense, hinting at how tough it was for him to watch his son’s team. Since then, Arizona has made changes to its offensive coaching staff and strategy, but those updates haven’t really improved Harrison’s performance yet.
LaFleur acknowledged that, yes, Harrison’s start hasn’t been ideal. But he emphasized the importance of balancing Harrison’s involvement with the overall needs of the offense. “You have to keep in mind that you’ve got other players to consider,” he said, citing the limited number of offensive plays available in a game.
