Marvin Harrison Jr. Sets Sights on Building on Rookie Success

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is determined to improve on his rookie season, in which he showed flashes of brilliance but also made some mistakes.

For Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., his rookie season did not reach his personal standard. Some of his catches -- both for touchdowns and during the regular course of play -- were brilliant, made possible by Harrison's natural ability and quarterback Kyler Murray's deft touch. Then there were the mistakes. Harrison and Murray sometimes weren't on the same page with a pass sailing one way and Harrison breaking off his route another way. Despite finishing with 62 catches for 885 yards, Harrison was critical of his up-and-down play. "I wouldn't call it success," Harrison said. "I'm very grateful that I got to play all 17 games. I was able to stay healthy, besides the Green Bay [Packers] game. I kind of left that one early. But I'm definitely blessed and grateful for everything I accomplished, but I wouldn't call it a success." His eight receiving touchdowns were tied with Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jalen McMillan for second-most among rookies in the NFL this season -- behind Jacksonville Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr., who had 10 -- and tied for most by a rookie receiver in franchise history. He had two 100-yard games, but nine with less than 50 yards. "I thought he had a good year," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "Coming in with the expectations that typically only get put on quarterbacks in the top three, I understand the expectation. He was a premier player for us. He's going to continue to be a premier player for us and he hasn't hit his ceiling yet." I look forward to the offseason that he's about to go through. I look forward to him getting back in the building, playing to the level that I want him to play, that you guys want him to play and that he wants to play most importantly. I know he is going to get there." The stoic, reserved 22-year-old son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison took the season's speed bumps in stride. He admitted to his teammates in December that the season opener against the Buffalo Bills was a blur. And, although it's slowed down as he adjusted to the league, he was highly critical of his play. "I'm a competitor, I want to succeed, I want to produce," he said. "At the end of the day, I want to catch more balls for us." Wide receivers coach Drew Terrell preached all season that the perception of success is different externally and internally. Terrell explained that externally, a good season is based on numbers -- like reaching 1,000 yards. Internally, Terrell told his receivers that as long as they're happy with what they put on tape, then that's a success. Terrell was very pleased with Harrison's speed against man coverage and being decisive at the top of his routes. He regularly told the rookie that he needed to dictate his routes to the defense, not let the defense control where Harrison could go. Harrison walked away from the season with a few lessons, mainly that the year is long and sticking with the process is critical despite the highs and lows. As he entered the offseason, Harrison wasn't ready for football to be over. But his offseason goal? Continuing to get on the same page as Murray. Murray knows how important his connection with Harrison is to the Cardinals' offense. He said there's "no choice" but to ensure that link improves. "We have to get it going in order for our offense to be what we want it to be," Murray said. Their relationship gradually improved every week. The two talked throughout the weeks, often about what worked and what didn't, what they liked and what Murray expected. "I definitely am very encouraged by our relationship [throughout] the year," Harrison said.

What to Read Next

Top NFL Draft Picks for 2025: Bo Nix, Calvin Ridley, and More Fantasy Football Stars
NFL

Top NFL Draft Picks for 2025: Bo Nix, Calvin Ridley, and More Fantasy Football Stars

Discover Eric Moody's top NFL draft targets for the 2025 fantasy football season, including Bo Nix, Calvin Ridley, and other potential breakout stars.

Matthew Stafford Nears 60,000 Yards: NFL Quarterbacks Milestone Race Heats Up
NFL

Matthew Stafford Nears 60,000 Yards: NFL Quarterbacks Milestone Race Heats Up

Matthew Stafford is on the verge of joining the elite 60,000-yard club, while Aaron Rodgers aims to climb higher in the NFL's all-time passing yards list.

Reunited for Redemption: Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson's Journey with the New York Jets
NFL

Reunited for Redemption: Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson's Journey with the New York Jets

Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson reunite with the New York Jets, aiming to revive their careers and lead the team to success in the NFL.

How Terry McLaurin's New Deal Energizes Washington Commanders' Offense for the 2025 NFL Season
NFL

How Terry McLaurin's New Deal Energizes Washington Commanders' Offense for the 2025 NFL Season

Terry McLaurin's new contract boosts the Washington Commanders' offense, setting a positive tone for the 2025 NFL season.

Bengals Secure Trey Hendrickson: Key to Unlocking Championship Potential
NFL

Bengals Secure Trey Hendrickson: Key to Unlocking Championship Potential

The Cincinnati Bengals finalize Trey Hendrickson's contract, setting the stage for a pivotal 2025 NFL season with high expectations for their star-studded roster.

Trey Hendrickson Contract Saga: Pay, Trade, or Holdout? The Future of Bengals' Defense Hangs in the Balance
NFL

Trey Hendrickson Contract Saga: Pay, Trade, or Holdout? The Future of Bengals' Defense Hangs in the Balance

The Bengals face a critical decision with Trey Hendrickson: pay the star edge rusher, trade him, or risk a holdout. Explore the complexities of this NFL contract saga.

Top NFL Trades Before the 2025 Season: Where Could Anthony Richardson Land?
NFL

Top NFL Trades Before the 2025 Season: Where Could Anthony Richardson Land?

Explore potential NFL trades involving key players like Anthony Richardson, Trey Hendrickson, and Adam Thielen as teams finalize rosters for the 2025 season.

Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.: Building the Ultimate NFL Connection
NFL

Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.: Building the Ultimate NFL Connection

Explore how Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. are strengthening their connection to elevate the Arizona Cardinals' offense in the 2025 NFL season.

2025 NFL Roster Shake-Up: Live Updates on Cuts, Trades, and Final Moves
NFL

2025 NFL Roster Shake-Up: Live Updates on Cuts, Trades, and Final Moves

Stay updated with live tracking of NFL roster cuts, trades, and final moves as teams prepare for the 2025 season. Get the latest intel and insights.

Building a Championship Culture: Sean Payton's Blueprint for the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl Aspirations
NFL

Building a Championship Culture: Sean Payton's Blueprint for the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl Aspirations

Explore how Sean Payton is transforming the Denver Broncos with a youth-focused, culture-driven strategy aimed at securing a Super Bowl victory.

NFL 2025 Season: Key Questions Surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' Offensive Lineup
NFL

NFL 2025 Season: Key Questions Surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' Offensive Lineup

Explore the critical questions and strategic changes shaping the San Francisco 49ers' offensive lineup for the NFL 2025 season.

Top NFL Snubs of 2025: Players Who Deserved a Spot in the Top 100
NFL

Top NFL Snubs of 2025: Players Who Deserved a Spot in the Top 100

Discover the top NFL players who were snubbed from the 2025 Top 100 list, as identified by league insiders and experts.

David Sills: From College Phenom to Falcons' Rising Star - A Journey of Resilience and Redemption
NFL

David Sills: From College Phenom to Falcons' Rising Star - A Journey of Resilience and Redemption

David Sills, once a top quarterback prospect, has reinvented himself as a wide receiver. Now with the Atlanta Falcons, he’s fighting for a roster spot and proving his worth after a challenging journey.

Mastering NFL Betting: Expert Strategies and Early Picks for the 2025 Season
NFL

Mastering NFL Betting: Expert Strategies and Early Picks for the 2025 Season

Discover expert NFL betting strategies, early picks, and key insights to navigate the 2025 season with confidence and maximize your winnings.

2025 NFL Head Coaches: Who’s Best Positioned for Success?
NFL

2025 NFL Head Coaches: Who’s Best Positioned for Success?

Analyzing the seven new NFL head coaches for the 2025 season, we break down who is set up for success and who faces the toughest challenges based on team dynamics, player stats, and historical trends.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.