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

Micah Parsons Trade Fallout: Analyzing the Cowboys' Shocking Move and Packers' Bold Strategy
NFL

Micah Parsons Trade Fallout: Analyzing the Cowboys' Shocking Move and Packers' Bold Strategy

The Cowboys' surprising trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers raises questions about Dallas' strategy and Green Bay's push for NFC supremacy. Dive into the analysis.

Detroit Lions Optimistic About 2025 Season with Strongest Roster Yet
NFL

Detroit Lions Optimistic About 2025 Season with Strongest Roster Yet

The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with a robust roster, aiming for their first-ever Super Bowl victory under the leadership of GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.

Hurricane Katrina's Impact on NFL: How Two Saints Coaches Returned Home After the Storm
NFL

Hurricane Katrina's Impact on NFL: How Two Saints Coaches Returned Home After the Storm

Explore how Hurricane Katrina reshaped the lives of two New Orleans Saints coaches, Chase Haslett and Terry Joseph, and their journey back to the NFL.

Bengals' Offensive Trio: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins Set to Dominate the NFL Season
NFL

Bengals' Offensive Trio: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins Set to Dominate the NFL Season

Explore how the Cincinnati Bengals' star trio aims to lead the team to Super Bowl glory in the 2025 NFL season.

Brian Schottenheimer's New Era: Navigating the Micah Parsons Trade and Building the Dallas Cowboys Future
NFL

Brian Schottenheimer's New Era: Navigating the Micah Parsons Trade and Building the Dallas Cowboys Future

Explore how Brian Schottenheimer is reshaping the Dallas Cowboys post-Micah Parsons trade, focusing on team dynamics and future strategies for the 2025 NFL season.

Atlanta Falcons' Critical Decision: Protecting Michael Penix Jr.'s Blind Side in the 2025 NFL Season
NFL

Atlanta Falcons' Critical Decision: Protecting Michael Penix Jr.'s Blind Side in the 2025 NFL Season

The Atlanta Falcons face a crucial decision in protecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s blind side as three players compete for the starting right tackle role in the 2025 NFL season.

Arizona Cardinals' Offensive Continuity: A Game-Changer for the 2025 NFL Season
NFL

Arizona Cardinals' Offensive Continuity: A Game-Changer for the 2025 NFL Season

The Arizona Cardinals are banking on their returning offensive starters to create a seamless and powerful offense for the 2025 NFL season.

Micah Parsons Trade Analysis: Cowboys and Packers Shake Up NFL Landscape
NFL

Micah Parsons Trade Analysis: Cowboys and Packers Shake Up NFL Landscape

An in-depth analysis of the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade between the Cowboys and Packers, examining its impact on both teams and the NFL.

Top X Factors for All 32 NFL Teams in the 2025 Season: Who Will Make the Difference?
NFL

Top X Factors for All 32 NFL Teams in the 2025 Season: Who Will Make the Difference?

Discover the key X factors for all 32 NFL teams in the 2025 season. These players could be the difference-makers that determine their team's success or failure.

Aaron Rodgers: Building Bonds and Leadership in Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL

Aaron Rodgers: Building Bonds and Leadership in Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers integrates into the Pittsburgh Steelers, fostering team chemistry and leadership ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

Jake Moody's Kicking Evolution: How the 49ers' Kicker is Redefining His Game for NFL Success
NFL

Jake Moody's Kicking Evolution: How the 49ers' Kicker is Redefining His Game for NFL Success

Discover how Jake Moody's shift to a two-step kicking approach is transforming his game and aiming to secure his place with the San Francisco 49ers.

Caleb Williams' Bold Revival: Embracing Authenticity and Leadership in Year 2 with the Bears
NFL

Caleb Williams' Bold Revival: Embracing Authenticity and Leadership in Year 2 with the Bears

Caleb Williams returns with renewed confidence and flair as he prepares for his second season with the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson.

The Impact of Adam Thielen's Departure on the Carolina Panthers' Wide Receiver Strategy
NFL

The Impact of Adam Thielen's Departure on the Carolina Panthers' Wide Receiver Strategy

Exploring how Adam Thielen's trade affects the Carolina Panthers' wide receiver lineup and the future of quarterback Bryce Young.

Mastering Post-Draft Management: Winning Strategies for Fantasy Football Success
NFL

Mastering Post-Draft Management: Winning Strategies for Fantasy Football Success

Discover expert tips on managing your fantasy football team post-draft, including trade strategies and waiver wire insights to secure your championship.

Ravens' Undrafted Rookies Triumph: Emotional Moments as Three Players Make the 53-Man Roster
NFL

Ravens' Undrafted Rookies Triumph: Emotional Moments as Three Players Make the 53-Man Roster

Discover the emotional journey of three undrafted rookies who made the Baltimore Ravens' 53-man roster, showcasing their determination and triumph.

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.