Arizona’s passing attack is under scrutiny as the Cardinals’ highly touted second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. endures a rocky start to 2025.
With the team searching for answers and expectations sky-high, every snap and stat line is under the microscope. Can the Ohio State standout finally find his breakout performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4?
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Rough Start
Harrison Jr.’s Week 3 performance against the San Francisco 49ers epitomized his difficult start to the season. The former No. 4 overall pick dropped two critical passes, a wide-open deep shot, and a potential end zone touchdown.
Despite leading the team with three catches for 44 yards on six targets, Harrison accepted responsibility after the 16-15 loss, telling reporters, “I know what I’m capable of. To go out there and not play to anywhere near the best of my abilities is frustrating. It hurts your team. And I’ve gotta get better.”
“The yips are a real thing.. “
Bucs WR @EgbukaEmeka has nothing but confidence in Marvin Harrison Jr. going forward.. @UpAndAdamsShow @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/Sf5ygZNXqg
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) September 25, 2025
In a recent interview with Kay Adams, Tampa Bay rookie Emeka Egbuka, who played with Harrison at Ohio State, even suggested that Harrison might have the “yips,” a mental phenomenon that can affect even an athlete’s most simple move.
This could present itself as missing a kick, a free throw, or even in gymnastics, like when U.S. Olympian Simone Biles had to withdraw from the 2020 Olympics after fear that she couldn’t land “simple” tricks.
After a promising 2025 debut of five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, Harrison has totaled just five receptions for 71 yards across the next two games. His season stat line stands at 10 receptions on 17 targets for 142 yards and that single touchdown.
In Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, he managed only two catches on five targets for 27 yards. Over three weeks, his catch rate and per-game production are among the lowest for any WR1 in the league.
Inside Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Struggles
A closer look at Harrison’s usage and the Cardinals’ scheme reveals a multifaceted problem. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has diversified Harrison’s route tree, increasing his slot alignment from 27% in 2024 to 28% this year and involving him more on crossers and in-breakers, according to Next Gen Stats.
However, the connection with quarterback Kyler Murray remains inconsistent. Murray, who has historically preferred throwing outside the numbers, has rarely targeted Harrison over the middle, and the two have struggled to build chemistry.
Harrison is 0-for-3 on tight-window targets this season, and analysts have noted he’s developed some bad habits, such as body-catching and jumping unnecessarily for open passes.
MORE: Cardinals Predicted to Select 19-TD Star WR in 2026 NFL Draft Amid Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Struggles
The Cardinals’ offense, already hit by the season-ending loss of running back James Conner, has yet to find a consistent rhythm. Harrison’s role as the primary receiving threat is complicated by both scheme and quarterback tendencies. The passing game often feels “deep ball or no ball,” with limited intermediate work and few easy completions to build confidence.
Both Murray and Petzing must find ways to get Harrison involved early, through slants, hitches, and quick-game concepts, to help him settle in and regain his form.
As Arizona prepares for a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup against the division rival Seattle Seahawks, the focus will be on whether Harrison and the offense can finally sync up and deliver on their high expectations.
