The Arizona Cardinals’ season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Chargers was quickly overshadowed in Week 2, when they fell 31-7 to the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.
Much of the postgame conversation centered on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished without a catch as Arizona’s offense struggled to find a rhythm. Last Sunday’s performance was the latest sign of a relatively quiet start to the 2026 season for the third-year receiver and No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Harrison entered the league widely regarded as one of the top receiving prospects in recent memory, but he has managed just one reception for 33 yards through two games. He has yet to establish himself as a consistent part of the Cardinals’ passing game.
The concerns about Harrison’s development are not new. Injury setbacks limited him to 12 games last season, when he finished with 604 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The former Ohio State standout is still searching for his first 1,000-yard NFL season, and his slow start this year has only amplified the criticism surrounding him.
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The scrutiny surrounding Harrison has recently extended beyond his production. Clips highlighting his route running and blocking have prompted some observers to question what they perceive as a lack of effort during games.
LaFleur pushed back on the criticism, arguing that Harrison’s running style should not be interpreted as a lack of effort.
“I don’t see it that way,” LaFleur said. “I think his running style is different than some other people’s, I would say that. If that’s people’s narrative on him, that’s fine. I know his teammates don’t feel that way.”
Harrison’s tape has shown flashes of the precise route running and polished technique that helped establish him as largely a “can’t-miss” prospect. At other times, however, he has appeared frustrated while dealing with drops or falling short of his own standards.
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Even as Harrison has struggled to find his footing, other players in Arizona’s offense have flourished. Tight end Trey McBride earned first-team All-Pro honors last season and emerged as one of the top players at his position. Wide receiver Michael Wilson surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in 2025 and was rewarded with a contract extension this offseason.
About halfway through last season, Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr. criticized the Cardinals’ offense, saying it was difficult to watch his son’s team play. Arizona has since made changes to its offensive coaching staff and scheme, but those adjustments have yet to translate into improved production for Harrison.
LaFleur acknowledged Harrison’s slow start but stressed that the Cardinals must balance his involvement with the needs of the offense.
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“I know it’s just ‘get some easy completions and get going,’” the first-year Cardinals coach noted. “You also have Trey McBride, who’s one of the best underneath guys in the world and there’s only about 60 to 65 plays a game. And you’ve got to run the ball. You’ve got Kendrick [Bourne], who works underneath pretty well, too. Everyone’s kind of got their role right there.”
