Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals’ top wide receiver, had only two receptions on five targets during Sunday’s game. Head coach Jonathan Gannon addressed concerns about Harrison’s limited involvement, stating, “doesn’t concern me,” but added, “we need more production there.”
Gannon emphasized the importance of getting Harrison involved in the offense. “He needs his touches for us to be effective overall as an offense,” he said.
During the game against Carolina, Harrison was responsible for drawing a 38-yard defensive pass interference penalty early in the contest. This play advanced the Cardinals to the Carolina 5-yard line, though they ultimately settled for a field goal. Harrison’s first catch did not come until midway through the third quarter.
The Cardinals are still working to establish consistency with Harrison in their offensive scheme. Last season, he was targeted more than six times in only eight games. In this season’s first two weeks, he has been targeted six and five times respectively.
Gannon pointed out that he does not focus solely on target numbers and noted that the team ran only 48 official offensive plays on Sunday, which reduced opportunities for passing attempts. On one notable play—a 31-yard scramble by quarterback Kyler Murray—Harrison was actually the intended receiver.
Gannon also reaffirmed that both Harrison and tight end Trey McBride are central to the team’s passing attack. “We’re not confused about that,” he stated.
“I know (Marvin) has a certain number of plays where he is the read in,” Gannon said. “If they play a coverage that says the ball is not going to go there it’s not going to go there. Saying that, I know he needs to touch the football for our offense to be at its premium.”
Caitlyn Epes Kerl/Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. acknowledges quarterback Kyler Murray back upfield after Harrison drew a 38-yard pass interference penalty in the first quarter Sunday against Carolina.
