Brittany Neuheisel Arizona Cardinals Assistant To The Owner | Arizona Cardinals Website
Brittany Neuheisel Arizona Cardinals Assistant To The Owner | Arizona Cardinals Website
Marvin Harrison Jr. did not have the statistical debut many anticipated, but following the Cardinals' season opener, it is clear he is their primary wide receiver. The rookie was on the field for 55 of 61 offensive snaps, the most of any wideout.
Michael Wilson was second with 49 snaps, followed by Greg Dortch at 37.
The expectation is that Harrison will see more than three targets moving forward. "That," coach Jonathan Gannon said after the game, "is coming."
The Cardinals also utilized James Conner as the primary running back. The veteran had the first six touches of the game and played a total of 41 snaps. Third-down back Emari Demercado followed with 13 snaps; rookie Trey Benson played eight snaps and had four touches all on a single second-quarter drive, which ended in a touchdown run by Conner.
Elijah Higgins (25 snaps) and rookie Tip Reiman (20) each saw significant action alongside starting tight end Trey McBride (52).
Right tackle Jonah Williams played 22 snaps before sustaining a knee injury on the final play of the first quarter.
On defense, in rotational positions, defensive lineman Justin Jones and outside linebacker Zaven Collins each played 43 of 62 defensive snaps -- a higher percentage than anyone at those positions received last year.
Safeties Buffa Baker and Jalen Thompson, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, and inside linebacker Kyzir White each played every snap. Rookie safety Rabbit Taylor-Demerson did not play a defensive snap but participated in a team-high 21 special-teams snaps.
Following Murphy-Bunting among cornerbacks were Starling Thomas V at 51 snaps, Garrett Williams at 38, Max Melton at 11, and Kei'Trel Clark at four.
At inside linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. logged 39 snaps while Owen Pappoe recorded 12 and Krys Barnes had ten. Outside linebackers after Collins included Dennis Gardeck (40), Xavier Thomas (18), and Victor Dimukeje (13).
The restructured defensive line featured Jones along with Bilal Nichols (27), Dante Stills (25), Roy Lopez (23), L.J. Collier (22), and Khyiris Tonga (16).
---
Alerts Sign-up