Marvin Harrison Jr.’s much-anticipated NFL debut left many fans underwhelmed as the highly touted rookie wide receiver recorded just one catch for four yards and was only targeted three times in the Arizona Cardinals’ season opener. As the No. 4 overall pick in April’s draft, Harrison came out of Ohio State with high expectations, touted as one of the most NFL-ready receivers in years. However, his limited involvement in the game raised eyebrows.
Despite the quiet debut, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray made it clear that it’s not his responsibility to ensure Harrison gets more touches. When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Murray emphasized that his focus is on going through his progressions and letting the game dictate where the ball goes.
“As a quarterback, obviously, you’re going through your reads,” Murray said, via GoPHNX.com. “Sometimes the ball goes to him, but that’s not my job.” Murray explained that while he’s aware when players like Harrison aren’t seeing many opportunities, he ultimately relies on the game plan set by the coaching staff. “I have a sense and a feel for guys when they don’t get the ball and when they are getting the ball, but I leave that up to [offensive coordinator] Drew [Petzing]. He tells me, ‘Don’t worry about that type of stuff. Just keep playing your game and get the ball to where the ball is supposed to go.'”
RELATED: Physical Therapist Unconcerned About Joe Burrow’s Wrist Injury Despite Alarming Video
Petzing acknowledged the concerns around Harrison’s usage in Week 1 and took responsibility for not creating more opportunities for the rookie. He said that the team is working to get Harrison more involved in future games, particularly by adjusting the game plan to find ways to open him up.
“Certainly he is on the forefront of our minds in terms of getting him the ball,” Petzing told the team’s website. “I think [the Bills] did some things to take him away, and certainly I could’ve called some plays to get him more involved early. But I thought it was a good start. We have some work to do.”
Harrison’s limited impact was not entirely surprising, given that the Buffalo Bills’ defense made a concerted effort to neutralize him throughout the game. Still, the Cardinals are eager to find ways to showcase their rookie talent moving forward.
Arizona’s next matchup could provide a better opportunity for Harrison to shine. The Cardinals will face the Los Angeles Rams, whose secondary has been hit hard by injuries. With a weakened defensive backfield, the Cardinals coaching staff will likely focus on creating more chances for Harrison to make an impact.
Fans are hopeful that Murray and Harrison will develop better chemistry as the season progresses. After all, Harrison’s impressive skill set and route-running ability made him a coveted prospect, and many expect him to become a key piece of the Cardinals’ offensive puzzle.
For now, though, it’s clear that Kyler Murray is sticking to the game plan and relying on his reads, while the coaching staff takes responsibility for getting Harrison more involved in the offense.
Sunday’s game against the Rams will be an important test to see if Harrison can capitalize on a banged-up secondary and live up to the lofty expectations placed on him coming into the NFL.
