Through the initial couple of contests of the 2025 season, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has just been targeted 11 times. In the recent game against the Carolina Panthers, Harrison only secured two receptions totaling 27 yards, a drop from his six receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the season’s commencement.
Harrison commented on the limited opportunities during these first couple of weeks, emphasizing the “most significant aspect” being his team’s 2-0 record for the first instance since 2021.
“That’s a nonsensical discussion, honestly,” Harrison remarked.
In the previous season, Harrison was targeted six times or less in eight out of the 17 games he participated in. The former No. 4 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, hailing from Ohio State, concluded his inaugural season with 62 receptions, accumulating 885 yards and eight touchdowns.
Notably, seven receivers were selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Xavier Worthy has been largely absent during the initial two weeks of the season after an early exit in the Chiefs’ Week 1 defeat against the Chargers earlier this month. The remaining six, however, have participated in both of their team’s first two games and have seen more targets compared to Harrison.
Harrison’s quarterback, Kyler Murray, also addressed concerns about Harrison’s target distribution. To give context, Harrison was the third-most-targeted player on his team in the previous game, trailing behind star tight end Trey McBride (7) and running back Trey Benson (6).
“As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, I naturally wish they could all receive 10 targets per game,” Murray stated. “However, there is only one football. We’ve all been involved in this sport for an extended period. We all recognize the dynamics. There will be instances where he might receive 10, while at other times, he might get three. It’s unpredictable.”
According to FanDuel, Arizona is currently listed as a 2.5-point underdog facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.
