Cardinals' Marvin Harrison Jr. Faces Scrutiny Over Effort and Low Target Volume in 2026

Key points

• Harrison Jr. has one reception for 33 yards on four targets in two games, despite playing 77% of offensive snaps.
• Jacoby Brissett has thrown 65 passes in the first two games, with only one caught by Harrison Jr.
• Arizona's offensive line has a 22% win rate in the pass game, the second-worst in the NFL.
• Harrison Jr. is on pace for zero touchdowns and approximately 34 targets, a sharp decline from his 2024 rookie season.
• The Cardinals are 1-1 after losing 31-7 to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.

Background

Marvin Harrison Jr. was selected fourth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed a contract with over $35 million in guaranteed money. He led the Cardinals with eight touchdown receptions as a rookie in 2024 and finished second in total targets with 116. In 2025, he played only 12 games due to injuries. His college career at Ohio State included back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons and a fourth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.

How outlets are covering it

Arizona Sports and Fox News emphasize that Harrison Jr.'s struggles stem from a lack of effort and intensity, citing lazy route running and poor run blocking. In contrast, NBC Sports and the New York Post highlight head coach Mike LaFleur's defense of the player, noting that the low target volume is due to a 'long season' and the need to balance the offense with tight end Trey McBride and running back Kyren Kendrick. LaFleur stated he will not force targets to Harrison Jr. to boost statistics, while former Seahawks quarterback Brock Huard criticized Harrison Jr.'s competitive spirit compared to Seattle's Jaxson Smith-Njigba.

Why it matters

Harrison Jr. is a high-profile franchise player whose performance impacts the Cardinals' offensive viability. His current production raises questions about his long-term value and the effectiveness of the new coaching staff. The team's offensive line struggles and Brissett's quick decision-making may limit Harrison Jr.'s opportunities, but his demeanor and engagement are central to the narrative.

What to watch

The Cardinals will face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. LaFleur indicated that the team may not use Harrison Jr. in the underneath role if it does not fit the game plan. The offensive line's performance and Brissett's ability to push the ball downfield will be critical in determining whether Harrison Jr. can find his stride.