Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Slow Start Raises Concerns for Arizona Cardinals
The highly touted receiver has just one catch through two games, a stark contrast to his promising college career.
The 2026 NFL season has begun sluggishly for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Through the team's first two games, Harrison has recorded only one reception on four targets. This comes as quarterback Jacoby Brissett has thrown 65 passes in the same span, highlighting Harrison's limited involvement.
Harrison, drafted fourth overall by the Cardinals in 2024, battled injuries in his rookie campaign, limiting him to 12 games. Despite this, he led the team with eight touchdown receptions and was second with 116 targets in 2024. Projections for the current season, based on his current pace, suggest zero touchdown grabs and 34 targets, a significant departure from his production at Ohio State. In his final two seasons with the Buckeyes, Harrison amassed over 1,200 receiving yards in each, finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2025.
Beyond the statistics, observers have noted a lack of apparent energy and engagement from Harrison on the field. This has drawn attention, particularly given the high expectations placed on him as a potential franchise cornerstone.
The Cardinals, who have not won a playoff game in over a decade, entered the 2026 season facing a challenging schedule in the NFC West. While not considered Super Bowl contenders, the team's performance and Harrison's minimal impact have become a point of concern early in the season. With 15 games remaining, Harrison has the opportunity to find his rhythm and become a key contributor, but the initial two weeks have not shown signs of this resurgence.