Harrison Rendered Ineffective vs. Buffalo

One of the most highly anticipated wide receiver prospects in recent decades, Marvin Harrison Jr., made his NFL debut this past weekend for the Arizona Cardinals. Selected fourth overall in this year’s draft, Harrison Jr. comes with sky-high expectations, being the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. Known for his smooth route running, reliable hands, and ideal frame for the position, many expected an explosive start to his professional career.

However, Harrison’s debut against the Buffalo Bills was surprisingly quiet, as he managed just one catch for four yards on three targets. For a player of his caliber, and the team’s No. 1 wide receiver, this lack of involvement was puzzling. Many have since turned to the game tape to figure out why Harrison Jr. struggled to make an impact, with some suggesting his lack of burst off the line of scrimmage might be part of the problem.

Harrison appeared slower compared to his fellow receivers, clocking a maximum speed of only 17 miles per hour, which places him below many of the league’s qualified runners. Despite this, his route running and ability to find gaps in zone coverage were still evident. It’s worth noting that Harrison didn’t run at the NFL Combine, so his true speed remains a bit of a mystery, though he was clocked at over 20 mph multiple times in college. Therefore, speed shouldn’t be a major concern moving forward, but his slow start in Week 1 raises some questions about how he was utilized.

Quarterback Kyler Murray addressed the lack of targets to Harrison, saying, “It’s not my job” to ensure Harrison gets his looks. While this comment may sound dismissive, it’s likely Murray meant that it’s not his job to force-feed Harrison when plays aren’t specifically designed for him—a point many would agree with. However, if the Cardinals want to find success this season, they’ll need their fourth overall pick to be more involved in the offense, and he can’t make plays without getting more opportunities.

With a divisional matchup against the 0-1 Los Angeles Rams looming, the Cardinals will likely adjust their game plan to get Harrison Jr. more involved. It’s a key game for Arizona, as they look to secure their first win of the season and get their prized rookie on track.