The Arizona Cardinals’ season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Chargers was quickly overshadowed in Week 2, when they fell 31-7 to the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Much of the postgame talk centered on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished without a catch as Arizona’s offense struggled to find a rhythm. Last Sunday’s performance was the latest sign of a relatively quiet start to the 2026 season for the third-year receiver and No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison entered the league widely regarded as one of the best receiving prospects in recent memory, but has only had one reception for 33 yards in two games. He has yet to establish himself as a consistent part of the Cardinals’ passing game. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you register or place a bet, FOX News may receive compensation. This content was created by a team working independently of the FOX newsroom. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) runs a route against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL game at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images) Concerns about Harrison’s development are not new. Injury setbacks limited him to 12 games last season, when he finished with 604 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The former Ohio State standout is still searching for his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL, and his slow start this year has only amplified the criticism surrounding him. NFL OROY 2026 ODDS: FAVORED LOVE; BOSTON RISE AFTER BIG WEEK 2 The scrutiny surrounding Harrison has recently extended beyond his production. Clips highlighting his route running and blocking have led some observers to question what they perceive as a lack of effort during games. LaFleur rejected the criticism, arguing that Harrison’s running style should not be interpreted as a lack of effort. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) walks off the field after the team’s 31-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 20, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images) “I don’t see it that way,” LaFleur said. “I think his running style is different than other people’s, I would say that. If that’s people’s narrative about him, that’s fine. I know his teammates don’t feel that way.” Harrison’s tape has shown flashes of the precise route running and polished technique that helped establish him as a “can’t-miss” prospect. At other times, however, he has seemed frustrated dealing with falls or not meeting his own standards. THREE WORD GAME: THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE EVERY NFL TEAM SO FAR THIS SEASON AHEAD OF WEEK 3 Even as Harrison has struggled to find his footing, other players on Arizona’s offense have flourished. Tight end Trey McBride earned first-team All-Pro honors last season and emerged as one of the best players at his position. Wide receiver Michael Wilson surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in 2025 and was rewarded with a contract extension this offseason. Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) of the Arizona Cardinals scores a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 3, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Logan Bowles/Getty Images) About halfway through last season, Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr. criticized the Cardinals’ offense, saying it was difficult to watch his son’s team play. Since then, Arizona has made changes to its offensive coaching staff and scheme, but those adjustments have yet to translate into better production for Harrison. Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur looks on during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Aug. 28, 2026. (Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) LaFleur acknowledged Harrison’s slow start, but stressed that the Cardinals must balance his involvement with the needs of the offense. DOWNLOAD YOUR DAILY PODCAST NOW! “I know it’s just ‘get some easy completions and move on,'” the Cardinals’ first-year coach said. “You also have Trey McBride, who is one of the best bottom players in the world and there are only 60 to 65 plays a game. And you have to run the ball. You have Kendrick.” [Bourne]which also works quite well underneath. Everyone has a role there.” Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
