Cardinals QB Kyler Murray on Connection with Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.: ‘It’s Not Where This Team Needs It to Be’
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense has been a work in progress this season, and one of the most scrutinized aspects has been the connection between quarterback Kyler Murray and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The two have struggled to find a consistent rhythm, and Murray has not been shy about expressing his frustration.
Murray’s Comments
After the Cardinals’ 28-25 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Murray was asked about his chemistry with Harrison. He said, “It’s not where this team needs it to be. We’ve got to get better, and we’ve got to get better fast.” Murray added that he and Harrison “are working hard at it” but that “it’s not just about throwing the ball and catching the ball. It’s about timing, it’s about communication, it’s about understanding where each other is going to be.”
Harrison’s Struggles
Harrison, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, was one of the Cardinals’ most highly touted draft picks this year. He was expected to be a major contributor to the offense, but he has struggled to adjust to the NFL game. In seven games, he has just 16 catches for 256 yards and one touchdown.
Harrison has admitted that he has been “a little overwhelmed” by the NFL game. He said, “It’s a lot faster, it’s a lot more physical, and it’s a lot more complex than college.” He added that he is “still learning” and that he is “going to keep working to get better.”
Murray’s Expectations
Murray is entering his fourth season in the NFL, and he is expected to be a franchise quarterback. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent. He is hoping that Harrison can be a reliable target for him, but he knows that it will take time for the two of them to develop a rapport.
Murray said, “I think Marvin has a lot of potential, but he’s still a rookie. He’s still learning the game. I’m going to be patient with him, but I’m also going to challenge him to be better.”
The Cardinals’ Offensive Struggles
The Cardinals’ offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season. They are averaging just 17.4 points per game, which is 31st in the league. They are also 30th in total offense, averaging just 306.9 yards per game.
The Cardinals’ offensive struggles have been due to a number of factors, including injuries, poor execution, and a lack of chemistry between Murray and his receivers. Murray has been sacked 22 times this season, which is tied for the most in the NFL. He has also thrown nine interceptions, which is tied for the third most in the NFL.
The Outlook
The Cardinals are now 3-4 on the season, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Murray and Harrison need to develop a better connection if the Cardinals are going to turn things around.
Murray said, “We’re going to keep working at it. We’re going to keep grinding. We’re going to keep fighting. We’re going to find a way to get better.”