How Cardinals' Marvin Harrison Jr. is trying to overcome costly miscues

Second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. experienced a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs as the Arizona Cardinals fell to 2-2 on the season via a 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 25.

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Harrison explained how he's trying to keep his head up after he was responsible for more lowlights than highlights over the season's first four games. 

Marvin Harrison Jr. trying not to "overthink" amid miscues

"Just got to go out there and play," Harrison said about his mindset, per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. "You can't overthink it. It's the same game you've been doing for all your life. Trust the reps you put in throughout the offseason and go out there and execute the best you could."

Against Seattle, Harrison was accused of stopping a route early on a play that resulted in quarterback Kyler Murray throwing an interception. Harrison later committed a brutal drop that essentially gifted Seattle with a second pick. 

With under six minutes remaining in regulation of the contest, Harrison rose over a defender for a touchdown grab that showcased the best of his abilities. Immediately after the score, he took a knee for several seconds.  

"Yeah, it was good to see one go through the hoop, I should say," Harrison said about that moment. "Got to make a big play in the game and obviously wanted to keep the momentum for the team and stay in the game at that moment."

Cardinals OC offers big praise for Marvin Harrison Jr.

In total, Harrison recorded 16 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns in Arizona's four September games. He has also picked up a reputation for dropping catchable passes weekly. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is among the members of the Cardinals who understand the club will need some noteworthy performances from Harrison to get where it wants to go by Week 18. 

"He's as good of a player as there is in this league in my mind," Petzing said about Harrison, according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' website. "We're going to need him to make big plays."

Murray and other Arizona players have expressed confidence in Harrison amid his struggles. Such comments seemingly meant a lot to the 23-year-old, who hasn't yet lived up to the expectations many had for him when Arizona made him the fourth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

"You don't want anyone feeling sorry for you that they keep coming up to you," Harrison added. "But sometimes it is nice to be supported by your teammates. They see the work I put in throughout the week. They see the practices. They know what I am capable of. Means a lot to have their support and that they trust me."

The Cardinals next host the 0-4 Tennessee Titans this coming Sunday. As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had Arizona as a 7.5-point favorite for that matchup.