The Arizona Cardinals are counting on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to improve significantly in the 2025 season to help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The club believes that Harrison’s development after a somewhat underwhelming rookie year will be a key factor in their campaign.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated highlighted that those within the Cardinals organization are optimistic Harrison will prove his doubters wrong this fall. They see progress in his ability to play faster, more physically, and with increased aggressiveness when attacking the ball.
“[Harrison] was given goals to play faster and more physical and attack the ball more aggressively, and he’s responded with the benefit of having a full offseason as a pro and the added confidence that comes with experience,” Breer wrote. “Generally, bigger receivers take a year to fully adjust anyway, and the Cardinals foresee a leap coming from a guy who’s playing more than he’s thinking now with the chance to focus on football alone.”
Statistical Review Highlights Harrison’s Rookie Contributions
During his rookie season, Harrison was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft and made a notable impact. He ranked fifth among rookies with 62 receptions and totaled 885 receiving yards. Additionally, Harrison tied for second among first-year players with eight receiving touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.
Observations during spring workouts also noted a physical transformation for Harrison, who increased his weight from 205 to 220 pounds. This added muscle suggests he is preparing for a more physical style of play that the Cardinals are encouraging him to adopt.
Kyler Murray Faces a Critical Campaign Amid Contract and Performance Pressure
Alongside Harrison’s expected breakout, there is substantial speculation that quarterback Kyler Murray’s 2025 season could determine his future with the Cardinals. Murray, who signed a lucrative five-year deal worth approximately $230.5 million with $160 million guaranteed in mid-2022, has yet to secure a playoff win.
“Murray looks comfortable and confident going into Year 7, his third running (offensive coordinator) Drew Petzing’s offense,” Breer added. “The key now will be balancing all the splash plays he’s capable of with the routine, mundane stuff — which has always been the challenge — so the offense can stay on schedule and avoid the big mistakes you saw toward the end of 2024.”
Turnovers and Consistency Undermined 2024 Season Finish
A major factor in the Cardinals’ 2024 collapse from a 6–4 record at the bye to finishing 2–5 was their negative turnover margin. Breer pointed out that turnovers significantly affected the team’s ability to sustain success.
turnover margin was a big part of how a 6–4 record heading into the bye crumbled into a 2–5 finish
Data from The Football Database confirms Arizona ended the season ranked 18th in the NFL with a -3 turnover differential.
Optimistic Projections with Challenging Season Opener
The Cardinals enter the 2025 season with moderate expectations from sportsbooks like DraftKings, which lists them at +115 odds to reach the playoffs. Their first game on September 7 against the struggling New Orleans Saints could set the tone for the year.
A strong performance from Murray, Harrison, and the rest of the offense could signal a turnaround, reinforcing the franchise’s belief in Harrison’s progression and Murray’s potential resurgence.
Season Preview: What Lies Ahead for Arizona
The Arizona Cardinals are placing major bets on the combination of Marvin Harrison Jr.’s development and Kyler Murray’s ability to lead with consistency to end their playoff drought. Harrison’s offseason physical gains and mental adjustments are expected to translate into better on-field production, while Murray’s challenge remains to harness his big-play skills without costly errors.
Given the critical nature of this upcoming season, Arizona’s playoff hopes and Murray’s future with the team depend heavily on their success in balancing growth and execution. The early matchup against a weak Saints squad offers an opportunity to prove the team’s potential and lay the groundwork for a strong playoff push.