Marvin Harrison Jr., wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, is entering the second year of his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL career after concluding his rookie season with 62 receptions, 885 yards, and eight touchdowns. Harrison reflected on the challenges of adapting to a new offensive system and developing synergy with quarterback Kyler Murray during his first year with the team.
“Obviously, understanding a whole new offense is always an adjustment,”
Harrison said, via Albert Breer.
“Being on the same page as the quarterback and adjusting to how Kyler [Murray] likes to play, he has a different kind of play style than [other] quarterbacks, you kind of have to adjust to him as well. Obviously going through the season, not playing in the preseason, I feel like it took us a while. It took seeing at least a couple of games to get the flow of it, and that’s the benefit of preseason, you get to go out there and get your feet wet. I didn’t get a chance last year, so I feel like that kind of contributed to it a little bit. But as the year went on, I gained more confidence.”
Building Confidence and Chemistry with Kyler Murray
Harrison emphasised his goal for 2025 is to play without overthinking, allowing his skills to flow naturally on the field. This mindset shift comes as a result of his growing comfort within the Cardinals‘ offense and increasing familiarity with Murray’s unique style of play.
“I just want to play free,”
Harrison stated.
“Just out there thinking about plays, expectations, where you got drafted, who you are and who you are compared to, all of that, I didn’t want to think about that anymore. I feel like that’s the biggest thing he’s helped me with. And it’s allowed me to go out there and play free, be who I am, and all the work that I’ve put in, I can go out there and showcase it.”
Updates from Other NFL Teams: Rams’ Chris Paul Shines Despite Injury
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Chris Paul made an impressive debut in the team’s first preseason game after missing time due to a soft tissue injury. Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Paul’s presence and performance on the field.
“It’s been great to get ‘Pooh’ back out there, He’s a running-hit type of guy. I thought you felt his presence, and you felt his range out there. He missed a little bit of time with a soft tissue injury, but it was awesome to be able to get him going today. He’s got a good game-day demeanor. I was pleased with what I saw from him.” —Sean McVay, Rams Head Coach
In addition, Matthew Stafford reportedly experienced no limitations during a recent throwing session, according to Rams analyst Stu Jackson, although there was some uncertainty about Stafford’s return to practice the following week.
Seahawks’ Quarterback Shift: Sam Darnold Joins as Geno Smith Heads to Raiders
The Seattle Seahawks added quarterback Sam Darnold on the same day they traded starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Darnold expressed enthusiasm about his new opportunity, calling the decision to join the Seahawks sensible after detailed discussions with the team’s front office.
“It just made sense,” Darnold said, via Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. “The Geno [Smith] trade went down, I thought, O.K., this could be an interesting place. Then, with the conversations my agent was having with people in the front office, it all kind of made sense to me. Obviously, there were a couple other teams, which I won’t get into detail about. But, yeah, I’ll just say it made a ton of sense.” —Sam Darnold, Seahawks Quarterback
Darnold’s Growth and Influence from Brock Purdy
Reflecting on his career, Darnold revealed that his naturally introverted personality influenced his approach to football and team interactions. He credits 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy for showing him how to embrace a quiet, focused style while maintaining high performance throughout the 2023 season.
“I’ve always been introverted, I grew up as a shy kid, so that’s kind of who I am naturally,” Darnold shared. “For me it was always, I was very worried about what my teammates or what people thought about me. And I think when all the stuff happened in New York and then some stuff happened in Carolina—good, bad, ugly, those three years in New York, the two years in Carolina, then I was like, Dude… And then I go to San Francisco and, to be honest, I saw Brock operate and he’s just a very about-his-business kind of guy. He was just, every single day, come in, same routine, same deal, he wasn’t very vocal and he would just get the job done. And I realized like O.K., I can just be myself.” —Sam Darnold, Seahawks Quarterback
Former assistant coach Macdonald recalled Darnold’s late-game performance against the Ravens in 2023, which demonstrated his decisiveness and ability to energize his team even under pressure.
“Trust me, it’s never garbage time,” Macdonald said. “We’re calling it to stop them, we’re not trying to give up anything, but you’re right. He came in, I thought he played decisive, he was accurate, and they moved the ball on us, quickly. I mean, he hit a couple ‘hots’ that pierced us, the in-cuts, they threw the one touchdown that crossed our safety’s face in the red zone, which was a great ball. And then the interception he threw, that’s a ball he has to throw, last play of the game to try to score points. Our guy made a great play. I remember just like, Dang, O.K., feeling like I could feel him in the game.” —Macdonald, Former Ravens Assistant Coach
Anticipating Growth for Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. and the Team
As Marvin Harrison Jr. prepares for the upcoming season, his goal of playing more instinctively alongside Kyler Murray could signal a promising future for the Arizona Cardinals’ offense. He aims to shed any hesitation and fully showcase his talent after a year of adjustment and learning.
The chemistry Harrison is building with Murray in the offseason will be critical in shaping the Cardinals’ ability to compete in 2025. His determination to play free and confidently may elevate both his personal performance and the team’s offensive production as a whole.