This preseason has unfolded very differently for Marvin Harrison Jr. compared to last year’s experience. After participating in just one brief series during the previous exhibition games, Harrison has expressed a strong desire to be more engaged this time around, leading to him playing the entire first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Reflecting on his limited action in 2023, Harrison remarked,
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I don’t even remember playing the three snaps in the first year it went by so fast,
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and added,
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It felt good to go out there and compete (in the preseason opener).
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These comments underline how refreshed and motivated he feels as the 2024 preseason unfolds.
Competitive Practices Despite Starter Absences Highlight Team Effort
Although Harrison and other starters sat out the recent preseason game, the Arizona Cardinals capitalized on a joint practice session with the Denver Broncos to secure quality reps. Head Coach Jonathan Gannon recognized the intensity in these practices but was not impressed with the actual game performance, pointing to issues with technique and fundamentals as reasons behind their 27-7 loss.
Among the standout moments during practice was Harrison’s head-to-head matchups against Patrick Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Despite some missed connections between Harrison and quarterback Kyler Murray early on, the duo improved over time, culminating in successful completions that indicate growing cohesion.
Coach Jonathan Gannon Observes Greater Offensive Synchronization
Gannon, with a background as a defensive back rather than on offense, sought insights from his offensive staff to better understand the nuances of QB and receiver chemistry. He explained that timing and route execution are crucial to seamless passing, stating,
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How guys come out of breaks affects the efficiency of when you’re throwing it to him,
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and elaborated,
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Just with the quarterback feeling and seeing, and then is he on air or is there a body on him? How is it going to come out? All those different things, it’s fascinating.
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His observations reflect the complexity of offensive playmaking and reinforce the importance of the connection between the quarterback and his receiving targets.
The Growing Rapport Between Murray, McBride, and Harrison
The 2023 season presented challenges as Murray returned from ACL surgery and tight end Trey McBride quickly became a strong offensive weapon. Early in that year, miscommunications between Murray and McBride led to an interception, illustrating the difficulty of timing routes and expectations.
Since then, Murray’s intuition for McBride’s tendencies has sharpened significantly, reducing such errors. Harrison hopes to build a similarly effective relationship with Murray and has actively worked with wide receivers coach Drew Terrell to enhance his understanding of defensive coverages. Harrison shared,
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(Terrell) has done a great job of breaking down the coverages to us this year,
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and continued,
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I think that has helped, not only me, but the other guys as well with what are we getting out there? Where are their weaknesses at? Where are their strengths at and how we can run routes accordingly.
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This focused study aims to give Harrison and the broader receiving corps an edge in anticipating and exploiting opposing defenses.
Encouraging Displays in Early Preseason Games
During the first preseason game against the Chiefs, Harrison caught a 15-yard pass from Murray, a connection notable for Murray releasing the ball even before Harrison had cleared the linebacker. Murray described the play as “very well-executed,” showcasing the promise of their synergy.
While it remains uncertain if Harrison will participate in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Coach Gannon stated that he would assess performance and fitness during the week before making any decisions. Regardless, the evolving partnership between Murray and Harrison is poised to play a significant role as the team moves toward the 2024 regular season.
Harrison reflected on his increased preseason involvement, saying,
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I wanted some preseason action this year, and I think I got that,
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and added,
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So whatever happens, I’ll be happy with either or.
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This attitude highlights his readiness to contribute whenever called upon.
Injury Update: Hayden Conner’s Setback
In other team news, rookie offensive lineman Hayden Conner sustained a knee injury early in the recent preseason game, forcing him to exit the contest. Coach Gannon confirmed that Conner will miss some time while recovering. Additionally, fellow offensive tackle Christian Jones, who was Conner’s college teammate, remains sidelined due to a knee issue.
These injuries impact the Cardinals’ offensive line depth as the team continues preparations for the regular season.
2025 Week 2 Preseason Game Highlights in Denver
The recent Week 2 preseason matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos on August 16, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, provided a stage for many team members to showcase their skills. Several key players, including safety Kitan Crawford, defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Elijah Simmons, linebacker Xavier Thomas, and wide receivers Simi Fehoko and Xavier Weaver, took to the field in an effort to impress coaching staff and fans alike.
Quarterbacks Clayton Tune and Jacoby Brissett also saw game action, contributing to the team‘s offensive efforts alongside running backs DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter. The mix of experienced veterans and younger talent demonstrated the breadth of the roster as the Cardinals look to refine their lineup ahead of the regular season.
Defensive players like cornerbacks Denzel Burke, Jaylon Jones, and linebacker Benton Whitley participated actively in the defensive schemes, seeking to build cohesion and improve effectiveness against opposing offenses.
This game, together with joint practices and earlier preseason contests, forms a crucial part of the Cardinals’ preparation and evaluation process as they aim to find the right combinations for success in the competitive 2024 campaign.
The Significance of Harrison’s Preseason Momentum for Arizona
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s increased involvement and growing chemistry with Kyler Murray signal important development for the Arizona Cardinals offense. As Harrison accumulates more preseason reps and applies lessons from coaches like Drew Terrell, the offense stands to gain a more reliable and dynamic receiving option.
Coach Gannon’s focus on technical details and communication within offensive plays suggests the team is committed to smoothing out earlier inconsistencies, particularly the timing between quarterback and receivers. Harrison’s preseason performance highlights his readiness to be a difference maker, elevating the Cardinals’ aerial attack.
Looking ahead, the progress Harrison has made in preseason will likely set the tone for his role and contributions during the regular season. The enhanced connection with Murray may prove pivotal in high-stakes games as Arizona pursues success in the NFL.