GLENDALE — As the Arizona Cardinals prepare for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on quarterback Kyler Murray and second-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to lead the offense.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Harrison finished his rookie campaign with 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, now that’s strong numbers for any first-year wideout. But for the No. 4 overall pick, expectations went beyond strong. And in 2025, there’s no room left for patience.
However, entering into Year 2 of the Murray-Harrison duo, there is no excuses for them to take over games. ESPN’s Dan Graziano biggest question for the offense surrounded around the two star players ability to find a groove heading into 2025.
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) alongside quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Washington Commanders in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Graziano on what Cardinals need from Murray-Harrison connection:
“More is expected in Harrison’s second season, and the same can be said of Murray in his seventh. Arizona made almost no changes on offense this offseason after finishing ninth in offensive EPA in 2024. The Cardinals beefed up on defense, hoping that will be enough to make them contenders. But Murray and the offense have to take a step forward if that’s to happen, and a breakout for Harrison will help.”
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and tight end Trey McBride (85) with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Coaches and reports from around the Cardinals organization is about the muscles that Harrison has put on this offseason. The 22-year-old has had a considerable upgrade to his physique, so much so that Murray thought the photo of Harrison’s progress was AI.
Harrison’s muscle growth will help create separation at the line with his raw power. However, to generate more production, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will need to find more routes that enhance Harrison in the passing game. A majority of the rookie’s routes in 2024 were down the field and took a long time to develop. Adding in more short situation routes, like curls, cross and screens, could take Harrison’s production to the next level.
Murray is entering year seven under center and has no excuses of falling short of Pro Bowl expectations. The 27-year-old has had weapons like DeAndre Hopkins and “Hollywood” Brown to take the offense to the next level. In 2025, Murray arguably has his greatest set of weapons with Harrison and Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride that will help take the offense to new heights.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) high-fives teammate Marvin Harrison (18) during the team’s training camp session at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 24, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Arizona’s success next season fall on the shoulders of the QB-WR duo. The Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 and haven’t won a postseason game in Murray’s career. Next year Murray and the franchise look to end that streak with the additions made on defense, while the development of Murray-Harrison’s chemistry lift them into contenders.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
