GLENDALE – Against the Carolina Panthers in 2024, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had a forgettable game. On eight targets, he recorded only four catches for 39 yards, sixth-lowest mark for the season. A reason for his struggles was by being covered by Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Despite allowing 30 points, Horn and the defense did enough to escape Bank of America Stadium with the overtime win. The loss essentially eliminated Arizona from playoffs and tainted an inspiring season from the team. In 2025, the Cardinals and Harrison are looking to avenge that loss at State Farm Stadium to start the season 2-0 for the first time in four years.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) reacts after failing to catch a pass against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cardinals and Harrison looking for revenge against Horn:
Horn’s Week 1 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars was stellar, and not just because of his eye-opening, one-handed interception. The 25-year-old had the highest Pro Football Focus grade of any of his defensive teammates, earning a 75.4 overall grade, which is 16th amongst 113 eligible cornerbacks.
Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) questions a call by the official during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
At 6’1 and 200 pounds, Horn had the body to hang with bigger receivers and stunt them at the line of scrimmage. Harrison last year struggled with that level of physicality, leading to his body transformation this offseason.
Harrison packed on 10 pounds of muscles during the summer and illustrated the difference in Week 1 vs. the New Orleans Saints. The former fourth overall pick was getting off the line quicker, swiping the hands of grabby defensive backs to improve his release time.
Sep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates scoring at touchdown during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
On his 45-yard bomb from quarterback Kyler Murray, Harrison looked like a seasoned pro to create separation right at the point of the catch to get the extra space for the reception.
The Saints secondary doesn’t have a cornerback on the level of Horn, but it was a nice introduction to the improvements that Harrison worked on since last year. However, Sunday will be Harrison’s biggest test thus far to prove that he is ready to take that sophomore leap that his 2025 debut illustrated.
Cardinals preparing to face off against former Arizona standout McMillan in Week 2
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
