GLENDALE – Many expected Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson to come out in Week 11 with plenty of motivation. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Zay Jones are out of action for the moment, leading Wilson being far and away the WR1 for Sunday’s game. The spotlight could’ve crushed Wilson with the pressure. However, the third-year wide receiver thrived in the biggest opportunity of his career, having 15 receptions for 185 receiving yards.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Wilson doubled his previous career high in targets and catches, and nearly doubled his career high in catches but fell one short, which would’ve tied the franchise record set back in 1961 by Sonny Randle. The 25-year-old is now has the fifth-highest receiving yards in a single game for a Cardinals wide receiver, behind Anquan Boldin (2x), Michael Floyd and John Brown.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson (14) catches a pass during warmups before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.
Wilson reception chart in Week 11:
In 38 career games, Wilson never had a 100+ receiving game, never had double digit targets or catches. However, Sunday’s game shouldn’t be a surprise for those who have been paying attention. Since being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, Wilson has constantly showed flashes of his prowess, with his route running and impressive catching ability.
Against the San Francisco 49ers, Wilson’s reception chart is very diverse, three catches from above 20+ yards, six within five yards of the line scrimmage and six in between. At 6’2, 213 pounds, Wilson has the size to be a deep, jump ball threat, which his illustrated on the Cardinals first touchdown drive with a 34-yard one arm grab.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson (14) catches a pass against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.
Despite the size, Wilson has stellar speed to create separation at the line of scrimmage. Outside of him and tight end Trey McBride, the offensive weapons were limited for Arizona. Even with that fact, the 49ers couldn’t stop Wilson from finding his spots and getting open.
While the Cardinals quarterback controversy is a tiring discussion, ever since Jacoby Brissett went under center, Wilson has flourished. In the first five weeks with Kyler Murray, Wilson had 52 total receiving yards, Brissett and Wilson tripled that on Sunday.
The next part of Wilson’s development will be trying to maintain this level of production when Harrison returns. While 185 receiving yards will likely remain Wilson’s career high for years to come, he should strive to be this dominant every week to help save a dying Arizona offense.
Jonathan Gannon has message to Cardinals fans for rest of 2025 season
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
