Marvin Harrison Jr. downplays lack of targets in first two games: 'That's a silly conversation'

The Arizona Cardinals are a perfect 2-0, but the wins haven’t come easy. The New Orleans Saints had a chance to tie the game on a last-minute drive in Week 1 and the Carolina Panthers surged back into the game before ultimately falling in Week 2.

With the team still needing to show improvement, quarterback Kyler Murray was asked whether he needs to get the ball to star wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. more. Murray responded by saying targets will fluctuate, and that he can’t get everyone the ball 10 times per game.

Through two contests, Harrison has 11 targets. That figure is tied for 63rd among pass catchers. Dyami Brown and Dylan Sampson have the same number of targets as Harrison in two games.

But if Harrison is angry about that, he’s not showing it. When asked, Harrison called it a “silly conversation,” pointing out that the team is undefeated.

It’s the right answer. While Harrison hasn’t been a target monster, the Cardinals haven’t suffered. And though Harrison’s 11 targets rank low compared to other players, the Cardinals haven’t really been forced to throw in their first two games. Kyler Murray’s 54 pass attempts rank 24th among quarterbacks. The Cardinals have had enough success running so far that they haven’t needed to pepper any receiver with targets. Tight end Trey McBride, who currently leads the team, only has 16 targets this season. That figure ranks 24th among pass catchers.

The entire passing offense will see its numbers rise as the Cardinals start to play stiffer competition. That could happen as early as Week 3, as the San Francisco 49ers should be a bigger challenge.

After being selected as the No. 4 overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harrison is a candidate to take a major step forward in his second season. He showed flashes of excellence as a rookie, picking up 885 receiving yards and scoring eight touchdowns.

Harrison hasn’t emerged as a breakout player through two games this season, but that’s not a cause for concern just yet. The Cardinals haven’t really been pushed by their opponents, and the team’s current formula is working.

Once the team finds itself in a shootout, or once the running game is halted, Harrison will have opportunities to post better numbers. He knows as much, which is likely why he downplayed his lack of targets when asked Wednesday.

Marvin Harrison Jr. downplays lack of targets in first two games: ‘That’s a silly conversation’

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