Cardinals' Harrison Jr. finishes season with 41 catches, 4 TDs, but battles injuries
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s promising season concludes with injuries, leaving questions about his future potential.
Why it matters: Harrison’s performance this season highlighted both his talent and the challenges that can accompany a young player in the NFL, particularly regarding health and durability.
- Despite being sidelined for several games due to injuries, he managed to record 41 receptions for 608 yards and 4 touchdowns across 12 games.
- His ability to adapt and contribute to the Cardinals' offense illustrates his potential as a key player moving forward.
What’s new: The Arizona Cardinals have concluded their season with high hopes for Harrison's development, yet the injury setbacks raise concerns.
- Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized that Harrison showcased impressive skills, indicating further growth is on the horizon: "I thought he did some good things... I don't think he's hit his ceiling."
Yes, but: While Harrison's statistics reflect a solid sophomore campaign, the injuries he faced could impact his trajectory.
- He missed two games due to appendicitis surgery and another two because of a right heel injury, culminating in his absence from the final game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a left foot injury sustained against the Cincinnati Bengals.
By the numbers: Harrison's offseason commitment to physical conditioning is noteworthy.
- He added 11 pounds of muscle, which contributed to his performance and ability to make contested catches throughout the season. Gannon acknowledged this enhancement in size as beneficial: "I thought that he made some contested catches because of some size."
What to watch: As the Cardinals move into the offseason, Harrison's development will be critical.
- Discussions about his future growth and injury management strategies will be essential for the coaching staff as they look to maximize his contributions in the coming season.
The bottom line: Maintaining Harrison’s health will be pivotal for the Cardinals as they seek to build a competitive roster around him.
- With talent like Harrison’s, the Cardinals are hopeful that addressing his injury issues will allow him to realize his full potential as a leading receiver in the league.
