This preseason is drastically different than the last for Marvin Harrison Jr.
After playing one possession during the 2024 exhibition slate, the wide receiver said he'd like to play in the preseason this year. He ended up playing the entire first quarter against the Chiefs.
"I don't even remember playing the three snaps in the first year it went by so fast," Harrison said in his first comments since the preseason games began. "It felt good to go out there and compete (in the preseason opener)."
While he and the rest of the starters did not play in the preseason game last weekend, there was no shortage of competitive work. One joint practice against the Broncos was enough good-on-good work for Jonathan Gannon's team. The game itself, however, did not meet Gannon's standards, with the coach citing technique and fundamentals as a reason for their 27-7 defeat.
One of the more competitive joint practice battles happened to involve Harrison. The second-year wide out lined up across from Patrick Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. During the practice, Harrison and quarterback Kyler Murray were unable to connect at times, which was the precursor for tight end Trey McBride to have an impressive practice.
But the back half of the work showed multiple Murray-Harrison completions, a sign of their growing connection.
"Honestly," Gannon said, "those guys getting in the lab together and then reps have helped them play a little bit better."
Gannon was a defensive back, not a wide receiver or a quarterback, so he began to seek answers from his offensive staff about the chemistry between a QB and his weapons.
"How guys come out of breaks affects the efficiency of when you're throwing it to him," Gannon said. "Just with the quarterback feeling and seeing, and then is he on air or is there a body on him? How is it going to come out? All those different things, it's fascinating."
In 2023, the year Murray returned from ACL surgery and McBride took off, the quarterback spoke about the challenges with getting on the same page as the tight end. In Murray's first game back, he anticipated McBride would cut the route short and sit down in the zone. Murray instead threw an interception as the tight end ran further on his route.
Since then, miscommunication isn't as frequent. Murray has an innate ability to understand how McBride runs his route. Hoping for a similar vibe, Harrison has spent time with wide receivers coach Drew Terrell to better understand how to exploit a defense.
"(Terrell) has done a great job of breaking down the coverages to us this year," Harrison said. "I think that has helped, not only me, but the other guys as well with what are we getting out there? Where are their weaknesses at? Where are their strengths at and how we can run routes accordingly."
In the first preseason game against the Chiefs, Murray and Harrison connected on one pass. It was a 15-yard reception where Murray threw the pass even before Harrison got by the linebacker, a play the quarterback described as "very well-executed."
It's unclear if Harrison will play on Saturday against the Raiders. Gannon said he will see how this week goes before making an announcement. Regardless, the connection is working towards being in midseason form.
"I wanted some preseason action this year, and I think I got that," Harrison said. "So whatever happens, I'll be happy with either or."
CONNER SIDELINED: After exiting Saturday's game early, offensive lineman Hayden Conner "will miss some time" Gannon said. The rookie injured his knee during the team's first drive. Conner's college teammate, offensive tackle Christian Jones, is also dealing with a knee injury that has kept him sidelined.
The top images taken by the Cardinals photographers during the 2025 Week 2 preseason game against the Denver Broncos, presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins (90) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (89) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaylon Jones (37) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green (30) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi (36) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Oscar Cardenas (45) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Cardinals helmet during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Steven Gilmore (38) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Benton Whitley (49) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Vi Jones (53) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaylon Jones (37) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93), Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (96) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (35) , Arizona Cardinals linebacker Vi Jones (53) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
The Arizona Cardinals during the Week 2 preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Denver, CO.
