TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time since Week 9, when the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football 27–17, the team will have its trio of offensive playmakers all active at once.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is finally back after his two-game hiatus while recovering from an appendectomy he underwent two weeks prior. In his absence, Michael Wilson stepped up big time at the No. 1 wide receiver role, as he hauled in 25 catches for 303 yards, cementing himself as one of quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s go-to pass catchers.
Tight end, Trey McBride, during Harrison’s time away, stayed consistent, as he tallied 19 receptions for 194 yards with a touchdown to cap it off. He continues to be considered one of the top three tight ends across the entire football league.
However, Harrison's return to the lineup raised numerous questions regarding Brissett’s approach and how he would distribute the ball to his playmakers.
How did it pan out?
McBride put up by far the best outing of the three, posting eight catches for 82 yards, as well as hauling in his eighth touchdown of the season.
As for Harrison, he was exceptional in his return to action. The 23-year-old caught 6-of-7 targets for 69 yards.
Michael Wilson was the only one to see a drop off in production, as after going two consecutive games with 10+ catches for 100+ yards, he only caught three balls for 36 yards against Tampa Bay.
It was evident that the passing game was much better with the entire trio being healthy, despite the fact that the Cardinals lost their fourth consecutive game, by a final score of 20–17.
Brissett eclipsed 300 yards passing, posted a completion percentage above 70%, and a passer rating of over 100. With everyone healthy and in full swing, it will be interesting to see how the team responds next week at home against the Los Angeles Rams.