The NFL is quick to judge players. One outstanding season, and a player is a superstar. One disappointing season, and he's a bust.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had a relatively disappointing rookie season. After he failed to live up to the astronomical expectations placed on him in his first year as a Cardinals, many fans and analysts were ready to write him off. Heading into his sophomore season, Harrison Jr. could be the key to making Arizona's offense elite.
Analyst projects massive potential for Marvin Harrison Jr.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report analyst Alex Ballentine mapped out the best and worst possible scenarios for each NFL team. According to Ballentine, the Arizona Cardinals' offense could reach its peak if Marvin Harrison Jr. breaks out this season.
The Arizona Cardinals already have a consistent rushing attack through which they run their offense. James Conner was one of the most efficient running backs in the league last season, thanks to his downhill running style, an underrated offensive line, and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's diverse scheme. If Conner can stay productive on the ground, the Cardinals' offense should be capable of another top-15 finish.
But there's potential for more. As Ballentine says, "Add in a Marvin Harrison Jr. breakout season and the Cardinals could be one of the best offenses in the league. They made a leap from 21st to the 10th in EPA per play during Drew Petzing’s second-year as an offensive coordinator. A top-five finish could be in store for Year 3."
Marvin Harrison Jr. had sky-high, unrealistic expectations set for him in his first season in the NFL. He was supposed to immediately become the Larry Fitzgerald replacement whom fans had been craving for years. He didn't hit that mark. Harrison Jr. fell just short of 900 receiving yards, with eight receiving touchdowns. In the shadow of league-altering performances from Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., Harrison Jr. looked like a failure.
But his NFL story isn't over yet. Harrison Jr. has been working on his craft all offseason, preparing to make a larger impact on the Cardinals' offense in his second year. Teammates have been in awe of his physical growth this offseason. Harrison Jr. looks ready to become the dominant force that fans hoped he could be.
If he does, the Cardinals' offense could be one of the best in the league. An elite rushing attack comined with the explosiveness that Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride can bring in the passing game could make this unit unstoppable.