‘Unapologetic’ Kyler Murray claims it’s not his job to feed targets to Marvin Harrison Jr. as tensions rise in Arizona
Kyler Murray asserted that it wasn’t his job to force the targets towards Marvin Harrison Jr., since he didn't get enough in week 1.
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Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray (Via Imago)
The Arizona Cardinals seems to be dealing with some locker-room tension between Kyler Murray and the rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. Being the top of his class in receiving, Harrison Jr.’s debut was highly awaited however, when he stepped on the ground in the opening game, he only received three targets from his team.
The drama began when quarterback Murray asserted that it wasn’t his job to force the targets in the direction of the rookie receiver. He also clarified that Harrison Jr. wouldn’t get any special treatment from the team to get the targets following the narrow defeat of the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
I wouldn't say they were just taking him away. As a quarterback, you're going through your reads. Sometimes the ball goes to him, but that's not my job. I have a sense and a feel for guys when they don't get the ball and when they are getting the ball.Kyler Murray, via Craig Morgan of PHNX
However, since it’s not under the control of the signal-caller, Murray has been told by Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing that he shouldn’t bother about these things and focus on getting the “ball to where the ball is supposed to go.”
Harrison Jr.’s debut was overshadowed by wide receivers Trey McBride upon getting the most targets with nine and Greg Dortch with six catches. Meanwhile, the rookie finished the game with one catch for four yards.
OC Drew Petzing acknowledges need for more targets for rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
Although quarterback Murray didn’t respond to the lack of targets given to the 2024 No. 4 overall pick, the Cardinals’ OC decided to open up about it. While addressing the media post-game, Petzing shared that the plan for moving forward after this loss would be to give Harrison Jr. more targets.
Certainly he is on the forefront of our minds in terms of getting him the ball.Drew Petzing, via the team’s official website
He admitted that he could have made some plays and sent the ball more toward the star rookie receiver, however, he thought his team was going strong and didn’t need it. As the team now preparing for the week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Harrison Jr. is likely to get more targets from Murray.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)