The Arizona Cardinals’ offense was clicking on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, led by receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Harrison Jr. hasn’t had the start to the 2025 season he’d hoped for, but he showed on Monday night what he’s capable of accomplishing.
The Cowboys’ defense is one of the worst in the NFL, and it is particularly weak against receivers. Harrison Jr. took advantage of that in Week 9.
What Did Marvin Harrison Jr. Think of His Performance?
Not only did Harrison Jr. have a breakout game on Monday night, but he set a career-high in receptions. The Cardinals receiver caught seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, which was his best game of the year, according to PFSN’s WR Impact.
The young receiver had yet to earn a B grade this season, but did so on Monday night with an 81.7 score. Harrison Jr.’s touchdown came on the Cardinals’ first drive, and he snatched Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland’s ankle on a nifty slant route for the score.
When Harrison Jr. was asked about CeeDee Lamb’s awed reaction, the young receiver just smiled and laughed.
However, the Cardinals were up 17 points in the third quarter, and Harrison had just one catch in the second half. If it were a closer game, Harrison Jr. likely would’ve surpassed 100 yards on the night.
“I knew we’d be aggressive in the first half, especially trying to get me the ball a little bit,” Harrison Jr. said. “So, obviously, it was music to my ears and I was excited about that.”
Cardinals fans were excited about their former fifth-overall pick getting the ball early and often, too. Harrison Jr.’s performance against the Cowboys was what fans have been waiting to see. With the Cowboys’ inability to cover receivers all year long, quarterback Brissett knew from the moment the Cardinals made it to AT&T Stadium that Harrison Jr. was going to have a good night.
“Once he got off the bus, I knew he was going to be open. We knew we were going to get our chances outside,” Brissett said. “This has been building for him, and it’s a step in the right direction. You saw it in his eyes when we got off the bus.
“We were in the locker room and coach told me what the first couple of plays were and he’s like, ‘We’re going to switch it up, and we’re going to do this for Marv.’ And I’m like, ‘Alright.’ Just super happy for him.”
Since Brissett had taken over as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback, Harrison had just four catches in two games. But Monday night was a different story. Now, it’s on Brissett, Harrison Jr., and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to continue the forward momentum for the young receiver.
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However, Harrison Jr. kept his cool, humble demeanor postgame and made sure to give his teammates their flowers as well, for allowing him to have his big night.
“But, there’s a lot of credit to the o-line, and they did a good job of giving Jacoby enough time to make some throws, and obviously Jacoby did his part as well, putting the ball where it needs to be,” Harrison Jr. said. ‘Then I just got to finish the play. As a receiver, that’s something that you kind of take for granted.
“All the other guys have to do their job before you can do yours. So, they did a good job today,” concluded the young wide receiver.
Monday night was the Cardinals’ most complete game of the season and easily their best win of the year. However, the next five games are all against current playoff teams, and three are against NFC West division foes.
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The Cardinals will need to maintain their defensive intensity, and Harrison Jr. will have to continue to be a factor on offense if they want to achieve success over the next month.