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It’s been a while since Arizona Cardinals was a legitimate NFL threat, after last made the playoffs in 2021.
After this season, Cardinals went 4-13 in back-to-back seasons before finally improving to 8-9 for the 2024 NFL season and they are now 2-2.
Larry Fitzgerald retired after the 2020 season, and three years later the organization chose Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall choice. When the Hall of Famer’s son came out of college, it was widely expected that if anyone had to replicate Fitzgerald’s Pro Bowl numbers, it would be Harrison.
But it has not gone as planned.
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Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 18) From Arizona Cardinals runs off the field with Kyler Murray ( # 1) after scoring a touchdown against Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Norm Hall/Getty Images)
In 21 games played, he has darkened the 100-yard brand only twice. However, he has an ability for the end zone, on average a touchdown in almost any other game, and Fitzgerald thinks he will be – and is – just fine.
“When he was in Ohio State, you know, he had an abundance of choice of first round that was with him there, so he didn’t have to carry the water all the time by himself. He was the best player, but he also had a really strong supportive role crew. And you know he came out and was a little just pushing in the first place, right?” Fitzgerald told Pakinomist Digital in a recent conversation.
“I don’t think by any stretch of the fantasy he’s had a bad start. But if you think about [Brian] Thomas in Jacksonville and [Malik] Neighbor in New York, you compare him to some of the other guys, I think these comparisons are starting to come alive. “
The noise was loud after Harrison struggled early last week, but he eventually ended with six catches in 66 yards and a touchdown in a tight 23-20 loss to Seattle Seahawks.
“I’m really excited about what to do. It would be one thing if you told me he couldn’t run, he couldn’t get off the press or he wasn’t fast enough or he wasn’t strong enough. You’re talking about catching a football, right?
Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 18) Going off the field after an NFL game between Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams on December 28, 2024 at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Jay Cutler reports to jail for detaining judgment for wrongdoing
The same comparisons mentioned above can be said for Kyler Murray, which was the first overall choice in 2019. But like Harrison, Fitzgerald is happy with what he has seen out of his own previous quarterback.
“I think he’s gotten much better. This is his seventh year, he has definitely taken another step. He has made some wonderful throws. He makes some good throws and I just want to see him continue to take the next steps as the leader of the organization,” Fitzgerald said.
“You always compare him to other people in similar situations. But look at the numbers when he is healthy, he produces. Is it the same as Justin Herbert or Joe Burrow or Josh Allen? No, but he is not a bum and he produces. He is able to get the team win and keep them in competitive games. So I would not say he is far away. Fixed as he is in competitive games.
The cards have a Get-Right game against 0-4 Tennessee Titans, and you can’t blame Fitzgerald for throwing a few dollars on his previous team this weekend. Fitzgerald is a partner with Draftkings to spread the word about responsible games.
“I’ve been a big Draftkings fan for a very long time, and when games continue to grow, it only becomes more widespread. And it’s nice that it’s legalized now because it has a lot of positive effects on our Society for Tax Revenue and things of this kind. And if people themselves want to gamble, we’ll also let them know that there Exceeds what your limitations are and that it will never be a problem, ”Fitzgerald said.
Draftkings currently have Cardinals on +1900 to win NFC West, by far the worst odds out of anyone. Los Angeles Rams is +115, San Francisco 49ers is +180, and Seattle Seahawks are +370.
Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kyler Murray ( # 1) seems to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football match in Glendale, Arizona, Sunday 5. January 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
But Cardinals’ legend is convinced that the sub -dog can come out on top.
“It’s a very tough division, there’s no lightweight winner out there, but the Cardinals are in every game they compete in. I mean they’ve lost by a total six points in the two losses they’ve had. It’s not like they’ve been taken to the forest,” he said. “I just think it’s just about to start quickly and have the sustained offensive production because the defense has done a good job.”
