Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. have taken their bond to a whole new level this summer. Arizona Cardinals fans, get ready for some big plays this year! As the team heads into a critical year for the franchise, both players have done everything they can to improve their chemistry on the field. Their first preseason game versus the Kansas City Chiefs was an early indicator of this dynamic partnership. Yet, Murray was able to make a remarkable 15-yard connection with the still-open Harrison while being three defenders literally in his face.
Their relationship has grown over the course of multiple practices, joint practices, and preseason games, showcasing their dedication to working together. Harrison expressed confidence in their progress, telling him that he could see very clearly the improvements that they were making together. “So, I definitely like where we’re at. We just got to go out there and put it on the field,” he stated.
The duo’s overall progression hasn’t escaped the eye of position coaches and fellow teammates. Israel Woolfork was adamant about the incredible progress that they made just last season. He focused on the way their relationship changed from Week 1 to Week 18. Woolfork said that the uptick in communication between the two entities has helped lead to their success on the field. “From those conversations, they’re doing a really good job communicating,” he remarked.
Both Murray and Harrison spent ample time in the offseason building up their chemistry. They even filmed lots of practice runs, rehearsing their timing and the exact precision of their routes. Their commitment is evident in last year’s performance metrics. They hooked up 62 times on 114 targets, accumulating an astounding average of 14.26 yards — while scoring eight touchdowns.
New head coach Jonathan Gannon was realistic, acknowledging that the best gauge of how well they’re bonded won’t come until they’re going at it in regular-season contests. “The proof will be in the pudding, and it’s our job to make sure that it looks right and it’s better than last year,” Gannon commented. He underscored that while they are making strides in training, actual game situations will reveal how well they can execute under pressure.
Drew Petzing, the team’s offensive coordinator, indicated that building confidence and comfort between Murray and Harrison requires consistent practice and repetition of routes. He further underscored the notion that though their professional relationship looks good on paper, it needs to come across as such when the games get intense.
Perhaps the biggest factor in Arizona’s success or failure on that side of the ball this year will be the ongoing dynamic between Murray and Harrison. Gannon added that if defenses decide to consistently double-cover Harrison, other players will have to assert themselves in order for their offense to be effective. Because now, when they double Marv with two guys, we’re not going to throw the ball to Marv. Other guys have to step up,” he stressed.
Murray and Harrison are further developing their craft and understanding each other’s musical approach. What’s even better — they’ve got a positive outlook on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Their collective efforts at training camp might just make all the difference in Arizona’s pursuit of greatness this year.
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