Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur backs Marvin Harrison Jr as viral videos fuel questions about receiver's effort

The Arizona Cardinals’ season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Chargers was quickly overshadowed in Week 2, when they fell 31-7 to the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.

Much of the postgame conversation centered on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished without a catch as Arizona’s offense struggled to find a rhythm.

Last Sunday’s performance was the latest sign of a relatively quiet start to the 2026 season for the third-year receiver and No.

4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Harrison entered the league widely regarded as one of the top receiving prospects in recent memory, but he has managed just one reception for 33 yards through two games.

He has yet to establish himself as a consistent part of the Cardinals’ passing game.

The concerns about Harrison’s development are not new.

Injury setbacks limited him to 12 games last season, when he finished with 604 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

The former Ohio State standout is still searching for his first 1,000-yard NFL season, and his slow start this year has only amplified the criticism surrounding him.

2026 NFL OROY ODDS: LOVE FAVORED; BOSTON RISES AFTER BIG WEEK 2 The scrutiny surrounding Harrison has recently extended beyond his production.

Clips highlighting his route running and blocking have prompted some observers to question what they perceive as a lack of effort during games.

LaFleur pushed back on the criticism, arguing that Harrison’s running style should not be interpreted as a lack of effort.

"I don’t see it that way," LaFleur said.

"I think his running style is different than some other people’s, I would say that.