Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said Marvin Harrison Jr. is “going to be a big part of this offense and I have full confidence in his ability.” (Photo by Marvin Forbes/Cronkite News)
TEMPE – Arizona’s offense was unable to find a rhythm in a loss at San Francisco, thanks largely to a handful of dropped passes, including one by second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. when he was wide open behind the 49ers defense.
An emotional Harrison shouldered the blame in the aftermath of the 16-15 loss, Arizona’s first of the season.
“I think I know what I’m capable of, and to go out there and not to play to nowhere near to the best of my abilities is frustrating,” he said. “It hurts the team, and I got to get better.”
The Cardinals dominated in time of possession, holding the ball nine minutes more than the 49ers, but they converted just five of 15 third-down situations and lost on Eddy Pineiro’s 35-yard, walk-off field goal.
After a rookie season in which he struggled to make a connection with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Harrison returned bigger and stronger for his second year. However, the tandem continues to look for chemistry and Harrison’s drop of a wide-open pass on Arizona’s opening drive of the third quarter is not likely to give Murray more confidence in his young target.
For the Cardinals, a loss to a division rival places a stronger emphasis on the connection between their primary offensive weapons, especially after running back James Conner was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a right foot injury – not ankle, as had been reported – that will require surgery, according to the team.
“We all know that we can be better,” Murray said. “I expect those guys, and myself included, to make those plays.”
The expectations for Harrison were sky high coming into year two.
After hauling in 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie, he was expected to make the next step this season.
However, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver from Ohio State has not played much of a role in the Cardinals’ offense through three games, catching just 10 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown in an attack that has scuffled while trying to establish an identity under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
“I think he’s going to be a big part of this offense and I have full confidence in his ability to do that,” Petzing said of Harrison.
The loss of Conner compounds the team’s offensive woes, but he might be missed even more within the locker room.
“One of our leaders, a captain,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “You hate that it happened. I feel terrible, but I know he’ll take the right attitude to bounce back.”
Meanwhile, San Francisco’s secondary kept Harrison largely in check, limiting him to three receptions on six targets for 44 yards. Harrison vowed to improve.
“Go back, watch the film, learn from it and get better,” Harrison said. “We play on Thursday, so start preparing on Tuesday.”
On the bright side, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride was able to find the end zone for the first time this season on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Murray that tied the game 13-13.
TD views brought to you by McBride
📺 FOX | @mcbtrey pic.twitter.com/CmN11lvG0o
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 21, 2025
And then Arizona’s defense looked as if it would pick up the offense when it came through with a play that looked as if it would turn the game in favor of the Cardinals.
Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell forced a holding penalty in the end zone, resulting in a safety with 3:15 left to go in the game that gave Arizona a 15-13 lead and possession of the ball.
CALAIS FORCES THE SAFETY 😱
📺 FOX | @CalaisCampbell pic.twitter.com/CS2XhpGxcA
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 21, 2025
The game came down to a crucial third-and-long from midfield for Arizona, when yet another dropped pass hurt the Cardinals.
Murray stood in the pocket and fired a laser to wide receiver Zay Jones, who initially appeared to catch the ball, but he failed to maintain possession and survive contact with the ground.
The Cardinals punted, giving San Francisco a chance.
San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones, who started in place of the injured Brock Purdy, led a 10-play, 63-yard drive that set up Pineiro’s game-winner.
The Cardinals face another divisional test as they welcome the Seattle Seahawks to State Farm Stadium on “Thursday Night Football.”
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