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Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said Marvin Harrison Jr. is \u201cgoing to be a big part of this offense and I have full confidence in his ability.\u201d (Photo by Marvin Forbes\/Cronkite News)<\/p>\n
TEMPE \u2013 Arizona\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
An emotional Harrison shouldered the blame in the aftermath of the 16-15 loss, Arizona\u2019s first of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I know what I\u2019m capable of, and to go out there and not to play to nowhere near to the best of my abilities is frustrating,\u201d he said. \u201cIt hurts the team, and I got to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 35-yard, walk-off field goal.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s drop of a wide-open pass on Arizona\u2019s opening drive of the third quarter is not likely to give Murray more confidence in his young target.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 not ankle, as had been reported \u2013 that will require surgery, according to the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know that we can be better,\u201d Murray said. \u201cI expect those guys, and myself included, to make those plays.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expectations for Harrison were sky high coming into year two.<\/p>\n
After hauling in 62 catches for 885 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie, he was expected to make the next step this season.<\/p>\n
However, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver from Ohio State has not played much of a role in the Cardinals\u2019 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s going to be a big part of this offense and I have full confidence in his ability to do that,\u201d Petzing said of Harrison.<\/p>\n
The loss of Conner compounds the team\u2019s offensive woes, but he might be missed even more within the locker room. <\/p>\n
\u201cOne of our leaders, a captain,\u201d coach Jonathan Gannon said. \u201cYou hate that it happened. I feel terrible, but I know he\u2019ll take the right attitude to bounce back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, San Francisco\u2019s secondary kept Harrison largely in check, limiting him to three receptions on six targets for 44 yards. Harrison vowed to improve.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo back, watch the film, learn from it and get better,\u201d Harrison said. \u201cWe play on Thursday, so start preparing on Tuesday.\u201d <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
TD views brought to you by McBride<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcfa FOX | @mcbtrey<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CmN11lvG0o<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n And then Arizona\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n CALAIS FORCES THE SAFETY \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa FOX | @CalaisCampbell<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CS2XhpGxcA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The game came down to a crucial third-and-long from midfield for Arizona, when yet another dropped pass hurt the Cardinals.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n The Cardinals punted, giving San Francisco a chance.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s game-winner.<\/p>\n The Cardinals face another divisional test as they welcome the Seattle Seahawks to State Farm Stadium on \u201cThursday Night Football.\u201d<\/p>\n Follow Cronkite News: Phoenix Sports on Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n