Marvin Harrison Jr shut down criticism of the Cardinals' offense, including from his own Hall of Fame dad, with a statement performance as Arizona faced the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football
22:21 ET, 03 Nov 2025
Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrates in the end zone against Dallas
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Marvin Harrison Jr. proved his dad and critics of the Cardinals' offense wrong for at least one night against the Cowboys
Marvin Harrison Jr silenced his critics, embarrassed his opposition in one quick juke, and proved his Hall of Fame dad's words to have been baseless on Monday Night Football. The young wide receiver continues to perform as expected, while Kyler Murray remains on the sidelines and some insiders are suggesting that the young quarterback could be traded before the deadline.
Hours after Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr. publicly said Arizona's offense was "very hard” to watch, his son made it look effortless against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The play came midway through the second quarter when Jacoby Brissett dropped back, saw No. 18 explode off the line, and delivered a perfect 4-yard strike.
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Harrison Jr. made Cowboys DB Daron Bland stumble to the turf and fall completely before catching the ball wide open in the end zone. The Ohio State celebrated with tight end Trey McBride, who lifted him off the ground as teammates mobbed him near the goal post.
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The play compensated for Harrison's prior struggles against the Seattle Seahawks, which started a narrative of a sophomore slump.
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Even the broadcast booth said that Harrison made the play "look too easy." By halftime, Harrison Jr had 80 yards and a touchdown from six catches. His smooth route-running and separation drew praise across social media and mockery toward his father's pregame remarks.
It was the third straight game Brissett started in place of Kyler Murray, who remains sidelined with a foot injury. In that stretch, Harrison Jr has looked far more comfortable, flashing the precision and poise that made him a top-five draft pick.
The Cardinals have been starving for offensive rhythm, and for once, the offense clicked. Harrison Sr had taken aim at that very issue just hours earlier, calling out Arizona’s scheme and execution while discussing his son's team.
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"It's very hard for me to watch the Cardinals' offense," he admitted.
"The style of offense that I’m accustomed to, that I'm used to watching as a professional eye, as a wide receiver. I just can't relate to watching that offense."
"Basically, I can’t relate to what goes on there. I think that's just peacefully put, without pointing fingers or anything. I'm giving you the professional eye. It doesn't add up to me. I can't deal with it."
Marvin Harrison Jr is tackled by a group of defenders
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Harrison Jr nearly had 100 yards at halftime
Harrison Sr even admitted that he doesn't attend Cardinals games for his mental well-being. The Cardinals' last playoff victory was in 2016, and they have not appeared in the postseason since a 2021 Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
But his son may have given him a reason to tune back in. Through seven games, Harrison Jr has 24 receptions for 396 yards and two touchdowns, ranking 46th in the NFL in receiving yards and 60th in touchdowns.
Brissett has thrown for 599 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in three starts since replacing Murray.
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