Cardinals' Kyler: Connection with Harrison not where it needs to be

Quarterback Kyler Murray admits the connection between himself and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. isn't what either player envisioned prior to the start of the season.

"Yeah, we got to get better," Murray said when asked about the production between himself and the first-year wideout, per PHNX Sports' Bo Brack. "It's not where he wants it to be, where I want it to be, where the team needs it to be."

Murray added: "I haven't lost any confidence, (I'm) excited for these next two weeks."

Harrison, considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, has provided a significant boost to the Cardinals' offense. He boasts 51 passes for 726 yards and leads the team with seven touchdown receptions.

But Harrison and Murray have struggled to get on the same page this season. Murray missed a couple attempts to the Ohio State product in the Cardinals' 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers last week, while Harrison completed the contest with four receptions on eight targets for 39 yards.

Expectations for the No. 4 overall pick were much higher than his production to date. Meanwhile, fellow rookie pass-catches Brian Thomas, Brock Bowers, and Malik Nabers are enjoying impressive debuts to their pro careers.

Murray was limited to eight games last season after tearing his ACL against the New England Patriots in the 2022 campaign. The two-time Pro Bowler has rebounded this season, passing for 3,288 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with a 92.6 passer rating.

The Cardinals were officially eliminated from playoff contention last weekend with their loss to the Panthers and will look to build momentum toward next season in their final two games. They'll face the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday before hosting the San Francisco 49ers in their season finale.