Former Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin says Marvin Harrison Jr. just needs time
Sep 10, 2024, 1:36 PM | Updated: 3:22 pm
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) talks with Cardinals passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Drew Terrell as players take part in drills during an NFL football training camp at the State Farm Stadium, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin doesn’t doubt Marvin Harrison Jr.’s talent but believes the rookie needs time to develop following his underwhelming NFL debut.
Harrison had one catch for four yards on three targets during the team’s season-opening loss against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
“When you have a guy (Harrison) that talented, you have to move him around and find ways to get the ball in his hands to make him comfortable early on and find that rapport with the quarterback,” Boldin said when he joined Wolf & Luke on Tuesday.
Boldin had a different first-game experience when he entered the league.
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On Sept. 7, 2003, Boldin made his NFL debut with the Cardinals and finished the game with 10 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
“I had the opportunity to come in right away and show the team what I was able to do,” Boldin said of his rookie season.
The 14-year NFL veteran emphasized the importance of wide receivers building relationships with their quarterbacks by working and going through reps together before games.
Harrison’s only preseason appearance was on Aug. 10 during the Cardinals’ game against the New Orleans Saints, where he played a total of three snaps. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray did not play during the preseason.
Boldin said playing everyone in the preseason is a “necessary evil” that coaches must do to help players get a feel for the game. When reflecting on his NFL career, Boldin explained how training camp and the preseason allowed him to perfect his timing.
“It’s tough to simulate what the game is going to be like if you don’t play in the preseason,” Boldin said.
Harrison began his first professional game with high expectations from Cardinals fans and team officials who predicted the Ohio State alum would produce immediately.
Boldin noted that social media has added immense pressure to young players and believes it will intensify for Harrison ahead of the Cardinals’ home opener on Sunday against the team’s NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams.
“I’m sure every time he picks up his phone, he’s going to hear about it,” Boldin said.
