Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur dismissed concerns regarding receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s low target share following a one-catch victory over the Chargers. Defensive coverage dictated early progression toward the middle of the field rather than perimeter deep targets.
The Cardinals secured a victory over Los Angeles, relying heavily on intermediate targets across the middle. All-Pro tight end Trey McBride commanded 13 targets, slot option Kendrick Bourne saw eight, and Michael Wilson gathered seven. Altogether, 28 of quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s 37 pass attempts went to this trio, isolating Harrison on the outside against defensive schemes tailored to deny boundary shots.
Addressing the stat line, LaFleur remained unfazed.
“I wouldn’t look too much into the targets and all of that stuff,” LaFleur stated. “It’s just how the game unfolded. We’re always going to do what we think is best in terms of putting our players in position to be successful. That made sense against the coverages and schemes we’re going against.”
The offence needed a spark in the third quarter. Brissett delivered. Dropping a pass over the defender along the sideline, Brissett hit Harrison for a 33-yard completion.
“That was a huge play, and it was a great throw,” said LaFleur. “To get that ball up and down the sideline, that just looked right.”
The explosive completion jump-started another deep drive, though Arizona bogged down in the red zone. Kicker Chad Ryland converted a 34-yard field goal, stretching the advantage to 16-7 before the defense held Los Angeles to 14 points.
Harrison’s career remains under intense scrutiny. As a No. 4 overall draft pick, his long-term production impacts upcoming salary cap decisions and his fifth-year option. While Wilson recently signed a three-year extension to solidify his spot on the depth chart, Harrison must maximize his opportunities over the remaining 16 games to establish his status in the offence.
