ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — "This is sickening."
"This is going to haunt me all season."
"Pain."
Those are just three reactions of many that fans of the Arizona Cardinals — and football fans who have Marvin Harrison Jr. on their fantasy teams — had after the rookie wide receiver's disappointing NFL debut.
Harrison Jr. ended his first game with just one catch for four yards and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray only threw the ball Harrison Jr.'s way three times.
While many fans are frustrated by the lack of production from the No. 4 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, one missed opportunity made fans absolutely irate on social media.
With 1:10 left in the game and down by six points to the Buffalo Bills, the Cardinals had the ball and were driving, looking for a potential game-winning touchdown.
On second down and six from the Bills' 39-yard line, Harrison Jr. streaked down the sideline, getting behind the Buffalo secondary. He put his hand in the air, attempting to signal Murray that he was wide open.
However, Murray, who was pressured, did not see Harrison and instead threw the ball to receiver Greg Dortch for a seven-yard gain.
"(When) you play football, like, there's a lot of stuff moving around, you're moving fast, like, you don't see everything," Murray said after the game.
Had Murray found Harrison on that play, it would have been a signature moment for the player named the best wide receiver in college football last season. However, five plays later, the Cardinals' drive would end with no points, giving Buffalo a 34-28 victory.
However, that didn't change the reaction from fans, who were furious after seeing pictures of just how open Harrison Jr. appeared to be.
Social media reaction to Marvin Harrison Jr. being wide open in fourth quarter
Could playing in the preseason have helped Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.?
Kyler Murray hasn't played in the preseason since 2021. Marvin Harrison Jr. was only on the field during this preseason for three plays and wasn't targeted.
Players playing or not in the preseason has been a topic of conversation over the past few seasons as teams like the Cardinals sit their stars while teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs allow their stars to suit up and play.
So, after Arizona's Week 1 loss, many fans took to social media to say next year, Murray and Harrison should both play in the preseason.
We'll see if the Cardinals can improve on their Week 1 showing when they host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Kick off is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to four major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events every year, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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