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Mike LaFleur: Marvin Harrison Jr. situation wasn't a distraction, not why we didn't play well

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur dismissed speculation that the team’s struggles during Sunday’s 45-21 loss to the Detroit Lions were tied to the sudden trade of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The deal, finalized just hours before kickoff, left the Cardinals trailing 31-7 early in the game.

LaFleur insisted the Harrison Jr. situation was not a factor in the team’s performance, instead pointing to broader issues within the offense.

The loss marked Arizona’s fourth straight defeat, continuing a downward trend since their Week 1 victory over the Chargers. LaFleur also declined to elaborate on Harrison Jr.’s limited impact in Arizona, despite being selected fourth overall in the 2024 draft, or the reasoning behind the trade decision.

He emphasized taking responsibility for player development, stating that underperformance reflects on coaching rather than the athlete alone. Harrison Jr.

was shipped to the Houston Texans, where he’ll now have an opportunity to rebuild his career after a disappointing rookie season with the Cardinals.

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