Michael Wilson's Stanford education makes him well-spoken on most subjects.
As the wide receiver ponders the work his position group has done this season, that background doesn't give him any answers as to why a unit thought to be on the verge of breaking out has yet to do so this season.
"We are talented across the board and I don't think there has been a question whether this group can get it done," Wilson said. "When we are at our best I think we are special as a group. You can highlight each individual's plays from this year or last year, it's like, 'Man, if we could just get this product to click consistently all the time.' It really should be electric."
While most of the conversation about the wide receivers has understandably centered around rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., there have been flashes from Wilson or Greg Dortch that the Cardinals want to see more. Now veteran Zay Jones is expected back in the mix for an offense that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said still leaves him positive "about our ability to push the ball down the field."
"Personally, I want to get them the ball more," quarterback Kyler Murray said. "I feel we have playmakers that can do special things with the ball. Not just Marv. All around. To be explosive we have to get those guys the ball because usually good things happen when they have it."
Having Harrison healthy is a first step. Harrison remained in concussion protocol Thursday, although he was able to practice on a limited basis. (Players in the protocol cannot speak to the media.) Friday will be an important day to see how Harrison responds to the physical work.
Injury aside, Harrison had another miscommunication with Murray on Sunday in Green Bay, a mistake Murray took the blame for and an issue that the QB reiterated on Thursday is getting fixed.
Wilson has been through it before, noting that he was having a pretty good rookie season and then, when Murray returned, having his first nine targets result in no catches but a miscommunication that led to an Eagles pick-6.
"Marv has a great head on his shoulders. He understands," Wilson said. "My advice to him was to continue to double down on your process and with every rep you get with Kyler, be deliberate and intentional with that rep.
"I experienced that. ... At that point I thought I was going to be benched. I was having such a good season up until that point. But good players – great players – find a way to overcome."
Tight end Trey McBride leads the Cardinals with 28 catches for 271 yards. Wilson leads the wideouts with 21 catches on 30 targets (for 237 yards), followed by Greg Dortch with 19 catches on 27 targets (for 174 yards) and Harrison with 17 catches on 37 targets (for 279 yards).
Jones hasn't played in a game yet and isn't sure what his role will be, but said he hopes to "provide comfort" for the passing game.
"I think they have done what we have asked," Petzing said of the wide receivers.
Wilson wants to see the wideouts to wipe out the "up and down" each week. He said collectively they can help Murray and the offense by winning more one-on-ones and winning more of the jump balls and contested catches.
"Our pass-catching group has to be able to bat at a higher percentage," Wilson said.
Murray – who has said more than once how much he likes leaning into the passing game, even with the team's run-first identity – is counting on it.
"I want to see them go off," he said.
OPTIMISM FOR JONAH WILLIAMS
Moments after saying he didn't want to get into hypotheticals about right tackle Jonah Williams coming back this season from IR after his knee injury, Gannon said there was a "good chance" Williams would be able to return this season (and noted how he contradicted himself so quickly.)
There is still no timetable. Williams hurt his knee on the final play of the first quarter in the first game of the season.
Williams' return would be an important move for a team that has mostly gotten bad news on the injury front.
