Arizona Cardinals: Hot and Cold Streaks Heading Into Week 5

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson (29) chases down Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall (28) during the first half of the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Cold: Rashard Mendenhall

The Cardinals brought in Rashard Mendenhall, who was in need of a career revival after injury issues and a rather unpleasant split with the Steelers, as a low risk option to improve the running game. He certainly hasn’t stuffed the stat sheet in any of the past four games, but he has been effective. Against Tampa, however, things didn’t go so well.  Mendenhall finished with 21 yards on 12 carries, and fumbled two(or three, depending on how you look at it) times. Andre Ellington, the rookie out of Clemson, has recently been the best option for the Cards. He has 4 carries for 29 yards and also caught 3 passes for 22 yards against Tampa. Players have off days, but with a young player looking impressive, Mendenhall can’t afford to have many more off days.