Cards Andre Ellington May See Increased Touches

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals running game has always seemed like a work in progress.  In 2013 it was clear though the Cards needed to find a way to get running back Andre Ellington more touches.  The problem though, according to the Cards, was his size.  They didn’t want him to get the pounding that usually comes along with being a number one back.

Now, as we enter the 2014 season, Ellington is the number one back, if you want to call it that.  After all, this will mostly still be a running back by committee this season.  However on Tuesday Cards head coach Bruce Arians said he would like to see Ellington get 25-30 touches per game.  Now, that doesn’t mean all rushes.  As you all should be aware of by now, Ellington is quite a commodity in the passing game as well.  Arians did say the number of touches they actually decide to give him will be determined later but that is the plan right now.

Ellington did have an injury last season that kept him out of a game but most backs this day and age are going to get banged up.  I don’t think giving him that many touches is a concern.  It’s the NFL.  He’s going to get hit.  I would like to see 15-20 carries though amongst those 25-30 touches.  He won’t consistently see 20 carries thanks to other backs on the team.  I also don’t think he necessarily needs 20 carries to be successful either but the more he’s out there the better chance at offensive success for the Cards.