Oct 27, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs for an 80 yard touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie backfield of the Arizona Cardinals are showing the Valley that they are set at running back for a long time to come, as they have looked more and more comfortable in the offense. Andre Ellington and Stephan Taylor are running hard and hitting the wholes with great speed and authority, and are caring the Cardinals offense rushing for a total of 16 carries and 167 yards and one touchdown so far.
The injury to Rashard Mendenhall has looked to be a blessing for the team to really see if these rookies can carry the load, and they have responded big time today.
This Cardinal run game can take a lot of pressure off of quarterback Carson Palmer as the Falcons defense may have to stack the box leaving Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd left alone outside on single coverage, should make for more explosive plays late in the game.
The way the offensive line is opening up wholes, the run game of the Cardinals may rush for over 200 yards today, if they wear down the Falcons look for more gashes for yards very late in fourth, speaking of rushing the Cardinals defense has held Steven Jackson to only 8 yards rushing on 12 carries, which is no surprise being the 7th rank defense against the run and may climb higher after today’s dominance.
Today can be the start of what we should see for the remainder of the season with the running game, these two guys are fast and strong in the legs and have even carried defenders for yards, very exciting as a Cardinal fan because we have not had a dominate run game as far as I can remember.