Arizona Cardinals running backs: A 2015 review

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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the first half in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

David Johnson

David Johnson was a do-it-all man early on in 2015.  He scored a touchdown rushing, receiving, and on special teams all in the first two weeks of his career.  The rookie though p[layed like one early on as well.  He had a case of the fumbles and saw limited action in the first-half of 2015.

However once Chris Johnson went down with a season-ending injury, David Johnson took over and showed the promise we had all seen on film and in training camp prior to the start of the 2015 season.

His versatility is one of the things that has endeared Johnson to Cardinals fans. He played in all 16 games but had just five starts.  However his stat sheet looked really good for a guy who started just five games.

Johnson had 581 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on the ground.  Receiving he had another 457 yards and four more touchdowns.  He also had a 108-yard kickoff return against the Chicago Bears in week two.

His biggest weakness early on was his ability to block, although that seemed to get better once the season wore on.  Even quarterback Carson Palmer suggested at one point his blocking, or lackthereof, made him nervous.  Johnson also took much better care of the ball down the stretch.

As we head into 2016, Johnson looks to be the featured back.  A lot of his load will be dependent on whether the Cardinals decide to re-sign Chris Johnson or not.  Either way, Johnson will see plenty of touches next season.  He easily could surpass the 1,000 rush mark and get over 500 receiving yards.  He will be an asset for the Cardinals for years to come.

Next: Another versatile back