Arizona Cardinals have best running back core in NFC West

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Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Arizona Cardinals running back core appears healthy

Less than two years ago the Arizona Cardinals running game was on life support. It was the one area that seemingly was keeping the team from taking the next step towards winning a Super Bowl.

When Andre Ellington went down with a second ending injury at the end of November 2014, all seemed lost in the Cards running game at the time. Now, it seems like they could have the best core in the NFC West.

Lead by second-year back David Johnson and the return of comeback kid Chris Johnson, the Cardinals look to have one of the best one-two running back punches in all the NFL. Chris Johnson took less money to return to the Cardinals, let’s remember that. That says a lot.

Then let’s not forget the Cardinals till have Ellington and Kerwynn Williams behind them to back them up. Williams was the guy who kept the running game on life support at the end of 2014.

David Johnson and Ellington both also have versatility. They can both run and catch the ball, dual threats on the field. Of course Johnson can perform with the kick return unit as well.

Chris Johnson returns from missing the final month and a half of the 2015 season due to a leg injury. He comes back 100 percent healthy though. He could have returned for the Super Bowl had the Cardinals advanced that far last season.

The big question mark will be Ellington. Can he stay healthy enough to consistently provide support? The Cardinals also still have Stepfan Taylor on the roster. He’s been of more value on special teams though.

Next: The Rams might have something to say