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Arizona Cardinals: 3 impact players vs. Patriots

By Scott Allen

Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks over the line before the snap during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks over the line before the snap during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

David Johnson

The Cardinals were not very successful at many things in the preseason.  One of the things that was a positive however was the running game.

Starting running back David Johnson has a lot of expectations placed on him.  His ability to run with the ball and catch the ball as a receiver puts him a cut above most the rest of the backs in the league.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick likes what he sees in Johnson.  However he doesn’t see him as talented as former running back Marshall Faulk.  At this point he doesn’t need to be.

What the Cardinals need is a steady dose of Johnson out of the backfield to help create a balance that will open up the passing game. The Patriots defense is no pushover though.

If Johnson is going to carry the ball for over 100 yards, he will have earned every yard.  I would look for the Cardinals to use him extensively in both the running and passing game.

Next: Facing former teammates

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