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Arizona Cardinals: 5 who need improvement now

By Scott Allen

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (right) is pursued by Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (right) is pursued by Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) returns a kickoff during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) returns a kickoff during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Andre Ellington

While Andre Ellington sits behind David Johnson and Chris Johnson on the depth chart at running back, that leaves few reps for former starting running back Ellington. His talent is needed, so where to put him?

The Cardinals put him as kick returner.  That action didn’t work out so well on Sunday.  He had four returns for a total of just 61 yards, a 15.3-yard-per-return average.  That doesn’t get the team to the 25-yard line, the new starting point after a touchback.

Ellington could use a few blocks on special teams but when he’s not getting them, he needs to be sure he is getting his team to the 25-yard line or further.  Field position right now is going to be a huge factor for the Cardinals.

Ellington sure isn’t getting the carries he is used to getting.  In fact he didn’t register a single rush on Sunday night.  This is where Ellington is going to earn his paycheck.

Next: We have a tie-breaker

While I think the Cardinals would be hard-pressed to find another talent that can replace Ellington right now, his performance sure could put him on the bench for the time being.  He’ll get a couple more shots at this.

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