Arizona Cardinals: 5 who need improvement now
By Scott Allen
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.