Arizona Cardinals offense changing its identity

While they still profess to be an aerial attack offense it’s the ground game that’s carrying the Arizona Cardinals this season

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians loves his “chunk” plays. Missing so far this season are those long ball shots downfield that regularly attacked opposing defenses.

The Cardinals personnel is the same. Carson Palmer is still the quarterback. Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, J.J. Nelson and Jaron Brown are still available to receive the air mail.

Maybe it’s because defensive coordinators are making it a point to keep their defensive backs deep. Thus, the Cards are forced to efficiently move the ball downfield with shorter passes. No more short cuts to the end zone.

Thank goodness someone in the organization recommended that David Johnson be taken in last year’s draft. Thank goodness the Detroit Lions thwarted the Cards’ plan to draft Ameer Abdullah instead of Johnson. Even though it’s early in their careers, it’s pretty apparent that Johnson was a much better choice.

Johnson is currently carrying the Arizona offense on his strong back. While Fitzgerald is the poster boy, Johnson is without a doubt their focal point. He’s already accounted for 833 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in just six games.

It appears we are witnessing a decline in Palmer’s play. Recent signs point to him becoming more of a game-manager than the dynamic passer we expect. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

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The Cardinals for years yearned to be a successful running team. They’ve finally become one. A big reason for that of course is Johnson, but their offensive lineman are extremely effective run-blockers also.

Two of the NFL’s best at creating holes for running backs, Mike Iupati and Evan Mathis, reside in the desert. Despite both missing time with injuries, the ground game hasn’t missed a beat.

Rookie John Wetzel has filled in admirably but Earl Watford has been especially impressive. Their handling of a very potent New York Jets defensive line was enough to make any offensive line coach proud. With Mathis contemplating retirement, re-signing free agent-to-be Watford could become a priority for the front office.

An offense that can run the ball combined with a defense that can stop it is a recipe for success. Change is not always a bad thing Cards fans. Sure, we might miss the long “bombs” that gave us such a thrill.

But this offensive system can be just what the doctor ordered. It’s a prescription that has a good chance to take the Arizona Cardinals all the way to the Super Bowl.