What running back TJ Logan brings might benefit the Arizona Cardinals running game greatly
David Johnson is on the short list of the best running backs in the NFL. Last season, he made himself an MVP candidate, rushing for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 879 yards receiving and four touchdowns. His combined 2,118 yardage and his 20 total touchdowns both led the league.
There’s a footnote to Johnson’s season, though. Those numbers came at a price. His 293 carries was third in the NFL, and his 373 total touches was tops. His touch total was nearly 20 more than the next closest player.
The life of a professional running back isn’t long. They’re subjected to more violence per game, than perhaps any other position, and it takes its toll. In a league where running back by committee is becoming the norm, Johnson is carrying the load.
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One issue has been the players behind him. In 2016, injury and ineffectiveness left the Cardinals with no viable option behind Johnson. Chris Johnson was supposed to be the main backup, but missed most of the year with an injury. He’s a free agent now.
The Cardinals went into the 2017 NFL Draft looking to address the running back position. They waited until round six, where they selected TJ Logan, formerly of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Playing as a change-of-pace back to Elijah Hood, Logan recorded some intriguing numbers. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry for his college career, and had 23 total touchdowns in his career, despite not being the starter. That’s exactly what the Cardinals were looking for when they drafted him.
Johnson is a big, strong back who can dominate a game. A player like Logan, who stretches the field with his speed and homerun ability is a good complement. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, as well, which fits in with what the Cardinals like to do on offense. He won’t break many tackles, but he can take any play the distance.
Next: Final Look at the Cardinals Draft
The Cardinals, and Davis Johnson, missed Chris Johnson last year. They needed the speed threat in the backfield, and need someone to reliably spell their starter going forward. It’s too soon to tell just how good TJ Logan will be, but he’s promising. If all goes well, he could make an already strong offense even better.