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Arizona Cardinals: Running backs need offensive line help

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 19: Chris Johnson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball as Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears attempts to make a tackle from behind during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Bears won 24-23. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 19: Chris Johnson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball as Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears attempts to make a tackle from behind during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Bears won 24-23. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals struggled to run the ball against the Chicago Bears which raises some red flags

When your team is carrying the ball 19 times for a net 40-yards, something is wrong.  The Arizona Cardinals did just that on Saturday night against the Chicago Bears.

After looking decent against the Oakland Raiders, it was almost as if the Cardinals running backs and offensive line took a step back on Saturday.  They have three weeks to straighten it out.

You aren’t going to win many games in the NFL with a 2.1-yard-per-carry average.  Sometimes you might be able to get away with it if the passing game is strong enough, like it was to just come up shy against the Bears.

On a consistent basis however, that is not a winning formula in the NFL.  Saturday night’s poor performance can be shared equally between the running backs and offensive line.

We look at David Johnson’s performance much.  He got his three carries and after it was determined he wasn’t going to get much, no need to put him in any further danger of injury.

The leading rusher was Andre Ellington.  Five carries for 11-yards was it for him.  He couldn’t find holes and couldn’t break tackles.  He still appears to be as fragile as ever.

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Chris Johnson also looked a step slower against the Bears.  He needs to perform better as well. he had four carries for eight-yards.

The offensive line couldn’t block either.  Guard Mike Iupati is not the same player he was when he came over a couple of seasons ago.  Whether that has to do with age or health, who knows?

It could be a combination of both.  For D.J. Humphries, it is just health.  He’s young.  He also just saw his first extended action of the preseason.

The performance though should come without excuse.  Humphries, in a post-game interview, even said he got beat and needs to be better.

The Cardinals have a deep roster at running back.  However they can only go so far as age and health take them.  The offensive line can help them, or can they?  We shall see.

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