Arizona Cardinals acquire glue for broken running game
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals are hoping that the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson will jumpstart their run game
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense needs help. That observation became even more apparent during the club’s blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday. On Tuesday, general manager Steve Keim took a step into the direction of providing some.
Granted, the Cardinals’ trade for New Orleans Saints’ running back Adrian Peterson shouldn’t send fans running to make Super Bowl arrangements. At 32-years of age, the future Hall of Famer’s best days are certainly behind him. But still, Cards’ management feels that the 2017 version of Peterson has something left to give.
Starting back David Johnson’s wrist surgery has left Arizona’s running game looking for an answer. Chris Johnson averaged a dismal 2.5 yards per carry and has been released (again) to make room for Peterson. Kerwynn Williams’ 1.7 yards per carry is even worse than CJ2K’s was, but he has a role as the team’s kick returner.
The injury-riddled offensive line has contributed heavily to the running attack’s ineffectiveness. Left guard Mike Iupati, the group’s best run-blocker, was lost for the season with a bum tricep. Left tackle D.J Humphries, who’s solid in the run game, has been absent since week one with knee trouble.
How can Peterson help such a dire situation? For one thing, the former Minnesota Viking will arrive to the Valley in freakishly good shape. He’s extremely gifted athletically, and may still be capable of performing at the level of a much-younger player.
Peterson also brings size and strength to a Cardinals’ backfield that, aside from the inexperienced Elijhaa Penny, has had neither. His 6’1″, 220 pound frame could possibly be capable of breaking a tackle or two. A trait that can come in handy considering the below-average blocking the offensive line has been providing.
If Peterson can improve the ground game even a little bit, quarterback Carson Palmer and the passing attack will benefit. Having to account for a runner who’s having success can take some sizzle out of the pass rush of opposing defenses. That factor alone can go a long way towards making the Cardinals’ offense viable again.
There are aspects of the Peterson deal that appear good on paper. Now, if it could only translate to the playing field.