Arizona Cardinals may employ dynamic backfield in 2018
By Jim Koch
The Arizona Cardinals could deploy one of the most lethal rushing attacks in the history of the NFL when 2018 rolls around
The Arizona Cardinals have a very intriguing scenario staring at them for 2018. The thought of a running game consisting of a one-two punch made in heaven is a distinct possibility. The question is, could they even make it work?
As it stands now, both David Johnson and Adrian Peterson are both under contract to play for the Cardinals in 2018. The thought of the two of them on the field at the same time is enough to make defensive coordinators around the league shake with fear. It’s possibly enough to make offensive play-caller Bruce Arians put off any retirement plans that may be swirling around in his head.
What isn’t known at this time is whether or not two runners who thrive off being workhorses could exist together. Johnson’s excellent receiving skills make it extremely hard to ever remove him from a game. The third-year stud is a legitimate candidate to tally1000 yards rushing and1000 yards receiving in the same campaign.
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The 25-year old Johnson came mighty close to doing just that last year. He achieved the rushing portion of it (1,239 yards), but came up short with the receiving yards (879). Having Peterson around would almost certainly put that career achievement out of reach, at least temporarily.
Peterson’s demand for the rock has been well-documented. His complaining to Saints’ head coach Sean Payton about his lack of use is what punched his ticket out of New Orleans. Would the seven-time Pro Bowler suddenly be content to share the load in the desert?
Any chance of the duo playing together this season seems to be evaporating. Johnson doesn’t seem to be recovering from his week-one wrist injury as quickly as expected. Recent comments by Arians and general manager Steve Keim seem to indicate that the Cards’ 2015 third-round draft pick will be shut down for the remainder of 2017.
No matter who Arizona’s quarterback is next year, having that dynamic duo on the field with him will make his job easier. But as mentioned, there are obstacles. However, if the Cardinals can find a way to utilize both Johnson and Peterson in ’18, their fans could be in for a real treat.