Arizona Cardinals set at running back for near future
By Scott Allen
There are uncertainties in the coaching ranks and at several positions for the 2018 Arizona Cardinals but running back is not one
We know who the players will be, we just don’t know how they will be utilized when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals and their running backs come the 2018 season. We know this for sure, David Johnson will be back.
After missing all but one half of the entire regular season in 2017, Johnson will be back as the number one back for the Cardinals. Who will be number two?
That will likely be either Kerwynn Williams or Adrian Peterson. Williams only makes more sense because Peterson won’t want to be a backup. That was his issue in New Orleans.
Elijhaa Penny will also be in the mix. The Cardinals could find another guy in the draft or as a free agent but they would be backups only.
Whoever the head coach ends up being, they need to continue to utilize Johnson to his strengths. He needs to be versatile and be both a part of the running game and the passing game. Hopefully the new coach will recognize that.
Now, how much will the new coach allow the ball to be fed to Johnson? That could be interesting. Bruce Arians always wanted to make sure Johnson got the ball 25-30 times a game.
The new coach may not want Johnson to be quite the workhorse. The problem comes when the opponent knows who will get the ball on every play, then you become predictable.
There also could be a future for D.J. Foster if Peterson leaves. Only time will tell with him though as to whether the Cardinals are interested in retaining him. Don’t be surprised if he gets through camp and comes down to a bubble decision.
Next: Arizona Cardinals 2018 schedule full of intrigue
The good news is the Cardinals should be in good hands at running back as long as everyone gets healthy and stays healthy. That’s a big if these days with the Cardinals.