David Johnson key to Arizona Cardinals success in 2018

With a new regime in place the Arizona Cardinals are going to rely more on the run starting in 2018

There will still be plenty of passing in the desert this season with as much attention as the quarterback position is getting from the Arizona Cardinals.  However the running game will be the bread and butter of the offense in 2018.

Last season the Cardinals started off slowly with their running game thanks to a season-ending injury to running back David Johnson in the first game of the season at the Detroit Lions.  His loss was felt in both the running and passing game.

However now the running game would seem to be the focus of new head coach Steve Wilks.  That will all start and end with David Johnson.

Sure there will be others sprinkled in between but make no mistake this offense is going to try to build around Johnson going forward.  Let’s just hope his season lasts more than two quarters this year.

On Thursday, Johnson tweeted a photo of himself working out.  He proclaimed his wrist to be healthy and feeling great.

Of course the value of Johnson can never be overstated.  Not only are the Cardinals going to rely on his legs but his hands as well.  Let’s not forget about his 80 receptions in 2016.

He may not end up being the 30-touch workhorse the Cardinals once planned him to be but getting him the ball 20-25 times a game is going to be key.  Right now other than Johnson, the Cardinals have five other backs on the roster.

Whether any of those five are on the roster when they go to camp or on the roster when they break camp remains to be seen.  There is still a lot of roster movement left to be done.

Next: Grading Arizona Cardinals free agency so far

Johnson is the one sure thing.  It was great to see him working out and showing off the strength of his wrist.  If there was ever any doubt he was on track, that should put it to rest.