Arizona Cardinals can’t rely on one aspect of offensive game
By Scott Allen
It should come as little shock the Arizona Cardinals will win only with a balanced attack in 2018
The Arizona Cardinals for the past five years have had some success running the ball. You can thank running back David Johnson for that along with a cast of others helping.
However over that time frame, the Cardinals have been known more as a pass first, pass second offense. That should and will change with the new offense being built by offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.
Both the run game and the passing game are going to need to compliment each other. Last season the Cardinals went away from the run game too much or ignored it all together.
Sure, some of that could be attributed to the loss of Johnson for the season. However it seemed they gave up on even the option of running.
That’s not to say they need to abandon the pass this season. Far from it. In fact it may be more important than ever.
The old saying was the run sets up the pass. Well, with the pass setting up the pass last year, that must change.
Johnson will get his touches. However with the addition of the fullbacks and rookie Chase Edmonds behind him at running back, the Cardinals need to spread the wealth.
Problem is relying on one guy can get said player hurt or overworked. Johnson can also help big time in the passing game though.
Johnson should be quarterback Sam Bradford’s best friend by the end of training camp. The short passing game should be alive and well.
The home run balls though will be few and far between. The Cardinals receiving core will have a bit of a different look.
They still need to feed Larry Fitzgerald in the slot but they can’t forget utilizing the others either. Wilks will be run first but the pass game can’t be ignored as often as the run game was by Bruce Arians at times.
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This offense certainly has the tools to excel in both offensive phases. That’s what offseason workouts and training camp is for, right?