Johnson not to blame for Arizona Cardinals loss

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson didn’t have the day he expected to have

A leader steps up and takes responsibility.  Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson did that on Sunday after the Cardinals 24-6 loss to the Washington Redskins.

He told arizonasports.com that he had mental errors and played bad.  Ok, maybe he missed a catch here and there, but he was nowhere near to blame for this one.

Johnson carried the ball only nine times for 37-yards and caught five passes for another 30-yards.  He had one touchdown on the day, coming midway through the fourth quarter.

Johnson coming out and taking the blame, whether right or wrong, should be commended for his leadership in that situation.  However it is far from truth.  Head coach Steve Wilks also took blame for the loss, saying it starts with him.

There are a lot of people and things you can blame for the loss.  This one is on the complete team though.  The offense couldn’t move the ball, therefore the defense spent a lot of time on the field.

The defense couldn’t stop the run at any point in the afternoon.  The special teams seemed to be alright, but if that’s the only bright spot we’ll see this season, it will be a long one.

Johnson didn’t play defense.  He wasn’t quarterbacking.  He didn’t miss tackles or allow Redskins offensive weapons run free.  He only got the call nine times to carry the ball.

His dropped passes wouldn’t have made a huge difference had he made those catches.  Quite simply it was just a mess from top to bottom on Sunday.

Johnson does need to be fed the ball more.  That much is certain.  The offensive line needs to block better, Bradford needs to give him better passes to handle.

No one was good on offense on Sunday, although a case could be made for receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  Johnson will be alright and he doesn’t have to take blame just because he got paid on Saturday.  I couldn’t be happier he is on our side.