Arizona Cardinals: Chase Edmonds Could Be A Vital Piece For This Upcoming Season
By Jonah Hovis
Chase Edmonds could be in the position to see the field more this season as well as perform at a higher level.
With David Johnson going down last season the Arizona Cardinals had to improvise and throw a bunch of different guys into the running back rotation. Chase Edmonds was one of those guys who helped fill that whole at running back. Although David Johnson is fully healthy and ready to go this season you still will see this young running back on the field.
The NFL is a copy cat league, for a while, it was super pass oriented and mostly only one running back usage schemes and offenses. Things have changed even with passing numbers being higher than they ever have teams have been using two running back systems more and more to not put too much mileage on these guys going later in the year. Edmonds could be that second option for the Cardinals running game with great elusiveness and catching abilities.
In last years NFC Conference Championship we saw two teams with two-headed monster backfields showed success in league play and the playoffs. Kamara and Ingram down in New Orleans were a problem for defenses across the league showing a combination of speed and power. Todd Gurley is a one-man wrecking ball in LA, but some injuries at the end of the season allowed seasoned veteran C.J. Anderson to rumble around in the backfield making a good one-two option in the running game later in their playoff run.
Now comparing Edmonds to the players already mentioned is not the point that is trying to be made because he still has a lot of work to do, although the scheme is definitely possible. With a new offense being placed this year with Kingsbury, Edmonds and Johnson can see a lot of looks in different ways. David Johnson is one of the best all-around backs in the league with his versatility and Edmonds shifty speed and craftiness they could turn some heads this year as a combo.
With Johnson running through holes and usage in the passing game helps spread the defensive out and allows for the Cardinals to not be one dimensional on offense. Edmonds has the speed to be used in outside run plays to try to get downfield and make plays. Both obtain good hands and route running abilities to help in both aspects just adding to the fire of this versatile duo.
Edmonds has some work and needs to gain more experience this year, but coming off a year of getting some production he could be a great complimentary piece for David Johnson and Kyler Murray. Chase Edmonds has the skills that are needed to be a good second option in the running game and also a potential playmaker next year for a young Cardinals team.