There is hope once again to get Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson back over 1,000-yards rushing in 2019
The Arizona Cardinals were dead last in 2018 in team rushing. They were last or near it in almost every offensive category. However it was a bit surprising given how good David Johnson can be.
He is back to try at it again in 2019 and hopefully gets some help not only from his backups but from his offensive line as well. The help upfront could go a long way in how well the running backs perform this season.
Starter
Going into his fifth season in the NFL, Johnson will again be the starter for the Cardinals offense in the backfield. He is still looking to duplicate the success he had in 2015 and 2016.
We know how much 2017 was a lost cause with the broken wrist. In 2018, he was supposed to be back but instead his numbers were lower than many expected them to be.
There were times he was taken out in crucial situations and instead replaced with the rookie Chase Edmonds. We can’t say with any certainty that won’t happen again with now another new offense in place, but the Cardinals must be able to rely on Johnson when it is crunch time.
It could also be interesting to see how much the Cardinals decide to use Johnson as a receiver. Could there be times where he lines up as a receiver and then they use another back in the same formation?
With only 1342-yards rushing last season, 940 of them from Johnson, it won’t be all pass from Kingsbury’s offense. He has even said as much.