Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals: Meet the 2019 running backs

By Scott Allen

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals hands the ball off to David Johnson #31 in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals hands the ball off to David Johnson #31 in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football during the NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football during the NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Arizona Cardinals have decided to keep three running backs on their 2019 roster

David Johnson

Johnson is the Cardinals starting running back for the fourth consecutive season.  However this is now his third back from a broken hand suffered in the season opener in 2017 against the same Detroit Lions he will face in the opener in 2019.

Johnson’s numbers weren’t what many were expecting in 2018.  He still managed 940-yards rushing with seven rushing touchdowns.  He had 50 receptions for 446-yards and three touchdowns.

This season Cardinals fans want to see more.  They are looking for him to get closer to his 2016 numbers when he was an MVP candidate.  If he can go over 1,000-yards rushing and 70-80 receptions, he will have had a very good season.

Fantasy value: The target numbers listed above should tell you Johnson is still considered a high fantasy value.  He may not be the number one pick in your drafts like he was previously, but he is still a top 10 running back in the NFL.

His versatility is what brings him the most value, especially in a point per reception league.  He should have more opportunities to catch the ball than may running backs in the league.

Home/Cardinals News