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Andy Isabella is preparing to dazzle the Arizona Cardinals

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Andy Isabella #89 of the Arizona Cardinals runs through the tackle of defensive back Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers on an 88-yard touchdown catch and run during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Andy Isabella #89 of the Arizona Cardinals runs through the tackle of defensive back Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers on an 88-yard touchdown catch and run during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on October 31, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andy Isabella is aiming to secure a more significant role in the club’s “Air Raid” offense

It’s been roughly a year since the Arizona Cardinals added someone they believed would be a vital component for their “Air Raid” offense. Andy Isabella, a wide receiver who was obtained during the 2019 NFL Draft, appeared to be an excellent fit for Kliff Kingsbury‘s newly-implemented system. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned last fall for the Cards and their second-round draft choice.

For reasons that were never properly explained, Isabella was used in an extremely limited way last season by Kingsbury and his offensive staff. In fact, the wideout’s lack of production may have been one of Arizona’s biggest disappointments of ’19. When all was said and done, a whopping 10 of the team’s offensive weapons hauled in more passes than the highly-touted Isabella.

In 15 appearances (one start) for the Cardinals, Isabella caught just nine passes and one touchdown for the squad. However, the speedster did amass an impressive 189 yards on the nine catches he was credited with. Isabella averaged an outstanding 21 yards per reception, which was a clear indication of the game-breaking ability he possesses.

Isabella’s well-publicized penchant for stretching defenses was on full display during a week nine matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. With time running out in the fourth quarter, the 5’9, 188 pounder took a Kyler Murray throw and raced 88 yards for an Arizona score. The Cards ultimately lost the game, but the exciting play showed the league what the speedy Isabella was capable of at any given moment.

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Quite surprisingly, Isabella recorded just three more catches in ’19 following his nationally-televised race to paydirt. Why the former University of Massachusetts product was so utterly underutilized by the franchise that drafted him is still a mystery. One thing is for certain, Kingsbury needs to make a concerted effort to get the talented Isabella more involved in the Cardinals gameplans going forward.

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