What the Arizona Cardinals must do to contend in NFC West

Develop a back-by-committee approach

Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds were at their best when used as a tandem. However, it’s unclear whether the Cardinals will bring back their intended featured back. And his subpar performance in 2020 didn’t help matters. He wasn’t bad, but his performance shouldn’t land him a long-term contract.

Either way, the Cardinals were at their best not only when defenses had to account for fresh legs from Drake and Edmonds; but when they also had to worry about Kyler Murray running all over them. The Cardinals’ running game, with all three of the aforementioned players complementing one another, was one of the best in the NFL.

The Cardinals need to augment this in 2021. Sure, they could bring back Drake. But coupling his subpar performance with a solid class of running backs in the 2021 free-agent class, they can use an upgrade.

Chase Edmonds, who looked like a queen on a chessboard in 2020 when he wasn’t called upon to carry the load by himself, should return. Edmonds can either lead the unit or complement another back. But we also can’t forget about Eno Benjamin or Jonathan Ward. They too can make The Leap in 2021 and become a part of the Cardinals’ backfield.

Also, if they build on the running game, it will also open things up in the passing game. The Cardinals have one of the league’s best in DeAndre Hopkins. And they can always bring in a few more pass-catchers to build one of the NFL’s hottest offenses. But given what clicked in 2020, it will start with the running game.