Arizona Cardinals Top Five Position Battles
Battle for Running Back: Andre Ellington versus David Johnson
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back David Johnson of Northern Iowa (7) carries the ball against the North squad in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Averaging only 81.8 yards per game on the ground last season, the Cardinals had statistically the second-worst run game in the entire NFL. The offensive line struggled to open up holes in the run game, but the addition of Iupati will certainly help them in that department. With the improvements expected up front, the Cardinals’ running backs simply must be able to take the next step.
Andre Ellington is the incumbent starter, and is likely the favorite to re-gain his job this season. That being said, Ellington’s 3.3 yards per carry average from last season simply did not get the job done. He must improve his effectiveness if he is going to hold on to his job.
To be fair, Ellington did struggle with a foot injury throughout 2014. It clearly effected his play, and even forced him to be shut-down after 12 games. Ellington’s lack of size (5-foot-10, 199 pounds) has always made durability a concern, and unfortunately that held true in his first opportunity to be the lead back in the NFL.
The Cardinals selected David Johnson in the third round of the 2015 draft, and he will be brought in to compete for carries with Ellington. Johnson is a much bigger back (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) who showed the ability to take a large load of carries (albeit mostly against inferior competition) in college. While he lacks the elusiveness of a guy like Ellington, Johnson is a very fast and athletic player who hits the hole hard.
Johnson does not have great pure power for a back of his size, but he always keeps his legs moving gaining extra yardage on contact. The most impressive skill in Johnson’s arsenal is his ability to receive out of the backfield.
Not only does he have consistent hands, his route running ability is great for any running back, let alone one who is just entering the league. Johnson has serious upside as a receiver out of the backfield, showing the ability to run complex routes that are rarely asked from out of a running back.
Ellington was very productive showing incredible explosiveness and the ability to make guys miss as a rookie in 2013. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry that season, Ellington looked primed to take-off when given more opportunity. That however, did not happen. Whether it had more to do with his inability to carry a full load, or simply being injured is the big question.
Johnson and Ellington actually compliment each other very well on paper, so some sort of running back by committee approach is to be expected. That being said, both players have big-time talent and upside, and either could impressive enough to take a big upper hand on the job.
Ellington is the favorite to see the most carries, but do not be surprised if Johnson impresses enough to take over the larger share of the role. Regardless, the Cardinals seem to be in good shape at the position.
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