Arizona Cardinals: 3 Takeaways from Week 1 vs Lions
By Tyler Olson
2. No options behind David Johnson
The biggest worry of the day comes from the running back position. David Johnson, now in his third NFL season, had arguably his worst game as a professional. His second touch of the game came by way of the passing game, fumbling on his first reception of the season. He ended the day with another fumble and injured his wrist in the process.
Johnson never returned to the game after a fourth quarter fumble ending the day with just 23 yards on 11 carries and six receptions for 68 yards. Once he went down in came Kerwynn Williams managing just 10 yards on five carries.
The status of Johnson’s wrist injury is huge. The success of Arizona’s offense in 2017 is dependent on what Johnson can do. If he’s out for any amount of time it’s Williams, Elijhaa Penny and Andre Ellington in line to take over.
Yikes.
1. One year too late?
Possibly the biggest story coming into this season is the status of veterans Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald. Palmer (37) and Fitzgerald (34) came back for another season in hopes of winning another Super Bowl. Without jumping to too big of a conclusion, the outlook on that happening after today’s contest looks cloudy. In large part to them.
Palmer looked uneasy all day throwing three interceptions on 48 passes. His lone touchdown came in garbage time with the Cardinals down 17-35. Fitzgerald led the way with six catches and 74 yards but he dropped passes and looked slow throughout.
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Week 2
If Johnson is out for an extended period of time it’ll be on Palmer to carry the offense this season much like he had to do today. That’d be a recipe for disaster as the two vets fight for — possibly — their final shot at a Lombardi Trophy.