Arizona Cardinals: David Johnson needs a big game in Week 4
By Larry Brake
The Arizona Cardinals need to get the ball to David Johnson against the porous Seattle Seahawks run defense.
On Sunday afternoon in Week 4, the Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks in another NFC West divisional game. The winless Cardinals made the change from Sam Bradford to Josh Rosen at quarterback. Honestly, David Johnson needs to have a big game in Week 4.
Through the first three games, Johnson has touched the ball 44 times. He has carried the ball 34 times for 116 yards with one touchdown. Johnson also has 10 receptions for 63 yards with one touchdown.
Rushing the football gives the Cardinals the best chance to win the game. Johnson is one of the better running backs in the NFL. Mike McCoy must scheme the Cardinals rushing attack to get Johnson on track.
Seattle’s rush defense is giving up an average of 132.7 yards per game. The Seahawks pass defense is good. Perhaps Arizona must take the run first approach.
Since Rosen will be starting his first NFL game, McCoy should find a way to take pressure away from him. Whether through screen plays or quick passing, the game plan should protect Rosen. Giving the ball to Johnson is the best option especially out on the edge.
Seattle is going to try to rattle Rosen into making mistakes. Expect the Cardinals to be in maximum protection on passing downs, for the most part. Remember, Rosen is the future of this franchise.
Sunday’s game will be another tough fought game. The battle is won in the trenches. Arizona must control and dominate the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals have not fared well in the trenches through three games.
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The key to the running games is creating holes for Johnson. Football Outsiders ranks the Seahawks defensive line at 23rd due to allowing 4.79 yards per rush to running backs. However, they have recorded eight sacks.
Arizona has the chance to win their first game. They will have to control the ball and the clock to be successful. Pounding the ball gives them the best opportunity succeed.