Solving the Arizona Cardinals Running Game: Chicken or the Egg Theory
by Hawkwind on Mar 25, 2009 12:06 PM MDT
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PrintThe prolific, high flying offense of the Arizona Cardinals consisted mostly of Kurt Warner throwing lasers all over the field, and the ground game staggering out a couple of yards at a time. By season's end, the Cardinals had the #2 rated passing offense and the #32 rated rushing attack. In the playoffs, the running game had some success but their production was a bit of a mirage, because they were actually less efficient. During the regular season they ran the ball 21.2 times per game for an average of 3.5 yards per carry, but in the playoffs they rededicated themselves to the running game and ran the ball 28 times per game, for an average of 3.3 yards per game. So even though they averaged nearly 20 rushing yards per game more during the post season, they weren't exactly successful when trying to move the ball on the ground. So the next question, as we look towards the draft, is how do they fix or at least improve the running game?
As with many great debates, fixing a running game is a bit of a "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" discussion. What I mean by that is, which position group is more responsible for a productive running game, the offensive line or the running 
backs? If you've been a Cardinals' fan for any length of time, your very familiar with this argument because it's directly related to the 2007 draft, when the Cardinals entered draft day with needs at offensive tackle and running back. When their fifth overall pick came on the clock, they had to make a decision that's divided fans ever since: Levi Brown or Adrian Peterson. The rest as they say is history. Adrian Peterson, in two seasons, has been voted to two Pro Bowls, two All-Pro teams and holds NFL records for most rushing yards in the first eight games of a career, most 200 yard rushing games as rookie and most rushing yards in a single game. Levi Brown on the other hand has started 27 games for the Cardinals at right tackle but hasn't been anywhere near Pro Bowl level or dominating.
One would argue that Peterson's accomplishments with the Vikings are a result of his arguably league-best offensive line, as well as his out-of-this-world physical ability. The Cardinals could face the same dilemna this April. When they step up to the podium there will most likely be at least one franchise back on the board (whether it's Moreno, Wells, McCoy or Brown), and a physically imposing center capable of improving the offense line from the inside out (Mack). So I ask you who came first, the chicken or egg, offensive line or running back?
It's time to find a back that can make everyone fly high: In the past two seasons since Ken Whisenhunt took over as the Cardinals head coach, the franchise has drafted Levi Brown with a top five pick, and signed free agents Mike Gandy and Al Johnson. They also picked up undrafted free agent Lyle Sendlein meaning that three out of the five offensive line starters are 'Whiz guys.' Adding to that is the youth of the offensive line with three starters 25 or younger, and they've got some up and coming younger guys on the depth chart. Overall the offensive line is headed in the right direction and it has the youth to get better with time. The running back position on the other hand, has only been addressed by the fifth round pick Tim Hightower, who had a promising rookie season but still has question marks about his ability to be franchise back. Outside of Hightower is a veteran with one foot out the door and a unheralded free agent signing in Jason Wright. It's time to pick up a back with the ability and potential to be a front-line starter for the next decade.
Build the garage before you buy the sports car: Even the greatest back in the world can look mediocre behind a pourous offensive line. The offensive line is headed in the right direction, but they still need better quality players. Tim Hightower showed promise last year and he was a fifth round pick who will improve in his second season. There are backs every single season who come out of the middle rounds that have productive careers. Keep building a front wall that will open holes and keep Warner upright and the Cardinals offense will continue to flourish.
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The Cardinals could face a similar decision in a month when they take the podium as they did two seasons ago, running back or offensive lineman. Which choice would you make?
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I don't think it is the Center we should be worried about!
We need O-line help but not at Center more like left Tackle. We need to go after the most complete back in the draft available. We don’t run the ball as much as it is and we need a guy who can make his carries count. If one of those Centers is still on the board come our 2nd pick, or we trade up for more first or early 2nd round picks, I would say go after both.
I still think that OLB is our first priority in the draft because we need all the depth we can get. One injury to our starters (who out of the group have been the ones most often on the IR) and we all of a sudden have no #2 guys anymore.
Who would win in a fight, Whisenhunt or a Hurricane?
Hold on, hold on, what if the Hurricanes name was Whisenhunt?
Daaaaaaaaaa Cards, Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards Da Cards!!!
I agree OLB is the highest priority, but I won't downplay that they have a need at center too
by AJ BirdWatcher on Mar 25, 2009 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions
+1 Focus on pass rush in the first round
I know that there is a lot of need for a better run blocking OL and a quality back to do something with it, but if we’re not putting pressure on opposing QB’s they’re going to pick the back field apart.
This is almost a trick poll question
The quickest way to fix the ground game or the correct way to fix the ground game?
It’s obviously quicker and easier to draft a better back than to overhaul the offensive line. But which one of the two is going to produce better results for both the longer term? I say OL
Agreed
But not only that, I think the Cardinals are in a position where they have to take a good back. Edge doesn’t want to play for Arizona anymore, and Hightower isn’t an every down back. I think the Cardinals have to take a back, even though I would generally say that the line is the better choice.
good point
Need somebody in the draft that can at least split carries with HT if not start. 1-2 lineman would be a good idea as well.
by AJ BirdWatcher on Mar 25, 2009 4:19 PM MDT up reply actions
Draft
Depending on who is available at the 31st pick in draft is who the Cardinals should draft. It also depends on how much depth that the Cardinals perceive is in the draft at the positions they are looking at. All I know is that Cardinals are headed in the right direction and I trust whatever decision they make because we can all sit here and say who we think they should draft, but they know who will fit in their system and will make the best decision.
Draft a better RB,
then let Edge go on his merry way.
We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan
O-line first
The Cardinals can get immediate help up front and pick up a good running back in the third round or fourth round.Someone like Andre Brown,or Glenn Coffee or maybe even Javon Ringer should still be avaiable in those rounds.I personally like Frank Summers from Las Vegas( fifth or six rounder),he is going to be a sleeper pick that makes it in the next level and I hope its with the Cardinals.
O-Line First
Article mentions Levi Brown and Adrian Peterson…which player made it to the SB? Brown not AP.
Peterson has the best O-Line in the league, made the Pro Bowl, but didn’t make it through the Playoffs.
O-linesmen also have much longer careers than RB on average.
Did the Cards lose the SB b/c of a running game? Nope, it was the Defense.
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