Revenge of the Birds
There is no doubt that the Arizona Cardinals are having problems on offense. It has been documented that their running game just isn’t getting it done, which has become front and center.
Simply put: the Cardinals cannot run the football.
RELATED: CARDINALS RUN GAME CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE
After three games, Arizona is ranked #16 in total rushing yards (334), #17 in rushing attempts (77), #17 in yards per carry average (4.3), tied for #22 in rushing touchdowns (1), and #19 in rushes to convert a first down (17). They are tied for second in rushing plays of 20+ yards (3).
This offense is predicated on a successful running attack. That is why there are two and even three tight ends on the field for a large majority of plays to help out with blocking.
But the Cardinals’ rushing scheme is not getting it done. Why?
The offensive line isn’t getting it done. Period. Specifically, both offensive guard spots: RG Isaiah Adams (6’-4”, 315 pounds) and LG Evan Brown (6’-3”, 320 pounds).
Through three games, Brown has a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 55.3, while Adams’ PFF grade is worse at 41.2. That is concerning. Adams’ run blocking grade is a paltry 38.1 and is ranked #91 out of 95 players who play his position. He has committed three penalties, but has allowed zero sacks, which appears to be his lone shining star.
And now that starting RB James Conner has found a new home on IR after damaging his ankle in the San Francisco loss this past weekend, raise your hand if you believe that the running game will suddenly become better?
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort may decide to bring in another running back as the starter or to become the new backup to RB Trey Benson. That is a different matter.
For now, what is the solution for both guard spots? Injured Will Hernandez’s return will certainly take care of supplanting Adams, which would bring the issue to just one player. Could offensive line coach Justin Frye or Assistant O-Line coach Chris Cook provide more time with Brown to work on his weaknesses? After all, he is just a second-year player.
Hernandez suffered an ACL tear in his left knee in Week 5 of the 2024 season. He started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and the team moved him to the active roster before the regular season began. This indicated that his return was sooner rather than later, with no reported setbacks. But so far, his return has no confirmed date.
And even if Hernandez is ruled cleared to be ready to play in live games, he would need time to catch up and get healthy after the major injury. The franchise has not placed Hernandez on IR so far this year, which means he is available at any time. The major question is, when will he return?
Recently on the Arizona Sports podcast “Wolf & Luke,” Ossenfort stated this about...
