J.J. Arrington to be 3rd down back? (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

In the latest issue of The Sporting News, they have this to add about the RB situation in Arizona.

"Though RB Edgerrin James is better at both receiving and pass blocking than J.J. Arrington, the Cardinals plan to use Arrington often as a pass-catching third-down back, Arrington struggled as a rookie in 2005 and needs a chance to develop a better feel for the game."

 

[Weiner Dog]

Edge obviously cannot be the only RB who touches the field for the Cards.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Arrington's blocking will make this untrue.

 

[zamboni]

Edge obviously cannot be the only RB who touches the field for the Cards.

Agreed, although I don't see Arrington being the full-fledged 3rd down guy. Maybe on long drives when Edge needs a breather, but that's probably about it.

 

[CalBear]

Denny Green has never relied on a single workhorse back; a single back has gotten 250+ carries only twice in his coaching career (and none has ever gotten 300+), and almost every year the top pass-catching back has not been the primary running back. So, talent aside, it seems that Green tends to use a rotation, and it's realistic to expect Arrington to be a pass-catching back, given the current players on the roster.

 

[Crimedogg32]

Edge is a good reciever though and is a great pass blocker it would seem foolish to me for them to take him out on third downs

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Edge is one of the best RB blockers in the game right now, there is no way.

 

[purestrength]

Edge is one of the best RB blockers in the game right now, there is no way.

Totally agree. I will not be happy if Arrington sees the field very often, nor will Arizona fans.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Edge obviously cannot be the only RB who touches the field for the Cards.

For what it's worth, during Edge's first two seasons with the Colts other Indianapolis RBs had just 18 carries combined.

 

[Mapmaker]

Ideas and plans for the upcoming season that are layed out in June ... don't necessarily become reality during the regular season

 

[Jon_Moore]

Given James's abilities, this doesn't make alot of sense. Wanting to Bring Arrington along in the offense...eh...

James is what, barely 28?

Should have a few really good years left in him.

I suppose you would want the kid ready in the event of a James injury, but until then, why make the offense less effective?

 

[mcjc4]

Denny Green has never relied on a single workhorse back; a single back has gotten 250+ carries only twice in his coaching career (and none has ever gotten 300+), and almost every year the top pass-catching back has not been the primary running back. So, talent aside, it seems that Green tends to use a rotation, and it's realistic to expect Arrington to be a pass-catching back, given the current players on the roster.

He had exactly how many RB's with Edge like talent hanging around Winter Park each season? Oh and, no Robert Smith's Probowl season does not equal Edge talent.JJ will give Edge a rest when needed, but a healthy and ready Edge does not come out on 3rd and 7 from the Seattle 40.

 

[Tom Servo]

Denny Green has never relied on a single workhorse back; a single back has gotten 250+ carries only twice in his coaching career (and none has ever gotten 300+), and almost every year the top pass-catching back has not been the primary running back.  So, talent aside, it seems that Green tends to use a rotation, and it's realistic to expect Arrington to be a pass-catching back, given the current players on the roster.

He had exactly how many RB's with Edge like talent hanging around Winter Park each season? Oh and, no Robert Smith's Probowl season does not equal Edge talent.JJ will give Edge a rest when needed, but a healthy and ready Edge does not come out on 3rd and 7 from the Seattle 40.

 

[cstu]

Just ask Edge and he'll tell you that he's not a running back, but an every down back.

 

[cstu]

Ideas and plans for the upcoming season that are layed out in June ... don't necessarily become reality during the regular season

The best laid plans of Grimace and men...

 

[Jedeye]

in my best Mike Tyson voice...'erebody got a plan until they git hit"

 

[CalBear]

Denny Green has never relied on a single workhorse back; a single back has gotten 250+ carries only twice in his coaching career (and none has ever gotten 300+), and almost every year the top pass-catching back has not been the primary running back. So, talent aside, it seems that Green tends to use a rotation, and it's realistic to expect Arrington to be a pass-catching back, given the current players on the roster.

He had exactly how many RB's with Edge like talent hanging around Winter Park each season? Oh and, no Robert Smith's Probowl season does not equal Edge talent.JJ will give Edge a rest when needed, but a healthy and ready Edge does not come out on 3rd and 7 from the Seattle 40.

Robert Smith averaged 4.8 yards per carry for his career, significantly higher than Edge, and had two 200+ carry seasons where he averaged over 5 ypc. That's pretty dang impressive; the only back in the league who's managed that feat is Portis. (Edge hasn't done it even once).Terry Allen was no slouch either, catching 49 passes (most by a Green featured back) in 1992. Yet when Allen returned from injury in 1994, he had just 17 receptions to go with his 255 carries. Amp Lee, no one's Pro Bowler, had 45 receptions. And Lee followed that up with four 50+ reception seasons in a row.

I think it's likely that Green simply wants to save wear on his primary back. Last year, three running backs had over 30 receptions; in 2004, Josh Scobey had 18 receptions. Josh Scobey! Ayanbadejo had 19 as well.

I agree that Arrington and the others aren't likely to be involved in critical situations, but history would suggest a shared workload.

 

[JimmyD]

As good as Edge is I see this as a ploy by Zona to keep JJ feeling like he is part of the mix. Something that will help keep him focused for the next few months.

 

[H.K.]

As good as Edge is I see this as a ploy by Zona to keep JJ feeling like he is part of the mix. Something that will help keep him focused for the next few months.

AZ doesn't want to publicly admit they blew a high draft pick last year, too.