Arrington will be third down specialist for Cards

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, June 13, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Arizona Cardinals
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The word out of the desert is that Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green intends to use last year's second-round pick, running back J.J. Arrington, frequently as the third down back in passing-catching situations this season. It is an interesting proposition, given the fact that starting running back Edgerrin James has great hands. It will be a good way to get Arrington on the field as he continues to get his feet wet in the NFL.

Last season was not a storybook or noteworthy rookie campaign for the Cal Bears product that finished his collegiate career with a bang. He led the nation in rushing as he was the only back to break the 2,000-yard barrier. Arrington also led the NCAA in yards per carry and was the only player to rush for over 100 yards in every game. He gained the most total yards from scrimmage by a Pac-10 back since Marcus Allen, who had 2,427 yards in 1981.

In his rookie season, Arrington only saw limited playing time, but did play in 15 games. He only had 112 attempts, which he didn't do much with, gaining only 370 yards. Good for a putrid 3.3 yards per carry. The most carries he received in a game was 11. The main reason he didn't see extensive playing time was because the coaching staff felt he just wasn't ready. James should provide him with an extra teacher and positive influence to help him improve by learning the nuances of the game.

This upcoming season should be a good chance for Arrington to develop a better feel for the game. There will be no pressure on him, and spelling James will be good for the overall production of the running game, which has been inconsistent at best in recent years.

In a perfect world, Arrington would turn into a Ronnie Harmon or Larry Centers type player for the Cardinals this season, and eventually turn into a back like current starter Edgerrin James. Harmon and Centers are arguably the two most productive third down backs in NFL history and arguably the two best receivers out of the backfield in history. The perfect scenario would see James put up 1,500 yards rushing and Arrington add 400 rushing and catch 70 balls out of the backfield.

The sleek, speedy, compact back (5-9, 214 pounds), has elite speed (4.39) and excellent hands. If he can stay focused and accept his role as the backup and third down specialist, the Arizona Cardinals could boast one of the best backfields in the NFL. With an already elite receiving corps and solid quarterback, a quality running game will give the Cards a complete and dominant offense that should lead to many wins. It is easy to envision Arrington coming out of the backfield on a swing pass or screen pass and bolting down the sidelines for a long touchdown.

Will Arrington be the next Harmon or Centers? Even a Kevin Faulk type back would bring elation to the coaching staff. Or will he be the next Ki-Jana Carter? Dennis Green envisions one of the first three. For his sake, let's hope he's right.

Get more J.J. Arrington insights at Realfootball365.com
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