Big Red Blog: Cards in the market for a RB?

With Beanie Wells likely on his way out, Ryan Williams and LaRod Stephens-Howling will be the top two main options left at running back. Depending on who becomes available, Arizona could look for additional help at the position.

Cards in the market for a RB?

Posted by Brad Wilbricht
Thursday, February 7th - 9:30 AM

The Cardinals have plenty of areas to address this offseason but if the right running back become available, it might prompt the team to make a move.

With Beanie Wells likely on his way out, Ryan Williams and LaRod Stephens-Howling will be the top two options left of the roster. The recent release of Ahmad Bradshaw could give Arizona a player to target and the potential release of Chris Johnson could be another possibility.

Looking at coach Bruce Arians’ track record – particularly in 2012 with the Indianapolis Colts – it appears that he prefers a one-two punch out of the backfield.

Although he suffered through an injury-riddled season, Donald Brown provided Arians’ offense with more speed at running back while Vick Ballard provided more toughness as an in-between the tackles runner. Both were able to contribute in the passing game, another facet that Arians is likely to implement in the Cardinals’ new offensive scheme.

With Ryan Williams expected to be back on the field in 2013, he has shown the ability to fill the role of Brown – and should even be an upgrade in explosiveness. Meanwhile, Bradshaw could provide the toughness and power demonstrated by Ballard.

Bradshaw has been hampered by injuries of his own, but he’s often managed to play though the pain and would bring some much needed leadership to the desert. In addition, Bradshaw’s credibility can’t be questioned after winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.

Of course, the other side of this equation is solving the ongoing problems along the offensive line. Luckily for the Arizona faithful, Arians seems to be determined to address this area.

Arians’ newly formed staff is expected to devote multiple coaches to the offensive line and the team is expected to invest at least one early draft pick on an offensive linemen.

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Questions or comments? Contact Brad Wilbricht at

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