ARIZONA CARDINALS

Rashard Mendenhall finds success on the ground in win over Indianapolis Colts

Nov 25, 2013, 5:36 AM

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Few players have caused as much consternation amongst fans as Rashard Menenhall.

The Arizona Cardinals’ running back has split carries with rookie Andre Ellington, though many would just as soon not see the veteran receive any touches at all.

Sunday, in a 40-11 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Mendenhall had arguably his best game since Week 1, rushing for 54 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. He also caught one pass for 24 yards, showing speed and a burst that had been lacking for most of the season.

“Rashard looked like himself,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said after the game. “He looked healthy like he did back in training camp. I was really glad to see that, and no better time.”

Sunday, Mendenhall got carries on the first two plays of the game and picked up 18 yards on the runs. It got the offense started on the right foot, and the Cardinals went on to score their first touchdown of the game.

Thirty-nine of Mendenhall’s yards came on four first-quarter carries, with his performance paving the way for what was to come.

“I’ve been feeling pretty good these last few weeks, continuing to grow and get better,” Mendenhall said.

The game puts Mendenhall’s season numbers at 130 carries for 391 yards and five touchdowns — no doubt totals that are below what he and the Cardinals were hoping for when he signed a one-year deal in March.

But Mendenhall, combined with Ellington and Stepfan Taylor, formed a trio that rushed for 114 yards on 28 carries Sunday, helping the Cardinals to their most complete offensive effort of the season.

“I think we are finding balance on offense from our base offense,” Mendenhall said. “I think we have a good mix of things going, and it’s starting to show.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

1 day ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

1 day ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Rashard Mendenhall finds success on the ground in win over Indianapolis Colts