Whisenhunt: Run game not getting it done

Oct 1, 2012, 11:33 PM Updated: Oct 2, 2012, 1:00 am

An air of optimism has swept over the Valley. After all, the Cardinals are 4-0 after the month of September for the first time in franchise history.

Ken Whisenhunt can certainly understand the positivity surrounding his undefeated team. But after Sunday’s overtime win over the Dolphins, the Cardinals’ coach admits there is a lot of work to be done, especially, when it comes to the listless running game.

“We aren’t getting it done,” Whisenhunt said. “It doesn’t matter what I see on film or what I say, we aren’t being productive enough in that area.”

Heading in to Sunday’s game with Miami the Cardinals were dealt a significant blow to their running game, when Beanie Wells was placed on injured reserve with a turf toe injury.

Wells had only 76 yards over the first three weeks of the season, but in 2011 he led Arizona in rushing with 1,047 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

In his absence, the Cardinals were forced to rely heavily on second-year running back Ryan Williams (three career games) and rookie running back William Powell (made his debut Sunday) against the Dolphins, and the league’s third best defense against the run had a field day.

The Cardinals finished with a combined 28 yards rushing on 15 attempts.

“I am disappointed, especially after the way we ran the ball in the preseason,” said Whisenhunt. “There is nothing I can say that’s going to make us a better running team. We have to go do it on the field. But, we are working hard to get better at it.”

Whisenhunt’s running corps enters Thursday’s game at St. Louis with the No. 30 ranked rushing offense in the league(68 yards per game).

However, the Rams’ defense has had their issues stopping the run this year, allowing more than 135 yards per game.