ARIZONA CARDINALS

Without David Johnson, Cardinals’ offense goes pass-heavy vs. the Colts

Sep 17, 2017, 11:45 AM | Updated: 2:05 pm
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts' John Simon (51) du...
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts' John Simon (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
(AP Photo/AJ Mast)

The Arizona Cardinals’ offense needed a new identity now that it is without David Johnson for the foreseeable future.

Through the first half of Arizona’s Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Cardinals trailed 10-3 before they rallied past missed opportunities — including a missed 42-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation — to win on a Phil Dawson 30-yard field goal in overtime.

Here’s how coach Bruce Arians compensated for not having the All-Pro back due to a wrist injury.

— Chris Johnson took over for Kerwynn Williams as the starting running back in the second half, rushing for 22 yards on eight carries. Added to his three rushes for 22 yards in the first half, he finished with 11 carries for 44 yards. Williams only took one carry in the second half and finished with nine totes for 22 yards.

— The pass-to-run breakdown went like so: 36 pass attempts to 25 carries with half of those pass targets to Jaron Brown (11 targets, four receptions for 73 yards) and J.J. Nelson (seven targets with five receptions for 120 yards).

— Carson Palmer went 11-of-21 for 162 yards and an interception in the first half and earned criticism from his coach before finishing off the game looking improved.

By the end of the game, Palmer completed 19-of-36 attempts for 332 yards, a touchdown strike of 45 yards to Nelson, and an interception.

— Williams, listed as the starting running back, got the first five carries, while Andre Ellington saw opportunities on third-down passing situations. Early in the second quarter, veteran Chris Johnson made his debut. He took three carries for 22 yards before Williams checked back in to finish the half with eight carries for 19 yards (2.4 yards per touch).

Ellington took the most snaps in the first half, but he only had one catch for negative-6 yards and no rushing touches. He finished with 12 receiving yards and 11 rushing yards on the day.

— The most odd tweak off the bat: Offensive lineman and 2017 fifth-round pick Will Holden played as a pass-eligible tight end at 6-foot-7, 315 pounds.

— Max-protection looks on the Cardinals’ third series got Arizona’s regular tight ends involved after the Colts put up a 10-0 lead with 1:27 to go in the first quarter. With Jermaine Greshman not dressed due to a rib injury, that put the pressure on Ifeanyi Momah and Troy Niklas. They came through early, making 46- and 16-yard receptions, respectively, during the possession that reached the 1-yard line. But on fourth down in a run formation, quarterback Carson Palmer couldn’t connect with Larry Fitzgerald on a fade route with a one-on-one matchup, and Arizona gave the ball up on downs after going 74 yards on seven plays.

— Momah dropped a catch on 2nd-and-7 with 7:49 to play in the second quarter that would have given Arizona a touchdown. Instead, the Cardinals ended up settling for a 27-yard field goal to make it 10-3.

— A 46-yard drive by Arizona had the ball at the Colts’ 26-yard line when Palmer threw a lofting pass to Nelson, who was covered by the corner. Additionally, Indianapolis safety Malik Hooker read the quarterback’s eyes and picked off the pass coming from over the top.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, left, talks with Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett throws before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck smiles as he runs off the field with his teammates before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett celebrates after a five-yard touchdown run by running back Frank Gore during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett celebrates after a five-yard touchdown run by running back Frank Gore during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett runs out of the tackle of Arizona Cardinals' Markus Golden during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Indianapolis Colts' Frank Gore (23) goes in for a five-yard touchdown run while being tackled by Arizona Cardinals' Antoine Bethea during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts' Kamar Aiken (17) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals' Tyrann Mathieu during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts' John Simon celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts' Robert Turbin (33) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts' John Simon (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts' Frank Gore (23) runs for a five-yard touchdown run against Arizona Cardinals' Antoine Bethea (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) tries to make a catch while being defended by Indianapolis Colts' Rashaan Melvin during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson (14) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Quincy Wilson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts' Nate Hairston (27) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians looks at a replay during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) reacts with Andy Lee after booting a 27-yard field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts' Malik Hooker (29) makes an interception on a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson, center, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts' Malik Hooker (29) makes an interception on a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson (14), center, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. At left is Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31). (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indianapolis Colts' Rashaan Melvin (30) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Jaron Brown (13) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) boots a 29-yard field goal out of the hold of Rigoberto Sanchez during the second half of an NFL football game against Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano watches during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws while being pressured by Indianapolis Colts' Jabaal Sheard (93) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. Sheard was called for roughing the passer on the play. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indianapolis Colts' Hassan Ridgeway celebrates after a sack of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson (14) smiles after a 45-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson (14) celebrates with Ifeanyi Momah after scoring on a 45-yard touchdown reception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson (14) runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals' Phil Dawson (4) kicks a 40-yard field goal out of the hold of Andy Lee during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Arizona Cardinals' J.J. Nelson (14) is chased by Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Arizona Cardinals' Phil Dawson (4) celebrates after kicking a game winning 30-yard field in overtime of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Arizona Cardinals' Phil Dawson (4) kicks a game winning 30-yard field goal out of the hold of Andy Lee (2) in overtime of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Arizona Cardinals

Zach Pascal #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the San Francisco 49ers during the second ...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals agree to terms with WR Zach Pascal, QB David Blough

The Cardinals have agreed to terms with WR Zach Pascal and QB David Blough on a two- and one-year deal, respectively, the team announced.
1 day ago
A general view as the Arizona Cardinals make their #1 overall draft pick during the first round of ...
Tyler Drake

Here is where the Cardinals own draft picks in 2023

The Arizona Cardinals have eight picks to work with this upcoming NFL Draft, five of their own and three compensatory selections.
1 day ago
General manager Monti Ossenfort of the Arizona Cardinals answers a question from the media during a...
Arizona Sports

What is behind the Cardinals’ quiet start to free agency?

What should we make of Arizona's first week of free agency? Are the Cardinals setting up a rough 2023 season?
1 day ago
Arizona Cardinals Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers looks on during the NFL football Game betw...
Tyler Drake

Holdovers providing Arizona Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon familiarity in new role

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes he has a good mix of new and old when it comes to his coaching staff.
2 days ago
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combi...
Austin Scott

PFF has Cardinals getting defensive help in 3-round mock draft

With the NFL Draft in a few weeks, PFF revealed a mock draft for the first three rounds. For the Cardinals, defense is the theme.
4 days ago
Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Arizona Cardinals breaks up a pass intended for K.J. Osborn #17 of the M...
Tyler Drake

Ex-Cardinals CB Byron Murphy ‘grateful’ to join Vikings’ culture

Former Arizona Cardinals CB Byron Murphy is blessed to join the Minnesota Vikings' ranks following four seasons in the desert.
4 days ago
Without David Johnson, Cardinals’ offense goes pass-heavy vs. the Colts