David Johnson enjoys best game of season against Chiefs
Nov 11, 2018, 12:38 PM | Updated: Nov 12, 2018, 10:09 am
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a touchdown away from Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Murray (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Entering Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, David Johnson was still looking for his signature game this season.
He was hoping new offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich could bring it out of him.
He did.
Johnson enjoyed heavy usage as both a rusher and receiver, tallying 98 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 26-14 loss.
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Both totals were season highs for Johnson.
“When you have these types of players, you just want to put them in position to make plays,” Leftwich said of Johnson after practice on Thursday.
Johnson keyed the Cardinals’ first scoring drive of the game, which was finished by a 9-yard touchdown reception on third down from quarterback Josh Rosen.
It was just Johnson’s second touchdown reception of the season.
3/3 on 3rd downs.
3rd & 3, No. 3 tosses the TD.@Josh3Rosen to @DavidJohnson31 to tie things up! pic.twitter.com/mB9uz1KmkV
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 11, 2018
Johnson pulled the Cardinals within 20-14 early in the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run, his sixth of the season.
We’ve scored a TD on our opening drive in both halves today!@DavidJohnson31 punches this one in for the score! pic.twitter.com/Trt0NoaLd9
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 11, 2018
Johnson’s only other multi-touchdown game came in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers.
The running back still hasn’t eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark this season and his production won’t near his career season of 2016, but it’s progress for one of the most versatile players in the NFL.
