One thing is clear with the Arizona Cardinals, Andre Ellington is a fantastic running back....that continues to get overlooked by Rashard Mendenhall. In his first game as a starter, Ellington rushed for 154 yards. The next game, he was benched. Despite Ellington's emergence as a productive and dangerous offensive player, head coach Bruce Arians remains Mendenhall's biggest fan and continues to speak out in his support.
In place of Ellington, Mendenhall put up 42 yards on 13 carries, including one catch for nine yards and a lost fumble in the fourth quarter that cost Arizona the game. Mendenhall has yet to look really impressive as a starter. Many fans are crying for the veteran to get benched because each time Mendenhall touches the ball is another time Ellington does not. No matter what, Arians has complete trust in the starter.
"He's been very solid in his pass protection, and he gives us a heck of a leader in that room of young players that you have to have. He's a quality player," Arians said.
When asked about the division of the carries, Arians believes things are right what they should be with Mendenhall getting the increased work load over Ellington. However, statistically the rookie is better. He has outgained Mendenhall 388 to 323 with less than half the amount of carries. The rookie is averaging 7.2 yards per carry while Mendenhall is putting up 3.1 yards per carry. The rookie has everyone, except Arians, in his corner.
"I'm sure after Andre's last performance, he's ready to go," offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin said, via ArinzonaSports.com. "I think Rashard's more of a hammer and he's pretty good running downhill. I think Andre can do it as well, but I think Andre gives you the elusiveness in space and stuff like that."
Mendenhall was brought in by the Cardinals because he was easily one of the league's best running backs between 2009 and 2011. He put up over 3,300 yards and 29 touchdowns. However, this year is not the same. Mendenhall is noting that his health has been a struggle this year, but he remains confident that he can step up.
"I'm feeling good, just ready to get back out there," Mendenhall said. "I feel good about how I've played and where I've been at. I had to deal with some things, but that's part of football and I'm just glad I feel better now."
Meanwhile, fans will continue to wonder why Ellington is not getting the training wheels taken off him and allowed to be the lead back for the team. Even if Mendenhall continues to struggle, it appears the rookie will not get the nod from Arians.
