Player to Watch - Patriots win relies on stopping David Johnson


Each week I will be covering a player to watch on the opposition. This week is Cardinals running back David Johnson.

Johnson was drafted out of Northern Iowa by Arizona in the third round in 2015 but he is already a massive part of the Cards offense. After only one season he is probably classed as one of the most exciting all-purpose backs in the league. First of all last year, Arizona let him loose in the return game where Johnson impressed everyone. The impact he had earned him the starting role at running back beating off competition from Andre Ellington and veteran Chris Johnson.

The threat to the Patriots is that Johnson can do it all, he's a good runner, can catch out of the backfield and is a great punt returner. With almost 500 yards in rushing, receiving and returning in his rookie year, the whole defense is going to have to be on their game Sunday night. He averaged 12 yards per catch last season which is phenomenal for a running back and combine that with him now being the starter in Arizona, this guy could end up being one of the greats.

The Patriots aim this week has to limit the influence that David Johnson has on the game if they do that it will help them massively in getting the season off to a great start. If not it could be a long afternoon for Belichick and co.

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