Edgerin James Says He Just Needs to Play a Bigger Role.

Talking to Edgerin James about his lack of production he is quick to point out that his inconsistancy stems from not touching the rock often enough. James is listed as having only 88 carries for 272 yds in four games. These numbers would not define a workhorse by any stretch of the imagination. Twenty-two opportunities to pound it per game- for less than seventy yards must feel like semi-retirement!



News is breaking though, the the game plan this week calls for the Cardinals to feature the running game and the short passing game with Rookie QB Matt Leinart. This should break down to more carries for EJames against a Kansas City defense ranked third in the NFL. This is another key matchup to take note of early on. Will the Mitchell and Johnson anchor that defensive front seven?


The local paper the East Valley Tribune online, cites James as saying


“Whenever they call my name, I’m ready,” James said. “If I have to carry it 50 times, I’ll be ready 50 times.”

James is now showing 3.1 yards per carry, that is while while he is being held back. His increased opportunity should get him untracked if you ask him. Historically the Cardinals have had running backs reach 100 yards only seven times in their last 100 games. This weekend EJames could add another brick to that pile.

James’ though has his own personal 100-yard game drought going on, it has now reached seven games in a row, tying the longest of his career. Time for the Chiefs Defense to help set another record!! This year too, James has only 16 catches out of the backfield so you can see why he may want more involvement in this offense. His Coach, Dennis Green is strong while backing up the Cardinals free agent catch. He readily will admit James’ production woes have little to do with James.

“I think he is running his butt off,” Green said. “I think it’s on us, not him.”


In closing, EJames offers:

“I am a fighter; I don’t give up,” stating, “I know good things will happen. Good things always happen for me", and “A lot of people want to point fingers, but there is no need to point fingers because this is what we’ve got. We aren’t going to have a new offensive line, we’re not going to have a new system. This is what we’ve got this year. All the playmakers, we just have to do something extra.”

Yes, lets see what they got come Sunday afternoon ...and feel it Monday morning!



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