In their 38-20 loss to the Carolina Panther, the Arizona Cardinals played 75 offensive snaps. Let’s take a look at the playing time splits and what observations can be made.
Quarterback
Kyler Murray, 75
Murray, of course, played every snap. He did not get hurt. He did not take every snap, though. On one play, it was a direct snap to running back David Johnson, who picked up the first down on 3rd-and-1.
Running back
David Johnson, 65; Chase Edmonds, 9
This is roughly the usage that should be expected. There was one play in which the Cardinals lined up with zero running backs, electing to go with five receivers on the field at once. We still have not seen anything with both Johnson and Edmonds on the field at the same time.
Wide receiver
Damiere Byrd, 72; Larry Fitzgerald, 69; Christian Kirk, 69; KeeSean Johnson, 36; Michael Crabtree, 13; Trent Sherfield, 3; Andy Isabella, 1
The amount of playing time Byrd gets continues to be a surprise. He is clearly an essential part of the offensive plan on the outside. Isabella is getting worked in slowly, while Sherfield gets a handful of offensive plays each week.
Tight ends
Charles Clay, 25; Maxx Williams, 13
The tight ends played a little more on Sunday than the previous week against the Baltimore Ravens. One of the most interesting uses is a traditional wishbone formation. The Cardinals put David Johnson and the two tight ends in the backfield.
Offensive line
D.J. Humphries, 75; Justin Pugh, 75; A.Q. Shipley, 75; J.R. Sweezy, 75; Jordan Mills, 59; Justin Murray, 16
Mills and Murray split time at right tackle, but it wasn’t a true split. In fact, Murray played only one drive. It was the Cardinals’ second drive of the game, leading to a field goal. Those were the only offensive snaps Murray saw.
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