Kliff Kingsbury has talked about getting Chase Edmonds more touches offensively, but that's easier said than done when David Johnson gobbles up so many snaps.
The Cardinals coach was able to get both of his running backs involved in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seahawks, and they were the team's most potent threats in the game.
Johnson had 11 carries for 40 yards and a team-high eight catches for 99 yards. Edmonds carried the ball six times for 37 yards, a healthy 6.2 yards per tote.
"Those two guys can present problems to defenses when they're both in there," Kingsbury said. "I thought it was a pretty solid package for us today."
Edmonds had only five carries in the first three games but was a factor from the jump. He lined up as a receiver on the first play of the contest and took a jet sweep for an 8-yard gain.
"We designed that one play to start us off and get us going with a good tempo," Edmonds said. "Coach Kingsbury, with his creative mind, it was something that was put to good use."
Edmonds ran hard throughout, while Johnson did more of his damage in the passing game. The Seahawks, like the Panthers last week, took away the downfield targets, which made quarterback Kyler Murray routinely look for Johnson as his escape outlet.
"The linebackers were dropping 10, 15 yards down the field," Murray said. "I could have checked the ball down to him the whole game. Some of those plays, just give him the ball, let him do his thing."
Edmonds and Johnson could be needed more by default next week in Cincinnati depending on the prognosis of standout wide receiver Christian Kirk, whose leg was rolled up on late in the contest.
The Cardinals were already down to five active receivers against Seattle because of an injured hamstring for Damiere Byrd and the Monday release of Michael Crabtree. Edmonds and Johnson have been pining to see the field together since the offseason, and they feel like their pass-catching ability out of the slot makes it possible.
"If that's what Coach wants to do, there's not going to be any slack," Edmonds said. "I think we're both more than capable of doing that."
Kingsbury is known for using four wide receivers and passing the ball plenty, but he's also spoken about tailoring the offense to his personnel. Edmonds is pushing to be a regular contributor when the Cardinals have the ball.
"Chase has earned playing time," Kingsbury said. "We wanted to get him involved in the game plan. He does a nice job on special teams and offense. We just felt like it's time to expand his role."
Larry Fitzgerald had a quieter day than normal but he said the receivers don't mind more emphasis on the running backs if that's what helps move the ball.
"It all works in our favor," Fitzgerald said. "It doesn't matter who's getting the yards as long as the yards are coming. We're all the same offense."
Johnson still had a heavy workload, but appreciated the element of surprise during the two-back looks.
"With Chase being in there, the defense doesn't know who's getting the ball or what we're doing," Johnson said.
Images from the Week 4 matchup at State Farm Stadium
RB David Johnson finds some room to run.
Cardinals safety Budda Baker (32) leads teammates onto the field prior an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
OLB Terrell Suggs celebrates his strip-sack
Seahawks QB Russell Wilson escapes from pressure by OLB Terrell Suggs
QB Kyler Murray whips a throw over the middle
Former Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (left) and Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice
Former Cardinals QB Carson Palmer catches up with WR Larry Fitzgerald before the game
Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (33) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
RB David Johnson with a big gain
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) eludes the reach of Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
WR Larry Fitzgerald (left) with Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice before the game
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws as Seahawks defensive tackle Al Woods (72) pursues during the first half on Sunday.
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury watches his team prior an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Seahawks outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) runs back an interception for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals offensive guard J.R. Sweezy (64) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (88) is tackled by Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (32) during the first half.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles as Seattle Seahawks defensive end Rasheem Green (98) pursues.
Cardinals running back David Johnson carries the ball against Seattle
Seahawks running back Chris Carson (32) runs as Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Bullard goes in for the tackle
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) eludes the reach of Seattle Seahawks defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94).
Cardinals free safety D.J. Swearinger (36) tackles Seahawks wide receiver Jaron Brown (18) during the first half.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll greets Russell Wilson after a touchdown pass during the first half.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (88) is tackled by Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (32) during the first half.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to get through against the Seattle Seahawks.
Cardinals cornerback Kevin Peterson (27) breaks up a pass intended for Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) lines up against the Seattle Seahawks.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) makes the catch as Cardinals strong safety Budda Baker (32) defends during the first half.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs in for a touchdown as Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) defends during the second half.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald catches his career 1,325 catch to tie Tony Gonzalez for second place on the all-time receptions list during the second half against the Seahawks.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches his career 1,325 catch to tie Tony Gonzalez for second place on the all-time receptions list during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scores a touchdown as Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner defends during the second half.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson takes the snap.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is tackled by Seahawks defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) as defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (99) pursues during the second half.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a catch as Seahawks cornerback Tre Flowers (21) defends during the second half.
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer watches as his names is added to the Cardinals' ring of honor at half time an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Fans unveil former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer's name in the Cardinals' ring of honor at half time an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) as defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (99) pursues.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (88) is hit by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tramaine Brock (20).
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches his career 1,326 catch to pass Tony Gonzalez for second place on the all-time receptions list during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is sacked by Cardinals outside linebacker Haason Reddick (43) pursues during the second half.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws against the Seahawks on Sunday.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) kneels on the turf after being tackled by Seahawks defensive end Rasheem Green (98).
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray watch from the sideline.
Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is tackled by Seahawks cornerback Akeem King (36) and cornerback Ugo Amadi (28) during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs as Seattle Seahawks defensive end Ezekiel Ansah defends during the second half.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches his career 1,326 catch to pass Tony Gonzalez for second place on the all-time receptions list during the second half against the Seahawks.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) meets Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after the game on Sunday. The Seahawks won 27-10.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, right, and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, left, exchange jerseys after the game on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.
