The Cardinals cautioned that Byron Leftwich wouldn't be a miracle worker in his debut against the 49ers.
Indeed, the new offensive coordinator did not feed thousands of people with five loaves of bread on Sunday -- but the way he fed one was certainly encouraging.
Star running back David Johnson tied his season-high in receiving yards and finished with 100 total in the 18-15 win at State Farm Stadium. He had 59 yards rushing on 16 carries and added four catches for 41 yards.
The Cardinals have talked often this season about getting Johnson untracked but failed to do so under former offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. Johnson looked better with Leftwich at the helm.
"I was really excited to see him get that ball and get in space, watch him move around," left tackle D.J. Humphries said.
Beyond the numbers, it was the way Johnson was used that left people like Humphries encouraged. Johnson ran to the outside more than in past games this season and was used on a variety of screen passes.
Johnson is one of the most unique running backs in the NFL, with the rare ability to pound the ball using his 6-foot-1, 224-pound frame, but also catch it out of the backfield and make defenders miss.
"I liked the way we used David tonight, in a number of ways," coach Steve Wilks said. "In the screen game, and getting him out to the perimeter. Byron did a great job of trying to utilize his talents."
Johnson entered the concussion protocol in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the head and had to leave the game for a few plays. However, he re-entered the game down the stretch and Wilks said afterward he was fine.
Johnson is the Cardinals' top weapon on offense, and the opponent is often going to key on him. But by using him in screens and in other ways, Leftwich was able to find him avenues to excel.
"He has very good timing with a lot of his playcalls," quarterback Josh Rosen said. "He's got a good feel for how to mess around with defensive linemen and make sure they aren't pinning their ears back too much. A lot of credit is to him."
The Cardinals' offense will assuredly hit rough patches the rest of the way, but the return of Johnson to Pro Bowl form would undoubtedly be an important step in turning the corner.
"The dude is one of the biggest weapons in the NFL," Humphries said. "If we can get him rolling, we're going to activate our offense."
Images from the Week 8 matchup at State Farm Stadium
FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. On Sunday, two of the bright young signal-callers in the NFL will face off when the Chiefs welcome the Cardinals to Arrowhead Stadium.Patrick Mahomes is off to a record-setting start as the Chiefs' first-year starter, while Rosen is coming off a fourth-quarter comeback win over San Francisco. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
FILE- In this Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. Many teams think it's best to throw rookie QBs right into the fire to learn on the job. Others prefer to gradually work them into the offense. Then, there are some who believe it's more beneficial to have them grab a cap and a clipboard and take it all in from the sideline. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
FILE- In this Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. Too small, not fast enough. Kirk knows about all the pre-draft criticism of him, he says he wrote it all down and reads it every day. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks makes a call during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) chases down a bad snap against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Cardinals DT Rodney Gunter (left) and S Budda Baker (right) team up for the sack on 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald catches a touchdown pass
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) greets San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and linebacker Fred Warner during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his two point conversion as San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-15.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) fumble the ball as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (20) chases it down during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered the fumble.
Cardinals RB David Johnson on the carry
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) and cornerback Jimmie Ward (20) defend during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Larry Fitzgerald hauls in a touchdown pass
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
WR Christian Kirk catches the game-winning touchdown from QB Josh Rosen
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) his hit by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) after the throw during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls in a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyvis Powell (30) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers running back Alfred Morris (46) is hit by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) and free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk make the catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward, right, makes the hit as strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals RB David Johnson gets the handoff
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald with the catch over 49ers CB Richard Sherman (left)
Cardinals pressure 49ers QB C.J. Beathard
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) as he makes the catch during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson kicks a field goal as punter Andy Lee (2) holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James (13) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals safety Eddie Pleasant during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Benson Mayowa during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) wears a clown mask prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich warms up his players prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Markus Golden (44) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) celebrates recovering the football in the end zone for a safety against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) intentionally grounds the football as San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cassius Marsh (54) makes the tackle in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. The 49ers recovered resulting in a safety.
The Cardinals run out of the tunnel at State Farm Stadium
