Like Last Year, Cardinals Searching For Offensive Identity After Week 4

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Running backs Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds each averaged more than 5.0 yards per carry a season ago but are averaging a combined 3.8 yards per carry this season.


Drake was signed to the transition tag this offseason, as the Cardinals valued him among the better running backs in the NFL, but he has yet to resemble the runner who dominated in eight games last year.


"Kenyan, he's a dynamic back," Kingsbury said. "We know that. We have to get him opportunities in space where he can make people miss. We'll continue to work to do that."


Murray threw three interceptions against the Lions in the Week 3 loss, but the offense also moved the ball efficiently, as the Cardinals didn't punt until the fourth quarter. Kingsbury said those turnovers did not affect his play-calling or Murray's willingness to throw it downfield against the Panthers.


"You could feel me as a play-caller pressing, and him probably pressing a little bit as well to make some things happen, but I don't think it had anything to do with the previous game," Kingsbury said. "He's able to shed that pretty quickly."


The Cardinals returned the same coach, quarterback and offensive scheme from a season ago, as well as nearly every offensive player of consequence. They added Hopkins.


The lack of an offseason was expected to hurt teams with less cohesiveness, but instead, there has been a scoring explosion in the NFL this season and the Cardinals have been surprisingly left behind thus far.


"We have 12 games left, and it's time to figure it out," Kingsbury said. "I think we will."


DRAKE EXPECTED TO BE FINE


Drake injured his chest on a big hit in the fourth quarter against the Panthers and left the game, but it's not expected to keep him sidelined.


"I think Kenyan will be OK healthwise," Kingsbury said. "He took that shot late. We're still working through that, but I believe he will be OK."


The Cardinals would love to get starting safeties Budda Baker (thumb) and Jalen Thompson (ankle) back this week, and that is currently up in the air.


"Hopefully Budda will be back soon, and J.T. as well," Kingsbury said. "I'm not sure exactly when that will be, but hopefully on both guys, it's sooner than later."


Kingsbury said guard Justin Pugh had his leg rolled up on against Carolina, and the team will monitor the injury as the week progresses. Tight end Maxx Williams (ankle) could be back in about a month, Kingsbury said.


"I'm hopeful when we get around that bye week (Nov. 1) that he may be ready to go," Kingsbury said.

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