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The Arizona Cardinals have fallen on some tough times when it comes to running backs this season. With both Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams out with season-ending injuries, Arizona had to turn to the third man on their depth chart. Enter LaRod Stephens-Howling. This familiar face has been an effective weapon for the Cardinals in years past, and proved it after his first-career 100-yard game in the Cardinals’ 21-14 loss at Minnesota last Sunday.The 5-foot-7 running back would like to become the focal point of the Cardinals’ offense. Stephens-Howling will have a daunting challenge ahead of him this week, though, against the top-notch defense of the San Francisco 49ers.
LaRod Stephens-Howling joined XTRA Sports 910 in Phoenix with Bickley and MJ to discuss running effectively against the San Francisco 49ers defense, being a small running back in the NFL, his physical state after running the ball 20 times last week, getting an opportunity to be fed the ball on an every-down basis in the NFL and being more focused for the game against the 49ers on Monday Night Football.
You had this great game against the Minnesota Vikings. Can you do that again into the teeth of the 49ers defense?
“That’s the plan. We definitely have the confidence to do it again and the offensive line is excited for the matchup, so I am feeling good about it.”
Do you run with the motto of don’t judge me by my size, but by how I play the game?
“Yeah definitely. It’s hard to get that title off you that you are a small back, but I mean, I feel like I got a lot of heart and to give everything I got on every play.”
Ken Whisenhunt wanted you to put on more weight. How did you feel on Monday after carrying the ball 20 times against the Vikings?
“I felt good, a little soreness. It was a great feeling to feel like you were a part of the game, so it’s not bad. It goes away as the week goes on, so I’ll be ready for Monday.”
Does it feel good to finally have an opportunity in a game where you know you are going to be fed the ball?
“Yeah it feels great to have this opportunity. I thank God for the opportunity. It’s bad how it happened because we lost two great running backs that were in front of me, but when my number is called I just try to get in there and fill the void the best I can.”
Are guys more focused this week for the game against the 49ers on Monday Night Football? Is there a buzz in the building?
“I mean, I feel like we are more focused, but we can’t put too much into it being a Monday night game. We just know it’s a division game and we know it’s an opportunity for us to get back on track.”
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