As Sean Payton and his New Orleans Saints prepare for the Arizona Cardinals, a lot of their focus is geared towards second-year running back David Johnson and for good reason. Quietly, the Northern Iowa product is creating shockwaves throughout the league.

Not only does Johnson have over 1,000 yards on the ground to go along with 11 rushing touchdowns, but he has hauled in 69 catches for 745 yards with four receiving touchdowns to boot. Johnson’s 69 receptions place him 18th in the league, which is tops amongst running backs.

Payton understands the challenge that lies ahead.

“I think he’s right when he talks about him,” Payton said Thursday in a teleconference. “He’s second in their third-down receptions and conversions, and all those numbers. And then it’s that how you’re matching up, like who’s getting him. Are you putting a linebacker or a safety on him? So, that creates some problems.”

For a team that ranks near the bottom in nearly every major defensive statistic, it will surely be a tough task for the Saints.

Source: Times-Picayune