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Ray Rice: 5 Teams That Should Sign Him For A Playoff Run

By Ryan Phillips

Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) smiles during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) smiles during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (99) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Arizona 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (99) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Arizona 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals

Aside from “Johnny Manziel’s publicist,” there may not be a worse NFL job title right now than “Arizona Cardinals running back.” With quarterback Carson Palmer out for the rest of the season, backup Drew Stanton is going to need a lot of help from his squad’s ground game. There’s just one problem with that: the Cardinals’ rushing attack is terrible.

Arizona is relying heavily on its defense so far this season and ranks 26th in total offense (321.3 yards per game). What’s worse, the team’s rushing offense ranks 31st at a paltry 78.4 yards per game. Yeesh. Andre Ellington has shown flashes this year, but he’s only averaging 3.3 yards per carry, while Stepfan Taylor has just 83 yards on 25 carries. How bad has it gotten? The Cardinals just signed Michael Bush – who hasn’t played in the NFL this season – off the unemployment line.

Options are limited, but Rice might solve a few problems for the Cardinals. He’ll give them a legitimate back who has proven he can handle 25 to 30 touches per game. He can also take a pounding as his days with the Ravens playing in the bruising AFC North have shown. I’m not saying he’s going to arrive in Arizona and set the world on fire, but there is no way he’s a worse option than what the Cardinals are currently trotting out there.

At 9-2, the Cardinals have a real shot at earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs. At the very least, they need to secure a spot in the postseason and they finish the season with games against the Seahawks and 49ers. They are going to be beaten and battered in those contests, Rice’s fresh legs could help them survive.

Next: Buffalo Bills

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