In some ways, David Johnson is a lot like you. He spends off-days in a fashion typical of American leisure, visiting zoos, seeing musicals, and, yes, even attending Blue Man Group shows.
However, in most ways, unless you’re a second-year NFL back leading the league in total yards from scrimmage, you are not a whole lot like the Arizona Cardinals breakout star. Johnson’s 1,122 total yards gained, including a versatile 705 yards rushing and 407 yards receiving, places him ahead of standouts like Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliot, DeMarco Murray, and Julio Jones.
Johnson isn’t just gaining yards, he’s capitalizing on opportunities. Heading into Week 10, Johnson’s eight touchdowns leave him tied with Matt Forte, Latavius Murray, and Mike Evans for the fourth-most scores in the league.
With the San Francisco 49ers traveling to Arizona for a Week 10 matchup, Johnson has the potential to wreak absolute havoc on a 49ers defense ranked last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. When the teams met in Santa Clara in Week 5, Johnson shredded the 49ers defense to the tune of 157 yards and two touchdowns.
On Sunday, he’s playing with a home field advantage against the 49ers. It should be a savory matchup. The Niners are giving up 428 yards per game to opposing offense, the most of any team in the NFL. They’re also 32nd in averaging rushing yards allowed at 193 per game.
If Johnson tops 100 yards from scrimmage this week — and there’s good reason to think he will — he’ll be only the sixth player ever with more than 100 yards from scrimmage in his team’s first nine games of the season.