Many Arizona Cardinals fans waited all season to see how second-round pick Andy Isabella would impact the offense with his speed. However, aside from a couple of plays, it never happened.
He only played 157 snaps on offense all season and had only nine receptions as a rookie.
According to Pro Football Focus, he was the team’s most underused weapon.
The Cardinals’ backup rookie WR had two absolutely electric plays in 2019: a deep crosser that went 88 yards to the house against the 49ers and a short slant into a YAC-filled 55-yard gain against the Buccaneers. Both plays showcased the sort of top-end speed (4.31-second 40-yard dash) that made the fantasy community fall in love with Isabella in the first place.
The 2019 second-round pick will likely work behind each of DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald in Kyler Murray’s pecking order, although the Cardinals did deploy formations featuring at least four WRs on a league-high 42% of Murray’s dropbacks. Hilariously, Murray has averaged 16.1 adjusted yards per attempt when targeting Isabella — nearly eight more yards than his next-most-efficient receiver Charles Clay (8.83).
Isabella will have to fight for playing time in 2020, as the Cardinals’ top three is set — Hopkins, Fitz and Kirk. And with talk of tight end Dan Arnold having an important role, Isabella could again be underused.
However, flashing often is something Isabella will need to do because if Fitzgerald retires after this coming season, the Cardinals need someone worthy of a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver. Isabella should be that player.
He might not have volume numbers in 2020, but he should be used more and make impactful contributions.
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