KANSAS CITY, Mo. – There isn't much that rattles David Johnson, as a smile seems permanently attached to his face.
The Cardinals' star running back admits, though, that the first seven games of the season weren't easy. Johnson's touches were less than ideal during that stretch, and when he was getting the ball, it often wasn't in space.
The promotion of Byron Leftwich to offensive coordinator has seemingly fixed that. Johnson totaled 100 yards from scrimmage in Leftwich's debut last time out against the 49ers, and was even better in Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Chiefs.
Johnson finished with a season-high 98 rushing yards on 21 carries and had seven catches for 85 yards, also season bests. He had both of the team's touchdowns in the contest.
"The first eight weeks were tough, trying to get used to a new type of offense," Johnson said. "It was tough, but the biggest thing is I'm glad we're coming back to the old ways."
Leftwich's goal upon moving into the playcaller role was to deploy Johnson like he was used in 2016, when Johnson nearly became the third player in NFL history to finish with 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a season.
Johnson didn't surpass 41 yards receiving in the first eight games but more than doubled that in this one. His longest catch came on a vertical route out of the backfield against a linebacker.
He scored a touchdown on a sprint-out in the first quarter as the Chiefs defender couldn't keep up. Quarterback Josh Rosen said he has become more comfortable with Johnson in the passing game over the past few weeks.
"He's repping more of it in practice as it comes into the game plan, so definitely confidence starts to go up," Rosen said.
Johnson had nice production on the ground, continually finding holes and bursting through them. He finished with a 4.7 yards-per-carry average after averaging 3.2 yards per carry on the year heading in.
"We knew we were going to be able to run the football against these guys, and we showed that," coach Steve Wilks said.
The Cardinals only scored 14 points against Kansas City, and the offense will need to develop more options to become more effective down the stretch. However, at least the best offensive weapon on the team is looking like himself again.
"It felt good," Johnson said. "It made me feel like it was back to the 2016 offense."
Images from the Week 10 matchup in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is hit by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Corey Peters (98) after the throw, during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
The Kansas City Chiefs, left, lines up against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) escapes a tackle attempt by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) attempts to vault Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Orlando Scandrick (22) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks, center, consults his notes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) runs past Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) after intercepting a throw by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks talk after their NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 26-14.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) runs away from a tackle-attempt by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick (43) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown between Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Reggie Ragland (59) and defensive lineman Xavier Williams (98) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) fumbles the ball during a tackle by Arizona Cardinals safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. The ball rolled out of bounds.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) celebrates a touchdown with teammates offensive tackles D.J. Humphries (74) and Andre Smith (71) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to throw as offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) blocks Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey (97) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
David Johnson celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) makes a catch against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (36) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown past Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi (91) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Larry Fitzgerald with the 15-yard catch to surpass Terrell Owens for the second-most in NFL history.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for a touchdown away from Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Murray (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Cardinals LB Deone Bucannon with the tackle
Cardinals QB Josh Rosen makes a pass
Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston (33) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Cardinals DE Chandler Jones with his second sack of the game
Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (86) carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
RB David Johnson lunges ahead for the touchdown
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Chandler Jones (55) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald lays out for the catch
DE Chandler Jones with his first sack of the game
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones, left, is pushed out of bounds by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
The Cardinals defense gets pressure on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with fans during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) closes in, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Members of the armed services hold flags before an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arizona Cardinals, in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Markus Golden leads the pregame huddle at Arrowhead Stadium
Larry Fitzgerald wears gloves for Salute to Service
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen wears a Salute to Service jersey before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Tailgaters toss beanbags in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
Members of the armed services carry flags in a tunnel during rehearsals before an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Arizona Cardinals, in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
General view of Arrowhead Stadium before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.
CB Brandon Williams arrives at the game.
TE Ricky Seals-Jones arrives for the game against the Chiefs
LB Zeke Turner arrives to the game against the Chiefs
RB David Johnson arrives for the game against the Chiefs
