Cardinals RB James Conner likes to get downhill, not dance around
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner finished the 2024 NFL season with 236 carries, 14th in the league, but he ranked No. 11 with a career-high 1,094 rushing yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns for the beloved Cardinals franchise.
Whether offensive coordinator Drew Petzing prioritizes the run or makes the pass game primary, Conner will continue to train to be the endurance-built physical runner he has been heading into his ninth NFL season. Conner's play style doesn't make for the most astonishing of highlights, but defensive coordinators know they must account for him and his tenacious downhill running style. Conner could potentially be even more impactful if he begins avoiding attrition. Petzing can accomplish this by optimizing a dual-threat rushing attack, allowing second-year running back Trey Benson to be more involved.
With eight touchdowns last season, Conner has shown his power and determination in the red zone and short-yardage situations. Petzing should note this and frequently defer to Conner when the Cardinals have red-zone opportunities. Rather than do all sorts of lateral dancing, Petzing can count on Conner to head north and south when his number is called in the offense and work as a feasible pass blocker when the team chooses to air it out.
Ultimately, the Cardinals will want to continue using Conner in increments to keep the defense honest. If Petzing can mainatin a balanced attack through 2025, the Cardinals offense will be very difficult to defend.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
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