Arizona Entering the 2025 season, the Arizona Cardinals will one again try to capitalize on running back James Conner, a strategy that has proven successful under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Conner signed a contract extension to stay with the Cardinals going forward after reaching back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with Arizona.
There are concerns about Conner’s overall productivity, even though his position as the desert’s number one running back cannot be questioned. Bleacher Report predicts that Conner will be a “bust” this season as a result of players around him improving their game.
Labels for Bleacher Reports RB for the Arizona Cardinals James Conner as a Potential Bust.
“In 2025, running back James Conner might be a cause for concern for the fantasy community. “The 30-year-old quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals may be headed for a regression, despite having just finished his second consecutive season with 1,000 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns,” said Kristopher Knox.
“This season, second-year running back Trey Benson ought to play a bigger part, while Emari Demercado remains available as Arizona’s change-of-pace option. The Cardinals might be less run-oriented than they were the last two seasons, especially since wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is also probably going to take a second-year jump.
Conner, who has previously experienced health issues, recorded a career-high 1,094 running yards in 2024 during his first-ever 16-game season.
In 2025, Arizona might favor the pass more, but not by enough to hurt Conner. Conner remains Arizona’s top rushing back, and Petzing won’t make significant changes to his philosophy in a single offseason.
But with Benson behind him—who has pleased the Cardinals coaching staff going into his second season—you could make the case that his use will decrease.
This offseason, Benson told reporters, “I think I’ll get more opportunities and help James out more.” “I think we can have two RB1s on this team, and that’s what I’m thinking this year.”
Conner also turned 30, a feared age for league running backs who have historically seen a decline in output after reaching the three-decade mark.
Harrison will undoubtedly experience a sophomore surge and McBride will undoubtedly receive his fair number of touches, but as long as Conner is healthy, he will have every chance to establish himself as Arizona’s offensive mainstay.
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