Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
(Glendale, AZ) – James Conner just had a career year in Arizona, but has his eyes set on much more.
Conner eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his NFL career. The former Pitt Panther started his career in the same city, making the Pro Bowl in his second season after Le’Veon Bell left in free agency. After two more lackluster years with the Steelers, Conner headed west and once again made the Pro Bowl, scoring 18 touchdowns his first year in the desert.
The running game has slowly taken a backseat to the air attack over the last few decades, and running backs are expected to be full participants in the passing game, no longer 3 yards and a cloud of dust.
Conner however, feels that his ground yardage is still important. Reflecting on his first 4-digit campaign he said, “I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward. Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that’s the floor, not the ceiling.”
Fresh off of his 29th birthday, trending up will be a tall task for Conner, as running backs often hit their decline around 27, very few still producing consistently past 30. If he sticks to the plan, Conner would join franchise leading rusher Ottis Anderson, as well as Hall of Famer Edgerrin James as the only players with back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons in team history.
Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon backs the confidence of his lead back, saying “He doesn’t lose any steam come December. I’m not worried about James Conner doing everything that he can to stay healthy and fit and carry the load…He goes above and beyond every day.”
Conner and the Cardinals are hoping that his offseason routine, partnered with the return of Kyler Murray and the introduction of Marvin Harrison Jr. will lead to a healthy and productive season – and some wins.
