Oct 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin (26) celebrates his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals
Reports PFN’s Aaron Wilson from earlier this week from say that the RB1 for the Arizona Cardinals, James Conner (ribs), is expected to miss Sunday’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks.
Conner became the second Arizona running back to be ruled out after Darrel Williams (knee) was ruled out on Wednesday. This gives Eno Benjamin the opportunity to pick up the starting role and work alongside Kyler Murray and a high-flying Cardinals offense.
Arizona ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of rushing yards per game and passing yards per game, but look deeper into how the Cardinals operate on offense, and the signs are encouraging. Arizona running backs have compiled at least 20 rushes in each game this year. They have gone as high as 37 rushes in week 4 when they beat the Carolina Panthers. With Conner, Williams, and Jonathan Ward (hamstring) on the injury reserve, Eno Benjamin is poised to flourish. He will concede minimal touches to Kyler Murray , but the only other running back available is the rookie, Keontay Ingram and Corey Clement.
If you’re not convinced, this Seahawks defense gives up 170.2 rushing yards and 430.2 total yards per game. That ranks dead last in the NFL in both categories. Pete Carroll’s swiss cheese defense has allowed 87 points over the last two week, suggesting a shootout is on tap for Sunday.
The larger message is if you need a starter, Eno Benjamin is your guy.
