GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals offense had a massive jump last season. After being ranked the 24th scoring offense in 2023, Arizona jumped to 11th by averaging 23.5 points per game, a 4.1-point improvement. Much of the credit will be given to QB Kyler Murray or the arrival of WR Marvin Harrison Jr. or the resurgence of TE Trey McBride. However, the obvious choice might be the consistency of RB James Conner.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Since joining the team in 2020, Conner has made the Cardinals one of the premier running teams in the NFL. His 6’1 frame has made him one of the efficient power backs in the NFL. He has led the team in rushing and receiving touchdowns every year in the Valley, just squeaking by Marvin Harrison Jr. this past season nine-to-eight.
Entering 2025, the roster experienced plenty of changes, but for fans across Arizona, one aspect that will remain the same will be Conner’s dominance in the running game. SBNation ran a poll for Cardinals fans on who will be the touchdown leader for the team next season, and the result weren’t surprsing.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates as he walks off the field after their 41-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Cardinals pick Conner to be Touchdown leader:
- James Conner – 55%
- Marvin Harrison Jr. – 22%
- Trey McBride – 14%
- Trey Benson – 6%
- Kyler Murray – 3%
Arizona Cardinals running backs James Conner (6) and Trey Benson (33) high-five before they play against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Conner received over half the votes, with Harrison being the closest at 22%. The results of the poll undersells the jump that many expected from Harrison in his sophomore season. The 30-year-old running back has had back-to-back 1,000 rushing yards seasons and seems to be comfortable under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Despite his lack in touchdowns in 2024 being a topic of discussions, McBride could fix that with a strong campaign this year. McBride led the team in targets, catches and receiving yards last season, a small adjustments on where Murray targets his TE on the field can change his touchdown total from two to eight.
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates a touchdown near running back James Conner (6) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless, it is a safe bet from the fans to assume that Conner retains his crown as the touchdown king in the Valley. Arizona’s run game has been in the top five the past two seasons and will continue to grow with the one-two punch of Murray and Conner.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray takes trip with teammates for the “best part of the year”
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
