GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals may be on the verge of unleashing one of the NFL’s most balanced and dangerous rushing attacks. With veteran James Conner leading the way and young talents Trey Benson and Emari Demercado ready to contribute, the team has the makings of a true three-headed monster in the backfield.
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Arizona running back James Conner (6) warms up before their preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
James Conner remains the heart of Arizona’s rushing attack. Conner’s bruising and physical style wears down defenses, and his nose for the end zone has made him a reliable red-zone weapon year after year. Conner’s leadership and experience set the tone, providing the steady presence needed for a young backfield to thrive. In the 2024 season, Conner had 1,094 rushing yards along with eight touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per rush.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona running back Trey Benson (33) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
With track-level speed and a knack for big plays, Trey Benson offers a dynamic complement. At 6’0″ and 220 pounds, Benson combines burst with contact balance, capable of ripping off chunk gains whenever a crease opens. His explosiveness forces defenses to stay disciplined. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray recently mentioned how he expects RB Trey Benson to have a breakout season. (Credit: Dan Loya | Blitz Sports Media)
Kyler Murray on RB Trey Benson:
“I think this will be a big breakout year for Trey.”
(AZ Cardinals Press Pass) #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/jL2fbpRd9c
— Dan Loya (@DLoya_NFL) August 10, 2025
Rounding out the trio as a versatile, do-it-all running back is Emari Demercado. Shifty in space and reliable as a receiver, Demercado gives Arizona flexibility in passing situations and keeps their offense unpredictable. His ability to block, catch, and find yards in tight spaces makes him the kind of utility weapon every modern NFL team values. His talents were on display on Saturday night in the Cardinals’ preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs when Demercado took a 43-yard pass to the end zone for a Cardinals touchdown.
Emari Demercado takes the screen pass all the way for the @AZCardinals TD!
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Dfk0OrgiF9
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona running back Demercado (31) runs for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Together all three of Arizona’s running backs bring a mix of power, speed, and versatility that can adapt to any defensive look. By rotating fresh legs and leveraging each player’s strengths, Arizona can keep drives alive and control the tempo. If this trio stays healthy and the offensive line holds its own, the Cardinals’ rushing attack could emerge as one of the league’s most well-rounded groups.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
