GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals offense has been pretty disappointing to start the 2025 season. A year ago, the unit was nearly top 10 in the NFL, but it hasn’t lived up to that standard this year. The answer for why is simple, running back James Conner hasn’t gotten nearly enough touches.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The two-time Pro Bowler has had 23 carries in the first two weeks, which is the lowest amount to start a season since 2022 (17). Despite only the low amount of carries, Conner already has reached the end zone twice and will need to continue that trend against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) jukes by Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025.
Why Conner is needed to solve the Cardinals offense:
Under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Arizona has been a top five rushing attack in the NFL and top two in yards per carry. However, the offense has failed to record a 100-yard rushing game in back-to-back games, which is the first time ever since Petzing has taken over.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) breaks out of the backfield against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025.
There’s a couple of reasons for the struggles. The offensive line has taken a dip compared to previous years. Missed assignments, penalties and sloppy play has hindered the run game to meet the heights the last two years. Despite the offensive line, the main reason has to be Conner not receiving enough touches.
The magic number in carries is 30. In 13 games the past two seasons, the Cardinals have averaged 183.2 yards when they surpass 30 carries. In those games, Arizona averaged 5.4 yards per carry, which would put them third in the NFL this year instead of 11th.
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Giving Conner, or backup Trey Benson, more touches is the way to go. The Cardinals are a run-first offense and should get back into their roots to solve the slow start offensively. The 49ers just allowed 121 rushing yards to the Saints last week, including 99 yards to RB Alvin Kamara. Arizona should really try to ramp up the carries for Conner and Benson to get the rushing attack established early and often.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
