The Arizona Cardinals were not themselves in Week 12. Not only did the team have countless errors last week in their 16-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, running back James Conner only had seven carries, and that has not been a recipe for team success in 2024.
😁✍️ @JamesConner_ https://t.co/Z8ZzUpn6SH pic.twitter.com/necLz2uo1W
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 30, 2024
Over the four-game winning streak that was snapped last weekend, Conner averaged 17 carries per game, recorded two 100-yard games and had two touchdowns. Yet, Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing found a way to alienate Conner from the game plan in their very important Week 12 matchup.
Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13, Petzing needs to rely on Conner to keep the Vikings offense on the sideline. Running the ball and sustaining offensive drives will help the Cardinals to dictate the pace of the game and prevent the game from turning into an offensive shootout.
f r e s h & f o c u s e d pic.twitter.com/4VfbUmJaIK
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 1, 2024
Ultimately, it’s not that Conner can’t occupy as a asset with lesser usage but his play style helps to balance out the teams’ passing attack. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will likely blitz Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray so Petzing would be wise to run the ball to play on the attrition of the Vikings defense. Allowing Conner’s physicality to weigh on the Vikings might be pivotal down the stretch of this contest.
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