The Arizona Cardinals’ running back room is one of the most intriguing and well-balanced units on the team, thanks in large part to the leadership and experience provided by nine-year veteran James Conner. As the team looks to build a more competitive roster under General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, the running back position stands out as an area where the Cardinals have both depth and talent. Conner’s presence in the backfield provides a steadying force, but it’s the surrounding talent and the potential for growth within the unit that has many excited about what lies ahead for the Arizona Cardinals in the running game.
In this piece, we will explore the depth and potential of the Cardinals’ running back room, led by James Conner, and discuss the factors that make it one of the team’s strongest units heading into the 2024 season and beyond.
James Conner: The Veteran Leader
James Conner has been the heartbeat of the Arizona Cardinals’ running game since joining the team in 2021. After a standout career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Conner signed with the Cardinals as a free agent and quickly became a key contributor to the offense. A bruising and physical runner, Conner has been the focal point of the Cardinals’ backfield and has proven to be both a workhorse and a leader in the locker room.
Consistency and Durability
Over the course of his career, Conner has faced adversity with injuries, but his ability to bounce back and perform at a high level is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game. In his three seasons with Arizona, Conner has consistently been the Cardinals’ top rusher, providing stability and balance to the offense.
In 2022, Conner played in 15 games, rushing for 782 yards and seven touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield with 300 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers might not be flashy compared to other top-tier running backs in the league, Conner’s ability to grind out tough yards and move the chains is invaluable to a team in need of consistency.
One of the most significant aspects of Conner’s game is his ability to find the end zone. He has been a consistent red zone threat for the Cardinals, and his physicality makes him an ideal back to finish off drives when the team is in close. Conner’s knack for scoring and his leadership in the locker room have been crucial to the growth of the Cardinals’ offense.
As Conner approaches the later years of his career, his role may evolve, but he remains one of the team’s most valuable players and a key mentor to the younger running backs on the roster.
Conner’s Role in the 2024 Season
Heading into 2024, Conner’s role remains integral to the Cardinals’ offensive identity. With a quarterback like Kyler Murray, who can both throw and run, the importance of a strong running game becomes even more vital. Conner provides the Cardinals with a reliable and physical option in the backfield who can take pressure off Murray by helping to establish the run.
While Conner’s workload may be managed more carefully in the upcoming seasons to prolong his career, he will still be expected to be the primary ball carrier and provide a steady presence for the offense. Conner’s experience, leadership, and ability to execute in crucial situations will remain invaluable to the Cardinals’ success.
The Depth Behind James Conner: A Promising Group
While Conner’s presence in the running back room is undoubtedly a stabilizing force, the Cardinals also have a wealth of young talent behind him, making the depth of the unit one of the team’s greatest strengths. The combination of veteran experience and emerging young talent gives the Cardinals a versatile and dynamic backfield, capable of making an impact in multiple facets of the game.
Keaontay Ingram: A Potential Star in the Making
Keaontay Ingram, a second-year player out of USC, is one of the most intriguing young running backs on the Cardinals’ roster. Ingram spent his rookie season as a backup to Conner, but the potential he showed in limited action has many believing that he could eventually take on a larger role in the offense.
Ingram has a strong, compact build, and he’s a well-rounded back with excellent vision and the ability to break tackles. In his limited opportunities during the 2023 season, Ingram showed flashes of his potential, running with a combination of power and agility that made him stand out from other running backs on the roster.
During training camp and the preseason, Ingram will have the chance to compete for a more significant role behind Conner. His ability to contribute on passing downs as a receiving back is an area where he can stand out and potentially earn a larger share of the snaps. If Ingram continues to progress, he could eventually emerge as a future starter or a key piece of a running back committee that keeps defenses on their toes.
Amari DiBenedetto: Speed and Versatility
Amari DiBenedetto, a former undrafted free agent, is another young player in the Cardinals’ backfield who has impressed during his time with the team. Known for his speed and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, DiBenedetto has the tools to be an explosive threat in space. While he has yet to see significant playing time, his athleticism and versatility give him a chance to carve out a niche on the team.
What makes DiBenedetto particularly valuable is his ability to contribute on special teams, adding depth in multiple areas. His role may initially be as a return man or a change-of-pace back, but if he continues to develop, he could become a situational playmaker for the Cardinals, providing a spark in the running game or on special teams.
Darwin Thompson: Experience and Insurance
Another player competing for a roster spot is Darwin Thompson, a veteran who brings experience to the running back room. After spending time with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thompson has bounced around the league, looking for an opportunity to establish himself as a consistent contributor.
Thompson has good vision and a solid ability to find the holes in the defense, and while he is not known for explosive breakaway speed, his toughness and determination make him a valuable depth piece. He will likely compete for a spot as a backup or rotational player, and his experience in the NFL could make him a reliable option in the event of injuries or when Conner needs a breather.
Balancing the Running Back Committee
With the depth the Cardinals have at the running back position, there’s the potential to form a strong committee approach to the position. Rather than relying solely on one running back, the Cardinals could leverage the strengths of multiple backs to keep the opposition guessing and to preserve the health of their veterans.
James Conner will continue to lead the backfield, but the complementary skill sets of players like Keaontay Ingram, Amari DiBenedetto, and Darwin Thompson could allow the Cardinals to rotate backs in and out of the lineup in a way that maximizes their collective impact. For example, Conner’s power and toughness can be paired with Ingram’s quickness and agility, while DiBenedetto’s speed can provide a change-of-pace option on passing downs or in two-minute drills.
With the quarterback play of Kyler Murray, who often extends plays with his legs, the running backs must be versatile and capable of adjusting to the offensive scheme. The ability to attack both between the tackles and in space will be critical, and the Cardinals have a versatile group that should be able to adjust to whatever game plan is required.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Running Back Position
While James Conner remains the centerpiece of the running back room, the future of the position is bright in Arizona. The Cardinals are fortunate to have a solid mix of veteran leadership and young talent, which gives them flexibility moving forward. The addition of players like Keaontay Ingram and Amari DiBenedetto gives the team options for the future, and they will continue to evaluate potential additions through the draft or free agency.
If Ingram can develop into a legitimate 1B to Conner’s 1A, the team will have a dynamic duo that can wear down opposing defenses. Moreover, the Cardinals’ commitment to developing a strong running game to complement their passing attack is likely to continue, especially as Kyler Murray’s health and performance continue to improve. The running back position will play a pivotal role in the success of the offense as a whole.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cardinals could look to add more talent to the backfield, either through a high-impact running back or a player who fits their specific needs in terms of style and skill set. This gives them the ability to plan for the future, ensuring that the running back room remains a strength of the team for years to come.
The Arizona Cardinals’ running back room is a deep and dynamic unit with a perfect mix of veteran experience and promising young talent. With James Conner leading the way as a reliable and physical back, the Cardinals have the foundation for a potent running game that can take pressure off their quarterback and help control the tempo of games. Behind Conner, players like Keaontay Ingram, Amari DiBenedetto, and Darwin Thompson provide excellent depth, each bringing unique skills to the table.
As the Cardinals look to the future, the running back position will continue to be an area of strength, providing a versatile and balanced attack that will be crucial to their success. With the right development, the backfield could be a key asset in helping the team return to playoff contention in the years ahead.
