Jan. 31, 2026, 7:08 p.m. MT
The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2025 NFL season ranked at No. 31 in rushing yards per game. Key injuries to running back Trey Benson and James Conner turned out to be a significant blow to the team’s offensive structure, which weighed as an additional inhibitor with quarterback Kyler Murray out.
The Cardinals ranked No. 7 in passing yards, so the air attack showed itself prominent. If only the team had just one of their two top running backs in Benson of Conner, this may have kept former defensive coordinator Nick Rallis from getting his unit demolished. Most analysts don’t know this, but it’s nearly impossible to have a quality defense in the NFL and not complement it with a quality rushing attack. Factors such as time of possession, fatigue, and special teams field position all go hand in hand with getting first downs. Yet, the Cardinals spent many games both trailing and unable to establish a ground attack, thus explaining their 3-14 record.
Conner’s foot injury was determined on Sept 22. and a speedy recovery is all Cardinals fans can hope for heading into spring. Benson was placed on injury reserve soon after on Oct 1. needing meniscus arthroscopic surgery to repair his knee. With both backs missing 10 plus games, and Murray missing, former head coach Jonathan Gannon knew that his glory days would be few in 2025. Gannon has a new chapter beginning in 2026 and hopefully the Cardinals find a coach to help ignite their own redemption as well.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!