Trey Benson’s Bold Vision for Cardinals’ Backfield
Arizona Cardinals’ rookie running back Trey Benson is setting high expectations for the upcoming season, expressing confidence in forming a dynamic duo with veteran James Conner. Benson, a third-round pick from Florida State, believes the Cardinals can boast two RB1-caliber players in their backfield. “I feel like we can have two RB1s,” Benson stated, highlighting his ambition to elevate the team’s rushing attack alongside Conner, who led the Cardinals with 1,040 rushing yards in 2024 despite missing four games.
Building a Two-Pronged Rushing Attack
Benson’s optimism stems from his versatile skill set, which complements Conner’s hard-nosed running style. At 6-foot, 216 pounds, Benson combines speed, agility, and power, evidenced by his 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 1,811-yard, 14-touchdown senior season at Florida State. Conner, a proven workhorse when healthy, brings experience and physicality. Together, they aim to create a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing. Benson emphasized their chemistry, noting, “James is a great leader, and we push each other to get better every day.”
Overcoming Challenges to Shine
Despite his potential, Benson faces the challenge of earning carries in a backfield led by Conner, who has been Arizona’s primary rusher since 2021. Limited to 37 carries for 172 yards and one touchdown as a rookie in 2024, Benson is focused on improving his pass protection and route-running to secure a larger role. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon praised Benson’s work ethic, saying, “Trey’s hunger to improve is what will make him special.” With Conner’s injury history—never playing a full season—the rookie could see significant opportunities.
Impact on Cardinals’ 2025 Season
The Cardinals, coming off a 7-10 season, view a strong running game as key to improving their playoff chances in 2025. Benson’s emergence could lighten Conner’s workload, preserving the veteran for a postseason push. If Benson’s vision of a dual-RB1 backfield materializes, Arizona’s offense, led by quarterback Kyler Murray, could become a formidable unit. Fans are eager to see if this bold prediction translates to on-field success as the season unfolds.
