Training Camp Battles: Arizona RBs

 


It's July and the 2021 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. As it does, I'm going to be looking at some key position battles throughout the league each Monday as a preview of the upcoming NFL Season.

The Cardinals were led last season by a pair of Top 25 backs, Chase Edmonds, the pass-catcher, and Kenyan Drake. Drake had a surprisingly good season, rushing for more than 900 yards and finishing as RB16. But Drake moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders this off-season, leaving a void in the Arizona backfield.

Edmonds is back, and the Cardinals also signed free agent James Conner, from Pittsburgh. Edmonds was RB25 last season, rushing for 448 yards and a touchdown on 97 carries. He also added 53 receptions for 402 yards and four TDs. He figures to be a decent pass-catcher, but he's never had 100 or more carries in a season.

Conner has had big seasons in the past, but struggled with injuries the past few seasons. In 2020, he rushed for 721 yards and 6 TDs on 169 carries. He also had 35 receptions for 215 yards. Conner has the ability to carry a big load, but the question is if he will in Arizona.

The Cardinals best rusher will likely remain quarterback Kyler Murray. And the team has a robust passing attack, but I suspect both Edmonds and Conner will play a role. I think Edmonds will get more of a chance to rush, but will be the main pass-catcher. Meanwhile I think Conner will tote the ball mostly on early downs and be a bigger factor in the Red Zone.

As a result, I think Edmonds ends up the higher scoring option, but both will be a factor in Arizona.

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