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Cardinals RB Trey Benson in a 'mode' to have explosive Year 2

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 5:27 PM ET

GLENDALE – Entering the 2025 season, every Arizona Cardinals player is ready to lift more of their weight to elevate the team to the postseason, including 2nd-year running back Trey Benson. The 2024 3rd round pick was seen as a possibly replacement to James Conner, who’s age was starting to reach the end of term for an NFL running back. However, Conner continued to prove doubters wrong by rushing for his second-straight 1,000+ rushing season, while Benson watched from the sideline.

Benson only got 63 carries for 291 rushing yards and a touchdown during his rookie season. The former Florida State star halfback acknowledge that anxiety and the pressure got to him last year, when talking to Bob McManaman of AZ Central. However, he views next season as a way to redeem himself and became a running mate with Conner.

Benson on what to expect in his second season with Cardinals:

“I’m in a mode right now. I feel like I’ll get more opportunities and help James out more. I feel like we can have two RB1’s on this team. That’s my mindset this year. Two RB1’s,” Benson said. “My mind was just racing. I was (having) anxiety and panicking and stuff, but now you can see the difference between this year and last year. I’m more confident and just ready to work.”

The league saw the Detroit Lions take over offensively with their two star backs in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Cardinals could try to replicate that type of production with Benson and Conner. Each of them are bigger backs, standing at 6’1, and pack a serious punch 225+ pounds.

Arizona’s offensive line still has an All-Pro caliber center in Hjalte Froholdt leading the rushing attack, which has been top five the past two seasons. Conner just turned 30 years old and could began to slow down production-wise, which gives Benson an opportunity to prove himself with more carries. The 22-year-old believes he’s in that mode to carry the responsibility of taking over the running game and only time will tell if he can back it up on the field.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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