James Conner – RB
In his first season with the Arizona Cardinals after a few years in Pittsburgh, James Conner has been one of the most surprising players through the first half of the season.
Conner is coming off a three rushing touchdown game and is currently tied for the lead in NFL rushing touchdowns with Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans with 10, who is now out for the foreseeable future with injuries.
The most surprising part is that until last week, when Chase Edmonds got injured, Conner hasn’t even been Arizona’s starting running back.
The Cardinals’ offense has just been so good that Conner has made the most of his opportunities when in the game at the goal line. He also has 454 rushing yards but will have the opportunity to get even more when facing the Carolina Panthers this week with Edmonds out.
The Panthers have been one of the league’s better rushing defenses this year but Conner will provide a tough challenge. One that the team has to limit in pursuit of pulling off a major upset.
Conner’s influence is steadily growing in Arizona. If Kyler Murray takes his place under center, the running back won’t be the main focal point coming out of the backfield, either.