Another Mediocre RB Opponent Incoming for Vikings

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings held the Chicago Bears to just 78 yards rushing on Sunday. The highest contributor was quarterback Caleb Williams. Looking just at the backs, Chicago could generate only 32 yards on 15 carries. That’s a reflection of Minnesota’s league-best rush defense.

Another Mediocre RB Opponent Incoming for Vikings

The good news is that Minnesota hasn’t allowed many backs to expose them, and they should again have an opportunity to feast on Sunday. The Arizona Cardinals will certainly utilize quarterback Kyle Murray’s legs. Lead-back James Conner isn’t exactly known as a substantial threat, though.

December 12, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Cardinals James Conner (6) and Wyatt Davis (66) take to the field against the Patriots at State Farm Stadium. NFL Cardinals Patriots 1213 New England Patriots At Arizona Cardinals. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK.

This season Conner is averaging just 4.2 yards yards per carry. He has found the end zone five times and is a better goal line back than Aaron Jones, but his longest rush is just 22 yards. The Cardinals struggled mightily with the Seattle Seahawks last weekend, and they put up just 49 yards on the ground. Conner turned seven carries into eight yards, and Trey Benson’s 18 yards on four carries led the backfield.

When Arizona comes to U.S. Bank Stadium, it will be facing one of its most difficult tests of the season. Not only does Minnesota boast one of the best homefield advantages in football, but they have a 9-2 record with sights on double digits. There was a time when the Cardinals appeared to be something of a formidable opponent, but it seems that has come and gone.

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) runs for a first down against Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) in the third quarter during their football game Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Murray’s limitations as a passer have been widely scrutinized throughout his career. If Minnesota can take the running game away from Arizona, then all of the weight will be placed on Murray’s shoulders to get the job done. The Vikings’ pass defense has been plenty beatable this year, but the Cardinals will be virtually telling them what is coming.

Unless Conner and the Cardinals can somehow put up an effort that no one should see coming, the Vikings will likely lower their season average against the rush.

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You can bet that Brian Flores will have his guys ready, and that’s not good news for the opposition.

Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.