Although the offseason has been packed with drama, the Arizona Cardinals are shaping up to be one of the best teams in the NFC. Kyler Murray is a baller and the front office has done a great job building around their star quarterback. Meanwhile, the defense is stacked with JJ Watt leading the way. Even so, this team needs an unexpected hero to appear if they hope to make a deep playoff run. With that in mind, we go over one X-Factor to emerge for the Cardinals in the 2022 NFL season.

Arizona might have it rough to start the year, as DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for the first six games. Luckily for them, the front office traded for Marquise Brown who can be a strong second option once Hopkins returns. Additionally, Zach Ertz is a great target as well, so the passing game should be on point regardless. For that reason, the Cardinals' X-Factor might be waiting in the backfield.

James Conner is going to hold it down for the rushing attack. However, the franchise let Chase Edmonds walk in free agency. Arizona had a powerful running back duo last season and that could all go away with Edmonds out of the picture. Someone else will have to step up for the Cardinals to fill the void, as Conner seems to thrive with a competent backup behind him.

With that said, here is the surprising X-Factor to emerge for the Cardinals in the 2022 NFL season.

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Cardinals X-Factor To Emerge In 2022 NFL Season

Darrel Williams

Chase Edmonds is no longer on the roster which means someone else must step up in the backfield. Darrel Williams has been a solid option during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs and is in line to continue that trend next season. His play style is similar to Edmonds, which bodes well for his changes. If he produces well for the Cardinals this year, then Arizona's rushing attack will remain one of the best in the league.

He had the best season of his career so far last year with the Chiefs. Williams ended up with 1,010 total yards (558 rushing, 452 receiving) and eight touchdowns. Kansas City used Williams often as a versatile weapon out of the backfield and he can do the exact same for the Cardinals.

With James Conner playing more as a traditional running back, Darrel Williams can be a nice receiving threat and third-down back for Arizona. If he can contribute in that way, then the Cardinals' offense should be tough to stop in the 2022 NFL season. They'll have a consistent run game coupled with a solid aerial attack as well.

Williams can truly excel in this offense. Not only is he a good runner, but he can serve as a nice check-down option for Kyler Murray. Although Murray is capable of taking off with his legs, he might be able to find Darrel Williams in open space while scrambling in the pocket. Either way, the Cardinals are set up nicely to be one of the best teams in the league.

Look for Darrel Williams to make some noise once training camp kicks off. He'll likely have to compete with Eno Benjamin for the main backup role. However, based on his performance last year, Williams should be able to win the job outright. If he does, then the Cardinals' run game will be tough to slow down in the 2022 NFL season.