The Arizona Cardinals turned a lot of heads to start the 2021 NFL season, running out to an 8-1 start and then sitting at 10-2 after 12 games. However, the Cardinals slumped to end the season and failed to secure the NFC West crown. The Los Angeles Rams earned that title despite losing to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, thanks to the Cardinals losing to the Seattle Seahawks.
Arizona finished its campaign with an 11-6 record for the second spot in the division and will now face the Rams in Los Angeles to start the playoffs.
For more insight on the Cardinals' Wild Card playoff matchup against the Rams, listen below:
Quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to have a major imprint on the game, but the true X-Factor for the Cardinals against the Rams is running back James Conner.
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Cardinals X-Factor vs. Rams in 2022 NFL Playoffs
After moving on from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 26-year-old carried over his momentum and played well in his first season in the desert. He ended his 2021 campaign with a total of 752 rushing yards on 202 attempts and 15 touchdowns in 15 appearances. Conner's fine play for his new team caught the attention of many as he earned the second Pro Bowl selection of his career.
In Week 18 against the Seahawks, he served as a dual threat on the field by notching 52 rushing yards on 15 carries and a score. He also compiled 41 receiving yards on six receptions and a touchdown for the Cardinals. Without a doubt, Conner almost single-handedly carried Arizona's offensive attack in that game as they continued to miss the services of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Though they fell short and failed to secure the victory, the running back still deserves credit for how he played in the final game of the regular season. Unfortunately, he got banged up with a rib injury in the fourth quarter and failed to return back to the game, which now puts his availability for their playoff tilt in question.
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Looking at the bright side, the Cardinals can still buy time for Conner's recovery since their game against the Rams is slated for Monday night. The running back's presence and contributions would be vital since they will be going up against a Rams side that has a loaded offense and a prolific defense featuring a lot of talent.
Conner's versatility and two-way style of play would surely come in handy for Kyler Murray as he tries to find ways to properly orchestrate the offense and successfully reach the end zone. Looking back, the Rams' normally stout run defense led by Aaron Donald had a hard time stopping the 49ers' rushers, with Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel both having their way on the field in Week 18. This opens a point of attack for the Cardinals' rushers to also work their way toward entering the gaps of the opposing defense to produce points on Monday night.
Additionally, Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is also expected to have his hands all over the Cardinals' receivers, which will force Arizona to rely more on the backfield for point production. As of the moment, the team's other running back in Chase Edmonds is expected to come back after missing time due to injuries. However, it remains to be seen if he is already in the pink of health, which further emphasizes the need for Conner to be active and produce on the field.
Currently, there is still no word regarding his status against the Rams, though the team is surely hoping that he didn't sustain a serious injury that will keep him out for long. If James Conner is able to suit up and have a good performance against the Rams, the Cardinals will have a good chance of competing for a victory in the Wild Card Round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs.
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