GLENDALE — Reps are key for Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson.
They don’t just present learning opportunities for the second-year pro, they also serve as confidence boosters.
All sights and sounds signal more of that is likely on the way for Benson in Year 2. But just how much?
“We’re both RB1. That’s how we’re approaching and looking at it, truthfully,” James Conner said last week. “He’s gonna play a lot this year. He just comes to work and is just super talented. You don’t got to tell him too much. He’s just a guy that who loves football. And it’s just growing every single day.”
Similar to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Darius Robinson and other second-year pros, Benson didn’t take many days off this offseason, showing up to camp in better NFL shape than he did a year prior.
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Adding eight to 10 more pounds while working diligently with sports science coordinator Kyle Sammons on resistance and strength training, Benson is feeling way more explosive.
That’s not what caught most people’s attention at camp, though.
Sure, Conner got his looks with the first-team offense, but it was Benson who got most of the work in with Kyler Murray and Co.
It wasn’t just in the run game, either, with Benson getting his time as a pass catcher, too.
Benson’s usage with the 1s has been noticeable, as has his confidence and explosiveness.
It’s a credit to not only him, but to his running mate Conner — who Benson calls “the blueprint” — as well.
“People always talk about generational type players. To me personally, I feel like James Conner is a generational type of leader,” running backs coach Autry Denson told Arizona Sports on Thursday. “He is selfless. Nobody outside of me spends more time with Trey and is as invested in his development.
“When you see that, that’s a product of all the hard work, the bond that they formed as brothers and partners in crime and all of those things that they’ve done in the offseason. To applaud Trey’s progress is to also acknowledge James’ hand in it. I’m blessed to have both of those guys in the room.”
But while Benson has taken that next step in his NFL progression, Arizona’s backfield still runs through Conner.
Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons scoring at least seven rushing touchdowns in each, Conner is looking to continue his career stretch with Arizona.
Getting up there in age (30), the Cardinals have been smart with Conner this camp, saving some extra tread on the tires for when the regular season begins.
Conner saw just over 50% of Arizona’s carries last year compared to Benson’s mark of around 13%. From a snap count perspective, the veteran outpaced the then rookie 60-17%.
Benson’s trajectory and the rave reviews both from coaches and players about his upped play should lead to an increase in percentage points in 2025.
But given Conner’s current run and ability to get better as the reps add up, it’s hard to see anything more than a 65-35% split for the duo (barring injury).
Don’t get me wrong, forming a one-two punch like Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could give this run-first offense an added dynamic wrinkle. The type of split the Lions duo had in 2024 (250-185) just doesn’t seem in the cards. Conner is too valuable to cut into his workload that much.
That’s not to say Benson isn’t going to see more time on the field like Conner said.
Among the biggest improvements to Benson’s game this offseason and training camp has been in pass protection.
It’s another reason why he’s getting more looks with the first-team offense, especially on third down.
Emari Demercado carved out a nice role the past two seasons thanks to his pass pro abilities, seeing at least 20% of available offensive snaps.
That’s trending to not be the case this year with Benson’s continued development.
“I think (he’s made a step) in a major way,” offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said Wednesday. “I think when the pads come on and it’s live, you’re hoping to see another jump there. But I think from an assignment standpoint, his eyes, his understanding of what to do and how to do it has been really good.
“The limited reps you can manufacture in practice, I think he’s done a great job of stepping up and being physical. Certainly, want that to continue.”
Let’s not forget Benson’s ability as a pass catcher, either.
Only seeing six catches for 59 yards as a rookie, there’s extra targets to be had for Benson, especially in a third-down role.
But however the touches shake out, rounding out his game that much more has taken Benson’s confidence to another level, a key component for any NFL running back.
“It’s through the roof right now and I have every reason to think like that because I put in the work this offseason,” Benson said last week. “Been working with James, been working with the offensive coordinator, the running backs coach and all the running back guys. They’ve been on my back and they know what we got to do this year. I’m very confident for sure.”