Everybody said something to Trey Benson after his 52-yard run in New Orleans. It was inevitable, when a running back is caught from behind by a defensive lineman – in this case, Saints end Carl Granderson.
Such is the way Benson's longest NFL run (so far) came to a close.
"In my head I was like, 'It's about time,'" Benson said of breaking a long gain. "But (expletive) I usually take those to the crib. Next time I will for sure."
The scamper around right end was Benson's highlight of his best game thus far in the league. But beyond the 69 yards rushing on eight carries was Benson's usage. He might not quite be co-RB1, but he's definitely RB3rdDown.
Benson played 22 snaps – James Conner led the way with 43 snaps at running back – which tied his career-high. It was 33 percent of the snaps, also tying his career-high. But it was noteworthy he had nine of those snaps on non-penalized third downs according to TruMedia, or 41 percent of the third downs. He played just 5.8 percent of the third downs as a rookie last season.
Emari Demercado, the previous third-down back, did not play a snap on offense in New Orleans, the first time that has happened in his career when he has played.
"They challenged me this offseason to be ready for that role and I came in prepared," Benson said. "It's been good. I'm taking it day by day, learning from Emari. I still ask him questions. The whole room is helping me."
Coach Jonathan Gannon liked how Benson not only had his breakout play but had a couple of "dirty runs" as well. He noted that Benson was upset he made a wrong read on a certain play, but "I think he did a good job."
Kyler Murray said he said something to Benson right before the 52-yard run – he wouldn't say what – and the play ended up a success. The quarterback was also more amazed at Granderson's tackle than shocked that Benson was caught.
"That was a crazy play, good effort," Murray said.
Benson is willing to give Granderson props. But it's going to stick with him for the moment.
"Kudos to number 96 for sure even though I wasn't running full speed, you know?" Benson said with a smile. "It won't happen again. It shouldn't happen at all."
Images of the Arizona Cardinals practicing at the Dignity Health Training Facility before the Week 2 regular season matchup against the Carolina Panthers, presented by Gatorade
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jordan Burch (52) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) , ;21, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Chigozie Anusiem (26) , and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3)during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers (67) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) , Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
