ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner scores 16th TD in MNF loss to Rams

Dec 13, 2021, 10:22 PM | Updated: Dec 14, 2021, 12:38 am

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) celebrates his touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams with offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

BY JAKE ANDERSON

Arizona Sports

Death, taxes, James Conner touchdowns and one-handed grabs.

The Arizona Cardinals running back was back at it again in Week 14’s 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football at State Farm Stadium.

With the Cardinals trailing 10-3 with just over three minutes remaining in the opening half, Arizona faced a 4th-and-goal from the LA one-yard-line.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury elected to give it to his bell cow of a running back for an easy one-yard TD run to bring the score to a 10-10 tie.

JAMES CONNER. TOUCHDOWN MACHINE 😤pic.twitter.com/bAl4D7HKd0

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 14, 2021

Conner’s 16 scores on the year rank as the third-most in a single season in Cardinals franchise history.

His 14 rushing touchdowns this season are also a career high.

“I’m just walking my walk. That’s all it is,” Conner said after the game. “Just trying to work hard week in and week out.

“Trying to do all the little things just to cut it loose on Sundays, have fun, play with passion and just play hard — give effort. Effort takes no talent. I feel like I just try to give it my all. … I’m just trying to prove myself right, really. Just work hard.”

Conner finished the game with two rushing touchdowns and 31 rushing yards to go along with 94 receiving yards a team-high nine catches.

Earlier in the first quarter on a 3rd-and-3 from the Rams’ 22-yard-line, quarterback Kyler Murray found Conner for a one-handed 18-yard grab for a first down inside LA’s five.

.@JamesConner_ snatched it with one hand 😱 #RedSea

📺: #LARvsAZ on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/Z9HeRUNm0d pic.twitter.com/jHlTkMsbFV

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2021

“I think he had my arm so that’s all I had was one hand,” Conner said jokingly. “Honestly, it was breaking in and it was kind of coming on me quick.

“I was getting my style points, so I was just trying to make a play. … I ain’t bragging, but I’m just trying to play football, trying to play fast. It came up on me quick so it just happened to be one hand. But hard or not hard, I’m not sure. I’m just trying to play fast.”

The one-handed snag is the RB’s fifth on the 2021 season, the most in the NFL this year, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Murray was picked off two plays later after his pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage by Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

Conner’s grab is also his second in as many weeks following his 23-yard one-handed catch and score in Arizona’s 33-22 road win over the Chicago Bears.

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Fans of the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams tailgate in front of State Farm Stadium prior to an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, smiles as he slaps the helmet of wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks for running room against the Los Angeles Rams as Cardinals guard Max Garcia (73) makes a block prior to an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) is blocked by Arizona Cardinals guard Max Garcia (73) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Green, right, makes a catch in front of Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kareen Orr (35) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) tackles Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) makes a touchdown catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) celebrates his touchdown catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) and other teammates during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) is pulled down by Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Troy Reeder, left, and safety Jordan Fuller (4) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) is pulled down by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tosses the ball to a teammate as Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long (22) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Ernest Jones, left, celebrates an interception against the Arizona Cardinals with Rams linebacker Jamir Jones (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass to Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck, left, is blocked during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk, left, makes a catch against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams, back left, and Rams safety Nick Scott (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) scores a touchdown as he gets past Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Troy Reeder (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner spikes the ball after his touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball after a reception as Darious Williams #11 and Jordan Fuller #4 of the Los Angeles Rams defends during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, right, is stopped just short of the end zone by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy, left, during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

An Arizona Cardinals fan shouts after a Los Angeles Rams score during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks for running room against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. signals a first down after a pass catch against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, left, makes a touchdown catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) celebrates his interception against the Arizona Cardinals as Cardinals center Rodney Hudson (61) looks away during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) runs with the ball after making an interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals with guard Austin Corbett (63) and tight end Brycen Hopkins (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams running back Sony Michel (25) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Corey Peters (98) as Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) looks on during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates his touchdown catch with guard Austin Corbett (63) as Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) looks away during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) is surrounded after he is unable to make a catch between Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Ernest Jones (50), free safety Taylor Rapp (24), cornerback Darious Williams, second from right, and defensive back David Long (22) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) makes a catch behind Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs with the ball as he gets past Los Angeles Rams defensive back Terrell Burgess (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals reaches for the ball that ends up being incomplete during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) breaks up a possible interception-attempt by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (11) on a pass intended for Hopkins during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller smiles as he points to the "88" on his helmet in memory of former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who passed away recently, after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates a win over the Arizona Cardinals after an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Marquise Copeland (93) celebrates with teammates after an NFL football game win over the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller, left, celebrates a win over the Arizona Cardinals with offensive lineman Jeremiah Kolone (60) after an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) hauls in a long pass against Los Angeles Rams safeties Jordan Fuller (4) and Nick Scott (33) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Zaven Collins (25) recovers an onside kick against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tries to elude Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long (22) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) gives Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller a stiff-arm after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

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