Michael Carter took charge of the Arizona Cardinals' backfield during their Week 17 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing his abilities after being elevated from the practice squad. With starting running back James Conner sidelined due to a knee injury and teammate Trey Benson inactive with an ankle issue, Carter stepped up to be the lead back for the Cardinals.
Playing under the bright lights at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024, the 25-year-old running back made his mark on the game, rushing for 70 yards on 13 attempts and also catching two passes for 11 yards. Despite his impressive performance, the Cardinals fell short, losing to the Rams 13-9.
Entering the game, the Cardinals had hopes of playing spoiler to their NFC West rivals, but injuries plagued their roster, diminishing their chances. Conner, who had been instrumental earlier in the season, was initially listed as questionable before the game, but during the first half, he re-injured his knee and did not return. His absence was palpable; he concluded the game with just four carries for four yards before heading to the sidelines.
Michael Carter's ascension to the starting role came amid uncertainty surrounding his teammates. "Come on y'all, that's the energy I've been trying to bring every day," Carter exclaimed after making plays, aiming to energize his fellow players. He reflected on the necessity of stepping up, sharing his thoughts on Conner, "I knew, because (Conner's) a little bit banged up, I could be playing." Carter added, referencing Conner's dedication, "Nothing but respect for him."
The first half saw the Cardinals struggle offensively, failing to score before halftime. Carter's performance ignited the group's efforts when he barrelled through Rams cornerback Darious Williams on a six-yard run, showcasing the kind of grit the team needed. His determination didn’t just reflect his desire to contribute; it was also about maintaining morale within the team as they navigated through difficult play. "I just wanted to get my teammates going and try to ignite them," he stated emphatically.
After the tough first half, the Cardinals' offense showed some signs of life, but it was too late to reclaim the game. Tight end Trey McBride managed to catch his first touchdown of the season later on, adding to the scoreboard but not enough to change the outcome. Carter's contribution, noted for both his rushing and receiver roles, proved valuable as he found gaps thanks to the offensive line, which had its fair share of injuries as well, including the absence of key players like left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and right tackle Jonah Williams.
Reflecting on his performance, Carter noted, "I feel like they were winning up front. All I had to do was get my shoulders square and be patient." Taking responsibility, he added the importance of maintaining the Cardinals' standard for play, regardless of injuries: "We're going to play our style, our game, regardless. When someone else steps up, the expectation or standard doesn't go down." His words underscored the mentality necessary to succeed, particularly for the remaining games of the season.
Even with the loss, optimism remains for Carter and the Cardinals. They will face the San Francisco 49ers next week, where Carter may find himself as the primary back once again if Conner is unable to play. His performance this week not only raised expectations for him but also brought him back to the limelight, particularly after struggling to find his footing this season. Carter's ability to carry the ground game may be instrumental moving forward, especially as the Cardinals seek to end the season on a high note.
This game highlighted not just Carter's potential but also the resilience needed from the Cardinals as they seek answers following their recent struggles. Carter's resolve and effort to bring energy to the field did not go unnoticed, but the team still faces the challenge of overcoming their recent record. Let's see if they can regroup and build off these performances as they wrap up the 2024 NFL season.