Pitt alumni shine on ‘Monday Night Football’: Aaron Donald, James Conner turn in huge games

Tim Benz
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 6:17 a.m. | Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 6:17 a.m.

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AP

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

AP

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner celebrates his touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game Monday, Dec.13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz.

AP

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald 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.

Former Steelers running back James Conner had a huge game on “Monday Night Football.”

Now with the Arizona Cardinals, Conner got his night going against the Los Angeles Rams with this filthy one-handed catch.

That's just James ‍️@JamesConner_ x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/FXxglxouAH

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 14, 2021

The ex-Pitt Panther ended up with nine catches for 94 yards. That reception was definitely the highlight of his night. It helped set up this touchdown run on a fourth-and-goal from the Rams’ 1-yard line.

ya can't stop him…sorry ‍️@JamesConner_ x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/Nn56cn8czJ

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 14, 2021

Conner wasn’t done scoring. He added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, this time from the wildcat formation.

If you didn't know the phrase #ConnerStrong…

Now you do.@JamesConner_ x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/NwV5udlzny

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 14, 2021

In both cases, note how Conner fought through contact and found the end zone. He’s been doing that all season. Conner now has 14 touchdowns. That ties a Cardinals team record. It also puts him second in the NFL with rushing scores. Only Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor has more with 16.

Conner had 31 yards rushing on the night.

However, the Cardinals (10-3) ended up losing to the Rams (9-4) by a final score 30-23. And another former Pitt Panther was a big reason why.

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald tipped a pass that led to a red zone interception by Ernest Jones.

The rook makin' I(N)T look easy. #ProBowlVote + @ernestjones50 | @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/Q4O2CFWbsD

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 14, 2021

He also had a sack on the first play of the game by pushing an offensive lineman right into Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

Bringin' the pressure early. #ProBowlVote + @AaronDonald97 | @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/weiSZ4XCys

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 14, 2021

Donald added a sack on the last play of the game.

Aaron Donald calls game. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/u7jYWFRpFN

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2021

Plus, the Penn Hills native had one in between. Donald’s final stat line was five tackles with three sacks and a pass defensed.

The Rams now trail the Cardinals in the NFC West by just one game.