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

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

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

James lang yan ‍️@JamesConner_ x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/FXxglxouAH

– Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) Dec. 14, 2021

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

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

– Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) Dec. 14, 2021

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

If you don’t know the phrase #ConnerStrong …

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

– Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) Dec. 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 connects to the 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 into the night.

However, the Cardinals (10-3) lost to the Rams (9-4) in the final score of 30-23. And another former Pitt Panther is a big reason why.

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

The rook makin ‘I (N) T looks easy. #ProBowlVote + @ernestjones50 | @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/Q4O2CFWbsD

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

He also had a sack in the first game of the game by pushing an offensive lineman to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

Bring pressure early. #ProBowlVote + @AaronDonald97 | @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/weiSZ4XCys

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

Donald added a sack in the final game of the game.

Game call by Aaron Donald. #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/u7jYWFRpFN

– NFL (@NFL) Dec. 14, 2021

Plus, the Penn Hills native has one in between. Donald’s last stat line was five tackles with three sacks and one pass defended.

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

Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets can be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless otherwise specified.

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