Remote Controller
Well-Known Member
- -- Beanie Wells Expected to Get Majority of Carries this Season --
Tue Jul 6, 2010 --from FFMastermind.com - RevengeoftheBirds.com reports although Arizona Cardinals RB Chris “Beanie” Wells isn't the starter right now, and likely won't be when the season begins, he'll get the majority of the carries when the team takes the field. After a pleasing rookie season, Wells gets the opportunity to head into next season completely healthy and prepared. His devastating running style is entertaining to watch. If he can produce a 1,000 yard performance next year, the Cardinals offense should be in prime position to make another playoff run. Beanie does need to work on his blocking and receiving skills, something we saw little of last year. The biggest blemish on his rookie season was ball security. Eliminating that flaw could propel Wells over the hump and into the upper echelon of backs in the league.
- -- Cardinals RB Watch --
Tue Jul 6, 2010 --from FFMastermind.com - RevengeoftheBirds.com reports Arizona Cardinals RB Tim Hightower heads into training camp as the team’s starting running back. Hightower and RB Chris “Beanie” Wells split carries fairly evenly last season but HC Ken Whisenhunt prefers Hightower's experience to open the game. He's also more versatile, as he can block and catch out of the backfield. However, Wells' punishing style sets a pace for the game that Hightower's cannot. He'll follow up a very successful rookie year with a dominant sophomore season, as long as he can stay healthy and avoid putting the ball on the ground. The Cardinals re-tooled their offensive line and will likely pound the rock more with QB Matt Leinart now starting - an offensive scheme that will benefit Wells. The Cardinals had the pleasure of finding a late-round gem in RB LaRod Stephens-Howling in last year's draft. LSH not only served as the primary kickoff return man, but also saw duties in third down passing situations. He's become a fan-favorite and has a lock on kickoff returns. After a full year in the system, LSH will see more playing time on offense and could pose as a potential threat with his speed catching passes out of the backfield. That means RB Jason Wright's chances for making the roster in 2010 have decreased. The Cardinals originally brought in Wright to back up Wells and Hightower, but with the emergence of Stephens-Howling last season, Wright's position on the roster doesn't seem so sure any longer. Should he remain on the roster, Wright will serve as the fourth string back and would see most of his duties on special teams. Undrafted rookie RB Alfonso Smith has an uphill battle to make the roster, let alone see any playing time in 2010. Smith has the physical build and athleticism to contribute in the NFL, it's just a matter of whether or not he can add the mental aspect of it.
- -- Cardinals WR Watch --
Tue Jul 6, 2010 --from FFMastermind.com - RevengeoftheBirds.com reports Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald and WR Steve Breaston are the best wide receiving tandem in the NFC West. Fitz is an All-Pro wide receiver that carries himself with dedication and professionalism on and off the field. Breaston will start with WR Anquan Boldin now out of the picture, seeing more time on offense and less time on special teams. He compliments Fitzgerald, with dependable hands and breakaway speed, and will prove the skeptics wrong next season. Two intriguing prospects to watch for are WR Early Doucet and rookie WR Andre Roberts. Both have the capability to become starting wide receivers down the line, and with a little fine tuning, could become key contributors for the offense. This season, Doucet will see most of his time in the slot. Meanwhile, Roberts was drafted in the third round with hopes that he'd develop into a quality slot receiver. In his first season, he should have a lock on punt returns since Breaston will be starting on offense. Although Roberts doesn't have the size, he does have the quickness and solid hands to see playing time when the Cardinals resort to four receiver sets. Rookies are never guaranteed starting spots, nor playing time in HC Ken Whisenhunt’s offense, but with all the changes at receiver, Roberts shouldn't have any problems having a successful 2010 season.
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