Arizona Cardinals Offseason Awards: Rookie Of The Year
by Andrew602 on Jan 20, 2010 7:49 AM MST
Email
PrintThe Arizona Cardinals season may be over, but here at ROTB we never stop writing about our beloved team. If you weren't here this time last year, then you probably missed the ROTB offseason awards. We dished out the rookie of the year, most improved player, defensive player, offensive player, and the team MVP. This year will be the same, and what a better way to start then with rookie of the year? The race isn't as tight as it was last year, but there are a couple deserving candidates.
Beanie Wells, RB: 936 Total yards, 7 TDs, 4.5 YPC
Beanie Wells was one of the highest touted running backs coming out of college in 2009, and when he fell to the Cardinals at the 31st pick, many fans knew landing Wells at that spot was a steal. The rookie didn't contribute right away, waiting on a contract and injuring his ankle on the first day of training camp. Once he become familiar with the playbook at the midway point of the season, the Cardinals running game became immediately better. Wells brought talents to the table that no other running back could bring. He was very explosive, showcased a nasty stiff arm, and was willing to improve all aspects of his game as the season wore on. Wells showed flashes of his full potential, and the Cardinals may see the whole package next season.
The other three candidates are after the jump...
LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB: 22 ST tackles, 1 KR TD, 1 REC TD
Before you click on Beanie Wells name and make up your mind, consider that the Cardinals had another rookie running back that made huge contributions in 2009. LSH was drafted in the 7th round and most of us weren't sure if he'd make it out of training camp, let alone see any playing time. He had a great return game against the Chargers in the preseason and that alone locked up his roster spot among 52 other men. Most of his kick returns weren't eye opening until he ran one back for 99 yards at a pivotal time against the Titans. Not only was he productive with returns, but he was also solid at the opposite end. He had 22 special teams tackles and downed numerous punts inside the opponents 10 yard line.
Greg Toler, CB: 11 Tackles, 1 INT
Although the race may come down to the previous two candidates, Greg Toler deserves some consideration. He was drafted out of a small school with the expectations that he had raw talent and would be a work in progress. Although he didn't start all year, he made countless contributions on special teams and even recorded an interception. Perhaps the biggest moment for Toler came in the Cardinals final game at New Orleans. He performed very well considering the amount of pressure that was on him - and oh yeah, and he faced one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Drew Brees. That game alone should give the Cardinals something to look forward to from Toler.
Will Davis, LB: 19 tackles, 2 sacks
Davis didn't make as many contributions as the other three rookies, but with all the veterans ahead of him at linebacker, we didn't expect much out of him in his first year. He did manage to add two regular season sacks and was another special teams ace, adding 19 tackles on the year. Keep in mind that Calais Campbell was also a big special teams player last year and started this year successfully. We may be seeing a linebacker in the making out of Davis, but only time will tell.
This rookie group wasn't as strong as last year's(DRC, Hightower), but made several big plays when they needed to this season. It also gives Cardinal fans something to look forward to in April's upcoming draft. Who did you vote for and why?
29 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Beanie was a beast.
I am looking forward to seeing what he does with 15-20 carries on a consistent basis rather than the end of the year like this year.
+1
In my opinion, the only reason he is not the unaminous choice is he did not get enough touches.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Jan 20, 2010 9:46 AM MST up reply actions
The only real candidate is Beanie but this is shaping up to be another strong draft class
Toler looked like the best CB on the field after DRC went down against the Saints and he should at the very least assume the nickel job next season.
Davis flashed some ability to get to the passer and was better than I expected in coverage, although he’s still got plenty of work to do in that department. I could see him stepping into Bertrand Berry’s role next season (situational pass rusher and first in line for a spot start).
The Howler looks like a very useable piece who can help this team in a variety of ways (rushing, recieving, returning and covering kicks). He won’t ever be Sproles but he could turn into a very nice jack of all trades change of pace back.
Cody Brown is the wild card in this class though. We need him to become a decent player in the very near future for this class to be looked upon as a success.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I think Brown is being overlooked by fans
It’s as if we’re getting an extra 2nd round pick added to the team in 2010.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
And its not like
He has been sitting on the couch all season doing nothing. He went to all the meetings, watched practices, and has probably picked up just observing and I bet you anything the kid is aching to put some pads on again and hit the field.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Jan 20, 2010 10:18 AM MST up reply actions
*
Edit button anyone?
I imagine he has learned a lot through observing… last and didn’t come out the same as it sounded in my head….
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Jan 20, 2010 10:19 AM MST up reply actions
Herman & Rashad Johnson
Don’t forget Herman and Rashad in this draft class. We have yet to see what Herman Monster is capable of. I’m hoping he will take over the left guard position from Reggie Wells. He played left guard at LSU. Rashad Johnson didn’t look too impressive in his first year. He often took bad angles in the running game and looked lost in coverage. He seemed to have difficulty adjusting to the speed of the game at the pro level.
Toler
was pretty impressive overall, in my opinion. I think he’ll earn more playing time and contribute next season. Hopefully he continues to improve as we desperately need stronger coverage.
Howls was terrific in special teams but he just didn’t have nearly the impact on games that Beanie did…so Beanie really has to be the ROY.
Sidenote—my apologies for being absent the last few weeks. I’ve been moved through 3 different states in a few weeks and had no access to internet while my housing was set up. I’m back though! *
it's hard to pick anybody but beanie
considering that he had a 4.5 ypc and almost 1000 yards in his first season. he’s a star in the making and i’m happy the cards finally have a back who can score a 60 yard TD on any play
i love the howler, but i’m really looking forward to toler. he played really well against the saints (he was the only defensive player i was actually impressed with in that game) and i think he should at least be the nickel cb next year, and maybe even starting.
i think the two big question marks right now are cody brown and rashad johnson. we are so old at linebacker, and it’ll be nice to know that we’re at least one step closer to revamping our linebacker corps. in terms of johnson, many people forget that he was considered a first round talent and if rolle leaves or even if he doesn’t, he could be a big part of our secondary. it’s nice to know that as bad as the secondary was this year, we have 2 second year players next year who could make huge impacts in improving our defense
With Abdullah coming in at the end of the season and instantly taking RJ's job, I have to imagine
He’s quickly on his way out of the league. Expectations were for him to come on at the end of the year, rather than pull another disappearing act.
Not a good start.
really one season and he's "on his way out of the league"
So the staff chose a mediocre veteran player over an inconsistent rookie, that doesn’t mean he’s never going to get it.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
+1
EVERYONE knows that Whiz doesn’t like to put pressure on rookies. He will get eased in next season. Hamza was a stop gap and that’s it. If they didn’t think he could make it in the league, he would have been gone already, a la Buster Davis.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
Really?
I don’t even imagine the Raiders cutting their 4th round pick his first year. He was already eased in once and once everyone saw how well that was going they brought in Abdullah. He’s not good on special teams, he’s not good on D. What else do we need to know?
It’s not like I’m saying he’s had his chance and he’s gone, but he is a 4th round pick after all. If he doesn’t show something soon it might be too late. Look at what happened to Bruce Davis last year.
I think you've forgotten...
His job this year was to be a 5th safety and to learn the game. When Ware went down he was promoted to backup FS. Hamza was brought in to get him back to his comfort zone. Now if he sucks next year I’ll concede that you were right.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Jan 22, 2010 5:09 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
beanie
no debate IMO. I am very happy again with this year’s draft all around. I haven’t seen enough from Rashad or Cody to know what to expect from them. Davis showed flashes, and I am really excited about Toler, I think the kid is going to be great. LSH was a flat out steal in the 7th.
http://undrafteds.com/
Beanie stole my vote
As a whole I think we saw a lot of encouraging things from our group of rookies.
1. Beanie is awesome, with improved run blocking from our line and emphasis on the run we may not need a Warner’esk type QB.
2. Toler, I said it before and I think the playoff performance solidified my observations. He is great in man coverage, needs to study and get better in zone d and the thought of Toler and DRC working both sides of the fence makes me smile. All we need is some depth.
3. LSH proved that if you work hard you can be a valuable asset in the NFL, even if you are 5’ 8".
I think the Sophomore class is the group I was most impressed with.
1. Campbell is huge, took me by surprise. Dare I say future probowler?
2. DRC didn’t disappoint and improved dramatically over the course of a season. Dare I say probowler!
3.Higttower proved he is a contender and has a continued role in this offense.
+1 on two good draft classes
This really bodes well for the cards long term. FA pickups are fine, but you have to build through the draft and make those picks count for consistency over the long haul. Imagine how much more important solid drafting will become if (maybe I should say when) a rookie salary structure is implemented in the next CBA.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Jan 20, 2010 11:21 PM MST up reply actions
Doucet and Iwebema
Doucet and Iwebema from the sophomore class are also contributors. We have yet to see what Keith is capable of. That six that are still around. Only one missing is Harrington from the sixth round. Cards have had a hard time drafting linebackers.
Beanie wo a doubt!!!!!
Imagine his #‘s if they had made him the feature back and given him the ball 20+times a game! He is the rookie of the year no doubt!
Toler, he really impressed me in the Saints game. He will be a good cover cb and imo, he is the second best corner on the team right now.
Howler, great on special teams and a good spot 3rd down back.
Davis, looked impressive @ times considering his limited playing time.
Brown, ready to see what he has next year.
Johnson, same thing.
2 great drafts in a row and looking forward to cleaning house in the draft this year.
Let’s get some help in the pash rush either @ DE or LB. OT help and some depth in the secondary. Also, how about looking into letting Rackers walk and signing Folk who was dropped by the Cowpukes!
by jetstreamgreen81 on Jan 20, 2010 12:40 PM MST reply actions
Seems like he misses just as much as Rackers does.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I still like Rackers
He had a pulled groin and those don’t heal easliy. Especially when your job is to kick shuff
Also...
Let us not forget that Rackers recovered his own onside kick!! hahah! He also is an active tackler which, despite the possible injury implications, gives him an A+ in my book. I’m a Rackers fan a don’t see us going away from him just yet.
Has to be Beanie...
I’d really like to hear from the few people that voted for Toler and Davis. I’m not saying they had bad years, but unless I missed a lot watching the games they weren’t nearly as impactful as Beanie or LSH.
by jallred350 on Jan 20, 2010 2:29 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Beanie
I see him going over 1000 yards next season, especially if Kurt retires and there is more of a running game.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
LSH by a hair
Its easy to give it to Beanie and he did have an amazing year even with a dual-RB set-up as well as being apart of a pass-orientated offense.
However, I tip my hat (and give my vote) LSH. His special teams play was pivotal in several games. His abilities resembled that of a seasoned vet on ST, which is a unique attribute these days. Special Teams can win games as Cards fans know from this year and last year (Cowboys).
LSH probably wont see any significant time at RB, however he made the most of his opportunities/time and showcased his ability to make big plays. He’s undersized yet makes up for it. Hopefully he will continue in this important role for us for years to come.
by WeDoThisTogether on Jan 20, 2010 10:58 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
+1
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
greg toler
I know greg toler. I followed his career at St. PAUL’S. You will be rooting for him long after BEANIE and TIM are broken men out of the league. The guy just grows on you. I told you this summer he was going to excel. Watch him get better and better.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
