Projecting The Arizona Cardinals 2010 Roster: Running Backs
by Andrew602 on May 11, 2010 1:14 PM MDT
in NFL Offseason/Free Agency
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PrintLast week I started the roster projections for the Arizona Cardinals, beginning with the quarterbacks . Today, the running backs are up for review. This year's camp is sure to feature several battles at most positions. One of the less-talked-about positions are the running backs. What will happen from now until camp? Or the season? Right now Hightower is the starter, but Beanie Wells is no long shot to take over. It will be interesting when everything unfolds, but for now, all we can do is wonder.
The Starter - Tim Hightower
- Although I strongly feel that Beanie Wells should be the starter, Tim Hightower still has the reigns as the Cardinals starting running back. If we learned anything last season, it's that starting at running back is only a label. Hightower and Wells split carries fairly evenly last season and 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.
2nd String - Beanie Wells
- Even if Wells is getting his carries as the second string back, he holds a strong chance to earn the starting nod from now until the season begins. 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 Leinart at quarterback - an offensive scheme that will benfit Wells.
3rd String - LaRod Stephens Howling
- The Cardinals had the pleasure of finding a late-round gem in LaRod Stephens-Howling in last year's draft. LSH not only served as the primary kick off return man, but also saw duties in third down passing situations. He's become a fan-favorite and has a lock on kick off 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.
On The Bubble/Special Teams - Jason Wright
- Wright's chances for making the roster in 2010 have decreased since he signed with the team this past year. 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.
Out Of The Mix - Alfonso Smith
- Smith was an interesting prospect as an undrafted running back joining the Cardinals this offseason. Unfortunately for him, he 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.
The Cardinals find themselves in one of the most pleasing running back situations that they've been in in recent years. Two potential starting running backs and two capable back ups in certainly no problem to have. The running game has never been a strong point, but the 2010 season is sure to showcase the Cardinals rushing attack at a new level.
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Starting doesn't matter...
I actually expect to see Beanie receive a higher percentage of the carries this year. While it was split pretty evenly last year, I expect Wells to have more of a breakout season and showcase his skills more this year. While Hightower may start, I think Wells will be the workhorse and will be successful.
I’m not sure about LSH and his contributions this year. He surprised a lot of teams last year, but he isn’t going to be a surprise this year. He had that element last year because nobody expected much from him, as far as opponents are concerned. Now, teams will be aware of his potential and I’m afraid he may be reigned in much easier than he was last season. I hope this is no the case, but I’m afraid it may be.
Roughly 56 Wells/44 Hightower
That’s just carries, not downs played or receptions. What are you thinking for this year? I’m not sure I see it going too much over 60/40. I think the split is more unpredictable than a fixed scheme; last year it often came down to “who’s hot/who’s not.” Both earned their carries last year, imo, and they will both have to again this year. I’m keeping my eye on the fumbles…
One disagreement
I’d have to say that LSH is far from having a lock on the kick return job. We signed Justin Miller who has been to the Pro-Bowl as a returner and shoudl give LSH all he can handle and probably more. Other htan that, probably pretty spot on post.
Maybe have them both on the field at the same time?
And whichever one the ball is closer too returns the kick.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Justin Miller wasn't a highly sought after free agent
He wasn’t officially signed by a team till May which isn’t a good sign. The Cardinals offered him a “tryout” with the team before even signing him. He’ll serve as nothing more then DB depth with the possibility of returning kicks should LSH suffer an injury. Injuries are a huge concern with Miller, therefore, I’d still stand by my statement that LSH has a lock as the kick returner based on what we saw from him last season.
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 agree
Everybody is giving Miller too much credit at this point in his career. From injuries to motivation, there’s a lot not to like there. I doubt he’ll even make the final roster, but he has a chance to bounce back here…
Punt returns are totally up for grabs, and because we brought in so many guys who have history returning in college, they will probably get looks at KR as well. Like Miller, many of them won’t be around when the season officially begins. LSH is definitely favored to win the job.
Not saying its a done deal
I’m not sold on the fact that Miller is going to make any contribution at all. However, there is no denying that he has displayed the talent to be a difference maker in that capacity when healthy and motivated. Not saying LSH isn’t good back there, just that he will have competition.
Agree
He does have talent, and I’d love him to apply it in Arizona. I just see him as a back up at best, if he even makes the roster.
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
Dare we say....
finally the emergence of the Cardinals running game? It’s been a long time since we had anything resembling a “dominant” run game…maybe this is the start? :)
Adrian Murrell
was the last good back we had?
Thomas Jones was ruined by us.
Edgerrin James was good. I loved him as a cardinal.
by fansincejakenrob on May 11, 2010 3:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Ball security wass a concern last year for both guys.
Wells caught the most grief but Hightower lost even more fumbles I think. I look for the Cards to have a breakout year on the ground with the most focus going through Beanie but I’ll bet Whiz works them hard on hanging on to the rock!
by Birdman from Mesa on May 11, 2010 3:43 PM MDT reply actions
I think we do see more of LSH in the offense this year. Maybe not just as a RB either. I can see Whis using him in other ways, as a gadget player. If they were to install some 2 back formations they would be able to split him out like another receiver after the defense has made it’s subs. I don’t think he’ll get a lot of play time with Beanie and Tim in front of him, but more than last year.
As for Wells and Hightower, I think we’ve got a great duo and expect a lot from them this year. Who doesn’t? Like Birdman said though, ball security needs be be handled.
he played some reciever last year
i think i saw him take a WR SCREEN, at least 2-3 times in the season.
by fansincejakenrob on May 11, 2010 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions
My memory is a bit sketchy but I seemed to remember something like that too.
I couldn’t remember if he came out of the backfield every time or not.
I think Hightower learned well from Edge
on his blocking, I remember Hightower throwing some solid blocks all last year. Did anyone notice how Beanie was on blocking? I can’t say I paid too much attention. With Kurt’s retirement, actually running the ball might be more important than blocking this year though.
Didn't notice Wells doing it much
If he was in the game, chances were pretty good he was going to get the ball.
I noticed some
He uses his power to block. Needs to improve his technique
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 keep picking up LSH on my Madden team
I don’t mean to, I’m not playing favorites — he’s just so damned useful! haha
Anyway, yeah, I pretty much agree with this assessment. I think Wright still has a pretty good shot to make the roster, even with LSH kind of overtaking him at RB. He’s all right as a running back, can fill in at full-back if necessary, and great on special teams, a part of the roster that keeps thinning out.
He also has a rep as a really good locker room guy, Helps the young guys.
by Birdman from Mesa on May 12, 2010 11:59 AM MDT up reply actions
+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
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