Cards' Wells: First month 'humbling'
by Kent Somers - Oct. 16, 2009
The Arizona Republic
Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic
Arizona Cardinals #26 Beanie Wells is tackled by Houston Texans #31 Bernard Pollard at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
Not long ago, Cardinals running back Beanie Wells would have regarded gaining 95 yards on 23 carries as an unproductive afternoon. But those are the rookie's statistics after four games, and the first month of his NFL career has been "a humbling experience," Wells said.
"I just have to wait my time, and they (coaches) know when I'm ready," Wells said. "I definitely think I'm ready. They don't think so, I guess. I don't know."
Wells' lack of carries has been due to a combination of factors. He missed a large part of training camp with an ankle injury, and that put him behind in learning facets of the offense. He fumbled twice against Jacksonville, and the Cardinals didn't try to run much in two other games.
"Obviously, if that dumb guy that is calling plays will call more runs then Beanie will get more opportunities for carries," said coach Ken Whisenhunt, who calls plays.
Wells' lack of work in training camp has prevented him from playing more in the team's one-back sets. That back is responsible for picking up a blitzer, and Tim Hightower, the starter, is better at it than Wells.
"I can see at first where it was difficult," Wells said. "I think I'm adjusting to it now. It's hard to simulate in practice because . . . we're not doing full contact."
The Cardinals worked Wells more in three-receiver sets this week in practice. "I do feel more comfortable with Beanie," Whisenhunt said.