Well(s) Wisher

If there is one running back you can bank on, it’s Beanie. Chris “Beanie” Wells inked a five year deal with the Arizona Cardinals yesterday. The former Ohio State running back arrived in Arizona anticipating a starting job. Now he will head to the bank to cash in on a new contract. The slimmed down Beanie expected to be taken seriously after the Cardinals drafted him as their number one pick this April. Wells was the 31st overall selection and yesterday struck an $11.8 million deal with the team enamored with the back. He left college following his junior year to pursue a professional career in the NFL. Saturday, Beanie was handsomely rewarded for his decision.
Beanie probably boasts the most endearing name in the NFL now. Even more engaging is Wells’ athletic attributes and physical prowess as a runner. He was often injured as a Buckeye under Jim Tressel but Beanie was in the running for the Heisman Trophy early last year. In typical Beanie fashion, the star was injured during his first drills with the team in camp. He didn’t quite make it through the practice after colliding with a teammate and rolling his ankle. If you know anything about Ohio State football, you know a stellar running game is warranted. Chris created a colossal, commanding and crippling climate as a college player. The bruising back was quite often bruised himself, but still one of the most feared running explosions. Wells made many standout scoring plays, including his hurdle over an Illinois defender, as Ohio State’s featured back. The hurdle has become somewhat of a signature Beanie move. Arizona fans hope Wells will be able to not only stay on the turf this Fall, but be a touchdown titan for the already offensively-minded Cardinals. The Cardinals released tight end, Alex Shor, to make room for their top draft pick.
The rookie runner will compete with Tim Hightower for the Cardinals’ number one tailback. The lighter weight may mean more playing time for the quicker Wells. But Hightower is no slouch. He scored 10 rushing touchdowns last season and made two key plays in the NFC championship game against Philadelphia. Jason Wright could also figure into the equation behind the quarterback. Even if Wells doesn’t win the position, the pair will make Arizona one of the league’s toughest backfields to defend. The 21 year old also has the ability to break big runs and return kicks. The Cardinals released Edgerrin James this offseason and Wells is the replacement with big shoes to fill immediately. Arizona had one of the worst running games in the NFL during the regular season. Any contributions from Wells’ speedy legs are a boost to Ken Whisenhunt’s defending NFC championship team. Here’s wishing Wells good luck in his first professional season.

Parting points: How many more Saturdays until the college football season?
Album of the day- “Mellow Gold” by Beck