Wells’ toughness makes him a better back
Dec 2, 2011, 4:17 PM | Updated: 4:26 pm
In his third NFL season, Beanie Wells is running like the
type of back the Cardinals were expecting when they took
him in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.
After Wells’ struggles with injuries and running the ball
last season, some were starting to worry the former Ohio
State star would never develop.
ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski credits Wells’ improvement to a
more comfortable style of running and a tougher mentality.
“We’ve been talking about Beanie all season long, that
I’ve seen an invigorated running back, a guy that appears
a lot healthier than I’ve ever seen him, a guy that is now
running behind his pads rather than above his pads,”
Jaworski said on Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo.
Last week against the St. Louis Rams was easily Wells’
best game as a pro, as he rushed for 228 yards —
including a 71-yard run — and one touchdown.
“I think he has developed a mental toughness as well as a
physical toughness,” Jaworski said. “And I know it was on
display last week, but I think we’ve seen a lot more of
that all season long from Wells.”
Through ten games, Wells has already set career highs with
849 yards and eight touchdowns.
“He is now much more acclimated to the NFL style of
running,” Jaworski said, “where you have to deliver the
blow or you’re going to get killed, it’s that simple.”
