Beanie Wells had a career year in 2011.

A third-year pro, Wells rushed for 1,047 yards and 10
touchdowns – both career highs – and silenced many critics
who thought he could not play through pain or, really, be
an effective runner.

If it was a make or break year for the former Ohio State
star, Wells made it.

“It was good,” he said. “To keep fighting through it, keep
going out there. Competing, giving my team a chance,
that’s all I can ask for.”

Of course, Wells was held out of Sunday’s finale, a
decision that was made by head coach Ken Whisenhunt due to
the various injuries the player has battled through this
season.

Wells was not pleased with his coach for holding him out.

“It was like he was my dad and he told me I couldn’t go
out to the party,” Wells said.

At this point, though, there was little left for Wells to
prove – at least to his coaches. Wells played in 14 games
this season, scoring three touchdowns in one and rushing
for a franchise-record 228 yards in another. So, in other
words, there should be little doubt that Wells can be the
number one back for this team next season.

“It was a good season,” he said, “and I’m excited about
next year, excited about being here and what Coach
Whisenhunt has planned for us next year is going to be
great.”

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