Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams set to play vs. Broncos
Aug 27, 2012, 8:38 PM | Updated: 9:52 pm
Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt is happy to finally have stability at the running back position.
With incumbent starter Beanie Wells returning and second-year back Ryan Williams both expected to play this week against the Broncos, Whisenhunt can breathe easy.
“Its been nice not to be talking about the running game every day, like we have in the past about how bad our running game was,” Whisenhunt said. “I know we are one of the better running teams.”
Wells is recovering from offseason knee surgery and Williams is still recovering from a torn patella tendon that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season.
“He (Wells) and Ryan both need to play in this game just to get some reps,” Whisenhunt said. “Beanie has made progress physically, but we need to see him get more live reps and he wants to get more live reps.”
Whisenhunt called the running game “encouraging” and hopes that the team’s success will carry over to the regular season.
“I think we have been effective running the football, which can help us in season,” Whisenhunt said. “It can take a lot of pressure of the quarterback position. It can help you with your play-action game.”
The star of the Cardinals running game so far (maybe the entire preseason) has been running back William Powell.
Powell is currently the leading rusher in the NFL with 231 yards on 33 carries.
A practice squad player last season, Whisenhunt said that he “grew” and “worked hard last season.”
“He has come here and every opportunity that he has had whether it has been as a returner, on special teams, on offense, he has consistently made plays and that’s what gets your attention,” Whisenhunt said. “I would like to look at him and see what other sorts of things he can do.”
