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1,000 reasons to watch Beanie, Fitz

Posted by Darren Urban on December 7, 2011 – 9:54 am

With four games left in the regular season, both wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and running back Beanie Wells are near-guarantees to reach 1,000 yards receiving and rushing. There is a chance — perhaps good — they could both do it Sunday against the 49ers.

Fitz only needs 57 more receiving yards to get to 1,000, which would be the sixth such season of his career and set a franchise record. It’s become clear Fitzgerald isn’t going to end up with the 90-to-100 receptions he craves — with 55, he is only on pace for 73 — but his yardage total will be up there (on pace for 1,257) and as has been mentioned many times, his per-catch average will be the highest of his career.

Beanie is in a different spot. He’s never had 1,000 yards before. After his 793-yard showing as a rookie, playing part-time with Tim Hightower, you figured he’d eventually get there. But then knee issues and general struggles last season put that into question. Guess it shouldn’t have. Even with new knee problems this season — and missing a game in Seattle because of a bad hamstring — Wells already has 916 yards (and has career highs, already, in attempts with 201, yards and touchdowns, with nine.) Edgerrin James is the last Card to rush for 1,000 when he had 1,222 in 2007. Edge averaged 3.8 yards a carry that season. Beanie is averaging 4.6 yards a carry and is on pace for 1,249 yards even after missing the one game.

“It’s always been one of my goals, that plateau,” Wells said. “Being a running back in the league, a thousand yards is the mark. I definitely want to hit it.”

Beanie needs 84, which will make for an interesting game Sunday. The 49ers are allowing just 71.8 rushing yards total per game, well short of what Beanie needs by himself. The most yards any individual has gained rushing against San Francisco in 12 games actually was a quarterback — the Eagles’ Michael Vick had 75 on eight carries. The Bengals’ Cedric Benson had 64 on 17 carries. No player has come close to 84.

Beanie only had 33 yards in the first game against the 49ers (Chester Taylor actually was the leading rusher thanks to his one attempt for 34 yards) but he had only eight carries and averaged 4.1 yards a rush.

“It was something I thought about at the beginning of the year, but as the season has gone on, I haven’t thought about it,” Wells said, downplaying the possibility of doing it against the Niners. “Whoever I get it against, I just want to get it.”


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44 Responses to “1,000 reasons to watch Beanie, Fitz”

  1. By MIKE G on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Hey Darren– Hopefully these two players will reach those goals this week against SF. This will be a big game for Arizona. It will be interesting to see how they will handle the success of beating Dallas. It would be nice to get to 6-7 and I believe this is the toughest game they have remaining. We must do everything to try to win it. Confidence should be high and the team should be loose. It is a revenge game and I expect the Card’s to play well. I see a low scoring game maybe 19-16 type. Darren – Do you see K- Rhodes coming back by the end of the year???? I would still stick with Rashad Johnson–seems like he is improving some–Why break the chemistry back there!!!.

  2. By Darren Urban on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Mike G —

    RE: Rhodes

    I think he’s going to try to come back, but he is running out of time and yes, there is a chemistry right now.

  3. By Paul H. on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Love all the pundits on TV and radio shows wringing their hands about the Cowboys mishandling the clock at the end of last weeks game. Of course there is no credit given to the way the Cards played in the game. Now on to this weeks game. Wouldn’t it be great to wipe the smirk off Jim Harbaugh’s face. A little arrogant for a first year coach don’t you think? Let’s bottle up Frank Gore and see what Alex Smith can do.

  4. By Kevin on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Am I correct in thinking that the Cards have to win this game in order to remain a possibility as a Wildcard?

  5. By Darren Urban on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Kevin —

    RE: Winning

    Mathematically I think they could get in at 8-8, but realistically, they need to win out. And still get some help.

  6. By brad oneill on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    i don’t like beanies attitude, i want him dreaming about going 9 yards further than any back this year against the niners, i want him waking up thinking of ways to get across a 1000 yards, i want him to tell everylineman that this week they have something to prove. but that’s not beanie, he doesn’t seem to revel in pressure, or get hyped up, he just shows up and waits for the coach to call his name.

    against the 49ers last time his 4.1 was a statement, had he been healthy i imagine that would have continued, had the pass game been a little better he would have had a shot at a 100, this is his last chance of the year to beat a team that is going to the playoffs from our division. the fan wants it, the coach wants it, the team wants it, tell me beanie wants it and i think he will get there on sunday. .

    otherwise he just needs to average 21 yards a game, go ahead and coast in beanie next year you will be splitting time with little sweetness and i guarantee he wants it.

  7. By Joram on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Go beat da 49ers

  8. By Andy M on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Perhaps our friend brad o. didn’t think about the possibility that Beanie was giving the politically correct analysis. Most of these pros know enough not to put up bulletin board material for a very tough run defense. Beanie, in my opinion, properly low-keyed the issue. This guy has come a long way in the past couple years. Give him some credit–he has shown toughness and tenacity to go with his talent. Ultimately, it is about the team’s success and taking advantage of whatever a tough team gives you. Maybe that is 200 yards and maybe it is 40. I guess I liked Beanie’s thoughts.

  9. By Chuck on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    I just want to the cards to take care of the ball this week. That is the recipe to beat the 49ers. They are +18 or so in the tunrover battle. We had 5 last game. Thats how they win games. Dont turn it over. Play stingy defense as we have. We will beat ’em then! They should’ve been able to blow us out with 5 turn overs. Shows what they are not. LETS GO!!!

  10. By jocards on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Well I have been as down on this team as anybody this season but I think it is time to give some credit where it is due…The team has not quit and after starting 1-6 I believe that Whisenhunt and staff deserve some credit for that. The defense is looking pretty good and is getting major contributions from some young guys…it would seem that perhaps Ray Horton does know a little something. There are some bright spots. Beanie Wells looks like he could develop into a real weapon, Washington, Acho, Peterson and Schofield all are contributing on the defensive side…Campbell is becoming a force to be reckoned with…If we could get the O-line to improve with their pass protection the offense might take a big step forward. Kolb had a good 2nd half last week and would’ve looked even better if guys would catch the ball for him more often. Look, this is not a playoff team right now…but perhaps things are looking up.

  11. By bluepitt on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    prediction!!!! Wells 27 car for 121 yds…… jot it down…fitz 5 catch for 83 yds..I first was going with 7 for 74 yds… well see.. 27-13 cards

  12. By Matt H on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Is there an Underground podcast today Darren and it just hasn’t been posted yet? Thanks

  13. By Darren Urban on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Matt H —

    RE: Underground

    Recorded, just not posted yet. Patience.

  14. By austin on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Man it would be nice to be the first team to score a rushing touchdown against the niners. As much as I hate giving them credit, it is impressive to have such a stout run defense. I do think Beanie and our line can break them. GO CARDS!!!!

  15. By DavefromNY on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Darren, this may be the most random question and most of topic question you will get all year, but what your Favorite Basketball team? jw.. lol.

  16. By Mike T on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Im predicting we win 19-13 in OT

  17. By Born n Bred on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    I love me some Fitz, i love me some Beanie.. But in my dream world this offense would be ran through Beanie and not the pass where bout 70 percent or so of pass plays being in the gun.. Ryan W. is on his way and his yr averages should be what Beanie got his rookie year, while Beanie should average out round here. I love you Fitz, i got your fat head but Jerry Rice is all time. I still see him as the season leader in single year TDs, cause it happened in a short year, with 3 different QBs. And you know what, it was in a west coast offense and put the QBon the move and Keep LBs honest. Youll still get yours with that avg catch.. Youve proven too be Great like him with different QBs.. Brad Oneill, Beanie cant be that way because when he does, media in my opion when, he did ask for the BALL.. They said he needed to grow up and they come out in the paper and say hes maturing now.

  18. By D on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Darren

    I know he has been Mr. Cardinal the last 8-10 years and probably deserves to be in the ring of honor, but with his reported salary of $6.5 mil next year, do you see Adrian W being back or the Cards looking to restructure it? He has turned around his play and has been fitting in great in this Defense. That could make him the highest paid SS next year.
    thanks

  19. By Darren Urban on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    D —

    RE: Wilson

    With the way he’s been playing, I believe he will be back.

  20. By cardman1 on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    hey Darren…..you spelled Beginning wrong. Just saying

  21. By Darren Urban on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Cardman1 —

    RE: Spelling

    Fixed. Thanks.

  22. By AZbelgium on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Darren
    what are your thoughts about the game against niners? Can you give us your score prediction? And is Willis able to play against us or not?
    Sorry for asking so many questions, last one, how you see the cards ending?
    I thnk they will get 9-7 you?

    thx already

  23. By Darren Urban on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    AZbelgium —

    RE: Questions

    1) I think they have a chance to win, at home and with the Niners having just clinched.
    2) I don’t do game predictions.
    3) Willis is TBA, but I will be surprised if he plays.
    4) I am thinking 8-8.

  24. By NJAZCardsFan on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Kolb needs to learn how to get rid of the ball quicker. His release is about 5 seconds. One of the reasons why Kurt was great, he had a quick release in under 3 seconds most of the time. I loved to watch him check down his receivers in a fraction of seconds. Kolb has to get better at that. Kolb waits to long then hurries his throw…. like the way his missed Houser again who was wide open.

    The Defense has definitely imporoved.

    The TV camera’s didn’t give a shot of Jerry Jones after LSH’s winning touch down. I know he must have been having a fit.- GREAT!!!!
    Too bad the Cards can’t play the Cowboys every year.

  25. By Rick 12 on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Darren –

    Can you do an article on Andre Roberts sometime?

    Also, I don’t know how many people are aware of it, but Roberts made a major key block on #41 (Cowboys) which made it possible for LaRod to make his turn and head for the goal line in the game winning final play.

    Thanks for all you do…………Rick

  26. By joe again on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Darren-

    I broke down the playoffs scene and if the Cards win out and finish at 9-7, this is how it shakes out:

    The Cards have 4 teams ahead of them for a wildcard spot, but they only need to get past 3 in order to grab the final spot.

    NY Giants play Dallas/Skins/Jets/Dallas
    if NY loses 2 of those games, theyre out at 8-8

    Atlanta plays Carolina/Jags/Saints/Bucs
    if Atlanta loses 2 games, theyre out at 9-7
    becuz the Cards have the tie-breaker

    Detroit plays Vikes/Raiders/Chargers/Pack
    if they lose 2 (as long as one loss is to the Pack)
    theyre out at 9-7 cuz Cards have the tie-breaker

    Chicago plays Denver/Seattle/Pack/Vikes
    the Bears have the tie-breaker at 9-7 so we need
    them to lose 3 and finish at 8-8

    Its alot to hope that Chicago loses 3 out of their last 4, but their team is a mess right now, and besides we only have to get past 3 of these teams to get the final spot.

    If the Cards could just win out, the rest of this could fall into place pretty easy.

  27. By Phoenixraven1 on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    I think Rashad Johnson played a great game last Sunday. Do we think he might have turned the corner too?

  28. By Darren Urban on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Phoenixraven1 —

    RE: Rashad Johnson

    I think he is playing better, yes.

  29. By John the Draft Guy on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Where do you see Ryan Williams fitting in next year? It’s tough to see him getting more than 5 carries a game if Beanie is healthy.

    What is Beanie’s contract status. 1 yr? 2 yrs left?

  30. By Darren Urban on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    John the Draft Guy —

    RE: Ryan Williams/Beanie

    If Ryan Williams is healthy, I bet he gets more than five carries a game.

    Beanie is signed through 2013.

  31. By CreditCard on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    The beauty of seeing the disapointment and frustration in C-boys fans exiting the Nest, was almost as satisfying as the Cards victory. Sweet!

  32. By BIG RED on Dec 7, 2011 | Reply

    Let’s see what Kolb does against the Niner’s.

  33. By Brandon on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Thanks darren for getting PP wired up!!

  34. By Corgon on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    C’mon Beanie! Kick the 49ers door for the first time this year. That would be one more nice “milestone”. I’m sure Sherman will help you. I think he was a great addition for the team.

    Darren,

    am I know well that Kerry’s contract will end this season?

  35. By Darren Urban on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Corgon —

    RE: Rhodes contract

    Kerry is signed through 2013.

  36. By Eazy E on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    D-

    What kind of question was that about A-Wil??? He’ll definitely be back barring something unforeseen happening.

  37. By cooldaddy79 on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Yeah all you here is how Dallas supposely iced there kicker….but never no credit to the cardinals…im startin to believe officials and the sports annoucers are really against the cards.

  38. By Jzoully on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Darren,

    What is the possibilities that the Cardinals don’t resign Calais Campbell? He litterally has made an impact on the defensive line and it almost seems like he is at the top of his game.

    Is there any defensive players that attract the Cardinals that maybe would replace Calais? (Robert Mathis of Indianapolis, John Abraham of Atlanta, Cliff Avril of Detroit, or might we have a huge front like signing Jason Jones of Green Bay Packers)

    Last one is David Carter going to maybe challenge Calais Campbell for a starting position if they do resign him?

  39. By Darren Urban on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Jzoully —

    RE: Campbell

    I expect Campbell to be re-signed. They also can use the franchise tag.

  40. By brad oneill on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    andy m and born n bred- you guys might be right, beanie has superstar abilities and maybe playing it cool is the way to go. i guess questioning a guys heart isn’t fair and i dont expect every person to be jumping up and down like fitz but man it would be great if everyone was like that.

    there have been other great running backs that showed very little emotion, Barry sanders for one, i just like people that either play angry or excited. he seems more focused this year and that is something.

  41. By Scott H on Dec 8, 2011 | Reply

    Avoiding turn-overs is the key. That’s a major league cliche because it’s s key in every game, every week, for every team in the league. OK. But this killed them in the last game against the 49ers. We turn it over, we fall behind, we have to go away from the run game. Meanwhile, the 49ers have the lead, they can play keep-away with THEIR running game, and our defense gets worn out. That’s just a picture perfect scenario for the 49ers, and they got ALL of that the last time around.

    However….we KEEP the ball and we KEEP Beanie in the game and we KEEP running it…that scenario gives the Cardinals a chance to win this game. The 49ers may be a better team. But they didn’t beat the Cardinals last time because they were a better team. They beat the Cardinals because the Cardinals never gave themselves a chance. Hoping for a different story this time around. Heck, if the 49ers are gonna win, them make them win it by being a better team. I’ll live with that. I can’t live with another walk-over by the 49ers because we make it too easy for them.

    I HATE the 49ers, I swear…

  42. By clssylssy on Dec 9, 2011 | Reply

    Sure hope these guys attain their personal goals, they are “team first” kind of guys, which is commendable but it couldn’t hurt the team if they can get their personal yardage…especially against the 9ers. The only better thing than seeing the expression on Ryan’s and the Cowboys face would be to wipe that smug look of superiority off Harbaughs face…loved it when they lost to the Ravens…that was a Hallmark moment…would be better if a loss came at the hands of the Cards! I know we can do it if we maintain our focus, don’t give up yardage through penalties and stupid mistakes, and go out and play like we’re in the Superbowl! tThey will be on our turf, in our house, so let’s show support and dominate! GO CARDS! FLY HIGH! WE LUV YOU GUYS

  43. By Keegan on Dec 9, 2011 | Reply

    If we win this game, a wildcard spot is definitely not out of the question

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