Tim Hightower (1 Viewer)

[xenon]

I have not read or seen much on Hightower. Are some of you targeting him? If so, why and what do you feel he is capable of?

 

[DrJamesAndrews Fan]

Not a homer, but watched his last 2 games and he looked excellent (even against the Steelers). I think he is a great value pick this year.

from ESPN posted today - http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation?tag=nfl82309

"Tim Hightower looked good. He carried nine times for 42 yards and broke one for a 19-yard gain. Beanie Wells appeared to be favoring his injured ankle during warm-ups. He did not play. Hightower is getting a better feel for the offense. He effectively chipped Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips deep in Arizona territory to help the Cardinals pick up a first down. Backup running back Jason Wright missed Shawne Merriman in protection. It's looking like Arizona can trust Hightower"

 

[War Eagle]

He's looked good so far in preseason. There's still a lot of unknowns though. He crumbled under the starters roll last year. Did well in limited play behind Edge. It'll be interesting to see what happens when Wells finally gets on the field. My guess is that Wells will either start as the #1 or supplant Hightower as the #1 early in the season and Hightower will be the compliment/change of pace/goal line back.

 

[JAA]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

 

[War Eagle]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

 

[JAA]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

 

[jsharlan]

as a Texas fan, I will say Wells looked good in the bowl game. That being said, its a Big12 defense, so ya.

 

[Todem]

So far it looks very likley Hightower is the starter (you think?). Wells has shown nothing. All he has done is nurse a sore ankle and tweak it again trying to practice. Knowing his history...something else will happen once he get's over the ankle.

Physicaly he has the goods. But he already is having a rough time shedding his "soft" label. Hightower on the other hand has made strides this off-season and has the trust and confidence of the coaching staff. Also he has to protect Warner on passing downs with blitz pick ups.

Hightower is showing he can be a nice value play and very solid RB3. His potential TD numbers alone warrent paying attention to him on draft day. He is playing on one of the best offenses in the league.

 

[War Eagle]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

HAHAHA, I hear ya. SEC is the only true NFL ready division!

 

[JAA]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

HAHAHA, I hear ya. SEC is the only true NFL ready division!

Well, yes. But the B12 and even ACC and BE are better than the B11

 

[davearm]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

I'm in this camp tof course I'm also wondering if any ARI RB will be startable, considering none were last year.

 

[Lord Fantasy]

Apologies if this is a naive question, but at what point does a rookie like Wells miss his chance because he hasn't gotten up to speed on the playbook, pro-level blocking, etc.? Or is it one of those deals where by Week 4 he's in?

 

[JAA]

Dont forget, Hightower is playing for a contract ... Wells is not

 

[joffer]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

lots of good unbiased opinions here20/146/1

 

[CalBear]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Ah yes, it's much better to have been in the Atlantic-10, never play in a bowl game, and average less than 3 yards per carry in the NFL.

 

[kevthegrad]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Im undecided on this topic but lean towards Beanie being "the guy" here when he gets healthy. But what I can't believe is that nobody called you on listing two "seconds" above. That's funny. :whoosh:

 

[B. Nugget]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Ah yes, it's much better to have been in the Atlantic-10, never play in a bowl game, and average less than 3 yards per carry in the NFL.

If I recall correctly, he didn't have any problem running right up the gut against LSU (with multiple 1st round draft picks on their DL) a couple of years ago.

 

[JAA]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Ah yes, it's much better to have been in the Atlantic-10, never play in a bowl game, and average less than 3 yards per carry in the NFL.

let me help you finish:then be drafted in the 5th round. Play in the NFL while scoring 10 TDs with a poor 2.8 ypa but average 7.1 ypr. The team lets go their starting RB and brings in 1st round grade RB in for competition.Who is working harder? Who is going to be the starter? Who had the better college career? I dont know, maybe you should ask Jerry Rice or Terrel Owens.

 

[JAA]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Im undecided on this topic but lean towards Beanie being "the guy" here when he gets healthy. But what I can't believe is that nobody called you on listing two "seconds" above. That's funny.

nice catch

 

[massraider]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Ah yes, it's much better to have been in the Atlantic-10, never play in a bowl game, and average less than 3 yards per carry in the NFL.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

let me help you finish:then be drafted in the 5th round. Play in the NFL while scoring 10 TDs with a poor 2.8 ypa but average 7.1 ypr. The team lets go their starting RB and brings in 1st round grade RB in for competition.Who is working harder? Who is going to be the starter? Who had the better college career? I dont know, maybe you should ask Jerry Rice or Terrel Owens.

Was your next line going to be about the Germans bombing Pearl Harbor?

 

[Sweet Love]

I heard Warner on Sirius last week and he was gushing about Hightower's progress. Beyond the typical, "he looks great", etc., but more shock to his tone. He stopped short of saying Hightower was a deadman walking, but I got the feel that no one really expected much more from last year in this year's training camp. Instead, he has made the most of his opportunity, with better running, pass protection, etc.

I think he is a bright guy and undertsands that while he had 10 TDs, he also had a paltry 2.8 ypc and that just won't cut it for anything more than a situational player.

 

[CalBear]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Ah yes, it's much better to have been in the Atlantic-10, never play in a bowl game, and average less than 3 yards per carry in the NFL.

let me help you finish:then be drafted in the 5th round. Play in the NFL while scoring 10 TDs with a poor 2.8 ypa but average 7.1 ypr. The team lets go their starting RB and brings in 1st round grade RB in for competition.Who is working harder? Who is going to be the starter? Who had the better college career? I dont know, maybe you should ask Jerry Rice or Terrel Owens.

You're the one who brought up the college career. Hightower scored TDs because he got lots of opportunities at the goal line. In yards per reception by RBs, Hightower was #30 out of 35 among those with 25+ receptions (and had zero TDs). That is at least better than his yards per carry, which was #48 out of 49 among backs with 100+ carries. Wells may or may not be a success in the NFL, but there's no way that Hightower's "talent" will keep him off the field.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

Dont forget, Hightower is playing for a contract ... Wells is not

The more I read your posts the more I realize you are really clueless.

 

[Chunky Soup]

he also had a paltry 2.8 ypc and that just won't cut it for anything more than a situational player.

Regarding this, I'll say two things:1) He was a GL back in a pass happy offense. A lot of his opportunities were near the endzone. This will almost always give a player low YPC.2) From the games I saw (just a few) it seemed that when they were running, it was ridiculously obvious. That and their line gave no holes. Sure he had a low YPC but imo he is better than that statistic is showing.

 

[CalBear]

he also had a paltry 2.8 ypc and that just won't cut it for anything more than a situational player.

Regarding this, I'll say two things:1) He was a GL back in a pass happy offense. A lot of his opportunities were near the endzone. This will almost always give a player low YPC.2) From the games I saw (just a few) it seemed that when they were running, it was ridiculously obvious. That and their line gave no holes. Sure he had a low YPC but imo he is better than that statistic is showing.

In rushes outside of the opponent's 5, Hightower was #46 of 47 amongst RBs with 100+ carries (3.07 ypc). (And, in fact, nearly a half ypc below #45, Cedric Benson).In carries outside of the opponent's 5, with 3+ yards to go, Hightower was #44 of 44 amongst RBs with 100+ carries (3.03 ypc), more than half a ypc below #43 (Addai). Any way you slice it it's a whole lot of bad.

 

[Todem]

I don't think Hightower has of ton of talent at the NFL level. But the fact that their "prized rookie" can't stay on the field coupled with the fact that Hightower has had an outstanding camp and you have a situation that represents Hightower as a value play.

If Knowshon Moreno, Donald Brown, or Lesean McCoy were drafted by the Cards....we would not be having this conversation.

 

[TheFanatic]

Dont forget, Hightower is playing for a contract ... Wells is not

The more I read your posts the more I realize you are really clueless.

Is Hightower not playing for a contract or do you think that players in contract years don't play harder? I'm just asking...

 

[Hunterbeer]

I dont get why people think Hightower will be surpassed by an off-injured rookie RB. Doesnt make any sense to me

Health is the only question, there's no question about talent.....that's why. If Bennie is healthy, he'll force his way into the role.

I doubt his talent. First, he is a Big10 RB. Second, he played at Ohio State against average to below average opponents. Second, how did he do against equal competition? BCS bowl games?

Ah yes, it's much better to have been in the Atlantic-10, never play in a bowl game, and average less than 3 yards per carry in the NFL.

Just for your edification, the Richmond Spiders play football in the CAA at the FCS level of football where they have been an outstanding team over the past few years. They are the defending National Champions (and theirs is real as it came from a playoff )The basketball team is in the A-10.

 

[RockHard]

Dont forget, Hightower is playing for a contract ... Wells is not

The more I read your posts the more I realize you are really clueless.

 

[ExtraPoint]

Apologies if this is a naive question, but at what point does a rookie like Wells miss his chance because he hasn't gotten up to speed on the playbook, pro-level blocking, etc.? Or is it one of those deals where by Week 4 he's in?

Actually that's one of the best questions you can ask regarding this situation. All this talk about talent really isnt an issue. The talent comparison isnt close.The answer depends a lot on how well the rest of the team is playing and how badly they want to add a legitimate rushing attack (or if they can). If the team is going to to continue to throw the ball every down and still get to the superbowl, they can afford to keep Wells in a reduced role (where he gets less than half the carries) all year. Of course, if Wells can adjust to the pro passing game this year (something he really didnt experience in college) then he'll become the man regardless. "Playbook" isnt much of an issue for a running back... that's why rookie RBs make the quickest impression in the NFL. He doesnt need to do a lot of motion or run an option route, he just needs to learn to read the pass rush, figure out who to block, and be able to block NFL caliber players. If he cant, he can do like most rookie RBs and just wait for the dumpoff pass while the QB trys to avoid the sack. Only problem with that is we dont know if he can catch the ball. Lots of rookie RBs have succeeded while missing most or even all of camp including Tomlinson and Jamal Lewis.In other words, if he's healthy they can certainly play him. His health is really what's keeping him off the field. However, if Arizona is going to continue to throw the ball all the time, we could see a pretty even split with Hightower this year even if Wells is healthy while Wells learns the NFL. If they are able to run and truely want to run, they'll start leaning on Wells as soon as they can even if he's missing blocks.

 

[DrJamesAndrews Fan]

I'm drunk as usual, so this question may not make sense, however if you are mainly a goal line back with 10 tds, I assume most of your rushing is for short yardage wich may lower your ypc??? TH comes into camp 15 pounds lighter and is getting drafted in the 10th and his only comp is a guys with the toughness of a glass Mexican jumping Bean??? Sign me up for the Timmayyyyyyyy Band Wagon

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I'm drunk as usual, so this question may not make sense, however if you are mainly a goal line back with 10 tds, I assume most of your rushing is for short yardage wich may lower your ypc??? TH comes into camp 15 pounds lighter and is getting drafted in the 10th and his only comp is a guys with the toughness of a glass Mexican jumping Bean??? Sign me up for the Timmayyyyyyyy Band Wagon

I'll have what he's having...

 

[Tau837]

I'm drunk as usual, so this question may not make sense, however if you are mainly a goal line back with 10 tds, I assume most of your rushing is for short yardage wich may lower your ypc??? TH comes into camp 15 pounds lighter and is getting drafted in the 10th and his only comp is a guys with the toughness of a glass Mexican jumping Bean??? Sign me up for the Timmayyyyyyyy Band Wagon

I'll have what he's having...

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I'm drunk as usual, so this question may not make sense, however if you are mainly a goal line back with 10 tds, I assume most of your rushing is for short yardage wich may lower your ypc???

Yeah, it lowers it by about a quarter yard.

 

[Project Mayhem]

RE his 2.8 ypc, I seem to recall the Cards having a very tough RUN D schedule last year, for all their backs.......

 

[CalBear]

RE his 2.8 ypc, I seem to recall the Cards having a very tough RUN D schedule last year, for all their backs.......

Six games against the Niners, Seahawks, and Rams, all bottom-10 defenses.

 

[VAColt]

I don't think Hightower has of ton of talent at the NFL level. But the fact that their "prized rookie" can't stay on the field coupled with the fact that Hightower has had an outstanding camp and you have a situation that represents Hightower as a value play.If Knowshon Moreno, Donald Brown, or Lesean McCoy were drafted by the Cards....we would not be having this conversation.

Moreno has been injuried as much as Wells so far in the pro's

 

[whodeywhodey]

Personally I love that Beanie had this injury as it is allowing him to slip to me...From AZCentral:

First round pick Beanie Wells took more snaps in practice Monday than he has since suffering a sprained ankle on Aug. 1. Wells looked smooth at top speed and didn't seem to have a problem cutting. Barring a setback, he should play Friday against Green Bay.

 

[the rover]

Personally I love that Beanie had this injury as it is allowing him to slip to me...From AZCentral:

First round pick Beanie Wells took more snaps in practice Monday than he has since suffering a sprained ankle on Aug. 1. Wells looked smooth at top speed and didn't seem to have a problem cutting. Barring a setback, he should play Friday against Green Bay.

woohoo! he might play in a pre-season game!