The Facts: According to Republic staffer Kent Somers, Wells has matured. He is healthy. He feels far more explosive than he did a year ago. And he doesn't lack motivation. "He's a human. He reads the paper," RBs coach Tommie Robinson said. "He understands what's being said about him. When somebody tells you, 'You ain't this, you ain't that,' you got to go out and prove them wrong. ... Beanie is no different. His blood is red, too."

Diehards Line:As Somers pointed out, Wells turned 23 today, and the Cardinals aren't sure what they have in him. Is he the punishing, talented runner they saw in the second half of his rookie season? Or is a gifted athlete, who will always shrink from adversity, as the Cardinals thought he did last season? Recent reports suggest that Wells is ready to move up to the next level. But the Cardinals are ready if he doesn't thanks to the presence of rookie Ryan Williams. Still, Wells gets first shot at the starting job. We'll all be watching to see what he does with it.