With a major quarterback controversy brewing in Arizona, the more important battle is happening in the Cardinals backfield.

Who should be the No. 1 running back?

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Running backs Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams are both showcasing their talents in hopes of winning the starting job outright this season.

While the preseason isn't always a good barometer of how well a player will do in the season, Williams has been much more effective than Wells in the little action each has seen.

For the Cardinals fans or the fantasy football players trying to decide which player is right for their team, we will keep you updated on the tough position battle between Williams and Wells.

 

Update: Thursday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. ET

Cardinals reporter Kent Somers of AZCentral.com broke down ways the team could improve its offense. While he did say the Cardinals should run the ball more, he also talked about using both main running backs in a rotation with fellow rusher LaRod Stephens-Howling.

If the speedy Stephens-Howling does take away more playing time from Wells and Williams, there's a chance no true No. 1 back will emerge. It could turn into a committee situation with each player filling a specific role.

As mentioned below, both Wells and Williams are expected in Arizona's preseason finale. More should be known after the game about the regular season backfield approach.

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What They’re Saying

Cardinals insider Darren Urban is reporting that both Williams and Wells will play in the team’s final preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos:

4for4.com editor Josh Moore breaks down what Wells' typical rushes were like in his first taste of preseason action:

NFL reporter Adam Caplan is reporting on the cuts that Williams was making on a surgically repaired knee and how it compares to Wells’ style:

For the fantasy football fans torn, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Peter King is picking Williams as the breakout player to watch as long as he stays healthy:

 

What Beanie Wells Offers

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As much as the Arizona Cardinals have kept this running back battle wide open, the belief was that Beanie Wells had the advantage because of the solid year he had in 2012 when healthy.

Wells racked up 1,047 yards in 14 games last season, but he was plagued by injuries in a few of those outings. Now that he is healthy, the young back deserves the chance to shine.

Despite the terrible situation at quarterback and injuries on the offensive line, Wells has the power to plow though the open holes and the speed to capitalize once he hits open space. The questions about his health are natural, but he deserves a chance.

 

What Ryan Williams Offers

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Ryan Williams will be a rookie this season because he ruined his knee last year in the preseason, but the layoff from that surgery has brought the young star back to almost 100 percent.

With a preseason average of five yards per carry, Williams is showing why the team drafted him in the second round with the 38th overall pick. As good as Beanie Wells is, his injuries and inconsistent production will leave the door wide open for Williams.

As much as the elusiveness is the real separation between these two backs, the tape shows that Williams could also be the more effective power back at times. If Williams stays healthy, there is no doubt that he will take the job from the less-talented Wells.

 

Predictions

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Beanie Wells

As much as he will claim he is 100 percent going into the season, it won’t take very long for the injury bug to bite Beanie Wells again. No matter how slight the injury will be, it will open up the chance for Williams to shine and steal the starting job.

Wells will get 170 carries for just 400 yards in 2012 spread over just 13 games because of injuries, but it will be the lack of production that seals the young running back’s fate as trade bait. I don’t see Wells starting 2013 in Arizona.

 

Ryan Williams

After a shortened college career and a rookie season derailed by a preseason knee injury, Ryan Williams has a lot of doubt around him and whether or not he can stay healthy for an entire season.

There is little doubt, though, that Williams is the faster and more skilled running back, but this battle for running back supremacy will be a testament to who stays healthier the longest. I give the edge to Williams, who will rack up 250 carries for more than 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns.

 

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