Article: Broncos need the Mike Anderson of 2000

[ØrangeÇrush]

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/12069369.htm

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - (KRT) - Remember the version of Mike Anderson that resembled a superhero?

In 2000, Anderson roared to 1,487 yards in only 12 starts for the Denver Broncos, but he seized your attention with more than mere numbers.

He flattened defensive ends, vaulted over linebackers, sprinted from the grasp of cornerbacks.

All this from a rookie who had only wanted to make the team.

It was an astounding season. He scored 15 touchdowns. He rushed for 446 yards in back-to back games (Seattle and New Orleans), the third-highest total in NFL history behind Hall of Fame backs O.J. Simpson and Walter Payton.

His potential seemed boundless.

It wasn't. He's rushed for a total of 1,321 yards in the four seasons since his debut.

He suffered from bad luck, missing the entire 2004 season with a severe groin injury.

He suffered from stupidity, missing four games in the 2003 season after getting busted for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

He suffered from the arrival of Clinton Portis, who forced Anderson to move to blocking back for the 2002 and 2003 seasons.

What happened to the dazzling version of Mike Anderson?

Anderson considers the question Wednesday afternoon as he retreats to the shade. He's covered with sweat, fresh from the practice field.

He smiles, points to the No.38 on his jersey.

"That guy's still here," Anderson says. "You're looking at him."

He pauses, gazes at a gang of teammates walking slowly to the showers.

"You are looking at him."

The Broncos need Anderson's return to the dashing days of yesteryear. Mike Shanahan spent much of Wednesday's practice watching his collection of running backs, a collection that could push him into depression.

Questions are rampant. Tatum Bell is too fragile. Maurice Clarett is too slow. Quentin Griffin is too small.

[ØrangeÇrush]

Anderson - barely visible the past four seasons - could be the man. He spent most of Wednesday's minicamp practice running through plays with Jake Plummer and the first-team offense.

The Broncos' first game is two months away, but Anderson stands as the favorite to reign as Denver's lead runner.

That's fine with Shanahan.

"Mike's smart. He's powerful," Shanahan says.

And fast?

Shanahan grimaces.

"Oh, I don't even worry about that," he says. "How fast was Terrell Davis?"

We get the point. Davis was fast enough to rush for 2,008 yards in 1998.

Shanahan believes Anderson, even without the blessing of extreme speed, was prepared to re-introduce himself as a star during the 2004 season.

"He had won that starting position," Shanahan says.

Then Anderson suffered torn groin muscles in an exhibition game against the Houston Texans.

Goodbye 2004.

Anderson spent the season standing on the sideline, trying to help his fellow running backs.

He devoted himself to a steady smile, but inside it was torture. He missed the game, missed getting hit, missed muscling to yards.

"Oh, that was miserable," Anderson says. "Extremely miserable. I hated it. Hated it."

He channeled his misery into work. He devoted himself to rebuilding his body and developed "that desire, that hunger" to return to the game he had taken for granted.

His teammates don't know what to think of Anderson. He used to be quiet presence in the locker room and on the field.

"Now, I come out here with that perky attitude," he says, laughing. "It's a happy-go-lucky spirit, this mood I'm in.

"My teammates, sometimes they look at me like there's something wrong with me."

He swears everything is fine. He's healthy, ready to forget a lost season.

He wants to show everyone, especially himself, the Mike Anderson of 2000 hasn't gone anywhere.

---

[KillerBronco#76]

Is mike just trying to push tatum or is he serious about anderson?That is the real question...

[SoCalBronco]

He's merely pushing Tatum. Even when fully healthy, Mike Anderson has neither the burst nor vision of 2000. But for a preseason performance against Seattle's scrubs last year, impressive rushing performances have been few and far between since 2000.

Tatum, right now, is the best back on our roster. Once Maurice gets more into the scheme of things and adjusts to the speed of the game, he will be able to challenge Tatum but not right now.

[Rock Chalk]

He's merely pushing Tatum. Even when fully healthy, Mike Anderson has neither the burst nor vision of 2000. But for a preseason performance against Seattle's scrubs last year, impressive rushing performances have been few and far between since 2000.

Tatum, right now, is the best back on our roster. Once Maurice gets more into the scheme of things and adjusts to the speed of the game, he will be able to challenge Tatum but not right now.
Mo will never be better than Tatum buddy.

Sooner you face up to that, the sooner you can get over the heartbreak :P

[SoCalBronco]

Mo will never be better than Tatum buddy.

Sooner you face up to that, the sooner you can get over the heartbreak :P

Alec, why are you assuming I will be upset if he never beats out Tatum?
I am a big fan of Tatum Bell. He is one of my 10 favorite players on this team. Just cause i am a big fan of Maurice as well doesnt mean i hate Tatum. Once Maurice is fully ready, he will be a very good complement to Tatum. We will have two great backs on our team.

[ØrangeÇrush]

I think it is interesting to note that Shanahan is qouted as saying, "he had won the starting position." If that was so, why oh why, was he getting extended playing time against the seachicks in the PRESEASON and why the F&^% was he playing special teams in the PRESEASON.

[DB-Freak]

Just like every Bronco RBs.

They have an amazing season then they get injured and get replaced another great RB.

Or in the middle of the season.

MoC's time will be sooner than you realize.

[Atlas]

He's merely pushing Tatum. Even when fully healthy, Mike Anderson has neither the burst nor vision of 2000.

you don't lose your field vision he'll have that until he can no longer play.

[Atlas]

and why the F&^% was he playing special teams in the PRESEASON.

Shanny didn't put Shanny on the field. The guy that was supposed to be out on the punt team wasn't out there so Anderson grabbed his helmet and went in. Great veteran move.... which cost him the season.

[SoCalBronco]

you don't lose your field vision he'll have that until he can no longer play.

I dunno Atlas, the last few years whenever he got the ball it seemed he kept running into the backs of linemen and just wasnt finding the whole.

[baja]

Is mike just trying to push tatum or is he serious about anderson?That is the real question...

He is trying to set up a trade thus the hype.

[Atlas]

I dunno Atlas, the last few years whenever he got the ball it seemed he kept running into the backs of linemen and just wasnt finding the whole.

SoCal look into my eyes. Anderson has the same vision he has always had.
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4133c0b0z90434a79/4e53/__sr_/e05e.jpg?phWILzCBtgH5RmHz

[SoCalBronco]

SoCal look into my eyes. Anderson has the same vision he has always had.
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4133c0b0z90434a79/4e53/__sr_/e05e.jpg?phWILzCBtgH5RmHz

Hell if she told me that Priest Holmes was the greatest thing since sliced bread (or her rack), id buy that. ;D

[BigPlayShay]

There were a couple games towards the end of last year that the 1-2 punch really worked with Droughns and Bell. If Mike is healthy, I think a Bell (1) Anderson (2) 1-2 punch would be fantastic. Tatum between the 20's with the potential to break plays open with speed, and MA in the red zone to get the tough yards.

[Jason in LA]

MA is just like OG and RD. The situation worked out for them, and they shined. But the situations changed quickly. OG blows out his knee then breaks his ankle, and it was pretty much over. TD comes back, putting MA on the bench. Then Portis shows up. Then MA gets old. Bell did in RD. MA and RD are very similar, and they were both stop gaps. But they shined when they got the chance.

[wabbit]

Anderson looked like the old Mike today...ran full power toward no one in particular...& no one looked all that interested in getting in his way.

He's an ideal power back. It should become an interesting battle between Mike & Ron Dayne for the role...some said today that it will depend on how well Dayne takes to playing a FB role at times...or if he even can.

You can't help but just admire Anderson. The guy is all class, 'well take it as it comes' kind of attitude.

He certainly has the press in his corner...including me.

[Atlas]

He certainly has the press in his corner...including me.

I thought the press was supposed to be non biased.

JUST REPORT THE F#$%^&* News and stop with the commentary!!LOL

J/K of course.

[SoCalBronco]

Anderson looked like the old Mike today...ran full power toward no one in particular...& no one looked all that interested in getting in his way.

He's an ideal power back. It should become an interesting battle between Mike & Ron Dayne for the role...some said today that it will depend on how well Dayne takes to playing a FB role at times...or if he even can.

You can't help but just admire Anderson. The guy is all class, 'well take it as it comes' kind of attitude.

He certainly has the press in his corner...including me.

Great report, Wabbit! Along with your report regarding the Defensive Line i am very excited. How were the WRs looking? LBs meshing as a unit?
Who really stood out and who sucked?

Thanks. Man i am PUMPED for Camp.

[Bronco9798]

He's merely pushing Tatum. Even when fully healthy, Mike Anderson has neither the burst nor vision of 2000. But for a preseason performance against Seattle's scrubs last year, impressive rushing performances have been few and far between since 2000.

Tatum, right now, is the best back on our roster. Once Maurice gets more into the scheme of things and adjusts to the speed of the game, he will be able to challenge Tatum but not right now.

MC won't push anybody this year. He'll be pushing hit fat ass on the treadmill till he gets his weight down. I have a hard time believing that someone can come in after two years of no football at all and play at the NFL level. He has so much to learn still. He played one year of college football and if that last game was any indication against a very strong Miami Defense where he ran for like 64 yards and a 2 yd avg. I think he has a lot to learn and understand playing at this level.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him totally flop........

[wabbit]

Two guys got everyone's attention today just because what they were doing seemed so far exceeding anything else going on were Anderson & Courtney Brown.

Both were attacking plays as though they were for big gold carrot.

Tell you something else...little (Paul Ernster can boot that damned thing just as far as Sauerbrun. You could see ol' Todd watching the kid pound out fifty yarders without a hitch.

I thought this kid was a kicker...he can punt a mile

Makes you wonder.

[wabbit]

...Oh, and DJ Williams was attacking everything like it was game-day...to the point where Kirk Doll went over and told him to slow down & run scheme.

"You're going to hurt somebody"

Everyone heard that & laughed

[DBroncos4life]

Did Sewell and Myers get to line up at RG at all?

[SoCalBronco]

...Oh, and DJ Williams was attacking everything like it was game-day...to the point where Kirk Doll went over and told him to slow down & run scheme.

"You're going to hurt somebody"

Everyone heard that & laughed

Super. Now that truly brings a smile to my face. I take it then he isnt struggling alot with the new schemes?

I'll tell ya Wabbit, that post right there made my day. :thumbsup:

Man im getting really excited (and really homered up) about this team. We are going to **** people up. I dont care what the prognosticators think. Dont ****ing doubt Shanny!

[wabbit]

Nah, Williams is ready to go. He's exactly what Coyer wants in a LB.

He's such a quiet kid. He absolutely stampedes opposition in practice & you have to expect a vocal, intense personality, but when he talks, he's very measured...quiet even.

Very soft spoken.

[KillerBronco#76]

He is trying to set up a trade thus the hype

Didnt we have anderson on the trading block last season before he got injured?

[KillerBronco#76]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to wabbit again.

Damnit Wabbit has said too many great things tonight to not let me rep him

[wabbit]

Didnt we have anderson on the trading block last season before he got injured?

Yes, he was.

As a matter of fact, no-one I talked to expected Mike to be on the roster by the final Pre-Season game.

The question then becomes; what has changed?

Well, Droughns to Cleveland changes a lot of things. Anderson now is the best regular duty FB they have...plus, for whatever reason known only to God & Mike Anderson, he loves playing Special Teams...a major plus.

Still, it's day one of a mini-camp. Absolutely nothing is settled in any way.

[BigPlayShay]

Hey Wabbit, Rich Tuten was on 560 the zone today and he sad that Tatum Bell and Darius Watts both worked really hard in the off-season conditioning program. Said they both gained weight an strength. Did you get a chance to see them and is there any truth to this?

[wabbit]

Hey Wabbit, Rich Tuten was on 560 the zone today and he sad that Tatum Bell and Darius Watts both worked really hard in the off-season conditioning program. Said they both gained weight an strength. Did you get a chance to see them and is there any truth to this?


Yes, they both looked like they were carrying more bulk.

I think one of the things that distorts Bells appearance is that double padded helmet...makes it look disproportionately large...like a space helmet in the old 'B' movies.

Some reporters were calling Watts 'Golum' last year because of his large hands & wirey physique.

He looked more solid toward the end of last season and he certainly looks a little bulkier now.

The roster sheets, by the way, still list Watts at 188, although I'd speculate he's easily 195+. Bell is listed at 213, and I'd say he's a little heavier than that.

The guy that surprised me...but only a little, was Clarett. He's a stocky guy..a lot stockier than I'd imagined, but he also has a little gut that he sucks in when he thinks someone is looking or filming him.

He has some work to do to get in football shape.

[BigPlayShay]

Yes, they both looked like they were carrying more bulk.

I think one of the things that distorts Bells appearance is that double padded helmet...makes it look disproportionately large...like a space helmet in the old 'B' movies.

Some reporters were calling Watts 'Golum' last year because of his large hands & wirey physique.

He looked more solid toward the end of last season and he certainly looks a little bulkier now.

The roster sheets, by the way, still list Watts at 188, although I'd speculate he's easily 195+. Bell is listed at 213, and I'd say he's a little heavier than that.

The guy that surprised me...but only a little, was Clarett. He's a stocky guy..a lot stockier than I'd imagined, but he also has a little gut that he sucks in when he thinks someone is looking or filming him.

He has some work to do to get in football shape.

That is great news about Watts and Bell. I think we will NEED those youngin's big time in 2005.

LOL, funny that you mention Clarett. Tuten said that they were "going to be really good friends in the coming weeks". I am not expecting doughboy to have any impact this year.

[fontaine]

Wabbit wrote:
He's an ideal power back. It should become an interesting battle between Mike & Ron Dayne for the role...some said today that it will depend on how well Dayne takes to playing a FB role at times...or if he even can.

If it comes down to that, screw Ron Dayne.

We don't need Anderson to pop off 100 yard games. Bell will do that, it's his role and his job to break his foot off the defense's a$$ when busting off long runs. Then while he catches his breath, Anderson can come in for the short yardage and keep our running game righteous.

[illbroncsfn]

Great news on Marine Mike's performance thus far, but....

he is still only a little "second hand smoke" from a lengthy drug suspension...

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Thanks Wabbit. News on Anderson, Brown and Ernster is welcome. I know the Broncs need Saurbrun, but I am cheering for Ernster to find a way to stay with the team after hearing him interviewed. Was refreshing to hear the enthusiasm of a good kid having the time of his life.

[MT-Tdawg]

Tell you something else...little (Paul Ernster can boot that damned thing just as far as Sauerbrun. You could see ol' Todd watching the kid pound out fifty yarders without a hitch.

I thought this kid was a kicker...he can punt a mile

Makes you wonder.

ERNSTER WILL WIN THE PUNTING/KICKOFF SPECIALIST JOB

[broncosteven]

ERNSTER WILL WIN THE PUNTING/KICKOFF SPECIALIST JOB

He has to prove he can kick against a full on NFL rush 1st. I hope they keep him around as Kick off specialist so when Sourbum's a$$ clown ways bloom again we still have someone who can Punt. Sourbum was a total duche when he started out here in chi-town. I don't expect him to be a long term solution although I hope he works out.

[broncosteven]

...Oh, and DJ Williams was attacking everything like it was game-day...to the point where Kirk Doll went over and told him to slow down & run scheme.

"You're going to hurt somebody"

Everyone heard that & laughed

Which side did he play, did he rotate at all with Gold stong to weak? Did he get frustrated at all taking on the TE? Not sure how much they worked.

Also what formations were they running out of? Any 2 TE or Pro set type run plays? I like the I formations but they need to mix it up a little.

Thanks for the reports! Keep em coming PLEASE!!!

[Smilin Assassin]

...Oh, and DJ Williams was attacking everything like it was game-day...to the point where Kirk Doll went over and told him to slow down & run scheme.

"You're going to hurt somebody"

Everyone heard that & laughed


That's the best thing I've read this entire offseason.

Thanks Wabbit :militia:

[orinjkrush]

the thing that is impressing me right now is depth depth depth depth depth.

except at QB