Does Tatum have "it"?

[Billsfan]

As a bills fan living in Florida, the only game i saw of tatum bell was last years game against miami where he ran for 123yds on 17 carries. Sure the numbers look great, but as I was observing his running style he reminded me of a michael bennett type player. In that I mean he has great speed for the position, but lacking in vision, and lacking in the lateral quickness that made a back like terrell davis so special. Sure, if a hole is there he could exploit it, but he had no elusiveness, no "wiggle", to create plays on his own.

Seeing as this is my only time watching the guy play, I realize that I haven't watched Bell enough times to really have an informed opinion. So I thought i'd throw this question out to broncos nation, and get their feedback. Do you see a guy with the talent of a potential TD or Portis, or do you see him as more of a michael bennett type player as I do?

[Tombstone RJ]

The potential is there, he just has to prove it. He's alot like Portis in that he has that breakaway speed. We'll see if he can adjust to the Broncos blocking schemes and excell in this one cut system.

[Tombstone RJ]

How's McGehee (sp?) doing?

[Ratboy]

How's McGehee (sp?) doing?

Don't listen to a Bills fans prespective, You know they're the most biased fans in the league, They will say "McGahee is a top 10 runningback", They're Senile.

[TheReverend]

As a bills fan living in Florida, the only game i saw of tatum bell was last years game against miami where he ran for 123yds on 17 carries. Sure the numbers look great, but as I was observing his running style he reminded me of a michael bennett type player. In that I mean he has great speed for the position, but lacking in vision, and lacking in the lateral quickness that made a back like terrell davis so special. Sure, if a hole is there he could exploit it, but he had no elusiveness, no "wiggle", to create plays on his own.

Seeing as this is my only time watching the guy play, I realize that I haven't watched Bell enough times to really have an informed opinion. So I thought i'd throw this question out to broncos nation, and get their feedback. Do you see a guy with the talent of a potential TD or Portis, or do you see him as more of a michael bennett type player as I do?

You got that impression from the Miami game?!?!? Hate to hear what you have to say about any running back in the NFL today.

He has it. He'll show up for game time and blow the roof off... I think thats just his style, and his vision is just fine.

[maven]

Don't listen to a Bills fans prespective, You know they're the most biased fans in the league, They will say "McGahee is a top 10 runningback", They're Senile.

Top 10, 15? Doesn't matter. I'd take him over any RB we have.

[ozomulsion]

As a bills fan living in Florida, the only game i saw of tatum bell was last years game against miami where he ran for 123yds on 17 carries. Sure the numbers look great, but as I was observing his running style he reminded me of a michael bennett type player. In that I mean he has great speed for the position, but lacking in vision, and lacking in the lateral quickness that made a back like terrell davis so special. Sure, if a hole is there he could exploit it, but he had no elusiveness, no "wiggle", to create plays on his own.

Seeing as this is my only time watching the guy play, I realize that I haven't watched Bell enough times to really have an informed opinion.

I'll tell you what. Tatum has "IT"! I'm not speaking from a homer point of view either. I can observe running backs and make a very informed point of view. I can't on any other positions but I damn sure can with RBs. Mark my words, I swear on my life that Tatum has "IT". I just prey he can stay healthy.

[MajikMan7]

No Tatum doesn't have it, but this guy does........

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b307/8Project6/BDayne.jpg
The Great Dayne

[Ratboy]

Top 10, 15? Doesn't matter. I'd take him over any RB we have.

Thank god we didnt spend a first round on him.

[watermock]

I think the jury is out. I wanted Kevin Jones. Your right about his vision and wiggle. If we were sold, I doubt we spend a third on Clarett.

[maven]

Thank god we didnt spend a first round on him.

We spent a 2nd on a player who cannot beat out a FB.

[TheReverend]

We spent a 2nd on a player who cannot beat out a FB.

MA wont start more than 2 games this season... and thats me being generous to him.

[Ratboy]

We spent a 2nd on a player who cannot beat out a FB.

After tonights game, I'll comment.

[TheReverend]

After tonights game, I'll comment.

Bad idea. A blind man would have "vision" against SF.

[ozomulsion]

Thank god we didnt spend a first round on him.

Hopefully you'll get smarter when you age.

[Hulamau]

I hope he proves it. Its his real confidence I wonder about. When he talks he doesnt inspire me, but that could all change if he can get some wind in his sails.

[Ratboy]

Hopefully you'll get smarter when you age.

You honestly think the handicap runningback is worth a first rounder?

[Play2win]

Well, I'll say this, Bell hits the hole about as fast as ANY running back I've ever seen.

[Breck Bronc]

You honestly think the handicap runningback is worth a first rounder?At the end of the 2003 1st round he was a steal for the Bills. They got a top-3 talent who's now long past the knee injury in January 2003.

Don't think the Broncos don't try the same things in the draft, ie Paul Toviessi and your boy Willie Middlebust.

[Northman]

At the end of the 2003 1st round he was a steal for the Bills. They got a top-3 talent who's now long past the knee injury in January 2003.

Don't think the Broncos don't try the same things in the draft, ie Paul Toviessi and your boy Willie Middlebust.


I agree, even though he took a major blow with that injury he came in last year and TOTALLY outplayed Henry. to say McGahee is not a good back is ludicrous.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

You honestly think the handicap runningback is worth a first rounder?
McGahee is a top 5 RB.

[Ratboy]

At the end of the 2003 1st round he was a steal for the Bills. They got a top-3 talent who's now long past the knee injury in January 2003.

Don't think the Broncos don't try the same things in the draft, ie Paul Toviessi and your boy Willie Middlebust.

LOL a steal, Thats a laugh and a half.

Rosenwhore pulled a swift one on Buffalo, Quite funny.

[TheReverend]

McGahee is a top 5 RB.

And we all know how great you are at evaluating RB talent (sorry, just broke the truce). Please name your top 5 RBs with mcGahee in it.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

And we all know how great you are at evaluating RB talent (sorry, just broke the truce). Please name your top 5 RBs with mcGahee in it.
You'll see this year. If you're in any fantasy leagues, get him, you'll be glad you did.

Tomlinson, Alexander, Holmes, James, Magahee


How about that MA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rock Chalk]

McGahee is a top 5 RB.
No.

Id take LT, Priest, Deuce McAllister, Ahman Green, Edge, Portis, Jamal Lewis, and Corey Dillon over McGahee.

[Northman]

No.

Id take LT, Priest, Deuce McAllister, Ahman Green, Edge, Portis, Jamal Lewis, and Corey Dillon over McGahee.


LT- Yes
Priest- Yes
Deuce- Maybe
Green- Fumbles too much
Edge- maybe but getting older and hasnt been the same since his injury
Portis- Speed back but not a power back. McGahee can do both
Lewis- Yes
Dillon- Yes

with that in mind i still think Willis would break the top 5.

[Ratboy]

McGahee is a top 5 RB.


ROFL! Not even close.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

No.

Id take LT, Priest, Deuce McAllister, Ahman Green, Edge, Portis, Jamal Lewis, and Corey Dillon over McGahee.

Did you watch this guy play last year? He can pretty much do it all.

NE spreads out the RB carries too much and don't throw it to him enough to pick Dillion before Willis.
Green is a fumbling fool.
Portis plays on one of the worst teams in the league.
Lewis has one receiving TD in is whole career.
McAlister, playing for NO drops him behind Willis, no receiving TDs the last 2 years.

[Rock Chalk]

Did you watch this guy play last year? He can pretty much do it all.

NE spreads out the RB carries too much and don't throw it to him enough to pick Dillion before Willis.
WHat a team does with a RB has nothing to do with why I would take him. Dillon is a better back than McGahee right now, whether NE gives him the ball enough or not.

Green is a fumbling fool.
Yep, but that dude can run the ball better than almost any other back in the league and fumblitis can be cured by proper coaching.

Portis plays on one of the worst teams in the league.Again, his skills are superior to MacGahee right now, whether his team is good or not.

Lewis has one receiving TD in is whole career.WIth such ignoble QBs like Dilfer and Boller throwing to him no wonder.

McAlister, playing for NO drops him behind Willis, no receiving TDs the last 2 years.
No you numbskull, how does playing for a bad team diminish your skills? McAllister is a better back than Willis.

If you are going to compare them, you have to take them on a hypothetical team and EVERY back I mentioned I would rather have than Willis. Now IM not saying Willis is a bad back by any means, just that he is not a top 5 back in the league.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

WHat a team does with a RB has nothing to do with why I would take him. Dillon is a better back than McGahee right now, whether NE gives him the ball enough or not.

Yep, but that dude can run the ball better than almost any other back in the league and fumblitis can be cured by proper coaching.
Again, his skills are superior to MacGahee right now, whether his team is good or not.
WIth such ignoble QBs like Dilfer and Boller throwing to him no wonder.

No you numbskull, how does playing for a bad team diminish your skills? McAllister is a better back than Willis.

If you are going to compare them, you have to take them on a hypothetical team and EVERY back I mentioned I would rather have than Willis. Now IM not saying Willis is a bad back by any means, just that he is not a top 5 back in the league.

And after all that rant If I'm starting up a team McGahee might even go 2 or 3. As far as a fantasy player he has a lot better chance to rack up points than all the guys you just mentioned save McAlister because you don't ever know what you get with him playing on NO. And Green but he gives up points in too many games.

Watch were Willis is picked this year in the fantasy leagues.

[Tredici]

As a bills fan living in Florida, the only game i saw of tatum bell was last years game against miami where he ran for 123yds on 17 carries. Sure the numbers look great, but as I was observing his running style he reminded me of a michael bennett type player. In that I mean he has great speed for the position, but lacking in vision, and lacking in the lateral quickness that made a back like terrell davis so special. Sure, if a hole is there he could exploit it, but he had no elusiveness, no "wiggle", to create plays on his own.

Seeing as this is my only time watching the guy play, I realize that I haven't watched Bell enough times to really have an informed opinion. So I thought i'd throw this question out to broncos nation, and get their feedback. Do you see a guy with the talent of a potential TD or Portis, or do you see him as more of a michael bennett type player as I do?

Tatum has the potential. He fits the Bronco system perfectly. He hits the hole and he has great speed. He does have a straight up running style. I wouldn't say Bennett. More like Dickerson. I hope.

[-Slap-]

Tatum has the potential. He fits the Bronco system perfectly. He hits the hole and he has great speed. He does have a straight up running style. I wouldn't say Bennett. More like Dickerson. I hope.
Toughest transition Eric Dickerson made going from SMU to the Rams was probably the pay cut.

[Breck Bronc]

LOL a steal, Thats a laugh and a half.

Rosenwhore pulled a swift one on Buffalo, Quite funny.
Rosenhaus didn't pull anything on Buffalo, you give him too much credit. The Bills knew exactly what they were doing. They took a gamble that paid off handsomely.

I really don't think you've seen McGahee play. Willis is a complete back; he is powerful, fast, has good vision, is incredible around the goal line, throws wicked stiff arms, rarely fumbles, catches the ball well, and beats the hell out of blitzing linebackers in pass protection. Calling him a handicapped running back is laughable.

McGahee's not top-5 in the league, yet. I'm confident he will be after this season. He's finally 100% healthy after the Fiesta Bowl injury and still had over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while only getting significant playing time after week 5.

Please stick to Zelda, Ratboy.

[Old Dude]

Anderson, Bell and Dayne all played well tonight.

I'd still give the edge to Anderson at this point, simply because he looks more comfortable out there. I think all three will make contributions this year.

[Cito Pelon]

McGahee looked pretty good to me last year. Real good around the goal line.

Bell is going to get every chance to be the feature back. I don't recall him getting thrown to very often. Dayne is super-smooth catching the ball, he makes everything look easy.

[Tredici]

Toughest transition Eric Dickerson made going from SMU to the Rams was probably the pay cut.

Here's something special for you... :giggle:

[watermock]

From what I read, altho the injury looked absolutely brutal, when they went in his knee, they were able to patch him together pretty well. extensive ligament damage, but not alot of cartilage damage. It was certainly a gamble, and a little surprising, but he's the real deal, an all around back in the mold of Edge. This year, he should be all the way back, or as recovered as he will ever be. It takes one year to get back on the field, but two years to fully come back, and few ever some back 100% no matter what they say. Edge never came back 100%, but I will take 90% of Edge over 90% of the backs out there. Same with Willis.

[ozomulsion]

Rosenhaus didn't pull anything on Buffalo, you give him too much credit. The Bills knew exactly what they were doing. They took a gamble that paid off handsomely.

I really don't think you've seen McGahee play. Willis is a complete back; he is powerful, fast, has good vision, is incredible around the goal line, throws wicked stiff arms, rarely fumbles, catches the ball well, and beats the hell out of blitzing linebackers in pass protection. Calling him a handicapped running back is laughable.

McGahee's not top-5 in the league, yet. I'm confident he will be after this season. He's finally 100% healthy after the Fiesta Bowl injury and still had over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while only getting significant playing time after week 5.

Please stick to Zelda, Ratboy.

This is the truth!

[Rock Chalk]

And after all that rant If I'm starting up a team McGahee might even go 2 or 3. As far as a fantasy player he has a lot better chance to rack up points than all the guys you just mentioned save McAlister because you don't ever know what you get with him playing on NO. And Green but he gives up points in too many games.

Watch were Willis is picked this year in the fantasy leagues.
One, you need to clarify whether you are talking about fantasy or real football.

If Im building a team, every back I mentioned I would take before I took McGahee, period. Not fantasy football. Get your head out of your ass.

In fantasy football, Jake Plummer is a better QB than Brett Favre.

In fantasy football, Stokely is a better receiver than Rod Smith.

In fantasy football, Jerome Bettis is a better RB than Clinton Portis.

But in reality, none of those are true.

[bloodsunday]

Tatum will be fine. He is thinking too much right now. Once he gains a comfort level with the system and the game can come to him, he'll blow the doors off. He is so wrapped up in doing the things MA does well (finishing runs, getting tough yards) that he is not letting his natural ability come out. There is no way you could have seen him play Miami last year (by all accounts a respectable run D) and think he doesn't have it. He just needs to bring it more consistently.

FYI - I thought he looked as good as any back on the field last night. He just has more explosion than Dayne or MA.

[ShutDownPoster]

Tater definitely "has it" Thing is....many are spoiled that we are gonna churn out a star that comes out of no where -- and his high pedigree (2nd rd) makes us impatient. Tater just needs more time to click...

[Bronco_Beerslug]

One, you need to clarify whether you are talking about fantasy or real football.

If Im building a team, every back I mentioned I would take before I took McGahee, period. Not fantasy football. Get your head out of your ass.

In fantasy football, Jake Plummer is a better QB than Brett Favre.

In fantasy football, Stokely is a better receiver than Rod Smith.

In fantasy football, Jerome Bettis is a better RB than Clinton Portis.

But in reality, none of those are true.
Pretty early for you to be up and around isn't it? For clarity, like I said, If I can start an NFL team, McGahee is the 2nd or 3rd pick among RBs.

As far as fantasy teams, I'm hoping I get in leagues that have coaches that have your mentality on what players are better than others.




http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050821/capt.nydd60708210050.packers_bills_nydd607.jpg

Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee (21) runs during the first half of the pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 20, 2005.
(AP Photo/David Duprey)

[-Slap-]

Rosenhaus didn't pull anything on Buffalo, you give him too much credit. The Bills knew exactly what they were doing. They took a gamble that paid off handsomely.

I really don't think you've seen McGahee play. Willis is a complete back; he is powerful, fast, has good vision, is incredible around the goal line, throws wicked stiff arms, rarely fumbles, catches the ball well, and beats the hell out of blitzing linebackers in pass protection. Calling him a handicapped running back is laughable.

McGahee's not top-5 in the league, yet. I'm confident he will be after this season. He's finally 100% healthy after the Fiesta Bowl injury and still had over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while only getting significant playing time after week 5.

Please stick to Zelda, Ratboy.
That was a hideous injury. We all assumed the kid had lost millions that night. It really is phenomenal the way they can put these guys back together these days.

http://www.redraiders.com/images/010503/coll_FIESTA_BOWL2.jpg

[Rock Chalk]

Whats even more phenomenal is that they cant even use the blood spinning technique which helps to heal up to 4 times faster than normal because it gives a false positive on steroid screens.

[-Slap-]

Here's something special for you... :giggle:
http://72.22.74.110/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=12230&stc=1

...misty watercolored memories...of the way we were...

[-Slap-]

Whats even more phenomenal is that they cant even use the blood spinning technique which helps to heal up to 4 times faster than normal because it gives a false positive on steroid screens.
What about these hyperbaric chambers?

[Rock Chalk]

What about these hyperbaric chambers?
Im pretty sure that those are allowed in the sports arena. Doesnt TO go into one after the games?

The blood spinning thing raises the oxygen level in teh blood thus giving athletes a slight bump in their endurance and thus an "advantage" but man, if you break your leg and it takes 8 weeks to heal normally, this technique can get you all healed up in as little as 2 weeks. (This is just an example).

I think that hyperbaric chamber is another great way of healing people faster, but Im not certain its as effective as the blood spinning.

[-Slap-]

Im pretty sure that those are allowed in the sports arena. Doesnt TO go into one after the games?

The blood spinning thing raises the oxygen level in teh blood thus giving athletes a slight bump in their endurance and thus an "advantage" but man, if you break your leg and it takes 8 weeks to heal normally, this technique can get you all healed up in as little as 2 weeks. (This is just an example).

I think that hyperbaric chamber is another great way of healing people faster, but Im not certain its as effective as the blood spinning.
I guess its two methods of arriving at similar benefits, increased oxygenation to promote healing.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Still waiting to see "it" in Bell. The way he runs upright and swings his arms, he is a fumble waiting to happen.

[Tredici]

One, you need to clarify whether you are talking about fantasy or real football.

If Im building a team, every back I mentioned I would take before I took McGahee, period. Not fantasy football. Get your head out of your ass.

In fantasy football, Jake Plummer is a better QB than Brett Favre.

In fantasy football, Stokely is a better receiver than Rod Smith.

In fantasy football, Jerome Bettis is a better RB than Clinton Portis.

But in reality, none of those are true.

In reality or in perception?

[-Slap-]

In reality or in perception?
Depends if we're talking about White Widow or commercial grade.

:puff:

[Cito Pelon]

That Bell is a big play waiting to happen. But so was Gerald Willhite. I guess I'd have to say Bell is pretty close to having "it". He hasn't quite jumped out at me like TD or Portis did, though. But pretty close.

[Breck Bronc]

What about these hyperbaric chambers?I know Romanowski owned a hyperbaric chamber. Man, that guy was fanatical about keeping his body in the best playing shape, illegal or not.

The IOC banned the use of hyperbaric chambers, altitude tents and other oxygen contraptions from the Olympics in 2002.

I remember back in 1994 the Vancouver Canucks started using a hyperbaric chamber and it was revolutionary then. Now a ton of teams and even players own them.

[TheReverend]

You'll see this year. If you're in any fantasy leagues, get him, you'll be glad you did.

Tomlinson, Alexander, Holmes, James, Magahee


How about that MA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Better than Jamal Lewis? Better than Portis? Better than Ahman Green? Better than Curtis Martin? Domanick Davis? ****... hes not even better than Najeh Davenport.

[alanm]

As a Chief fan I was impressed with Bell last night. My GF is a die hard Bronco fan so I had to watch the game. ;D I thought he showed good lateral movement on a couple of runs. But I did tend to notice they kept pulling him out on passing plays. He wasn't much of a pass blocker at Ok. St. either. But I was really impressed with Van Pelt. I think he's going to take the QB job away from Plummer eventually.