Atlas
10-16-2005, 10:02 PM
Anderson, Bell Form 'One-Two Punch'
By J. Michael Moore
DenverBroncos.com
SoCals link: http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=4805
DENVER -- At this time last season Bronco fans had a pretty good idea who would get the majority of the carries out of the backfield. That man, of course, being fullback turned running back Reuben Droughns.
It wasn't until the end of the season that Droughns began to split some time with Tatum Bell. But even then, it was Droughns carrying the load on most plays and leading the Broncos running game to its normal dominance.
This season has been different.
Mike Anderson began 2005 at the top of the depth chart -- a position he remains in tonight after the Broncos 28-20 victory over the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. He got the first touch and cleaned up in the fourth quarter when the Broncos needed to run the ball to burn some clock.
But Bell's 114-yard rushing performance, his second 100-yard game in as many weeks, was equally important. His 68-yard run led to a Jake Plummer touchdown pass and a 21-3 third-quarter lead for Denver. Bell also had a touchdown of his own in the second quarter to give the Broncos the lead.
But Anderson's 15 carries led all rushers. He also got a 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that would push Denver out to just enough of a lead to hold on for the victory.
Running back quandary? Controversy?
No.
Instead, teamwork was the word buzzing through the post game locker room.
The pair of runners joked with each other as they got ready to leave INVESCO Field at Mile High, mostly about how Bell, some eight years Anderson's junior, didn't break away from a tackler on his 68-yard run.
To the Broncos, who have been notorious for putting together running games no matter the makeup of the backfield, the only numbers that matter are on the scoreboard when the game ends.
Same with the duo in the backfield.
"You know, that win today was a whole out, team effort," said Anderson, who finished with 57 rushing yards. "We had a lot of guys that contributed. We felt like we won today as a team.
"To me, the main thing is our running game is there. We're being successful running the ball, moving the ball, not turning over the ball and at the end of the game we're coming away with the win."
Head Coach Mike Shanahan said he didn't know who would get the majority of the carries in next week's game. He was satisfied with what took place against the Patriots -- a two-headed running game that helped the Broncos leave the field with more than 10 minutes of possession in the fourth quarter.
"You kind of get a feel for it: guys that are hot and guys that aren't, and I thought it worked out pretty well," he said. "I thought we had a good one-two punch and hopefully it keeps on working. And if it does, we'll keep up the same pace."
In a game that quickly came down to simply holding on to the football to preserve the win, having two running backs was crucial.
"We are getting it done," Anderson said. "Like I told Tatum on the sideline, 'It's going to come down to us. We're going to have to get the first downs, hold on to the ball, and keep moving the chains to get out of here with a win.' We knew heading into the game that we were going to have to get the running game going. We're going to have to move the ball on the ground and we were able to do that today."
Denver finished the day with 178 rushing yards and a 5.2 yard per carry average. The Patriots totaled only two tackles for loss the entire game. The running game balanced out a very consistent and potent Broncos offense that had 20 first downs (10 rushing, 10 passing) and included pass plays of 72 and 55 yards.
But the offense isn't the only thing that's balanced.
"We're all in it together," Bell said. "We're both team guys. If Mike gets to play the whole game I won't be mad, i just have to do my thing on special teams. But if it's visa versa, I know he'll be there on the sideline showing his support."
By J. Michael Moore
DenverBroncos.com
SoCals link: http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=4805
DENVER -- At this time last season Bronco fans had a pretty good idea who would get the majority of the carries out of the backfield. That man, of course, being fullback turned running back Reuben Droughns.
It wasn't until the end of the season that Droughns began to split some time with Tatum Bell. But even then, it was Droughns carrying the load on most plays and leading the Broncos running game to its normal dominance.
This season has been different.
Mike Anderson began 2005 at the top of the depth chart -- a position he remains in tonight after the Broncos 28-20 victory over the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. He got the first touch and cleaned up in the fourth quarter when the Broncos needed to run the ball to burn some clock.
But Bell's 114-yard rushing performance, his second 100-yard game in as many weeks, was equally important. His 68-yard run led to a Jake Plummer touchdown pass and a 21-3 third-quarter lead for Denver. Bell also had a touchdown of his own in the second quarter to give the Broncos the lead.
But Anderson's 15 carries led all rushers. He also got a 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that would push Denver out to just enough of a lead to hold on for the victory.
Running back quandary? Controversy?
No.
Instead, teamwork was the word buzzing through the post game locker room.
The pair of runners joked with each other as they got ready to leave INVESCO Field at Mile High, mostly about how Bell, some eight years Anderson's junior, didn't break away from a tackler on his 68-yard run.
To the Broncos, who have been notorious for putting together running games no matter the makeup of the backfield, the only numbers that matter are on the scoreboard when the game ends.
Same with the duo in the backfield.
"You know, that win today was a whole out, team effort," said Anderson, who finished with 57 rushing yards. "We had a lot of guys that contributed. We felt like we won today as a team.
"To me, the main thing is our running game is there. We're being successful running the ball, moving the ball, not turning over the ball and at the end of the game we're coming away with the win."
Head Coach Mike Shanahan said he didn't know who would get the majority of the carries in next week's game. He was satisfied with what took place against the Patriots -- a two-headed running game that helped the Broncos leave the field with more than 10 minutes of possession in the fourth quarter.
"You kind of get a feel for it: guys that are hot and guys that aren't, and I thought it worked out pretty well," he said. "I thought we had a good one-two punch and hopefully it keeps on working. And if it does, we'll keep up the same pace."
In a game that quickly came down to simply holding on to the football to preserve the win, having two running backs was crucial.
"We are getting it done," Anderson said. "Like I told Tatum on the sideline, 'It's going to come down to us. We're going to have to get the first downs, hold on to the ball, and keep moving the chains to get out of here with a win.' We knew heading into the game that we were going to have to get the running game going. We're going to have to move the ball on the ground and we were able to do that today."
Denver finished the day with 178 rushing yards and a 5.2 yard per carry average. The Patriots totaled only two tackles for loss the entire game. The running game balanced out a very consistent and potent Broncos offense that had 20 first downs (10 rushing, 10 passing) and included pass plays of 72 and 55 yards.
But the offense isn't the only thing that's balanced.
"We're all in it together," Bell said. "We're both team guys. If Mike gets to play the whole game I won't be mad, i just have to do my thing on special teams. But if it's visa versa, I know he'll be there on the sideline showing his support."