View Full Version : Broncos | Bell wants starting opportunity
Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos RB Tatum Bell wants to be the team's 2006 starting running back. "Once I get that chance, I feel like I'll prove myself," said Bell. "I don't want to do the rotating thing. I want to be the man. The committee thing worked this year and it was good for the team, but I learned a lot in my playing time and I want the chance to get more."
Clockwork Orange
03-15-2006, 05:31 PM
Show that you can take the bulk of the carries and you may get that chance, Tatum.
ND Bronco Fan
03-15-2006, 05:32 PM
Show that you can take the bulk of the carries and you may get that chance, Tatum.
Also run between the tackles better and pass block better.........other than that you are good enough yes.
brother love
03-15-2006, 05:33 PM
Glad to hear that he is finally starting to want the ball more?
Go gettem Tater!!!!
Gcver2ver3
03-15-2006, 05:33 PM
Too little too late tatum
labronco
03-15-2006, 05:34 PM
That's what he says every year. It doesn't matter what he wants. He's got to produce consistently when he has the opportunity. The fact is he couldn't beat out Mike Anderson for two years, and i wish he just shuts up and does what it takes to be on the field more often.
Here's the enitre column.
Many of the top offensive playmakers who were available in free agency have been signed, but the Denver Broncos can make a run at receiver Terrell Owens if they want to.
Owens was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. The Broncos have shown interest in Owens, the receiver who was suspended by the Eagles for conduct detrimental to the team last season.
The Cowboys and Chiefs are two other teams that might show interest in Owens.
There aren't many other offensive stars available. The Broncos want to find a franchise running back but Jamal Lewis spurned the Broncos' interest to re-sign with Baltimore. Indianapolis' Edgerrin James signed with Arizona, and there aren't any top tailbacks left in free agency.
Many of the best receivers are off the market as well. David Givens moved from New England to Tennessee and Antwaan Randle El left Pittsburgh for Washington.
The Broncos probably need to add some offensive firepower, either through the draft or free agency.
They cut running back Mike Anderson, their leading rusher last year, and tight end Jeb Putzier, the team's thirdleading receiver, earlier this month.
Running back Tatum Bell hopes to be a bigger playmaker. Bell backed up Anderson last season but wants the chance to start in 2006.
"Once I get that chance, I feel like I'll prove myself," Bell said about starting. "I don't want to do the rotating thing. I want to be the man. The committee thing worked this year and it was good for the team, but I learned a lot in my playing time and I want the chance to get more."
Ron Dayne probably holds a slight edge over Bell now. Last season, coach Mike Shanahan often mentioned how well Dayne's downhill running style fits the offense.
"His contributions should only be greater in 2006, and we feel he has finally found a place where he can showcase his talent," general manager Ted Sundquist said in a statement last week when Dayne re-signed with Denver for three years.
The Broncos will likely draft a running back, at least to bolster depth. Denver has the 22nd and 29th picks of the first round and one of the top backs in the draft - Minnesota's Laurence Maroney, USC's LenDale White or Memphis' DeAngelo Williams - could fall.
The Broncos could also draft a receiver like Florida's Chad Jackson or a tight end like UCLA's Marcedes Lewis or Georgia's Leonard Pope to fill a need on offense.
Shanahan has made it clear that he would prefer not to use a committee of running backs.
http://broncos.gazette.com/fullstory.php?id=6382
Here's the enitre column.
Many of the top offensive playmakers who were available in free agency have been signed, but the Denver Broncos can make a run at receiver Terrell Owens if they want to.
Owens was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. The Broncos have shown interest in Owens, the receiver who was suspended by the Eagles for conduct detrimental to the team last season.
The Cowboys and Chiefs are two other teams that might show interest in Owens.
There aren't many other offensive stars available. The Broncos want to find a franchise running back but Jamal Lewis spurned the Broncos' interest to re-sign with Baltimore. Indianapolis' Edgerrin James signed with Arizona, and there aren't any top tailbacks left in free agency.
Many of the best receivers are off the market as well. David Givens moved from New England to Tennessee and Antwaan Randle El left Pittsburgh for Washington.
The Broncos probably need to add some offensive firepower, either through the draft or free agency.
They cut running back Mike Anderson, their leading rusher last year, and tight end Jeb Putzier, the team's thirdleading receiver, earlier this month.
Running back Tatum Bell hopes to be a bigger playmaker. Bell backed up Anderson last season but wants the chance to start in 2006.
"Once I get that chance, I feel like I'll prove myself," Bell said about starting. "I don't want to do the rotating thing. I want to be the man. The committee thing worked this year and it was good for the team, but I learned a lot in my playing time and I want the chance to get more."
Ron Dayne probably holds a slight edge over Bell now. Last season, coach Mike Shanahan often mentioned how well Dayne's downhill running style fits the offense.
"His contributions should only be greater in 2006, and we feel he has finally found a place where he can showcase his talent," general manager Ted Sundquist said in a statement last week when Dayne re-signed with Denver for three years.
The Broncos will likely draft a running back, at least to bolster depth. Denver has the 22nd and 29th picks of the first round and one of the top backs in the draft - Minnesota's Laurence Maroney, USC's LenDale White or Memphis' DeAngelo Williams - could fall.
The Broncos could also draft a receiver like Florida's Chad Jackson or a tight end like UCLA's Marcedes Lewis or Georgia's Leonard Pope to fill a need on offense.
Shanahan has made it clear that he would prefer not to use a committee of running backs.
http://broncos.gazette.com/fullstory.php?id=6382
Ratboy
03-15-2006, 05:37 PM
I'm going to ignore this Bell bashing thread.
"I think everybody would like a franchise-type back," Shanahan said. "That would be nice to have a guy that you could give the ball 30 times a game to."
I'm going to ignore this Bell bashing thread.
LOL
SimonFletcher73
03-15-2006, 05:48 PM
Maybe he can start the game on special teams. Lendale or Maroney can start with the 1st team offense.
Ratboy
03-15-2006, 05:50 PM
Nevermind, You guys are morons!
Tatum Bell has certainly shown more then Ron Dayne has done his entire career, yet you guys think Dayne can be our starter? What do you want him to do.. Fly?
Poor at pass protection? What a lame excuse, everytime i've watched him he picks the blitz up very well. He's what we've been missing since Clinton Portis left, I would even say Tatum Bell runs faster and harder than CP too.
UKBronco
03-15-2006, 05:52 PM
Bell had the perfect opportunity late last season to make the most of his opportunity. He should have been fresh from being spelled the whole year, and playing against late-season defenses should have torn it up and surpassed the 1k mark.
Instead he looked tired, sluggish and hesitant before hitting the hole.
Before last season i thought he hit the hole harder than Portis, but i can see now i was very much mistaken.
Talking in the media isn't going to help either Sonny Jim.
Get back in Mikes kennel!
12th man
03-15-2006, 05:53 PM
Im cool with Dayne or Bell starting. Plus we could get a rb wherer in the draft. you know it dosn't matter witch round we get him in. Our running game is never a problem. Shanahan will make the right decision wether it be Bell, Dayne,rookie, FA, or rbbc thing. I will be ok with me. Though personally I would like just a number one guy. I think Bell just needs to hit the lift room, and get some muscle and a little bit more weight. But Im cool whatever Shanny does.
Ratboy
03-15-2006, 05:54 PM
Lets not forget we wouldnt have won against the skins without Bell..
Gcver2ver3
03-15-2006, 05:55 PM
Bell had the perfect opportunity late last season to make the most of his opportunity. He should have been fresh from being spelled the whole year, and playing against late-season defenses should have torn it up and surpassed the 1k mark.
Instead he looked tired, sluggish and hesitant before hitting the hole.
Before last season i thought he hit the hole harder than Portis, but i can see now i was very much mistaken.
Talking in the media isn't going to help either Sonny Jim.
Get back in Mikes kennel!
good post
Ratboy
03-15-2006, 05:57 PM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JfE0yavy1cc&search=Broncos%20week%2017
Sluggish..
UKBronco
03-15-2006, 05:58 PM
Lets not forget we wouldnt have won against the skins without Bell..
Oh god, i know! He got us out of a hole a few times.....but he is annoyingly inconsistent.
I've seen a couple of shots of him on the sideline during games when Bobby Turner has chewed him out for not getting to the hole, and he seems to have that 'been a bad dog' routine, hanging his head feeling sorry for himself.
I'd love for him to the 30+ ball carrier, but i don't think he's got it in him - he seems a little fragile uptop. Maybe experience will change that.
WABronco
03-15-2006, 06:00 PM
Nevermind, You guys are morons!
Tatum Bell has certainly shown more then Ron Dayne has done his entire career, yet you guys think Dayne can be our starter? What do you want him to do.. Fly?
Poor at pass protection? What a lame excuse, everytime i've watched him he picks the blitz up very well. He's what we've been missing since Clinton Portis left, I would even say Tatum Bell runs faster and harder than CP too.
Dayne, in his few oppurtunities last year, showed the ability to produce in this offense. Apparently Shanny thought the same thing...
Tatum is poor in pass protection. He routinely gets blown up and pushed completely out of the backfield. It's a legitimate gripe as well. Seattle was hesitant to give Shaun Alexander a huge deal because he sucked at pass blocking, among other things. He supposedly improved last year, so that's part of the reason he got his big deal...
12th man
03-15-2006, 06:00 PM
Lets not forget we wouldnt have won against the skins without Bell..
we wouldn't have one against SD or Dallas without Dayne. I love tatum bell and I think he could be the starter if he just bulks up, but don't underestimat dayne. He's done pretty good too. Im not worried about our RB's. Shahahan knows what he's doing. Either way we will have the right persons starting with a pretty good back.
WABronco
03-15-2006, 06:01 PM
Lets not forget we wouldnt have won against the skins without Bell..
If you want to play that game, then let's not forget that we wouldn't have won the first SD game or the Dallas game without Dayne...
Ratboy
03-15-2006, 06:05 PM
Oh god, i know! He got us out of a hole a few times.....but he is annoyingly inconsistent.
I've seen a couple of shots of him on the sideline during games when Bobby Turner has chewed him out for not getting to the hole, and he seems to have that 'been a bad dog' routine, hanging his head feeling sorry for himself.
I'd love for him to the 30+ ball carrier, but i don't think he's got it in him - he seems a little fragile uptop. Maybe experience will change that.
He's inconsistant because he's not always getting the chance. 1 week he has 100+ yard game, next week he barely gets the chance to carry 5 times.
and not many runningbacks can rush 30+ times a game either.
Clockwork Orange
03-15-2006, 06:09 PM
and not many runningbacks can rush 30+ times a game either.
No, but a good starting back can give you 20-25 carries per game. Bell's career high in carries for a game is 17.
Like I said, if he shows that he can take the bulk of the carries without getting injured, he'll likely get the chance to be the #1 RB.
12th man
03-15-2006, 06:12 PM
What is wrong with bell starting. I mean he got 900 yards sharing time and was out for like two games. As of right now, he is our most proven back that we have. I don't want to take anything from Dayne cecause he is a good fit for us and also could start, but if Dayne was better than bell, why didn't shannahan put him as the number two back? Don't say because of inexpereince because he won the heisman running in a system like ours. Like I said, Dayne or bell could start for us. it's not like they will be ****ty. Peaple are talking like they both suck. Both of them could start for us, and i wouldn't have a problem.
eddie mac
03-15-2006, 06:18 PM
I cant believe anyone's bitching on a RB that gained over 900 yds last season and a 5.3 avg per carry.
And look what he did in the stretch of 4 games last year;
Washington 12-127-2 avg 10.6
N England 13-114-1 avg 8.8
NY Giants 8-60 avg 7.5
Philadelphia 14-107-2 avg 7.6
If Tatum could produce that kind of form over the course of a whole season you've got your franchise back and a perenial pro-bowler.
DarkHorse
03-15-2006, 06:20 PM
No, but a good starting back can give you 20-25 carries per game. Bell's career high in carries for a game is 17.
Like I said, if he shows that he can take the bulk of the carries without getting injured, he'll likely get the chance to be the #1 RB.
But he doesn't call the plays. He's never had the chance to carry more than 17 times - that's the other side of your comment.
Clockwork Orange
03-15-2006, 06:21 PM
I'm not bitching about Bell. I just want him to demonstrate that he's durable enough to be the #1 RB.
UKBronco
03-15-2006, 06:22 PM
I cant believe anyone's b****ing on a RB that gained over 900 yds last season and a 5.3 avg per carry.
And look what he did in the stretch of 4 games last year;
Washington 12-127-2 avg 10.6
N England 13-114-1 avg 8.8
NY Giants 8-60 avg 7.5
Philadelphia 14-107-2 avg 7.6
If Tatum could produce that kind of form over the course of a whole season you've got your franchise back and a perenial pro-bowler.
Calm down paddy! ;)
I'm not bitching, i'm just pointing out that he missed a perfect opportunity late in the season to show what he can really do. Like i've said, i'd be happy with him starting if he could considerably improve his blitz pickups - which are poor at best.
But then we've been blessed in Denver with a great scheme and some great backs - maybe we're all a bit too critical of players at times.
Clockwork Orange
03-15-2006, 06:23 PM
But he doesn't call the plays. He's never had the chance to carry more than 17 times - that's the other side of your comment.
For the majority of his rookie year he was too nicked up (between the hamstring, finger and shoulder injuries) to get the carries.
Last year he stayed relatively healthy, missing only the Dallas game. But obviously the coaching staff doesn't feel as though he can handle the load or else they'd give him the bulk of the carries. He's easily the most talented back on the roster but he has a penchant for getting dinged up.
eddie mac
03-15-2006, 06:27 PM
Calm down paddy! ;)
I'm not b****ing, i'm just pointing out that he missed a perfect opportunity late in the season to show what he can really do. Like i've said, i'd be happy with him starting if he could considerably improve his blitz pickups - which are poor at best.
But then we've been blessed in Denver with a great scheme and some great backs - maybe we're all a bit too critical of players at times.
Wasn't just Tater bro, Denver's entire running game fell apart after the Oakland game.
Rohirrim
03-15-2006, 06:29 PM
"I don't want to do the rotating thing. I want to be the man. The committee thing worked this year and it was good for the team, but I learned a lot in my playing time and I want the chance to get more."
I want to give Jessica Simpson a mustache ride.
"I don't want to do the rotating thing. I want to be the man. The committee thing worked this year and it was good for the team, but I learned a lot in my playing time and I want the chance to get more."
I want to give Jessica Simpson a mustache ride.
I'd appreciate it if you did not mess with my religious idol
Gcver2ver3
03-15-2006, 06:37 PM
I cant believe anyone's b****ing on a RB that gained over 900 yds last season and a 5.3 avg per carry.
And look what he did in the stretch of 4 games last year;
Washington 12-127-2 avg 10.6
N England 13-114-1 avg 8.8
NY Giants 8-60 avg 7.5
Philadelphia 14-107-2 avg 7.6
If Tatum could produce that kind of form over the course of a whole season you've got your franchise back and a perenial pro-bowler.
i don't think anyone is questioning what he can do in spurts....
but over a 16 game season he faded down the stretch......
he started strong and struggled late.....
i like bell...i'm just being realistic about the kid...
doesn't matter...neither bell or dayne will be starting next season IMO...
DarkHorse
03-15-2006, 06:37 PM
For the majority of his rookie year he was too nicked up (between the hamstring, finger and shoulder injuries) to get the carries.
Last year he stayed relatively healthy, missing only the Dallas game. But obviously the coaching staff doesn't feel as though he can handle the load or else they'd give him the bulk of the carries. He's easily the most talented back on the roster but he has a penchant for getting dinged up.
I see where you're coming from tho - i'm with you - only, it's what? year 3 for him? Throw him to the wolves now - 20-25 carries for 3 games and see what happens. He fails, gets injured, etc... - you start the rook ;D cause you know we're going to draft one.
yavoon
03-15-2006, 06:40 PM
I was satisfied w/ rbbc, it gave us depth, stopped us from overpaying someone just because we handed them the ball in our zone blocking system and let us take advantage of situations.
As long as we dont become predictable in the playcalling rbbc is a good plan in denver.
Dr. Broncenstein
03-15-2006, 06:41 PM
It seemed to me that Tater tends to hit the hole too fast instead of being a little more patient. Its a big gain or nothing with him.
Lets not forget we wouldnt have won against the skins without Bell..
i flew to denver from mn to see that game...and i walked away wondering how great it would be if tatum could mature into being our featured back
on that fourth down td run, he juked that LB so badly, dude's jock strap is still at invesco
plus he has already promised to add upper body muscle over the offseason which is a main concern for a lot of you
yavoon
03-15-2006, 06:51 PM
i flew to denver from mn to see that game...and i walked away wondering how great it would be if tatum could mature into being our featured back
on that fourth down td run, he juked that LB so badly, dude's jock strap is still at invesco
plus he has already promised to add upper body muscle over the offseason which is a main concern for a lot of you
I dont think tatum needs anymore muscle. mostly he'd benefit from improved vision. if his vision was good no1 would care that he wasn't 220 lbs.
Liebs
03-15-2006, 07:06 PM
i thought bell was the next portis last year, but he really really faded the last 5 or 6 games. what a let down. I'd like to see him get one more shot though.
12th man
03-15-2006, 07:09 PM
i thought bell was the next portis last year, but he really really faded the last 5 or 6 games. what a let down. I'd like to see him get one more shot though.
yeah. I remember people saying he is stronger and faster than portis. I think Bell is faster, but stronger I think Portis was a little stronger. But that's an easy fix. Hit the weight room. If he could match Portis' strength he would be pretty darn good.
Play2win
03-15-2006, 07:15 PM
BELL, to me, looks like a Point Guard who doesn't know if he wants to PASS, DRIBBLE or SHOOT...
Play2win
03-15-2006, 07:18 PM
yeah. I remember people saying he is stronger and faster than portis. I think Bell is faster, but stronger I think Portis was a little stronger. But that's an easy fix. Hit the weight room. If he could match Portis' strength he would be pretty darn good.
BELL still runs high, PORTIS could run really low...
sirhcyennek81
03-15-2006, 07:22 PM
BELL still runs high, PORTIS could run really low...
Portis would also get caught from behind more often then a back of his speed should. Good back, clinton. Good back, tatum. I think tatum just needs to be more patient and sort out his blocks. Its not a track meet...until after he clears the second level.
:Broncos:
Play2win
03-15-2006, 07:29 PM
Deangelo Williams would be perfect here...
Bell wants to be the starter... good. Now go out and prove it. I want to see TB work harder then everybody else this offseason and show that he wants to be the man. A lot of people can talk about it... until then if Lendale White is there...
labronco
03-15-2006, 07:38 PM
How fast really is Bell anyway?
How fast really is Bell anyway?
he is fast as ****, it just doesnt matter if he doesnt find the right hole first...i am pulling for him though, no one wants to see him be number one more than i do
Al Wilson
03-15-2006, 07:49 PM
I like Bell, but he isn't a feature back. Have you ever seen him break tackles? He drops like a duck when he gets touched, and he's not a patient back. He can't read blocks well. Watch the games, and you'll see that everything I mentioned is true.
Al Wilson
03-15-2006, 07:53 PM
I cant believe anyone's b****ing on a RB that gained over 900 yds last season and a 5.3 avg per carry.
And look what he did in the stretch of 4 games last year;
Washington 12-127-2 avg 10.6
N England 13-114-1 avg 8.8
NY Giants 8-60 avg 7.5
Philadelphia 14-107-2 avg 7.6
If Tatum could produce that kind of form over the course of a whole season you've got your franchise back and a perenial pro-bowler.
How many starts? We're talking about a starting role here, not a backup where he comes in when the defense is tired.
He had 1 start against SD, and he didn't do well except for his 19 yard run at the end of the game.
i think tatum breaks more than enough tackles...he isnt going to run over casey hampton, but he can break a cb's arm tackle to explode downfield, a lot of his long runs came after breaking the initial tackle-thast just the way it is in the nfl, you dont break long runs with out getting touched at least once
broncohaven
03-15-2006, 08:13 PM
I don't think there's any arguing over what Tatum can do when he has the ball in his hands, but in this offense if you want to be the man you have to be able to help out on every play. Bell does a poor job blocking and he doesn't seem interested in getting better. If he wants a real chance he has to become a better football player, not a better running back.
I would love to see him do it, because I think his potential is tremendous.
Cito Pelon
03-15-2006, 08:24 PM
Bell is not a horrible, hopeless back. I'm still pissed that Portis was let go, and the Broncs trotted out Bell like the O wouldn't miss a step. And I've been critical of the kid for not setting up his blockers in the open field. However, you have to get past the LOS before you can screw up your open-field blocking, and the kid does burst through holes fast when there is one where there is supposed to be one. If Bell improves a lot this year, that would be great.
And he's one of the clumsiest backs in the passing game I've ever seen. Having said all that, though, Bell is actually a decent back. I hope he has a great year. Nobody really knows what's going on in the Bronc FO now with a new OC. Nobody really knew how much of the O belonged to Kubiak, and how much to Shanahan. Just gonna have to wait and see.
i think once he is in the open field he is at his best...that is where he feels at home where he can use pure speed and quickness
where he struggles is at the line....if the hole isnt where its supposed to be he has to learn to be patient and creative....also people knock his blocking, however i think he has made big strides in that area with much more room to improve
i disagree with broncoshaven...he has put in effort to get better in my opinion and is doing what he was told to do this offseason by bulking up...maybe there is more he can do but there always is
dont bash him guys, hes young and has only the best guiding him in shanny and turner
Cito Pelon
03-15-2006, 08:48 PM
i think once he is in the open field he is at his best...that is where he feels at home where he can use pure speed and quickness
He tries to use speed and quickness when he needs to slow down and use his blockers. Again, it's a tough rap on the kid, because you have to burst through the LOS before you can misuse your open-field blocking. He does have a burst at the LOS when he has a hole, and there really weren't a lot of those for him last year. He keeps saying all the time he wants to be the man, and that's fine. He has a goal, and I've seen some incremental improvement in the kid. He doesn't have the greatest instincts from the get go, but he has great acceleration and also great top-end speed. He's tough, plays hurt, so the kid has a lot going for him. If the Broncs have him and Dayne as the top two backs next year, I'm fine with that.
Merlin
03-15-2006, 08:49 PM
How many starts? We're talking about a starting role here, not a backup where he comes in when the defense is tired.
He had 1 start against SD, and he didn't do well except for his 19 yard run at the end of the game.
I Disagree. I thought that was one of his better games (we are talking about the second game). He did not put up great numbers, but SD's D against the run is excellent. What I really liked about that game was that he showed a lot of patience, especially in the RZ. If I remember correctly, he had at least 2 TDs, and for each of those he had to wait for the wholes to develop; i.e. he didn't burst right away. Now, my biggest concern with him is his game against the blitz, and as a receiver. If he could just become avg at both of those, I think he could become a great back (not to mention avoiding injury).
UboBronco
03-15-2006, 09:19 PM
Bell reminds me of another back, Tiki Barber, who took 4-5 years to find his groove. Yes, Tiki had fumblitis, which Bell has been accused of, but if you look at the stats, has not had.
It took Tiki 4 years to learn how to play the pro game, and I believe, that this will also happen to Tatum. I think it will work out. Optomistic, maybe, but that is what I believe could happen.
ludo21
03-15-2006, 09:28 PM
Nevermind, You guys are morons!
Tatum Bell has certainly shown more then Ron Dayne has done his entire career, yet you guys think Dayne can be our starter? What do you want him to do.. Fly?
Poor at pass protection? What a lame excuse, everytime i've watched him he picks the blitz up very well. He's what we've been missing since Clinton Portis left, I would even say Tatum Bell runs faster and harder than CP too.
i agree. He deserves his shot. Over 5 ypc, thats sick!! This is Bell's best chance to become a starter for us, and he will have his opportunity this offseason.
I hope he takes it and runs with it, because imo he can be great!
sirhcyennek81
03-15-2006, 09:33 PM
Dayne averaged 5 ypc, too. It would not hurt to have either back starting for us. Dayne did salt away the SD week 2 win, and he is the reason we beat Dallas.
:Broncos:
He tries to use speed and quickness when he needs to slow down and use his blockers. Again, it's a tough rap on the kid, because you have to burst through the LOS before you can misuse your open-field blocking. He does have a burst at the LOS when he has a hole, and there really weren't a lot of those for him last year. He keeps saying all the time he wants to be the man, and that's fine. He has a goal, and I've seen some incremental improvement in the kid. He doesn't have the greatest instincts from the get go, but he has great acceleration and also great top-end speed. He's tough, plays hurt, so the kid has a lot going for him. If the Broncs have him and Dayne as the top two backs next year, I'm fine with that.
agreed, he has a lot going for him, just needs some work.
Crushaholic
03-15-2006, 10:46 PM
Bell will get his opportunity to show he's the man when he competes with Dayne and whomever we draft this year.
Sprout
03-15-2006, 10:55 PM
Poor at pass protection? What a lame excuse, everytime i've watched him he picks the blitz up very well. He's what we've been missing since Clinton Portis left, I would even say Tatum Bell runs faster and harder than CP too.
Tatum is poor in pass protection. He routinely gets blown up and pushed completely out of the backfield. It's a legitimate gripe as well. Seattle was hesitant to give Shaun Alexander a huge deal because he sucked at pass blocking, among other things. He supposedly improved last year, so that's part of the reason he got his big deal...
I'm inclined to agree with WABronco on this one. I'm not very good at remembering specific plays, but had a general feeling that he missed too many blocks.
One other thing I noticed is that Bell was motioned wide or into the slot quite often, and Anderson or Dayne never seemed to be. Why is that? We all know he didn't turn out to be much of a recieving threat on those plays. I have a suspicion that the coaches didn't feel he was consistent enough at pass protection and invented the motion as a way to force the defense into calling off a potential blitz.
Sprout
03-15-2006, 10:56 PM
Forgot to add that I like Bell a bunch, but he will get the same chances as everyone else. They're called minicamp and training camp.
extralife
03-15-2006, 11:26 PM
One other thing I noticed is that Bell was motioned wide or into the slot quite often, and Anderson or Dayne never seemed to be. Why is that?
Because he's fast as hell. Someone is going to have to worry about him out there, even if he sucks as a reciever.
Anyway, Shanny likes to motion into an empty backfield on third downs. I've never been a fan of it, but it seemed to work rather well last year. The only problem is we're sitting there with five guys lined up to run routes, but the ball neveer goes to anyone but Rod. I think those formations are devised as a way to make sure Rod's got man to man on him on short routes. He's money in those situations.
fontaine
03-16-2006, 03:18 AM
I cant believe anyone's b****ing on a RB that gained over 900 yds last season and a 5.3 avg per carry.
And look what he did in the stretch of 4 games last year;
Washington 12-127-2 avg 10.6
N England 13-114-1 avg 8.8
NY Giants 8-60 avg 7.5
Philadelphia 14-107-2 avg 7.6
If Tatum could produce that kind of form over the course of a whole season you've got your franchise back and a perenial pro-bowler.
Major Rep!
How many other teams can say their young backup RB gained almost a 1000 yards, chipped in plenty of TDs with a 5.3 avg carry to boot!
Hey the guy is far from the finished product, but that comes with experience. His biggest need right now is to gain some vision and stop running into his blockers. Otherwise he's a stud in our offense if he starts.
These are the guys drafted in the 1st and 2nd rounds that year. Gimme Bell over all of them because he's got gamebreaking speed.
Steven Jackson
Chris Perry
Kevin Jones
Tatum Bell
Julius Jones
Greg Jones
He's not the next Clinton Portis, or TD. But in our offense last year he was more efficient than Clinton Portis so please, stop bashing a guy because he contibuted over 1000 yards and 8 TDs in a backup role.
How many TDs did our two starters Lelie/Putz chip in exactly again?
Bell is not what's wrong with our offense by any stretch of any warped imagination.
Maybe if our former starting TE was more than just a one trick pony, and our 2nd WR wasn't scared sh*tless of contact our RBs would have more room to run instead of facing 8 man fronts.
Kaylore
03-16-2006, 03:21 AM
Bell looked amazing against the Boltz in that last game. Everyone of his TD's were made after contact getting the tought yards that people thought he couldn't. If he can put on some weight and really show up on camp, I'm more than willing to give him another shot.
eddie mac
03-16-2006, 04:53 AM
Major Rep!
How many other teams can say their young backup RB gained almost a 1000 yards, chipped in plenty of TDs with a 5.3 avg carry to boot!
Hey the guy is far from the finished product, but that comes with experience. His biggest need right now is to gain some vision and stop running into his blockers. Otherwise he's a stud in our offense if he starts.
These are the guys drafted in the 1st and 2nd rounds that year. Gimme Bell over all of them because he's got gamebreaking speed.
Steven Jackson
Chris Perry
Kevin Jones
Tatum Bell
Julius Jones
Greg Jones
He's not the next Clinton Portis, or TD. But in our offense last year he was more efficient than Clinton Portis so please, stop bashing a guy because he contibuted over 1000 yards and 8 TDs in a backup role.
How many TDs did our two starters Lelie/Putz chip in exactly again?
Bell is not what's wrong with our offense by any stretch of any warped imagination.
Maybe if our former starting TE was more than just a one trick pony, and our 2nd WR wasn't scared sh*tless of contact our RBs would have more room to run instead of facing 8 man fronts.
Major rep too bro, you picked up on major points I never. Our passing game is so weak that we depend on the run probably more than any other team in the NFL. We've no threat at TE, we've no plays that utilise screens etc and apart from Rod, Jake does not have a go-to guy. Any back rushing for 1000 yds in this system will prosper elsewhere, look at Droughns, Portis, the only one that never was Orlandis Gary.
broncohaven
03-16-2006, 04:58 AM
Major Rep!
How many other teams can say their young backup RB gained almost a 1000 yards, chipped in plenty of TDs with a 5.3 avg carry to boot!
Hey the guy is far from the finished product, but that comes with experience. His biggest need right now is to gain some vision and stop running into his blockers. Otherwise he's a stud in our offense if he starts.
These are the guys drafted in the 1st and 2nd rounds that year. Gimme Bell over all of them because he's got gamebreaking speed.
Steven Jackson
Chris Perry
Kevin Jones
Tatum Bell
Julius Jones
Greg Jones
He's not the next Clinton Portis, or TD. But in our offense last year he was more efficient than Clinton Portis so please, stop bashing a guy because he contibuted over 1000 yards and 8 TDs in a backup role.
How many TDs did our two starters Lelie/Putz chip in exactly again?
Bell is not what's wrong with our offense by any stretch of any warped imagination.
Maybe if our former starting TE was more than just a one trick pony, and our 2nd WR wasn't scared sh*tless of contact our RBs would have more room to run instead of facing 8 man fronts.
First of all, not one person here is bashing Bell. You'd have to be deaf and blind not to recognize his ability, and I think most around here do. It's just that he has holes in his game right now that he must address if he wants to be the man.
I haven't heard anyone say that Bell is what's wrong with the offense. This is a thread about Bell being the #1 back, and we're discussing the reasons he isn't there yet.
And you lost all credibility by having Stephen Jackson on your list of players you would take Bell over. That's just silly.
fontaine
03-16-2006, 05:54 AM
First of all, not one person here is bashing Bell. You'd have to be deaf and blind not to recognize his ability, and I think most around here do. It's just that he has holes in his game right now that he must address if he wants to be the man.
These are just some of the comments posted about Bell so far in this thread:
"Too little too late tatum"
"The fact is he couldn't beat out Mike Anderson for two years, and i wish he just shuts up and does what it takes to be on the field more often."
"Maybe he can start the game on special teams"
"Get back in Mikes kennel!"
Ron Dayne, a backup's backup gets more love than Bell. All Bell did was chip in 1000 yards and 8 TDs to our offense on limited carries and he gets the above comments.
I haven't heard anyone say that Bell is what's wrong with the offense. This is a thread about Bell being the #1 back, and we're discussing the reasons he isn't there yet.
As opposed to who? Ron Dayne?
And you lost all credibility by having Stephen Jackson on your list of players you would take Bell over. That's just silly.
Then you need to pull your head out of your a$$ and read my first post again. I said I would pick Tatum over those guys because "he's got gamebreaking speed" and I stand by that.
BroncoInferno
03-16-2006, 06:09 AM
Tatum will get his chance to start this season just as he did last season. At this point, we'll probably just draft a back somewhere between rounds 2 and 4and that person will compete with Dayne and Bell. If Bell out performs Dayne and the rookie, he'll start. If not, he'll continue on as a nice change of pace guy. It will be up to him to prove himself.
Now, if LenDale or DeAngleo falls in our lap @ 22, all bets are off. It doesn't seem that there are many teams in need of a RB at this point, so one or both of them dropping is very possible. I'd take either, but lean a little towrds DeAngelo because he would give us a dimension as a receiver that we haven't had from the RB spot.
eddie mac
03-16-2006, 06:31 AM
Tatum will get his chance to start this season just as he did last season. At this point, we'll probably just draft a back somewhere between rounds 2 and 4and that person will compete with Dayne and Bell. If Bell out performs Dayne and the rookie, he'll start. If not, he'll continue on as a nice change of pace guy. It will be up to him to prove himself.
Now, if LenDale or DeAngleo falls in our lap @ 22, all bets are off. It doesn't seem that there are many teams in need of a RB at this point, so one or both of them dropping is very possible. I'd take either, but lean a little towrds DeAngelo because he would give us a dimension as a receiver that we haven't had from the RB spot.
Question really is would the Broncos use a receiver out of the backfield???
broncohaven
03-16-2006, 06:32 AM
These are just some of the comments posted about Bell so far in this thread:
"Too little too late tatum"
"The fact is he couldn't beat out Mike Anderson for two years, and i wish he just shuts up and does what it takes to be on the field more often."
"Maybe he can start the game on special teams"
"Get back in Mikes kennel!"
Ron Dayne, a backup's backup gets more love than Bell. All Bell did was chip in 1000 yards and 8 TDs to our offense on limited carries and he gets the above comments. The pessimistic morons aside, most give Bell all the respect he deserves, and none that he doesn't. Dayne is a more complete back than Tatum at the moment, and the grass is always greener for some.
As opposed to who? Ron Dayne?
Not really sure what you're asking here. We're discussing what Tatum has to do to be the #1 back. That's opposed to anyone on the roster.
Then you need to pull your head out of your a$$ and read my first post again. I said I would pick Tatum over those guys because "he's got gamebreaking speed" and I stand by that.It doesn't matter what your rationale is. You said you would take Tatum over Jackson, and that's silly.
maven
03-16-2006, 06:36 AM
One of the things that irritates me about Bell is he would get tripped up or trip over his own feet. And on top of that, a defender sticks an arm out & Tatum would fall. The blitz pick-ups aren't that great either. Tatum is irritating to watch at times.
And for Ron Dayne. I have no hope in him. I don't buy the hype. I really hope Shanny picks up a full-time starter in the draft.
BroncoInferno
03-16-2006, 06:44 AM
Question really is would the Broncos use a receiver out of the backfield???
I think they would. TD caught around 50 catches a time or two. We've just never had a back here in the Shanny era who was much of a weapon as a receiver. Remember all the damage Ricky Waters caused as a receiver when Shanny was the 49ers OC. I think we just haven't used RB as receivers much simply because we've never really had a good one.
fontaine
03-16-2006, 06:48 AM
It doesn't matter what your rationale is. You said you would take Tatum over Jackson, and that's silly.
Mike Shanahan, Sundquist, etc, passed on Jackson even though he dropped like a rock and picked Bell instead.
But you're right, ofcourse. They're just silly.
Bell has far more breakaway speed,
Is better suited to our offense because he's a one cut runner,
the same amount of rushing TDs as Jackson in far less carries,
has a better yards/carry average,
But you're right, ofcourse. That's just silly.
::)