Tater unhappy

[SoCalBronco]

Its from ESPN insider, so only a small portion can be posted per TJs rules.

Here's the relevant part:

• Tatum Bell isn't happy about being demoted. "Man, I'm still pissed," he told me in the hallways of the Broncos complex. "I felt like this is the best camp I've had. And now, it's a like a slap in the face."

Bell says Shanahan called him Sunday with the news that he'd been pushed down. He said that he knows that "when I do get the starting job, I'm not going to let it go because I'll have earned it."

For more, see http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blo...m_seth#20060807

[-Slap-]

This was entirely predictable.

[Clockwork Orange]

Good, I'm glad he's pissed off, he should be. If he wasn't pissed off, he'd have no business being in the NFL. Now let's see what he does about it.

[gunns]

I would just hope he's pissed off enough to earn it back. I don't care who the starter is just so the one it is is giving his all. Maybe there's a clue there Tatum.

[Kaylore]

Hey, Mike Bell is better. It's not like Tatum has had a bad camp, it's just that Mike Bell is a better runner fresh to the system. While Tatum has gotten better, he isn't the natural runner that Mike Bell is. He is doing very well, though and deserves to be ahead of Dayne, who is the most average, un-athletic runner I've seen on our team for some time.

[SoCalBronco]

This was entirely predictable.

Yeah. He took a similar tack when they had Dayne above him in the OTAs and minicamp.

He started to turn it on the last half of the week. This will only help to ensure that he keeps working hard as he has so far.

[ZachKC]

I literally know nothing of this new Bell...

Whats his style? Who would you compare him too Kaylore?

Whats with all this bell on bell crazyness in your backfield.

[Mediator12]

Think sixth round pick out of Georgia Zach....

[Kid A]

Heres guessing that if Tatum doesn't start most of this season he will be tough to get into camp next year. Hopefully he will channel is anger into improving on the field, though it sounds from what Kaylore says like he might just be the less talented player.

[e-mac]

Tatum should be mad but it isn't like he is losing reps just keep running like you do and tear apart Detroit's backups its not like this depth chart is etched in stone sometimes playing with a chip on your shoulder helps, maybe that is the reason behind all this the RB competition should be good this year, and if injuries happen at least we wwill have depth.

[Kaylore]

I literally know nothing of this new Bell...

Whats his style? Think prototypical Broncos running back except more power and less breakaway speed.
Who would you compare him too Kaylore? He's like a faster and much much quicker Mike Anderson in style. He's a bit bigger, though. Best vision since Portis.
Whats with all this bell on bell crazyness in your backfield. Your guess is as good as mine.

[Steve Sewell]

I literally know nothing of this new Bell...

Whats his style? Who would you compare him too Kaylore?

Whats with all this bell on bell crazyness in your backfield.


Terrell Davis:thanku:

[Kaylore]

Think sixth round pick out of Georgia Zach....
:~ohyah!: I'm not ready to go there yet. He has some moves in the open field but TD was deceptively fast and had some pretty awesome shake n' bake moves to boot. I'll admit, there are some definitive similarities like his vision, cut-back ability and burst through the whole, but I don't want to send the board into a tizzy.

[ZachKC]

Gotcha, thanks.

Wacky offseason.

[-Slap-]

Yeah. He took a similar tack when they had Dayne above him in the OTAs and minicamp.

He started to turn it on the last half of the week. This will only help to ensure that he keeps working hard as he has so far.
Tatum O'Neil was mentally tougher than Tatum Bell. http://sportsmed.starwave.com/media/pg2/2002/0705/photo/tatum.jpg

Hopefully this won't metastasize into full blown Lelieitis.

[Clockwork Orange]

.....but I don't want to send the board into a tizzy.

Too late. :wave:

[Bronco Billy]

I literally know nothing of this new Bell...

Whats his style? Who would you compare him too Kaylore?

Whats with all this bell on bell crazyness in your backfield.


You can watch him on video from BroncosTV on the team website. It's titled "Day 10: Moving Up The Charts". It's actually on the home page now, but will probably be moved to the training camp link tomorrow. Everyone here who has reported at TC has talked about how good he is, but you truly won't appreciate it until you see for yourself!

[Broncoman13]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxREY2JPs8I

We can only hope!!! Sure do miss seeing #87 go in motion...

[Steve Sewell]

:~ohyah!: I'm not ready to go there yet. He has some moves in the open field but TD was deceptively fast and had some pretty awesome shake n' bake moves to boot. I'll admit, there are some definitive similarities like his vision, cut-back ability and burst through the whole, but I don't want to send the board into a tizzy.

We're just trying to make Zach nervous. I wanna see this kid in game action for at least half a season before passing judgement.

[bcbronc]

Its from ESPN insider, so only a small portion can be posted per TJs rules.

Here's the relevant part:

• Tatum Bell isn't happy about being demoted. "Man, I'm still pissed," he told me in the hallways of the Broncos complex. "I felt like this is the best camp I've had. And now, it's a like a slap in the face."

Bell says Shanahan called him Sunday with the news that he'd been pushed down. He said that he knows that "when I do get the starting job, I'm not going to let it go because I'll have earned it."

For more, see http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blo...m_seth#20060807


at the beginning of camp, wasn't tatum in the 1b/2 spot? isn't he now in the 1b/2 spot? technically, he didn't get demoted at all. :wiggle:

it's going to be nice to see what our backfield looks like against some different colored uni's. i for one am not ready to give up my seat on the dayne trayne until i see what the 3 do over the pre-season schedule, but it's nice to have such a pleasant camp surprise in MBell.

[Mediator12]

:~ohyah!: I'm not ready to go there yet. He has some moves in the open field but TD was deceptively fast and had some pretty awesome shake n' bake moves to boot. I'll admit, there are some definitive similarities like his vision, cut-back ability and burst through the whole, but I don't want to send the board into a tizzy.

He asked for his running style and that is what he looks like ;D I am NOT saying he is going to be TD2, but he runs like him with more power than he looks.

[JCMElway]

I'm glad we got Mike Bell before renegotiating with Tatum. That'll save us a bunch of $. But, once again, I think we're gonna do the old 1-2 thing at RB.

Prediction time:
Mike Bell -- 847 yards, 14 TDs
Tatum Bell -- 1,084 yards, 7 TDs. 246 receiving yards, 3 TD receptions
Ron Dayne -- 343 yards, 4 TDs

If Mike truly breaks on to the scene he may be able to get closer to 1,200 yards and take some of Tatum's carries away. We'll see.

[BroncoBuff]

When did Tater actually HAVE the strating job to BE demoted?! .... if he just assumed that "Lightning" was the starter because "Thunder" left for Baltimore .... his assuming made an:

ASS out of TATUM

[BroncoBuff]

Prediction time:

Ron Dayne -- 343 yards, 4 TDs

Weren't those his stats from last year?

[SureShot]

This reminds me of 1995 when Glyn Milburn thought he should be GIVEN the job.

[SoCalBronco]

When did Tater actually HAVE the strating job to BE demoted?! .... if he just assumed that "Lightning" was the starter because "Thunder" left for Baltimore .... his assuming made an:

ASS out of TATUM

He said a few months ago that he felt that there wasnt a real competition between himself and MA last year (I'd find the article but im lazy tonight). You are correct. He did in fact assume that since he was the no. 2 guy last year, he would at least start out the competition at No. 1 with MA gone. But he felt slighted that in the OTAs, they put Dayne up their as the No. 1 guy. I don't doubt that Tatum feels that he has been repeatedly slighted and is starting to get majorly pissed.

That said, M. Bell has definitely earned it. Tatum has been good, especially as of late, but M. Bell has been a beast.

[JCMElway]

Hmmmm....

Tatum bell = trade bait?

[freak6]

Hmmmm....

Tatum bell = trade bait?

Hell no!!!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

He deserves to be ahead of Dayne, who is the most average, un-athletic runner I've seen on our team for some time.

That's funny. This place had all but dubbed him the next 1,500-yard runner in Denver.

[-Slap-]

Send him and Lelie to Chicago for Thomas Jones and a defensive lineman.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Oh, uh, I mean...

Pfft. The Chiefs will have no trouble stopping Mike Bell.

[Kid A]

Hmmmm....

Tatum bell = trade bait?

I don't think I want Dayne as our only real backup. Especially with Mike being an unproven back.

[SoCalBronco]

That's funny. This place had all but dubbed him the next 1,500-yard runner in Denver.

He did a decent job last year when he got some chances, but he just hasnt shown up in camp.

[JCMElway]

Hell no!!!

Not this year! Next year.....

[SouthStndJunkie]

He should be pissed off.....anyone should get mad and motivated over that.

It is how you react after being pissed that tells the true story.

A guy like Lelie packs his bags, time for Tatum to keep his chin up and work his ass off.

[GoBroncos0838]

Hey Boob, Why don't you go back to Cheaps Planet and dub Turdley the next Roaf... and by the way, you mom said it is time to crawl out of the basement, your meatloaf is ready.

[JCMElway]

Oh, uh, I mean...

Pfft. The Chiefs will have no trouble stopping Mike Bell.

Yeah, because they've had SO much success against other running backs in the recent past..

Face it Bob, we can run the ball at will on your team. Period. Unless your special teams can distract our running game with their new "twist," you have no hope.

And it could be Oprah Winfrey running the ball for us. We'd still rack up 100+ and a TD or two.

[ClevelandBronco]

Good, I'm glad he's pissed off, he should be. If he wasn't pissed off, he'd have no business being in the NFL. Now let's see what he does about it.

Damn straight. Get angry, Tatum. An undrafted free agent is showing you up. Get focused. Work harder. Take that spot back from him.

Or just call Ashlie and ask what he'd do...

[freak6]

Not this year! Next year.....

Well, let's let the team play a preseason game first!!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Yeah, because they've had SO much success against other running backs in the recent past..

Well, we have, actually. A great deal of success. We had something like a 20-game streak holding runners under 100 yards.


Face it Bob, we can run the ball at will on your team.

That's true. You guys do run on us at will.

As long as the game isn't on the line.... 8')

[SoCalBronco]

Pfft. The Chiefs will have no trouble stopping Mike Bell.

The check is in the mail.

Thanks, Bob. :thumbsup:

[GoBroncos0838]

Oh no Boob... I am having a flashback! Here is the link...

http://www.footballguys.com/05gamerecap-kan-3.php

Here is what it said, (just in case you are too lazy to click on the link)

<TABLE cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=lightyellow><TD>KC Rush Defense</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Kansas City rush defense saw its ineffectiveness of the past four years against Denver reborn. Denver totaled 228 yards on the ground. The Chiefs had no answer for the rushing attack and will need to regroup before their next contest. After two impressive games, they again resembled the Chiefs’ defense of last year.

<TABLE cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=lightyellow><TD>DEN Rush Defense</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Broncos’ defense stopped one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. Holmes was prevented from any large gains and Johnson was almost completely stopped. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and were able to slide off of blocks and often stop the Chiefs’ running backs at the line. Highly effective linebackers and defensive backs were ready to quickly mop up any Chiefs who did get past the line. The Broncos’ rush defense currently looks like it could be one of the best in the league.

[Atlas]

This is really a non story. Tatum will get his chance to shine. He has had a good camp and when game time comes around if he produces he'll play. Whether he is 1A or 1B he is still going to get his 10 carries. He is far too talented to keep on the bench.

He made many game altering plays early in the season last year. His runs against the Pats and Redskins were the plays of the game. Whatever happens Denver will be loaded at RB this year. Way to go Shanny!!

[Requiem]

Well, it seems like the camp reports from our buddies have proven out to be pretty accurate. I think this could also be a motivational tactic just to make Tatum even more hungry. I've been callin' a Tatum meltdown for some time now just like I had with Lelie. Hopefully it doesn't happen. The best guy should go out there though and if it's Mike Bell, it's Mike Bell.

This is a guy I thought could be great for us and I had him in almost all the team mocks I drew up for us over the past off-season. Crazy how things work. UDFA to #1 so far. Means nothing though, lets see how he does in the pre-season.

[Kaylore]

Let me be clear on some things. This is not hot air to motivate Tatum. Mike Bell has been the best back out there and deserves this spot.

I also want to be clear that Tatum hasn't been doing poorly. Quite the contrary, he's beat out Dayne and if Mike Bell was drafted by some other team, Tatum would be our number one guy right now. Tatum has really done well, especially this last week and made some strides so it's not like Tatum Bell sucks. He's still a good back - it's just that Mike Bell is better.

[NFLBRONCO]

Wouldn't you want to evaluate a Rookie in preseason game #1 over a vet. To me this is all this means is he is #1 NOW might not be Sept 10th. We know what Tatum can do but, no idea what Mike Bell can do this is the time to evaluate him.

[(Jae)]

Send him and Lelie to Chicago for Thomas Jones and a defensive lineman.
http://www.tfhrc.gov/focus/july05/images/highway.jpg
http://www.studycrime.com/images/robbery.jpg

is what that would be, but I'm down for it.

[WABronco]

http://www.tfhrc.gov/focus/july05/images/highway.jpg
http://www.studycrime.com/images/robbery.jpg

is what that would be, but I'm down for it.
Hahaaaa...nice.

[Requiem]

Let me be clear on some things. This is not hot air to motivate Tatum. Mike Bell has been the best back out there and deserves this spot.

I also want to be clear that Tatum hasn't been doing poorly. Quite the contrary, he's beat out Dayne and if Mike Bell was drafted by some other team, Tatum would be our number one guy right now. Tatum has really done well, especially this last week and made some strides so it's not like Tatum Bell sucks. He's still a good back - it's just that Mike Bell is better.

He may be looking the best in camps, but he's certainly not the best back out there yet. Not until he's proven himself in the NFL and taken a carry in an actual game. If he can't do it in a game, then what he did in camp doesn't matter.

Not trying to down Mike here, because I was high on the kid this past year coming out and have always liked him, and mentioned him as a replacement of Anderson on several occasions, but I don't believe for a second that he's the best back on our team. YET.

Secondly, I think that Mike Bell can still be considered on the first team due to performance and it still be hot air towards Tatum.

Regardless, it's a depth chart "pre" Pre-Season. I'm for whoever runs the best.

[ward63]

Well we all thought we'd see a #20 out there on the field last year, but this one has a lil better head on his shoulders though.

[WABronco]

He may be looking the best in camps, but he's certainly not the best back out there yet. Not until he's proven himself in the NFL and taken a carry in an actual game. If he can't do it in a game, then what he did in camp doesn't matter.

Not trying to down Mike here, because I was high on the kid this past year coming out and have always liked him, and mentioned him as a replacement of Anderson on several occasions, but I don't believe for a second that he's the best back on our team. YET.

Secondly, I think that Mike Bell can still be considered on the first team due to performance and it still be hot air towards Tatum.

Regardless, it's a depth chart "pre" Pre-Season. I'm for whoever runs the best.
Agreed completely...

[bpc]

well Mike will get his chance this Friday. I just wonder how many carries he will get... do you think we give him two or three and then he is out like most proven vet's? Or do we rotate him and Tatum through the 1st and 2nd quarters? I'm a fan of getting this kid some real game experience and getting that confidence up.

One thing Tatum has absolutely lacked since coming to Denver is maturity. Nothing will ever handed to anybody. I think he got all caught up in the hype of being drafted 2nd round by one of the best rushing teams in the league made him think that he inherits the spot.

Time has shown that is not the case.

He hasn't been ready to carry the full load... he goes down too easily, tires after 10 carries and has had a consistant fumbling problem that has continued even in this camp.

Bell reminds me of Olandis Gary when he runs. OG doesn't have the feet quickness that Bell has but they both have that one cut penetrating style that works well with our line. I'm not buying the speed factor being an issue here either... TD didn't have break away speed but was still good enough to punch runs out of 15, 20 and 30 yards consistantly. In 1997 and 1998 he started showing the propensity to break the long run and I think Bell will be the same. I think young runners in the NFL tighten up early in their career after they get 10 yards into the defense.

Should be interesting.

[Hulamau]

:~ohyah!: I'm not ready to go there yet. He has some moves in the open field but TD was deceptively fast and had some pretty awesome shake n' bake moves to boot. I'll admit, there are some definitive similarities like his vision, cut-back ability and burst through the whole, but I don't want to send the board into a tizzy.


While its too early to annoint Mike Bell as the next TD for sure, just remember that even TD wasnt 'TD' his first camp. In the eyes of all of us who were fans during the 1995 camp Terrell was just another prospect with big question marks on the roster at this same point.

It wasnt until that game in Tokyo where he nailed the 49er (if I recall the game correctly) on the kickoff coverage that he first started to become "TD".

Bell has a significant head start at this point, He also has a similar style and even stronger frame for his rookie season, and is as fast as TD was as well. And has great cut bask ability and that uncanny burst through the hole that is classic Bronco ball!

Remains to be seen if he can complete the package and it will take a couple years to determine that.

However, one thing we can says so far is, he's one HELL of bargain for a $20K signing bonus!!

[Hulamau]

well Mike will get his chance this Friday. I just wonder how many carries he will get... do you think we give him two or three and then he is out like most proven vet's? Or do we rotate him and Tatum through the 1st and 2nd quarters? I'm a fan of getting this kid some real game experience and getting that confidence up.

One thing Tatum has absolutely lacked since coming to Denver is maturity. Nothing will ever handed to anybody. I think he got all caught up in the hype of being drafted 2nd round by one of the best rushing teams in the league made him think that he inherits the spot.

Time has shown that is not the case.

He hasn't been ready to carry the full load... he goes down too easily, tires after 10 carries and has had a consistant fumbling problem that has continued even in this camp.

Bell reminds me of Olandis Gary when he runs. OG doesn't have the feet quickness that Bell has but they both have that one cut penetrating style that works well with our line. I'm not buying the speed factor being an issue here either... TD didn't have break away speed but was still good enough to punch runs out of 15, 20 and 30 yards consistantly. In 1997 and 1998 he started showing the propensity to break the long run and I think Bell will be the same. I think young runners in the NFL tighten up early in their career after they get 10 yards into the defense.

Should be interesting.


True BPC, from the beginning I've questioned Tatum's gut-check and heart. He always seemed too mumbly and introverted to me which seemed to belie a kind of taciturn personality.

Its hard to tell from just press conferences and comments, but thats how he comes across. Its nice to see a kid who lights up the stage with his enthusiam when he's talking! Reminds me some of Rueben in that way.

Not too over confident, but very confident and easy going at the same time. That kind of attitude is infectious and not only will win over teammates and fans, but the media too if he can deliver on the field.

[watermock]

You can watch him on video from BroncosTV on the team website. It's titled "Day 10: Moving Up The Charts". It's actually on the home page now, but will probably be moved to the training camp link tomorrow. Everyone here who has reported at TC has talked about how good he is, but you truly won't appreciate it until you see for yourself!

At the end of that clip Cutler flips a perfect underneath route with a flick of the wrist, totally flat footed...that that's not bad because it simply shows how effortless he throws. Just like flicking a dart honestly. Next they showed him effortlessly tossing an absolutely flawless deep post when the reciever was singled but the coverage was literally almost perfect. If this is the unpolished Blade, I can't wait till it's fully sharpened. He has "it"...I can just tell..he certainly looks the part.

As far as Mike Bell goes, our reporters have consistently said that MBell was clearly the superior back. He's listed at 6-0, ESPN said 6-1 but he doesn't look that tall. He's not lanky like an Eddie George or Tatum Bell. He LOOKS the part proportionately. Keeps his pads low so he doesn't set himself up to be Lynched. Funny, people were saying he looked short. Most backs are 5-9 to 5-11. I'm not a fan of tall backs but everything I have seen seems he runs pretty low, not upright like...ya now...the other Bell.

If Tater pulls a Lelie tantrum, I'm going to just throw up my hands in angst. At least he's ahead of Dayne. Just like reciever, the #1 is more about ego stroking than contribution, altho RB is certainly more of a one man show than WR. That's what makes Lelies hissy fit so hard to figure out.

[elsid13]

Well I'm glad Tatum is pissed. Maybe he will realize that it a business, and your employer expect you to perform everyday at high level.

Zach - Mike Bell strengths are his vision, ability to cut on dime and he has very good feet in the hole.

[watermock]

http://www.theopensecret.com/mike_bell

He kinda looks like a chipmunk in that picture with that sunburnt nose. Ha! I hope he's just as quick. He must kinda be in shock right now with all those mics, wondering when he will wake up. To be a long time Bronco fan this must be livin' the dream, at least today. I've got a very strong inclination to believe that he has tried to model his game after TD. Why wouldn't he considering they both have/had 4.6 speed.

It's kinda funny. The promotion of Cecil Sapp has barely made a ripple but that wasn't a huge shock and kinda allready happened.

[Odysseus]

He asked for his running style and that is what he looks like ;D I am NOT saying he is going to be TD2, but he runs like him with more power than he looks.

I saw a clip of this guy motoring and nearly crapped myself. He was just stepping through the crowd like it was nothing. I'm thrilled to have this guy. Broncos need an impact running back bad. I think Tatum will make soft defenses pay and Dayne can wear them down but the Broncos need a running back where defenses really don't know what we are going to do.

[crazyhorse]

Think sixth round pick out of Georgia Zach....

I thought he was undrafted.

[BroncoBuff]

I thought he was undrafted.
Are you being PURPOSELY OBTUSE?!


We don't allow that here ....

[Orange_Beard]

Waaahhhhh!

[crazyhorse]

Are you being PURPOSELY OBTUSE?!


We don't allow that here ....

I am wondering if this is the same deal as Griffen being the next Barry Sanders.

In any event, whoever Denver lines up in the backfield will likely run like TD. It's the system.

TBell has looked good when he runs.

I have no doubt that Denver will run the ball this season. It's automatic.

[Dos Rios]

I find Dayne's reaction more troubling than Tatum's.

[titan]

I liked Ron Dayne's response to Mike Bell being named #1 on the depth chart - he said in an interview with channel 4 tv in Denver something like "Bell deserves it - he's done the best in camp" Dayne took the news as motivation to work harder, not "I should be #1!" like Tatum.

I like Tatum's explosiveness but last year he never was much of a threat in the passing game. Whether it was Tatum's fault or not it seemed often when there were pass plays to him something would go wrong. How's Mike Bell look in catching passes out of the backfield?

[BroncoBuff]

I find Dayne's reaction more troubling than Tatum's.
Interesting .... I thought he was a little too "okay" with it myself. I want my guys TORQUED OFF when they're demoted ....

I think Cutler has stayed right on the line between too cocky and too wimpy so far ....

[BroncoBuff]

I am wondering if this is the same deal as Griffen being the next Barry Sanders.

Quentin Griffin? The next Barry Sanders?!

You Chefs fans are too much ... what's next? Lenny Walls the next Deion Sanders?!











:approve:

[ROYC75]

Shanny to Tatum....... Go young man, take off your diaper.

[Mile High Shack]

Tatum needs to just play harder, he'll get his chances, he'll probably touch the ball 10-15 times a game, it's not like he isn't going to get to play

Mike Bell is a rookie, so it's no doubt he will hit a rookie wall eventually.....so he'll have to be rested quite a bit so he'll be good to go later in the year...(unlike Anderson last year who sucked since the thanksgiving game)

[Rock Chalk]

Send him and Lelie to Chicago for Thomas Jones and a defensive lineman.
He's a far cry from Lelie.

In limited action, he produced pretty impressive numbers last year. He is at camp, pissed yes, but there at camp, working. Has said nothing about holding out or anything else. Lelie, in full time action, was woefully underimpressive.

[DenverBrit]

I find Dayne's reaction more troubling than Tatum's.


You do?? I like Dayne's reaction. Tatum, are you paying attention or are you going to be Tatum Lelie??



Dayne said Mike Bell has been "killing" practices.

"If I was a coach and I was watching, I'd have probably picked Mike, too," Dayne said.
"Last week I had a couple bad days and I think that's what set me back. Just getting back on track, that's what I need to do."

[TotallyScrewed]

Hmmmm....

Tatum bell = trade bait?


You're kidding around, Right?!?!

[TotallyScrewed]

I'm glad we got Mike Bell before renegotiating with Tatum. That'll save us a bunch of $. But, once again, I think we're gonna do the old 1-2 thing at RB.

Prediction time:
Mike Bell -- 847 yards, 14 TDs
Tatum Bell -- 1,084 yards, 7 TDs. 246 receiving yards, 3 TD receptions
Ron Dayne -- 343 yards, 4 TDs

If Mike truly breaks on to the scene he may be able to get closer to 1,200 yards and take some of Tatum's carries away. We'll see.

This is a prediction?? Looks more like a Nostradomus statement, I mean, down to a single yard. Your chances of being right must be in the 0.01% range.

[TotallyScrewed]

As a matter of fact, I like both Tatum's and Ron's reaction. One is pissed and wants it back, whether he owned it or not. The other wants to keep the communication open and encourage the kid. I like that they all want to keep getting better and understand that the best player plays.

This is a non-issue.

[crowebomber]

We haven't even played a preseason game yet. There will be plenty of roster shifting throughout the next few weeks and T. Bell will have his opportunities. I just hope he gets so pissed that he refuses to get arm tackled by cornerbacks.

[Dos Rios]

You do?? I like Dayne's reaction. [/I]

Some of it is just different situations. Dayne seems like a good guy, and there's no way of telling from here what his true reaction to the situation is. However, the shelf-life of a rb is very short, and Dayne has been through this demotion drill before. Tatum can realistically hope for better days down the road. For Dayne, this could be his last chance at starting in the NFL. I'm hoping to see some serious urgency from him.

The urgency may very well be there for Dayne, but the lack of it has been a knock on him in the past.

[Atlas]

I saw a clip of this guy motoring and nearly crapped myself. He was just stepping through the crowd like it was nothing. I'm thrilled to have this guy. Broncos need an impact running back bad. I think Tatum will make soft defenses pay and Dayne can wear them down but the Broncos need a running back where defenses really don't know what we are going to do.

Now don't be crapping yourself over there in front of all those soldiers! They'll laugh!!

[DarkHorse]

Think prototypical Broncos running back except more power and less breakaway speed.
He's like a faster and much much quicker Mike Anderson in style. He's a bit bigger, though. Best vision since Portis.
Your guess is as good as mine.


Mike Bell is bigger than Mike Anderson? I thought Anderson was listed around the 230-235lb range and Bell is around 220-225lbs?

[Atlas]

I liked Ron Dayne's response to Mike Bell being named #1 on the depth chart - he said in an interview with channel 4 tv in Denver something like "Bell deserves it - he's done the best in camp" Dayne took the news as motivation to work harder, not "I should be #1!" like Tatum.

I like Tatum's explosiveness but last year he never was much of a threat in the passing game. Whether it was Tatum's fault or not it seemed often when there were pass plays to him something would go wrong. How's Mike Bell look in catching passes out of the backfield?


Bekll has to be one of the worst RBs in the NFL when it comes to catching the ball. I have never seen a guy drop the ball as much as he did his first two years.

[ozomulsion]

He hasn't been ready to carry the full load... he goes down too easily, tires after 10 carries and has had a consistant fumbling problem that has continued even in this camp.


This makes your entire post crap. Tatum has lost 2 fumbles in 2 years. You don't know what you're talking about.

[bendog]

Damn, Tatum O'Neal was taller than Glyn Milburn!

[BroncoInferno]

You do?? I like Dayne's reaction. Tatum, are you paying attention or are you going to be Tatum Lelie??



Dayne said Mike Bell has been "killing" practices.

"If I was a coach and I was watching, I'd have probably picked Mike, too," Dayne said.
"Last week I had a couple bad days and I think that's what set me back. Just getting back on track, that's what I need to do."

Just being pissed off at not being the #1 is not akin to what Lelie has done. Lelie took his ball and went home when he didn't get his way. I want guys to have a chip on that shoulder and use that to their competitve advantage. As long as Tatum keeps going out there to compete and uses the chip on his shoulder as a motivating tool, it's a good thing. Dayne's response sounds more defeatist. Where's the fire? Where is the arrogant belief that he is the best, a trait almost all top notch runners have? I want to see some fire from Dayne, and his response to being demoted from 1st to 3rd string is not what I'd like to see. Get mad, Ron, then use that anger to go out bust some heads and win your job back!

[Florida_Bronco]

This makes your entire post crap. Tatum has lost 2 fumbles in 2 years. You don't know what you're talking about.

Not trying to single anyone out, but you see that stuff all the time here and other message boards. People decide they don't like a player and then all of the sudden you see these type of statements that just aren't true. Look how many people on here have accused Lelie of having stone hands, it's flat out unreal sometimes. Same goes for Lynch, everyone and their mother practically were calling him horrible in pass defense, and it took Med giving an excellent breakdown to disspell that rumor.

[bendog]

Lynch still is weak in pass defense ... unless the WR happens to catch the ball within 3 yards of him, or run into his path - in which case we all hold our breath until the NFL decides whether or not to consider it illegal to tackle the WR.

[crazyhorse]

Quentin Griffin? The next Barry Sanders?!

You Chefs fans are too much ... what's next? Lenny Walls the next Deion Sanders?!











:approve:


No no no no no, it was you clowns talking Barry Sanders when he was in Denver. You can believe me when I say, I never thought he was Barry Sanders. I highly doubt he makles the final 53 in KC.

[GonzoLays]

Tatum can't block. He is pathetic. During the AFC championship game, he let rushers get by him without as much as touching them. It was so bad, Shannon Sharpe called him out at halftime for it.

You can probably relate blocking to heart, and Tatum just doesn't have enough to be a starter for us. **** him.

[12th man]

Its from ESPN insider, so only a small portion can be posted per TJs rules.

Here's the relevant part:

• Tatum Bell isn't happy about being demoted. "Man, I'm still pissed," he told me in the hallways of the Broncos complex. "I felt like this is the best camp I've had. And now, it's a like a slap in the face."

Bell says Shanahan called him Sunday with the news that he'd been pushed down. He said that he knows that "when I do get the starting job, I'm not going to let it go because I'll have earned it."

For more, see http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blo...m_seth#20060807
Oh well. If shanahan says that mike bell is good enough to be starting and ahead of tatum, then I trust him. It might be tatums best camp, but obviously mike bell is doing better. Shanahan is going to put the best person in period. and right now, Mike Bell is the best guy. Look, Tatum Bell is very talanted, and coming into this off season, I thought he was going to be the starter come opening day, but I think it just shows with mike bell being the starter how good mike is. Tatum is still good, but right now mike bell is better.

[ward63]

If Mike's the real deal, then we have to have the best RB depth in the NFL.

[Paladin]

Shanahan does not blow smoke. He is not using the rankings to motivate anyone. M Bell is the #1 RB and Tatum is #2. That can change in a heartbeat, in the middle of a game, or whatever, but that is the way it is for now. None of this means a squat in the boonies until Opening Day.

I am hopeful that Tatum can get his act together and grab the ring. If he can, that means that the Broncos would have two hungry, fast, shifty and snarling RBs. Nothing wrong with that.

I would also surmise that the possibility now arises that Dayne will not make the team, and that the Broncos might keep a young RB for third string if one can be found that can also play STs.

It will be great to see these guys play Friday. Can't freaking wait!!!!!!

[broncoback]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">On the NFL network, Shanahan said Mike Bell is clearly the frontrunner for the starting RB job as of right now with Tatum second and Dayne third. Based on the recent practices, Mike Bell has performed the strongest and deserves to run with the #1 team. Realistically, I think Shanahan is trying to light a bit of a fire behind Tatum and Dayne but he's not ignoring Mike Bell's efforts in practice. There's still four games or preseason football to play and my guess is that Shanahan wants to see what Mike Bell can do in a game situation. If he becomes the starter, that's great news for the Broncos because he's the youngest RB and most likely the back of the future. I still think it would be a mistake to cut Tatum or Dayne because quality RB depth is very important in the later weeks of the season. It's still very early but early indications say Cedric Cobbs could be the odd man out.</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[broncoback]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">On the NFL network, Shanahan said Mike Bell is clearly the frontrunner for the starting RB job as of right now with Tatum second and Dayne third. Based on the recent practices, Mike Bell has performed the strongest and deserves to run with the #1 team. Realistically, I think Shanahan is trying to light a bit of a fire behind Tatum and Dayne but he's not ignoring Mike Bell's efforts in practice. There's still four games or preseason football to play and my guess is that Shanahan wants to see what Mike Bell can do in a game situation. If he becomes the starter, that's great news for the Broncos because he's the youngest RB and most likely the back of the future. I still think it would be a mistake to cut Tatum or Dayne because quality RB depth is very important in the later weeks of the season. It's still very early but early indications say Cedric Cobbs could be the odd man out.</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Antilles]

I would also surmise that the possibility now arises that Dayne will not make the team, and that the Broncos might keep a young RB for third string if one can be found that can also play STs.


Especially since Sapp can play TB in a pinch with KJ at fullback.

[Antilles]

No no no no no, it was you clowns talking Barry Sanders when he was in Denver. You can believe me when I say, I never thought he was Barry Sanders. I highly doubt he makles the final 53 in KC.

Actually it was other Bronco players drawing the Sanders comparisons in that Q had a similar running style and was of similar stature. While the quotes were thrown around here, not a single poster worth a damn sincerely bought into that hype, even after he torched the Chiefs. Of course, for at least that day, even you can't deny the Sanders-like results.

[Arkansas Bronco]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">On the NFL network, Shanahan said Mike Bell is clearly the frontrunner for the starting RB job as of right now with Tatum second and Dayne third. Based on the recent practices, Mike Bell has performed the strongest and deserves to run with the #1 team. Realistically, I think Shanahan is trying to light a bit of a fire behind Tatum and Dayne but he's not ignoring Mike Bell's efforts in practice. There's still four games or preseason football to play and my guess is that Shanahan wants to see what Mike Bell can do in a game situation. If he becomes the starter, that's great news for the Broncos because he's the youngest RB and most likely the back of the future. I still think it would be a mistake to cut Tatum or Dayne because quality RB depth is very important in the later weeks of the season. It's still very early but early indications say Cedric Cobbs could be the odd man out.</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I dont see this as Shanny trying to "light a bit of a fire behind Tatum and Dayne". From all we have been reading from Kaylore, SoCal, and Med it was obvious that Bell earned this. Tatum is just hurt because he was a mighty 2nd round pick just got a reality check by someone who went undrafted and clearly wants it more.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Actually it was other Bronco players drawing the Sanders comparisons in that Q had a similar running style and was of similar stature. While the quotes were thrown around here, not a single poster worth a damn sincerely bought into that hype, even after he torched the Chiefs. Of course, for at least that day, even you can't deny the Sanders-like results.
I was about to reply to this also with a simular answer. Some out there may have thought he was the next barry (someone always has a way off-base comparison) but what was being compared to Sanders was the basic height issue.

[bpc]

This makes your entire post crap. Tatum has lost 2 fumbles in 2 years. You don't know what you're talking about.

Really? Wasn't there a couple fumbles his first year against Miami, at KC, and San Diego? I seem to recall a wide open sprint to the endzone on a screen play where he just lost the ball.

Click on any of the camp video on DB.com. You can probably pick out three days where Tatum gets popped and the ball comes lose... on video!

Take off your Pokes glasses for a second and be realistic about the situation.

If Tatum runs tougher, doesn't cough up the ball during camp, picks up his blocking assignments and doesn't play soft overall, he would be the starter.

He probably has more talent than any of our other TB's we've had here for the past 10 years yet he has been the only one to not start for us. Something about that is fishy.

Tatum needs to nut up and get tougher, plain and simple. The fact of that is Shanahan is willing to let a UDFA get a chance over him speaks volumes.

[bendog]

Anybody other than me a little concerned that an undrafted rook with a bad 40 time has moved ahead of the guys slotted to replace something like 1200 yards? If Dayne has moved to no 3, maybe Thomas Jones would be a good thing.

[SkinRamon]

Because the Broncos selected Tatum Bell with a pick that we added in the Portis/Bailey trade, I've always been curious as to what other players were available at the time had we not done the deal. I mean, that was a pretty high 2nd round pick wasn't it? Who else could you guys (and conversely, Washington, had things been different) have selected?

[Northman]

No no no no no, it was you clowns talking Barry Sanders when he was in Denver. You can believe me when I say, I never thought he was Barry Sanders. I highly doubt he makles the final 53 in KC.


I remember that. Always thought that was hilarious even by our standards.

[bendog]

Because the Broncos selected Tatum Bell with a pick that we added in the Portis/Bailey trade, I've always been curious as to what other players were available at the time had we not done the deal. I mean, that was a pretty high 2nd round pick wasn't it? Who else could you guys (and conversely, Washington, had things been different) have selected?
I'm ok with a TB who gets like 15 carries per game and like 950 yds in a year. Works for me.

[WABronco]

I'm ok with a TB who gets like 15 carries per game and like 950 yds in a year. Works for me.
Same here. Even in a secondary role, he's still a very nice piece to have.

[WABronco]

Because the Broncos selected Tatum Bell with a pick that we added in the Portis/Bailey trade, I've always been curious as to what other players were available at the time had we not done the deal. I mean, that was a pretty high 2nd round pick wasn't it? Who else could you guys (and conversely, Washington, had things been different) have selected?
I'm looking at the '04 draft now, and there's only a few players of any interest to me. Tank Johnson, Michael Boulware, and Bob Sanders. I would love to have each of those guys on my team, especially Boulware. I'm not second guessing though...Tatum's a good player.