Are we sure M.Bell is for real?

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

Are we certain this isn't a ploy to motivate Tatum?

I'm in a 6-player keeper FF league and Tatum is one of my keepers. I'm probably going to draft M.Bell with my first pick (theoretically the 7th round) but I'm concerned he's really going to end up a backup and I'll have wasted my first pick on a handcuff.

Is Mike really going to be the #1 guy?

Do you see a situation like last season's committee or will Tatum's role be reduced?

[Mile High Shack]

I'm not certain at all

I have an opinion on it, but most probably won't agree

over the course of the entire season, I think Tatum will have more yards and more TDs

[Bob's your Information Minister]

What happened with Terrell Davis?

[cutthemdown]

no one knows for sure, only time will tell if mike bell is for real or not.

[Mile High Shack]

What happened with Terrell Davis?

he kicked your ass for about 6 years

[Archie]

I think Mike Bell is for real and will start. Is that a certainty, absolutely not. But, from what I've seen he has great vision, patience, and speed at the whole which are the qualities that made TD who he was.

That said, why on earth would you draft this guy in the first round of the draft? Everyone will be concerned about him as a risk and if the other players in the league are from some place other then Denver they might not be following him all that well anyway. Wont he be available in a later round?

[Beantown Bronco]

Considering about half the teams in the league are apparently now endorsing a running back by committe approach, keeper league strategy has to shift at least a little more towards WRs and QBs.

I wouldn't select any Broncos back early. There are bound to be better bets available I would think.

[55CrushEm]

I think Mike Bell is for real and will start. Is that a certainty, absolutely not. But, from what I've seen he has great vision, patience, and speed at the whole which are the qualities that made TD who he was.

That said, why on earth would you draft this guy in the first round of the draft? Everyone will be concerned about him as a risk and if the other players in the league are from some place other then Denver they might not be following him all that well anyway. Wont he be available in a later round?
I think Mike Bell is for real......as the coaching staff said, I've been impressed with his yards-after-contact.....T. Bell gets arm tackled easily, although I'll admit, he seems to have improved on his "pu$$iness".....

[Florida_Bronco]

Hard to say really. Tatum gets a bad rep around here that he really doesn't deserve, so some people are already hoping we get rid of him. I personally think he has the ability to be a star running back, but he needs a chance to get a into the groove as a starter.

As far as Mike Bell, we'll see how he does when the bell rings.

[Archie]

Hard to say really. Tatum gets a bad rep around here that he really doesn't deserve, so some people are already hoping we get rid of him. I personally think he has the ability to be a star running back, but he needs a chance to get a into the groove as a starter.
As far as Mike Bell, we'll see how he does when the bell rings.

How long do you wait for this? I love Tatum's speed and I think he'll continue to be a big part of our offense but I have to say he seems to lack real field vision. I can't tell you how many times I watched him last year just run right into the backs of his line vs. having the patience and vision to see the hole develop someplace other then it was intended. That skill does not seem to be very coachable (at least with Tatum).

[Arkansas Bronco]

M. Bell looks like an every down back. Going by the preseason games (excluding his fumble) he has looked very good. Alot better then any other RB has. I think he has erned his spot as of now and if he doesnt do anything stupid it is his to loose.

[Florida_Bronco]

How long do you wait for this? I love Tatum's speed and I think he'll continue to be a big part of our offense but I have to say he seems to lack real field vision. I can't tell you how many times I watched him last year just run right into the backs of his line vs. having the patience and vision to see the hole develop someplace other then it was intended. That skill does not seem to be very coachable (at least with Tatum).

Ya know, I really need to go back and re-watch the games from last season again, because I sure don't remember this chronic running into linemen's back problem like people here say. I'm sure it happened, but I'm thinking it's pretty exaggerated.

I can tell you I've seen many plays where Tatum has shown good vision in getting through the hole. He's also a much tougher runner than people give him credit for.

[cambrad8085]

Nine years out of ten, it seems like we end the year with someone completely different than who we started with. Even Clinton gave way to Quentin Griffin a couple years ago.

I bet Cecil Sapp is our starter by week 8.

[SportinOne]

Ya know, I really need to go back and re-watch the games from last season again, because I sure don't remember this chronic running into linemen's back problem like people here say. I'm sure it happened, but I'm thinking it's pretty exaggerated.

I can tell you I've seen many plays where Tatum has shown good vision in getting through the hole. He's also a much tougher runner than people give him credit for.

Possibly Tatum's finest moment:

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nx_aGuA2Ymw"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nx_aGuA2Ymw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[Spider]

was we certian TD was the real thing when we Benched Rod Bernstien ?
was we sure Mike Anderson was the real thing ?
are we sure any of our Backs are the real thing , and not just a product of the system ?
and in the end , do we realy give a damn as along as they are racking up yards and we are winning ?

[Spider]

man in the Vid , do you see how Al Wilson played off that block ? .........

[Smiling Assassin27]

If shanny says he's the guy, that's good enough for me.

[Orange_Beard]

No.

[Rohirrim]

Are we certain this isn't a ploy to motivate Tatum?

I'm in a 6-player keeper FF league and Tatum is one of my keepers. I'm probably going to draft M.Bell with my first pick (theoretically the 7th round) but I'm concerned he's really going to end up a backup and I'll have wasted my first pick on a handcuff.

Is Mike really going to be the #1 guy?

Do you see a situation like last season's committee or will Tatum's role be reduced?

Big Mike has been asked this question a number of times. The last time he answered he said, "It's not that complex. The best player on the field gets the start."

[SportinOne]

Oh, and in case you've all forgotten, here's the rest.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

Thanks for the opinions.

I don't think 7th round is too high to take a #1 Broncos RB. But that is why I am asking the question: Is he going to be a legit #1 or is he going to be a committee #1? Or is he just a motivational tool for Tatum, who is really going to be the #1?

I realize nobody knows the answer. Obviously it is opinions I'm looking for.

As for whether Bell would be around in later rounds. No way. Not in my keeper league. Rookie RBs are always depleted in the 1st (aka 7th) round because all the real solid veteran RBs are already on rosters. Every #1 RB in the NFL is someone's keeper...except for Mike Bell.

[SportinOne]

In Mike we must trust. That's the only option we really have.

[Gcver2ver3]

That said, why on earth would you draft this guy in the first round of the draft? Everyone will be concerned about him as a risk and if the other players in the league are from some place other then Denver they might not be following him all that well anyway. Wont he be available in a later round?



i think he said it is a 6 player keeper league....so picking him in the 1st is equal to a 7th round choice..........

[Gcver2ver3]

Are we certain this isn't a ploy to motivate Tatum?

I'm in a 6-player keeper FF league and Tatum is one of my keepers. I'm probably going to draft M.Bell with my first pick (theoretically the 7th round) but I'm concerned he's really going to end up a backup and I'll have wasted my first pick on a handcuff.

Is Mike really going to be the #1 guy?

Do you see a situation like last season's committee or will Tatum's role be reduced?


i've been wondering the same thing....

i have three different leagues that i'm drafting for soon and i hope i'll have more clarity on this by that time....

i went through this with Mike Anderson last season....

I drafted the day after he ran for a 93 yd TD versus the colts in preseason...

after that game i was sure that MA would hold onto the starting job...

others in my leagues drafted bell early thinking he was the starter...i new better and MA scored 12 times for me...

i'm wondering if this may happen again...

[Dedhed]

Mike Bell had two runs in the Tennessee game that I've waited for three years (still waiting) to see from Tatum. 1st and 25 with 13 minutes left in the 2nd qtr, and 4th and goal from the 1.

Tatum hasn't moved a dman backwards like that in his career, and MBell's vision is infinitely better than Tatum's.

[Archie]

i think he said it is a 6 player keeper league....so picking him in the 1st is equal to a 7th round choice..........

I have not played a keeper league so I guess I don't know the dynamics but calling it the 7th round seems akin to calling the 1st round of the NFL draft the 45th round. But... I guess to compare it to a non-keeper fantasy league calling it the 7th round would be fair.

[BlaK-Argentina]

I can tell you I've seen many plays where Tatum has shown good vision in getting through the hole. He's also a much tougher runner than people give him credit for.

Agreed. He doesn't go down with arm tackles as easily as some people say. In the screen pass against Detroit he broke two of them EASILY. His vision is good, and his speed is jaw dropping.
I like Mike Bell, too... but I don't think he is better than Tatum overall. Best case scenario they start the season splitting carries and one of them pulls away to be the full time starter.
Anyway, we won't be having trouble running the ball anytime soon...

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

I have not played a keeper league so I guess I don't know the dynamics but calling it the 7th round seems akin to calling the 1st round of the NFL draft the 45th round. But... I guess to compare it to a non-keeper fantasy league calling it the 7th round would be fair.
The dynamics are that every team already has 6 players on it before the draft.

That is 84 players are gone before the first overall pick.

Is Mike Bell going to be among the top 98 players in fantasy production? If so, then he's a first round value in my league.

[Dedhed]

Agreed. He doesn't go down with arm tackles as easily as some people say. In the screen pass against Detroit he broke two of them EASILY. His vision is good, and his speed is jaw dropping.
I like Mike Bell, too... but I don't think he is better than Tatum overall. Best case scenario they start the season splitting carries and one of them pulls away to be the full time starter.
Anyway, we won't be having trouble running the ball anytime soon...
Tatum's vision doesn't hold a candle to Mike's. People don't understand what vision is in this offense. Watch Mike's 30 yarder; it's perfect. Tatum would have strung that to the outside and maybe gotten 10 yards just because of his speed, but he doesn't run in the lanes that this blocking scheme is designed to create. Never has, and I don't think he ever will.

[HitEmCold]

I think T.Bell can excel if he had a chance to be an everydown back. Whoever is back there, I just want them to run hard and hold on to the ball.

[HitEmCold]

I think T.Bell can excel if he had a chance to be an everydown back. Whoever is back there, I just want them to run hard and hold on to the ball.

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

Tatum looked like he hit the right hole on several runs in the highlight reel posted on the previous page.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Tatum's vision doesn't hold a candle to Mike's. People don't understand what vision is in this offense. Watch Mike's 30 yarder; it's perfect. Tatum would have strung that to the outside and maybe gotten 10 yards just because of his speed, but he doesn't run in the lanes that this blocking scheme is designed to create. Never has, and I don't think he ever will.

I don't know... maybe you're right, but IMO Tatum would have done the same thing and maybe score a TD too. (I think the announcer said the same thing)
I guess we'll see... like someone else said, in Shanny we trust.

[DrFate]

Ya know, I really need to go back and re-watch the games from last season again, because I sure don't remember this chronic running into linemen's back problem like people here say. I'm sure it happened, but I'm thinking it's pretty exaggerated.

I can tell you I've seen many plays where Tatum has shown good vision in getting through the hole. He's also a much tougher runner than people give him credit for.

Tatum is such a boom or bust guy - he gets 10 yards or he gets nothing. I think it is better to get 2 or 3 'tough' yards than just falling down. Everybody loves Tatum's break away ability.

[fontaine]

Oh, and in case you've all forgotten, here's the rest.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

This clip should be renamed "OL Highlights!"

:approve:

[Florida_Bronco]

Tatum's vision doesn't hold a candle to Mike's.

That's a pretty lofty statement about a guy who hasn't even played a regular season game yet.

[no-pseudo-fan]

Tatum is great at making those huge plays, problem is that when we need 2 yards. He is not tough enough! Mike Bell gives us the best chance for a positive gain on every play. It might not always be flashy, but I will take a 4 or 5 yard run on 1st down all year long oppose to a long run here and there.

[Rohirrim]

Tatum's vision doesn't hold a candle to Mike's. People don't understand what vision is in this offense. Watch Mike's 30 yarder; it's perfect. Tatum would have strung that to the outside and maybe gotten 10 yards just because of his speed, but he doesn't run in the lanes that this blocking scheme is designed to create. Never has, and I don't think he ever will.

Bingo! I tried to point that out in another thread. That one camera angle, shot from the backfield, shows that MB made the cut BEFORE the hole opened. The RG (or was it Nalen?) was engaged on his first block and just before he kicked out to his secondary block, MB cut right into his back. In two steps, the hole opened and he was gone - totally in synch with his Oline. The last Bronco RB that did that regularly was TD.

[Hotrod]

I have the answer but cant tell you until after the OM draft on Tuesday ;D

Actually Im 90% sure Mike will get the call but Tater will still get this touches.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

I think we're good with either one. The only thing that's going to get hurt is a player's ego.

[dsmoot]

M. Bell looks like an every down back. Going by the preseason games (excluding his fumble) he has looked very good. Alot better then any other RB has. I think he has erned his spot as of now and if he doesnt do anything stupid it is his to loose.


We will have a clue after about 4 games of 15 - 20 carries each. The preseason is spotty feedback at best when teams are taking their starters out so early. We need to see enough full games against the top opposing players where we can see if he can sustain anything. Any early predictions are a guess at best. However, after 10 years of watching the Broncos run the ball, I believe that the judgement of the Broncos coaches might be the best opinion. Can he be a threat in pass patterns?

[goldengopher1976]

It would be helpful to know a few things:
1. who else is going to be available to you?
2. what is your scoring system? do you get PPR?
3. what's the chatter like in your league, will he be gone for sure by your 2nd pick?
4. who do you already have at RB? (besides Tatum)

Mike Bell has looked really good, and IMO is worth a 7th rounder in your league, but (as you probably know) one of the cardinal sins in FF is to make picks based on which teams you like better.

[broncsyanks]

Oh, and in case you've all forgotten, here's the rest.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

said it before i'll say it again

he is the real deal just give him the chance to play as the #1 and you will see it. i think that shanny knows that as well but he sees another portis situation developing and he doesnt want that to happen again.

[Kaylore]

Are we certain this isn't a ploy to motivate Tatum?

I'm in a 6-player keeper FF league and Tatum is one of my keepers. I'm probably going to draft M.Bell with my first pick (theoretically the 7th round) but I'm concerned he's really going to end up a backup and I'll have wasted my first pick on a handcuff.

Is Mike really going to be the #1 guy?

Do you see a situation like last season's committee or will Tatum's role be reduced?
Right now Mike Bell is the real deal. He's been the best in camp, and while raw, his style is more suited to making the Broncos offense go. Will it be that way the next two preseason games or once the season starts? Don't know for sure, but I suspect it will.

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

It would be helpful to know a few things:
1. who else is going to be available to you?
2. what is your scoring system? do you get PPR?
3. what's the chatter like in your league, will he be gone for sure by your 2nd pick?
4. who do you already have at RB? (besides Tatum)

Mike Bell has looked really good, and IMO is worth a 7th rounder in your league, but (as you probably know) one of the cardinal sins in FF is to make picks based on which teams you like better.
-At RB, not a single starter is available except Bell.
-We get 1 point per 15 yards rushing or receiving. No PPR but we get the yardage points.
-I'm thinking there's an 80% chance he's gone by the second round
-My six keepers have a lot of question marks. Tatum, Domanick Davis, DeShaun Foster, Eli Manning, Braylon Edwards, and Chris Chambers.

Good advice on the favorite team thing. I'm an Eagles fan, so it's all good as far as the Bells go.

[Dedhed]

Tatum looked like he hit the right hole on several runs in the highlight reel posted on the previous page.
By my count that's 16 runs out of 173 carries, and on at least half of those he just went outside (which he always does) and didn't read anything. So 8out of 173 he makes a good read. Are you really impressed with that?

I would dare say you could compile a much longer highlight film of him running into the backs of his blockers and gaining a yard or being dropped in the backfield after he reverses field 180 degrees instead of cutting up, driving forward and picking up 3-4 yards.

Tatum's speed has created a giant blind spot for how poorly he reads the field and his blockers.

[ol number 7]

What happened with Terrell Davis?

He got injured making a tackle. Something the Chiefs don't do very well.
I asked my dog what the Chiefs excuse will be this year? Roaf, Roaf, Roaf.
CORRECT !!!

[Dedhed]

Bingo! I tried to point that out in another thread. That one camera angle, shot from the backfield, shows that MB made the cut BEFORE the hole opened. The RG (or was it Nalen?) was engaged on his first block and just before he kicked out to his secondary block, MB cut right into his back. In two steps, the hole opened and he was gone - totally in synch with his Oline. The last Bronco RB that did that regularly was TD.
Exactly. If you pause it right before Mike makes the cut, there is no obvious hole. There is a little daylight outside, and that is exaclty where Tatum would have taken it. Mike makes the right read and cuts behind the pulling guard and the fullback, something that Tatum never does. He always looks outside and unless it opens wide in the middle thats where he takes it. It's not hos this scheme is supposed to work, and it's the reason he has so many 1-2 yarders or losses.

[baja]

My take on M Bell is he a hard nosed runner with vision who is already a patient smart runner who also can run over people but here is his problem, he runs and goes down awkwardly (See goal line runs vs Tenn.) so <b> I believe injuries will be his problem. </b>

[HILife]

Are we certain this isn't a ploy to motivate Tatum?

I'm in a 6-player keeper FF league and Tatum is one of my keepers. I'm probably going to draft M.Bell with my first pick (theoretically the 7th round) but I'm concerned he's really going to end up a backup and I'll have wasted my first pick on a handcuff.

Is Mike really going to be the #1 guy?

Do you see a situation like last season's committee or will Tatum's role be reduced?

Not really sure but the way people keep talking about him it sounds like he's the real deal

[ludo21]

Mike Bell will be the guy, he is a stud. See avatar. ;D

[Steve Sewell]

What happened with Terrell Davis?

Why don't you ask some of the players from the Chiefs that got used by him for 4 years?

[Steve Sewell]

Oh, and in case you've all forgotten, here's the rest.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5zFFYxuMRM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

I love how he dominated Jared Allen on that play...

[Drek]

I'm personally hoping Shanahan uses Mike and Tatum as 1a and 1b, both see the occasional start, Mike is in as the workhorse, Bell is in to create big plays. Mike would get the majority of carries, 20-25 a game, but Tatum would still see 10-15 and some screen passes. Both could break 1K yards this year if used in a balanced attack.

[Crushaholic]

I think Mike Bell will be the starter in Week 1. HOWEVER, Shanahan won't hesitate to take him out if he screws up. He just wants the best players on the field at all times...

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Why don't you ask some of the players from the Chiefs that got used by him for 4 years?

I just wanted to know what happened in '96. TD wasn't undrafted but was a surprise in the same way that Mike Bell has been a surprise. Are the situations at all similar? Was TD declared the starter midway through the preseason? Was there an alternate, incumbent starter that he replaced?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I'm personally hoping Shanahan uses Mike and Tatum as 1a and 1b, both see the occasional start, Mike is in as the workhorse, Bell is in to create big plays. Mike would get the majority of carries, 20-25 a game, but Tatum would still see 10-15 and some screen passes. Both could break 1K yards this year if used in a balanced attack.

RBBC is a dirty word in some circles around here, but I am sure that is what the coaches have in mind. They believe TB is more useful when he is rested and the opponents are not and they don't trust that a rookie who had his share of nicks in college can endure 25 carries a game for 16 games plus the playoffs.

[theAPAOps5]

I just wanted to know what happened in '96. TD wasn't undrafted but was a surprise in the same way that Mike Bell has been a surprise. Are the situations at all similar? Was TD declared the starter midway through the preseason? Was there an alternate, incumbent starter that he replaced?

There wa a game in Tokoyo Japan where TD was playing special teams. On a kick off he came flying down and smoked a dude. That right there caught the eye of the coaches and it progressed from there. He wasn't named starter until after pre-season though.

[watermock]

What happened with Terrell Davis? Your such a collosal dickhead man boob. What do you think happened to Curtis Martin? Your pathetic.

[12th man]

There wa a game in Tokoyo Japan where TD was playing special teams. On a kick off he came flying down and smoked a dude. That right there caught the eye of the coaches and it progressed from there. He wasn't named starter until after pre-season though.
Oh man, that was great. I would give anything to see that play again.

[theAPAOps5]

Oh man, that was great. I would give anything to see that play again.

I know I have been scouring the internet trying to find it but haven't yet.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Your such a collosal dickhead man boob. What do you think happened to Curtis Martin? Your pathetic.

You didn't understand my question.

[Archie]

Tatum's vision doesn't hold a candle to Mike's. People don't understand what vision is in this offense. Watch Mike's 30 yarder; it's perfect. Tatum would have strung that to the outside and maybe gotten 10 yards just because of his speed, but he doesn't run in the lanes that this blocking scheme is designed to create. Never has, and I don't think he ever will.

BINGO BINGO BINGO Give that man a raise. That's EXACTLY what I was talking about. When I watched that run unfold it was VINTAGE TD.... Tatum has not shown that same vision. Who ever it was that said they didn't see Tatum running into the back of the o-line last year needs to watch some games from the stadium I guess because it was really obvious and frustrating. I don't see Mike doing that. He's patient enough to let a whole open, has the vision to see it, and the speed to hit it before it closes. It's not raw speed that counts but those three things that make him a real danger in our running game and give him the edge over Tatum.

[Atlas]

he kicked your ass for about 6 years

He kicked everybody's ass

[Atlas]

Tatum's vision doesn't hold a candle to Mike's. People don't understand what vision is in this offense. Watch Mike's 30 yarder; it's perfect. Tatum would have strung that to the outside and maybe gotten 10 yards just because of his speed, but he doesn't run in the lanes that this blocking scheme is designed to create. Never has, and I don't think he ever will.

I'm not saying M.Bell isn't better but I disagree on that 30 yard run. There was a good size hole there and if it was T. Bell running the ball he might have taken it to the endzone.

[Dedhed]

I'm not saying M.Bell isn't better but I disagree on that 30 yard run. There was a good size hole there and if it was T. Bell running the ball he might have taken it to the endzone.
I think you're wrong. I've watched that run frame by frame, and you can almost see where Tatum would have taken that run. There was no hole until after Mike makes his cut. That's what TD had, and that's what I've already seen from MBell; the ability to see where the hole will develop before it's there. Tatum, like any back in the NFL, can run through holes that are right in fromt of them. TD was the best I've seen at seeing where the hole was going to develop. I'm not calling MBell the next TD, but I like what I see from him so far.

[Atlas]

I think you're wrong. I've watched that run frame by frame, and you can almost see where Tatum would have taken that run. There was no hole until after Mike makes his cut. That's what TD had, and that's what I've already seen from MBell; the ability to see where the hole will develop before it's there. Tatum, like any back in the NFL, can run through holes that are right in fromt of them. TD was the best I've seen at seeing where the hole was going to develop. I'm not calling MBell the next TD, but I like what I see from him so far.

I have the game recorded and M. Bell takes one cut to the outside and the hit's it. I think yopur selling Tatum short if you don't think he could have done the same thing.

[Rocket 7]

What happened with Terrell Davis?
He held up the Lombardi....twice

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e364/dipsomaniac1/untitled-3.jpg

[rubaiyat]

I'm personally hoping Shanahan uses Mike and Tatum as 1a and 1b, both see the occasional start, Mike is in as the workhorse, Bell is in to create big plays. Mike would get the majority of carries, 20-25 a game, but Tatum would still see 10-15 and some screen passes. Both could break 1K yards this year if used in a balanced attack.

But can they balance a tack hammer on their head?

[Dedhed]

I have the game recorded and M. Bell takes one cut to the outside and the hit's it. I think yopur selling Tatum short if you don't think he could have done the same thing.

Mike cut's it up inside on the 30 yarder. As for Tatum, as far as I'm concerned his career has been about what he could do. Unfortunately he doesn't do it, and if he could he would have been named the starter a long time ago because of his speed. That fact alone speaks volumes.

The fact that an undrafted rookie took the starting spot from him in two weeks speaks even louder.

[SteveTensi13]

I bet anything that Mike Bell diligently studies old TD game tapes to study his running style.

[Donk]

you can see more at twenty miles an hour then sixty.

[Dedhed]

you can see more at twenty miles an hour then sixty.

If you have your eyes open at least.

[Hulamau]

My take on M Bell is he a hard nosed runner with vision who is already a patient smart runner who also can run over people but here is his problem, he runs and goes down awkwardly (See goal line runs vs Tenn.) so <b> I believe injuries will be his problem. </b>

I like him too, but he could pick up a couple ticks on his speed if he could develop better body control while running. Too many 'giddy-up' steps as he is about to make change of direction moves or trying to fake a DB with a stagger step trying to compensate for getting caught from behind or the side that only slows him down further.

Hopefully, he goes to the same school Eddie Mac went to in the off season and learns how to run with greater economy of motion and increase his practical on field speed.

[Rock Chalk]

I like him too, but he could pick up a couple ticks on his speed if he could develop better body control while running. Too many 'giddy-up' steps as he is about to make change of direction moves or trying to fake a DB with a stagger step trying to compensate for getting caught from behind or the side that only slows him down further.

Hopefully, he goes to the same school Eddie Mac went to in the off season and learns how to run with greater economy of motion and increase his practical on field speed.

You know, they knocked Payton for his giddy up steps too. Payton didnt exactly have the best body control of RBs in the league (certainly no Gale Sayers), but that stagger step led him to 16K plus rushing yards, all because that was his method of getting around faster DBs and LBs.

[azbroncfan]

Possibly Tatum's finest moment:

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Yes probably his best game or maybe the Miami game the year before.

[GonzoLays]

Mike Bell is about as real as Reuben Droughns, Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson were in our system.

[BroncoMan4ever]

no one knows for sure, only time will tell if mike bell is for real or not.

Who can say whether or not he is for real?

I mean, does it really matter in Denver? Every year Denver is going to produce a 1000yard back and be at the top on the league in rushing by the end of the year.

But i think Mike is for real. He shows ability Tatum either doesn't have or doesn't use. He shows patience, breaks tackles, has good speed, not as fast as Tatum but has speed, and he is can get in the end zone on goal line plays.

Tatum has a ton of speed, but that isn't the only thing a RB needs, his crappy vision and lack of patience take what could be huge breakaway runs in wide open holes made by the line into runs where heran into his own lineman's backs and lost yardage or gained very little.

I predict Tatum will lose a few carries or stay at his 8 a game. He is still a valuable weapon and is useful to the team as we all know he can break a huge run at any time. As useful as he is, he just isn't an every down back.

denver's running game will probably be like is was in 1997. Where TD(Mike Bell this season) got 25 carries a game and Hebron(Tatum this season) came in and gave TD a breather and got 5-8 carries a game.