The offense needs Tatum

[16-JakE-16]

Outside of the Indy game Mike Bell has been highly ineffective. Tatum was really impressive before he got hurt. He showed he could grind it out for those short yard runs if necessary. I think Shanny needs to keep him out vs the Raiders so he'll be healthier for the upcoming stretch which features San Diego twice, Seattle, and KC. I'd hate to see Jake get teed off on by the Chargers because of Mike Bell being a non-factor.

What do you guys think? :bronxrox:

[Popps]

No question. Always been a big supporter of the kid, but also aware he's not the most complete back in the world. I think the dreaded RBBC might be the best option with the guys we've got. Neither one seems to be able to handle the load by themselves... and if we HAD to choose one, Tater has to be the guy.

Toe injuries can really be a bitch, though. I wonder how he's doing this week?

[Garcia Bronco]

I think Mike Bell has a bunch more to offer than what is being shown. He'll have to develop, but he's got a great foundation. His vision is good, good speed, and he delivers hits at the end of his runs. He needs better conditioning and he needs more touches, but I think he'll be solid. I have complete faith in him.

[Garcia Bronco]

Turf toe will not heal in a week or a month...it takes an entire off season, because you have to stay off it for it to heal.

[Crushaholic]

Turf toe will not heal in a week or a month...it takes an entire off season, because you have to stay off it for it to heal.

So, either he will playing with pain for the rest of the season or not available very much for the rest of the season...great...

[Popps]

So, either he will playing with pain for the rest of the season or not available very much for the rest of the season...great...

Yea, it's a tough situation. I guess if I had to choose, I'd say to just let him sit for a couple more weeks. We'd have to make due with Mike and Cedric for a couple of weeks. But, I'd rather have Tatum down the stretch than gimpy all season.

[Wes Mantooth]

I don't know what Tatum could have done different in the last game (maybe trip over the hash marks more often).

[JoRo]

Outside of the Indy game Mike Bell has been highly ineffective. Tatum was really impressive before he got hurt. He showed he could grind it out for those short yard runs if necessary. I think Shanny needs to keep him out vs the Raiders so he'll be healthier for the upcoming stretch which features San Diego twice, Seattle, and KC. I'd hate to see Jake get teed off on by the Chargers because of Mike Bell being a non-factor.

What do you guys think? :bronxrox:


IMO they are totally different players, Mike excells at the inside stuff while TAter is the outside man. They can do the other but are at their best doin wut I mentioned...

That said Pitt is built strong right up the middle and Mike was facin the number one rushing d in the afc. I dont think he should take Taters job but he should get more touches (not rotated every drive tho)

[WoodMan]

I don't know what Tatum could have done different in the last game (maybe trip over the hash marks more often).

He was hurt. You expect too much.

[WoodMan]

I'd like to see tem give Tatum a chance to heal also. MBell, Cobbs, and possibly Cecil the Diesel can carry the load against Chokeland and then San Diego. Faders D has toughened up lately and Merriman will miss the first Denver game. I'm looking forward to the next month and already have plans to watch Denver kick it on Thanksgiving Day. Here is to 6-2 at the halfway point! :spit:

[kamakazi_kal]

geeeez give the buy (mike) a chance he really has only got near 20 carries 1 time this year and was shutdown vs. pitt but cmon they do have a very good defense vs. the run

i just like the fact that while mike may not outrun very many people he also will not go down the minute someone touches him........ the guy fights for every yard, you gotta love that

[BroncoFanCam]

I don't know why the hell we didn't see more of my Cecil Sapp last week, hopefully we get an eye full this week, the kid can play.

[Dedhed]

Outside of the Indy game Mike Bell has been highly ineffective. Tatum was really impressive before he got hurt. He showed he could grind it out for those short yard runs if necessary. I think Shanny needs to keep him out vs the Raiders so he'll be healthier for the upcoming stretch which features San Diego twice, Seattle, and KC. I'd hate to see Jake get teed off on by the Chargers because of Mike Bell being a non-factor.

What do you guys think? :bronxrox:I don't think that Tatum would have gone anywhere against the Steelers 8-9 in the box, but I do think he's an important player for the offense to have on the field. I think that Mike is very capable, and will more consistently perform like the Mike we saw against the Colts. But you're right, Tatum is a key to this offense.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I don't know why the hell we didn't see more of my Cecil Sapp last week, hopefully we get an eye full this week, the kid can play.

Hmmmm - in 3-1/2 years and he has 25 rushes for 133 yards. guess we should trade him to the foreskins for a first round choice.

[2KBack]

yeah, the way Pitt sold out against the run, I don't think anyone was going to rush well. I like Tatum in this offense this year, so it will be nice to get him back, but if he is hobbled at all he becomes easily our worst back. When his speed and explosiveness is gone, he is a average back with bad hands. Mike had some good catches in the pitt game, and has 11 catches for 89 yards on the season (tatum as the starter has 13 for 55).

[elsid13]

I knew someone was going to start this thread. Last week two things happen. First Pitt sold out to stop the run. Their game plan was to take the run away from Denver at all cost. Heck on Walker reverse, Porter went after Bell and let Walker run on by. Second the 3-4 always gives the zone blocking scheme fits, if teams are able to penetrate, and that happened most of the game.

That being said on not really worried, if teams continue sell out to stop the run, Plummer finally shown that he can connect with Smith and Walker to make them pay.

[WABronco]

I don't know why the hell we didn't see more of my Cecil Sapp last week, hopefully we get an eye full this week, the kid can play.

He was the only active/healthy FB.