ØrangeÇrush
12-23-2006, 02:25 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2707028
DENVER -- Tatum Bell isn't just motivated to get 1,000 yards
rushing, he's driven by the fear of not reaching the milestone.
"I don't want to be the first back to not gain 1,000 yards
under (coach) Mike Shanahan," said Bell, just 73 yards away from
the mark heading into Sunday's game against Cincinnati.
And if he doesn't get to 1,000 yards in Denver's last two games,
he actually wouldn't be the first. The Broncos didn't have one in
2001, when franchise rushing leader Terrell Davis tried coming back
from injury.
However, the Broncos do have the most 1,000-yard rushers in the
league since 1995 with 10, and Bell wants to add another to the
list -- though he doesn't really want to discuss it.
"Every time I talk to the media, I don't do good," said Bell,
appointing rookie Mike Bell to be his spokesman.
And since they've been a pretty solid running back tandem all
season, Mike Bell gladly accepted the role.
"It would mean a great deal to Tatum," the rookie said. "With
all the adversity he's been through with the injuries, to get a
1,000 yards would be a big-time accomplishment."
Tatum Bell has missed three-plus games due to turf toes.
However, it wasn't an injury that cost him playing in the second
half against Arizona last Sunday -- it was a costly fumble. Bell's
turnover was returned for a 4-yard touchdown by Arizona's Antonio
Smith in the second quarter, and Bell had only four carries after
his miscue.
Mike Bell took over and scored two touchdowns.
"Mike was playing exceptionally well, and Tatum wasn't having
one of his better days," Shanahan said.
The Bells figure to split time against the Bengals in a must-win
contest. Both teams are 8-6 and the loser could be all but
eliminated from the playoff picture.
"I beat the defense down and he breaks the long ones," Mike
Bell said. "I can bring the short yardage and he brings the
breakaway speed."
Mike Bell has rushed for 542 yards this season, becoming the
fifth undrafted rookie since the inception of the common NFL draft
in 1967 to rush for at least 500 yards. Bell's seven rushing
touchdowns this season is tied for third-most by an undrafted
rookie since 1967.
"I'm learning from Tatum," Bell said. "He's showing me the
ins and outs of football. We always go out to dinner and I learn a
great deal from him."
Tatum Bell came close to joining Mike Anderson in the 1,000-yard
club last season, but a chest injury kept him from the Dallas
contest on Thanksgiving. He finished with 921 yards.
Injuries have hampered Bell during his three years in the
league.
During his rookie year, Bell broke his right middle finger in
training camp and missed a game after suffering a rib injury and a
separated shoulder. He still finished that season with 396 yards.
"He's a good back," Mike Bell said. "I know what 1,000 yards
would mean to him. He hasn't had that since his junior year (at
Oklahoma State)."
Anything else Tatum Bell would like to say through his
spokesman?
"That he would like to credit his offensive line for all their
hard work," Mike Bell said.
Tatum Bell nodded in agreement.
DENVER -- Tatum Bell isn't just motivated to get 1,000 yards
rushing, he's driven by the fear of not reaching the milestone.
"I don't want to be the first back to not gain 1,000 yards
under (coach) Mike Shanahan," said Bell, just 73 yards away from
the mark heading into Sunday's game against Cincinnati.
And if he doesn't get to 1,000 yards in Denver's last two games,
he actually wouldn't be the first. The Broncos didn't have one in
2001, when franchise rushing leader Terrell Davis tried coming back
from injury.
However, the Broncos do have the most 1,000-yard rushers in the
league since 1995 with 10, and Bell wants to add another to the
list -- though he doesn't really want to discuss it.
"Every time I talk to the media, I don't do good," said Bell,
appointing rookie Mike Bell to be his spokesman.
And since they've been a pretty solid running back tandem all
season, Mike Bell gladly accepted the role.
"It would mean a great deal to Tatum," the rookie said. "With
all the adversity he's been through with the injuries, to get a
1,000 yards would be a big-time accomplishment."
Tatum Bell has missed three-plus games due to turf toes.
However, it wasn't an injury that cost him playing in the second
half against Arizona last Sunday -- it was a costly fumble. Bell's
turnover was returned for a 4-yard touchdown by Arizona's Antonio
Smith in the second quarter, and Bell had only four carries after
his miscue.
Mike Bell took over and scored two touchdowns.
"Mike was playing exceptionally well, and Tatum wasn't having
one of his better days," Shanahan said.
The Bells figure to split time against the Bengals in a must-win
contest. Both teams are 8-6 and the loser could be all but
eliminated from the playoff picture.
"I beat the defense down and he breaks the long ones," Mike
Bell said. "I can bring the short yardage and he brings the
breakaway speed."
Mike Bell has rushed for 542 yards this season, becoming the
fifth undrafted rookie since the inception of the common NFL draft
in 1967 to rush for at least 500 yards. Bell's seven rushing
touchdowns this season is tied for third-most by an undrafted
rookie since 1967.
"I'm learning from Tatum," Bell said. "He's showing me the
ins and outs of football. We always go out to dinner and I learn a
great deal from him."
Tatum Bell came close to joining Mike Anderson in the 1,000-yard
club last season, but a chest injury kept him from the Dallas
contest on Thanksgiving. He finished with 921 yards.
Injuries have hampered Bell during his three years in the
league.
During his rookie year, Bell broke his right middle finger in
training camp and missed a game after suffering a rib injury and a
separated shoulder. He still finished that season with 396 yards.
"He's a good back," Mike Bell said. "I know what 1,000 yards
would mean to him. He hasn't had that since his junior year (at
Oklahoma State)."
Anything else Tatum Bell would like to say through his
spokesman?
"That he would like to credit his offensive line for all their
hard work," Mike Bell said.
Tatum Bell nodded in agreement.