The RBs

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

Am I the only one that thinks Mike Bell with a year's experience under his belt is a bigger upgrade to the position than Travis Henry?

I don't think Henry is bad but Mike is bigger, faster, younger, and has a year in Denver's system. I feel like Mike as a starter is a bigger upgrade over Mike/Tatum committee than Henry starting and Mike as a backup. Henry is nothing special but Mike could be. Will we get the chance to find out?

Thoughts?

[kamakazi_kal]

puff puff give.......pass it to the left

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Am I the only one that thinks Mike Bell with a year's experience under his belt is a bigger upgrade to the position than Travis Henry?

I don't think Henry is bad but Mike is bigger, faster, younger, and has a year in Denver's system. I feel like Mike as a starter is a bigger upgrade over Mike/Tatum committee than Henry starting and Mike as a backup. Henry is nothing special but Mike could be. Will we get the chance to find out?

Thoughts?

I want to foodjack this rediculous thread. That is my thought.

[Hotrod]

Who is this Henry punk???

[philiptr2]

100 post rule

[JWalker84]

Am I the only one that thinks Mike Bell with a year's experience under his belt is a bigger upgrade to the position than Travis Henry?

I don't think Henry is bad but Mike is bigger, faster, younger, and has a year in Denver's system. I feel like Mike as a starter is a bigger upgrade over Mike/Tatum committee than Henry starting and Mike as a backup. Henry is nothing special but Mike could be. Will we get the chance to find out?

Thoughts?
Actually Henry and Bell are both listed at 215. Bell is 3 inches taller and I do not think he is faster than Henry. Henry will hit the hole and is much harder to bring down. I do like Mike but after watching Henry he seems like he will be the guy that can give us that extra edge. :thumbs:

[philiptr2]

Speaking of RBs, I found a good coupon the other day.
http://arbys.com/menu/chicken_shaker_coupon.pdf
$.17 for a Popcorn Chicken Shaker.

[theAPAOps5]

Yep you are the only one. Next

[That One Guy]

I really like the idea of Mike Bell being the underdog, undrafted guy to become the starter and lead his childhood favorite team on to the Superbowl. It's the perfect fairy tell career... that being said, anyone that thinks Mike Bell can ever be described as fast needs a slap upside the head to get their eyes tuned straight. You can argue that he's quick but I don't recall how many times I saw him get chased down from behind. The Indy game I recall in particular where he would burst through the LBs and someone would come chasing him down from behind to catch him. He can get the first 20 yds quick but he doesn't have the speed to turn it up for the rest.

[That One Guy]

Yep you are the only one. Next

LOL Well said.

[cmhargrove]

As the immortal bard Shinehead once said:

"Don't gimme dat,
me don't wan't dat,
don't gimme dat,
me don't wan't no crack, crack..."


I love Mike Bell, but he has to prove he has more gas in the tank to finish off long games, and a longer season. He is, however, our best cutback runner. He made more than a few defenders look foolish last year.

The thing Mike needs to learn most of all is how to block better and protect Cutler. That would give him more playing time right off the bat.

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

I really like the idea of Mike Bell being the underdog, undrafted guy to become the starter and lead his childhood favorite team on to the Superbowl. It's the perfect fairy tell career... that being said, anyone that thinks Mike Bell can ever be described as fast needs a slap upside the head to get their eyes tuned straight. You can argue that he's quick but I don't recall how many times I saw him get chased down from behind. The Indy game I recall in particular where he would burst through the LBs and someone would come chasing him down from behind to catch him. He can get the first 20 yds quick but he doesn't have the speed to turn it up for the rest.

Didn't say he's fast. Said he's faster than Henry, who is also average speed and about to turn 28. Shanny traded your speed to Detroit. I think you guys are overrating Henry. One thing he is, is gutty and low to the ground. He'll do fine, I'm sure - your RBs always do. But Mike, given the chance, could be even better.

[theAPAOps5]

LOL Well said.

:wiggle: I was just being a smart ass but its also the truth. Its ludicrous to think Mike Bell is an upgrade. Plus Henry fits our system to a T. Secondly Denver uses a make a read and one cut system. Its not rocket science to pick that up.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Mike Bell will be the #3 back.... behind Cecil Sapp.

[That One Guy]

Didn't say he's fast. Said he's faster than Henry, who is also average speed and about to turn 28. Shanny traded your speed to Detroit. I think you guys are overrating Henry. One thing he is, is gutty and low to the ground. He'll do fine, I'm sure - your RBs always do. But Mike, given the chance, could be even better.

Last year Henry had a long of 70 yds. Mike Bell's long was 48 yds and that was in the Indy game where he was running through holes the size of Rosie Odonell's caboose. There's no way Mike is faster than Henry.

[The Dread Pirate Roberts]

Last year Henry had a long of 70 yds. Mike Bell's long was 48 yds and that was in the Indy game where he was running through holes the size of Rosie Odonell's caboose. There's no way Mike is faster than Henry.
Nice use of ONE stat to prove a point about players overall.

Good luck getting any big plays because Henry is average speed at best. If he's faster than Bell, you guys have trouble.

By the way, if Tatum starts in Detroit, he'll have a HUGE year.

[vancejohnson82]

you seem to forget a few things about "The Bells"

neither could hold on to the ball and neither could block.....i forget exactly who it was and in what game, but Mike Bell was OWNED...tossed aside like a rag doll before the DE smothered Plummer and actually carried Mike Bell back to the defensive huddle as a prize for his sack

Henry is a more complete back....Bell will be good in spots but he can't handle a full load yet...

and if you think Tatum is goign to have a HUGE year in Detroit, I think you might be huffing airplane glue...when Kevin Jones gets back on the field, Bell goes back to the pine

[Hotrod]

Nice use of ONE stat to prove a point about players overall.

Good luck getting any big plays because Henry is average speed at best. If he's faster than Bell, you guys have trouble.

By the way, if Tatum starts in Detroit, he'll have a HUGE year.

By setting the single season fumble record???

[trampledon]

My 2cents, Henry is a proven 1000 rusher in places with horrible run-blocking offensive lines, he fits denver run block scheme well and can grind out the tough yards, he should do better running in Denver than with the Titans or Bills,
but the big key is he'll do better in pass protection than will Mike Bell, Bell will eventually get there, but he is only a second year UDFA, but right now Shanny has to protect his shiny new toy(Cutler).

[crowebomber]

Nice use of ONE stat to prove a point about players overall.

Good luck getting any big plays because Henry is average speed at best. If he's faster than Bell, you guys have trouble.

By the way, if Tatum starts in Detroit, he'll have a HUGE year.

OK, Mike Bell's mom, actually Bell had a 40 time of 4.63 out of college. Henry was 4.41. I know it's been six years out for Henry, but there is no way he is slower than Bell. If Bell earns the #2 spot, he'll get his opportunities but he doesn't have Henry's ability to break a tackle, acceleration through the hole or vision.

[theAPAOps5]

Nice use of ONE stat to prove a point about players overall.

Good luck getting any big plays because Henry is average speed at best. If he's faster than Bell, you guys have trouble.

By the way, if Tatum starts in Detroit, he'll have a HUGE year.

Well he has stats backing up his argument. Look I am not comparing Henry to TD in any way but the same things were said about TD. Not fast doesn't have that burst, yadda yadda. How much did that matter? Henry is not supposed to be a break a big one runner. He is supposed to be a grinder and a clock management back. Something Denver has sorely missed with Fumbell leading the way.

As for your point on Tatum having a big year. We had said the same thing for years on end yet he always got in the doghouse or was hurt. You say something enough you are bound to be right eventually but that doesn't mean its a trend.

[elsid13]

While I don't think Bell will unseat Henry this year, I do believe he has very bright future with the team. I am surprised that folks on this board so easly dismiss a player. Mike showed to many flash of having it last year to be getting the hate that people seem to be show him.

[theAPAOps5]

While I don't think Bell will unseat Henry this year, I do believe he has very bright future with the team. I am surprised that folks on this board so easly dismiss a player. Mike showed to many flash of having it last year to be getting the hate that people seem to be show him.

I am not counting him out but Henry is a proven work horse back and thus that makes him an upgrade. I would like Mike Bell to continue to learn to read the play and make the cut for the hole. He tended to miss the hole sometimes. But definateley not as much as Tater.

[elsid13]

OK, Mike Bell's mom, actually Bell had a 40 time of 4.63 out of college. Henry was 4.41. I know it's been six years out for Henry, but there is no way he is slower than Bell. If Bell earns the #2 spot, he'll get his opportunities but he doesn't have Henry's ability to break a tackle, acceleration through the hole or vision.

I would say Mike has pretty darn good vision and feet in the hole. He needs to learn to run lower and not try to break everything to outside like most rookie runners. Is Henry a better runner at this point - Yes- but there is reason he been on number of teams in his career.

And it not about outright speed, it about know what angles to take when defenders are trying to hit you.

[Crushaholic]

We need a PROVEN running back (Henry) right now...not potential (Bell). Cutler is going to need offensive help as he matures into the quarterback we all hope he will be...

[elsid13]

I am not counting him out but Henry is a proven work horse back and thus that makes him an upgrade. I would like Henry to continue to learn to read the play and make the cut for the hole. He tended to miss the hole sometimes. But definateley not as much as Tater.

I understand, but I am amazed on how the kid get treated around here. There is a reason that Shanahan moved him up the chart last year. Is there more for him to learn, yep, but I expect him to be quality 700 to 900 yard rusher for us this year.

I think once the game slow down for him and he calms down he will be very effective. I think people forget most of our long sustained drives last season came with Mike Bell in the backfield.

[crowebomber]

I would say Mike has pretty darn good vision and feet in the hole. He needs to learn to run lower and not try to break everything to outside like most rookie runners. Is Henry a better runner at this point - Yes- but there is reason he been on number of teams in his career.

And it not about outright speed, it about know what angles to take when defenders are trying to hit you.

To me, the poor vision was the one thing that dissappointed me about Bell. It seemed like he never found his timing hitting the hole or following blockers. He runs hard but too many times it seemed like he just ran hard into the pile or right into defenders.

[elsid13]

To me, the poor vision was the one thing that dissappointed me about Bell. It seemed like he never found his timing hitting the hole or following blockers. He runs hard but too many times it seemed like he just ran hard into the pile or right into defenders.

I wouldn't say it was poor vision, rather impations (sp?) on not letting the holes develop. Go re watch the AZ game and Cinny 90 plus drive and you will see him hitting the right holes hard and on time

[theAPAOps5]

I understand, but I am amazed on how the kid get treated around here. There is a reason that Shanahan moved him up the chart last year. Is there more for him to learn, yep, but I expect him to be quality 700 to 900 yard rusher for us this year.

I think once the game slow down for him and he calms down he will be very effective. I think people forget most of our long sustained drives last season came with Mike Bell in the backfield.

I agree with you and would like to see a home grown kid succeed. But unlike you I think his vision lacked. Too many times he would not read where the hole was going and then just busted it outside. When he gets better at that then I think he will be just fine.

[Cito Pelon]

Speaking of RBs, I found a good coupon the other day.
http://arbys.com/menu/chicken_shaker_coupon.pdf
$.17 for a Popcorn Chicken Shaker.

Why do some folks try to foodjack a thread? What are you, a spoiled little girl? I guess you figure, "I don't want to read this, so I'll try to ruin it for other people also. So there!"

[theAPAOps5]

The food jacking is to be used only on known and apparent TROLL threads. This was a viable question. But Cito I think we did a nice job at thwarting the food jack and having good discussion.

[Cito Pelon]

Am I the only one that thinks Mike Bell with a year's experience under his belt is a bigger upgrade to the position than Travis Henry?

I don't think Henry is bad but Mike is bigger, faster, younger, and has a year in Denver's system. I feel like Mike as a starter is a bigger upgrade over Mike/Tatum committee than Henry starting and Mike as a backup. Henry is nothing special but Mike could be. Will we get the chance to find out?

Thoughts?

MB may still be the starter come opening day. Henry isn't all that good.

[Master___Pain]

My 2cents, Henry is a proven 1000 rusher in places with horrible run-blocking offensive lines, he fits denver run block scheme well and can grind out the tough yards, he should do better running in Denver than with the Titans or Bills,
but the big key is he'll do better in pass protection than will Mike Bell, Bell will eventually get there, but he is only a second year UDFA, but right now Shanny has to protect his shiny new toy(Cutler).

Great first post! Welcome:wave:

[c_lazy_r]

Didn't say he's fast. Said he's faster than Henry, who is also average speed and about to turn 28. Shanny traded your speed to Detroit. I think you guys are overrating Henry. One thing he is, is gutty and low to the ground. He'll do fine, I'm sure - your RBs always do. But Mike, given the chance, could be even better.


Who's your team?

[cutthemdown]

You can telll just by watching the two players Henry hits holes faster, is lower to the ground, breaks more tackles and is faster. Not sure what players you watched. The one thing you got right is he is younger which makes him a great backup and depth RB. He is also pretty darn good at flying over the pile in the redzone for TDS. All in all Broncos are set at RB for this yr and prob next yr for sure. Hell these 2 may even be able to do it for us for 3-4 years who knows.

[2KBack]

Um...of course Henry is the proven back, he is the veteran and has gotten the opportunity to play. Comparing a 6 year guys resume to a rookies is a bit rediculous. Bell had a better rookie season than Henry though, so let's not immediatly damn him to the loser pile. There is no reason not to believe that Bell will improve at the same rate as any other rookie back. It's highly unlikely that Bell will ovetake henry, seeing that he is in his prime and a damn good back. Still, All we've seen from Bell is his one learning season. It will be interesting to see how he has grown from his first season.

[Kaylore]

Mike Bell will be the #3 back.... behind Cecil Sapp.

Tell the man what he's won!:thanku:

[RkyMtnThunder]

While I havent drunken the Henry kool aid just yet.....

When I think of Mike Bell, I think of a guy who struggled to punch out the tough yards.

Hosting my father on Thanksgiving - when watching that KC game, a few times Bell simply could not move the pile, prompted my dad to say 'The kid is too light' and we know he is 215+

I think he needs to develop some more lower body strength.

That said, I dont believe Henry is a 'bruiser' but he does seem to have the ability to move a pile....at least better than Mike Bell showed last season.

I agree that Mike Bell showed some promise at times too, which is why he is still around and the other Bell is not IMO

Barring Henry injury I dont see Mike getting the starting job

But if he wins it by outplaying Henry - more power to him!

[elsid13]

Tell the man what he's won!:thanku:

Sapp hasn't proved that he will anything but a swing player. IF he doesn't beat out Bell there is a good chance that he might not make the team

[RkyMtnThunder]

Sapp hasn't proved that he will anything but a swing player. IF he doesn't beat out Bell there is a good chance that he might not make the team

I agree. Plus can Sapp stay healthy?

[Inkana7]

I agree. Plus can Sapp stay healthy?

He broke his leg last year. Freak injury. He was having a great season before that play.

[elsid13]

He broke his leg last year. Freak injury. He was having a great season before that play.

If I remember correctly he missed the first 4 games or so with Hamstring problem. I think that Sapp best chance was to be Aaron Craver type FB, and that chance is quickly slipping away

[RkyMtnThunder]

He broke his leg last year. Freak injury. He was having a great season before that play.


Ah thats right - Sapp is the guy who usually gets some playing time when other RBs get injured

Honestly though, dont really see anything here that indicates he is more than an emergency backup/ST guy

(http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=777)


Of course, I never mind being proven wrong when I doubt the abilities of any of our players!

[HitEmCold]

I wouldn't spend the money on a Mike Bell jersey just yet.

[HitEmCold]

And I need to change my avatar, perfect example.

[That One Guy]

I think if Bell can train a little better and get in good shape along with some added experience, I think he can really be good. He showed that he has the potential but he just didn't do it consistently. The Pitt game was terrible (I know the line wasn't opening holes) but Bell should have been able to find SOMETHING and he couldn't. As I mentioned earlier, the times he was chased down from behind during the Indy game also showed me he had something to work on.

[worm]

The Broncos will need both of them before the season is over.

MB will be the #2 to start the season. Book it.

[cabronco]

Who's your team?

I think he's embarrassed to say..