Mike Bell the first team running back in Denver!?

[blackmonk80]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=5780

All I can say is wow. Didn't think this would happen. Makes me have to reconsider my entire draft status for fantasy football haha. Just kididng. Really though, I trust what Mike Shanahan is doing. Maybe this rookie free agent will make strides. I really like the guy's size at 6'0'', 215.

[Nikko]

Chances are it changes but I hope he gets play time, I liked him at Arizona.

[Nikko]

it'll change, this is probably a message to Ron Dayne's big ***...

Most likely. I'm still hoping Bell gets some play time this season though :cool2:

[low_N_breezy]

Up here in colorado Ive heard nothing but praise for this guy ever since bronco camp opened. All Ive heard from day 1 is how this guy is running away with the job and I wrote it off to local media bias but now I see its true

[DraconisRex]

i've heard and somewhat done the same thing.
Even some media outlets took it as Shanahan just joking with them
as i've read that Shanahan was fond of Mike Bell and they printed it in a way to have you believe he was just joking about it but will have Dayne and Tatum being the 1-2 punch still.


I don't know that Shanahan would be joking. To put it in perspective, Anderson (whom you signed) was more reliable, but less spectacular. Anderson didn't break a lot of big runs, but he was good at being consistent to 3 & 4 yards and why Shanahan, who knows you have to be consistent to move the chains and win games, gave him more carries.

So while Tatum Bell had a great average, a lot of it was a product of quite a few "big" runs and a horde of 2-yard and less runs (somewhat over 50% of his runs). So, while he looked good on ESPN, he also put the Broncos in a lot of 2nd & long/3rd & long situations and Shanahan couldn't remain sold on him as a starting back.

[fueg79]

i just read on nfl.com that Mike Bell an undrafted rookie has moved into the #1 RB slot for the Broncos, ahead of Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne.

[Nikko]

I'm still kinda surprised that Bell didn't get drafted.

I expected him to atleast be a late second day guy. Didn't work out that way though.

[UCBLaxPlayer]

i actually met mike bell this summer at a AiA summer training camp. He's a fellow Christian and came to speak at our thing. :sam: ill be rooting for him. :towel:

[iheartniners]

i have tatum bell and dayne on my fantasy team, one is beched so i could use the starter for points...now this!

i hate you broncos

[low_N_breezy]

...is this a joke?

merged threads

[Nikko]

The problem with Bell (according to Shanahan) is his lack of ability to get the tough yards and score in goal-line situations. I have no idea what's going on with Dayne though, he did well in the chances he got to play last season and he fits their offense. I guess Shanahan doesn't trust him for whatever reason. I heard something interesting on tv today that Shanahan said it took him 3 months to trust Terrell Davis, and he trusts Mike Bell after 3 practices.

Bell doesn't run like a powerback when it comes to goal line situations, thats the problem.. Dayne's probably having a horrible TC or whatever. T. Bells been in Shanahans doghouse for a long time.. and Shanahan gains and loses trust very easily, M. Bell I think can be succsesful for them but nothing special

[Nikko]

I think it goes A LOT deeper than Shanahan starting Mike Bell because of his lack of trust in Tatum and Dayne.

You don't just come into the league as an undrafted FA and start without REPETITIVELY doing some amazing things in training camp, day in, day out. Ron Dayne even said a few days ago, before Bell was named the starter that he wouldn't be surprised if he got the nod.

Undrafted rookies have play very well just to be given a spot on the roster. Which means that they have to play outta-this-world to be anointed the starter before their 1st pre-season game.

Shanahan is probably the most respected coach in the league when it comes to developing RB's, and I trust the hell out of this decision, because Tatum and Ron both played pretty well last season, I thought.

It would be a weird move to go to the papers and name a rookie FA "starter" just to motivate Ron Dayne; that is not the case.

I don't know if he's the best at developing RB's.. I think he's the best at making mediocre RB's look good though :laugh:.

People act as if Bell is a lock to start now for the rest of the time. I have a feeling this will get Dayne down to earth and have him busting his balls for the starting job and should have it before Reg season.

[Fez]

I don't know if he's the best at developing RB's.. I think he's the best at making mediocre RB's look good though :laugh:.

This post I agree with. And so does Olandis Gary.

[craig]

Tatum bell will be the starter eventually,do much talent not to be.Maybe new team in cards.

[Nikko]

Tatum bell will be the starter eventually,do much talent not to be.Maybe new team in cards.

Tatum Bell I have a feeling will never start for Denver unless it's because of injury or they are resting their starters. He's already in the doghouse with Shanahan for whatever reason, and he does not trust him at all.