Broncos approached Bears about trade for RB Jones (1 Viewer)

[MKB4®]

Broncos approached Bears about trade for RB Jones

Len Pasquarelli

7/27/2006

In an apparent effort to address a tailback position that features plenty of depth but no proven starter, the Denver Broncos recently approached the Chicago Bears about the availability of six-year veteran runner Thomas Jones, ESPN.com has learned.

The bait dangled by the Broncos in their efforts to upgrade at tailback: Disgruntled wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who boycotted the team's offseason workouts and who may not report to camp when the Broncos begin practicing on Friday.

Denver was rebuffed by the Bears but the inquiry offers at least circumstantial evidence that the Broncos may not feel comfortable with their options at tailback. Ironically, Jones suffered a strained hamstring on Thursday as he was taking a pre-training camp exam and the Bears placed him on the league's physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Chicago officials said Jones will be evaluated daily. Because he is on the active PUP list, Jones can begin practicing in camp as soon as he passes a physical.

The Broncos released veteran tailback Mike Anderson, their leading rusher in 2005, for salary cap reasons this spring, and he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. That left Denver with three tailbacks -- former Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, speedster Tatum Bell and second-year veteran Cedric Cobbs -- vying for playing time. Denver officials have said they are satisfied with that group, but the inquiry about Jones might indicate otherwise.

The top three backs on the Broncos' depth chart have totaled only 15 regular-season starts. Dayne, the most experienced of the trio, has started only three games in the last four seasons and has logged just 105 carries over the past three years. Bell has only one career start and Cobbs has appeared in just four outings.

A first-round pick of the Cardinals in 2000, Jones has resurrected his career since leaving Arizona after the 2002 season and has been especially productive since signing with the Bears in 2004. In Jones' two years in Chicago, he has rushed for 2,283 yards and 16 touchdowns and in 2005 became the only Bears player besides Walter Payton to gain 1,300 yards in a season.

Bears officials said earlier this week that Jones and last year's first-round choice, Cedric Benson, would rotate at tailback. But the hamstring injury suffered Thursday figures to sideline Jones for a few days and might give Denver officials pause about making another effort to pry him free. Jones has two years left on his contract, at base salaries of $2.25 million each in 2006 and 2007, and would like to have his contract enhanced. It's believed that Jones, 28, would welcome a trade.

http://sports.espn.go.com

 

[massraider]

You know, I don't think Ashley Lelie is the second coming or anything, but that trade makes a bit of sense to me.

I don't think the Bears will be able to get much for Jones, with the current state of the NFL. And the Bears could use a receiver.

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?

 

[3nOut]

For non-fantasy purposes, the Bears would be making a mistake if they make this trade withut any other compensation. In FF terms, if this went down, where would you draft Thomas Jones this year? Where would he rank? Would he be the definite starter or would it still be an RBBC in Denver?

 

[Redmanchu]

Calling SSOG !!!!! What gives?

 

[JetsJetsJets]

Does the Jones hammy impact this at all?

 

[lebowski]

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?

WHo would ou draft out of denver then? It would be even less clear IMHO.

 

[massraider]

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?  

WHo would ou draft out of denver then? It would be even less clear IMHO.

You wanna know something sad? I just traded for Jones, since reading this thread (Chris Brown/Morlon Greenwood for Jones/DD Lewis). I have Benson, so it made sense either way. But geez, talk about knee jerk ownership. I'm not immune to the sweet siren song of the Denver backfield. Denver RB's, and the thought of Denver RB's. It's like crack.

 

[wannabee]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

 

[Borat]

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?

WHo would ou draft out of denver then? It would be even less clear IMHO.

Seriously? I'm no fan of Thomas Jones's, but he accomplished more last season than the other three guys have in their entire careers. Combined.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Hmm...not the biggest ringing endorsement for Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne, or any other RB on their roster, huh?

 

[chris1969]

Is this more about getting something for Lelie though? You have to admit Jones running behind that line would be pretty tempting.

 

[Sigfawn]

Hmm...not the biggest ringing endorsement for Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne, or any other RB on their roster, huh?

The Broncos went after Jamal Lewis. They would have drafted Maroney at 15 if they couldn't get Cutler. There's been Duckett rumors. The Broncos have been after a reliable RB all offseason.

 

[chris1969]

Hmm...not the biggest ringing endorsement for Tatum Bell, Ron Dayne, or any other RB on their roster, huh?

The Broncos went after Jamal Lewis. They would have drafted Maroney at 15 if they couldn't get Cutler. There's been Duckett rumors. The Broncos have been after a reliable RB all offseason.

I hear Maurice Clarett is available.

 

[wannabee]

Bears | T. Jones feels he should be the starting running back

Published Thu Jul 27 11:35:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) K.C. Johnson, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones (hamstring), currently on the PUP list with a bad hamstring, feels he should be the team's starting running back. "Anybody who has done what I've done the last couple of years is a guy who should be a starter," Jones said calmly. "I think I was the leader on the offense the past two years. I think I've been very productive despite some of the situations I've had to be in. I've worked hard. I've kept my mouth shut. I stay out of trouble. I do what I'm supposed to do and what the coaches ask me to do. As far as me being a starter, I was the starter the past two years. So we'll see how it goes." Jones called the injury "not serious." Jones' knowledge of the offense is one reason he gave for skipping voluntary workouts. While praising strength and conditioning coach Rusty Jones for in-season maintenance, he also said he preferred working in the offseason with ! Ian Danney, his longtime personal trainer. Head coach Lovie Smith said he talked to Jones about his personnel decision and claimed the running back is excited to help the team. If rushing for 1,335 yards but skipping voluntary workouts drops a player on Smith's depth chart, missing practice time can't help either.

 

[CA_7]

Wow, this says a lot about the confidence Shanny has with Dayne.

 

[Banger]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

 

[a_f13nd]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

I think Dayne would be fine in Anderson's role. I know Dayne is basically synonymous with overrated, hype and bust, but most backs would be good behind that line as long as they could stay healthy. Dayne a big enough back that his health wouldn't be an issue.Bell isn't an everydown back. He's a 10-15 touches, where you hope he breaks one for 60. 25 touches and he'll get worn down.

Thomas Jones is quite tempting, though. Behind that line he's a serious threat to post monster numbers. He'd be the true stud, whereas backs such as Reuben Droughns and Mike Anderson are competent, mostly system backs.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

Maybe is he saying it to light a fire under Dayne.

 

[BusMan]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

Bell isn't an everydown back. He's a 10-15 touches, where you hope he breaks one for 60. 25 touches and he'll get worn down.

I keep hearing this about Tatum Bell, but where is the support for this position? A cursory look at Bell's career stats (only been in the league 2 seasons, so its not hard to do), and you can see that his touches maxed at 18 (twice) in 2004 and 19 (twice) in 2005. I've heard (but not seen) that his production drops off the more carries he gets. But what kind of a sample size can you get from him when he hasn't even touched the ball (rushing and receiving) 20 times in a game his entire career?Granted, his lack of touches can be attributed to two things:

1. He was a rookie/was hurt/had a more reliable back ahead of him on the depth chart .

2. He hasn't ever been given the opportunity to get 20+ touches in a game because the coaches "know better". They simply know with touches 20 and beyond (although they've only ever existed in theory) he'll average less than 5.3 YPC, or perhaps less than the YPC of the back in front of him, or maybe they even think he'll fumble the ball or do something crazy like run backwards or hand the ball off to the opposing middle linebacker.

OK, I'm getting facetious here at the end of my rant, but my point is that there is a lot of talk about Bell not being able to handle the load. Perhaps this is true, but shouldn't he at least get one chance at even 20 touches in a game? And certainly he should get that opportunity and then if he fails miserably consistently then I'll buy into the above, oft-regurgitated take on Bell's prospects for 2006.

Personally, I used to be on the back end of the Ron Dayne bandwagon. With this Thomas Jones news, though, I'm beginning to think Shanahan is looking for another power back (besides Dayne) to run the committee approach with Bell that happened last year.

Obviously, the Denver RB situation is one where its probably best of have as late a draft as possible.

 

[Otis]

Thomas Jones would be an absolute monster in DEN.

Book it.

 

[ImTheScientist]

July 28, 2006, 08:18

Broncos :: RB

HC Shanahan Pleased With RB T. Bell

Mike Klis, Bill Williamson, Denver Post - [Full Article]

HC Mike Shanahan likes what he has seen of third-year RB Tatum Bell, who is fighting for the starting job. "He has a sense of urgency about him," Shanahan said.

 

[moleculo]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

Bell isn't an everydown back. He's a 10-15 touches, where you hope he breaks one for 60. 25 touches and he'll get worn down.

I keep hearing this about Tatum Bell, but where is the support for this position? A cursory look at Bell's career stats (only been in the league 2 seasons, so its not hard to do), and you can see that his touches maxed at 18 (twice) in 2004 and 19 (twice) in 2005. I've heard (but not seen) that his production drops off the more carries he gets. But what kind of a sample size can you get from him when he hasn't even touched the ball (rushing and receiving) 20 times in a game his entire career?Granted, his lack of touches can be attributed to two things:

1. He was a rookie/was hurt/had a more reliable back ahead of him on the depth chart .

2. He hasn't ever been given the opportunity to get 20+ touches in a game because the coaches "know better". They simply know with touches 20 and beyond (although they've only ever existed in theory) he'll average less than 5.3 YPC, or perhaps less than the YPC of the back in front of him, or maybe they even think he'll fumble the ball or do something crazy like run backwards or hand the ball off to the opposing middle linebacker.

OK, I'm getting facetious here at the end of my rant, but my point is that there is a lot of talk about Bell not being able to handle the load. Perhaps this is true, but shouldn't he at least get one chance at even 20 touches in a game? And certainly he should get that opportunity and then if he fails miserably consistently then I'll buy into the above, oft-regurgitated take on Bell's prospects for 2006.

Personally, I used to be on the back end of the Ron Dayne bandwagon. With this Thomas Jones news, though, I'm beginning to think Shanahan is looking for another power back (besides Dayne) to run the committee approach with Bell that happened last year.

Obviously, the Denver RB situation is one where its probably best of have as late a draft as possible.

July 28, 2006, 08:18

Broncos :: RB

HC Shanahan Pleased With RB T. Bell

Mike Klis, Bill Williamson, Denver Post - [Full Article]

HC Mike Shanahan likes what he has seen of third-year RB Tatum Bell, who is fighting for the starting job. "He has a sense of urgency about him," Shanahan said.

there are a number of other topics discussing Bells role w/ the Broncos - tryhere,

here,

or here.

 

[T Man]

Let's all take off our fantasy hats for just a minute.

How would this trade be advantageous to the Bears. For the past two years TJ has run extremely well - and that was when Chicago had no passing game to speak of. He has two years left on his contract at $2M per - which is extremely reasonable. Chicago is a favorite for the playoffs, and they could use TJ in that run - as of now, Benson has not shown that he can be the MAN.

Lelie has great speed, but he has failed to impress as Denver's #2 WR. He is in his contract year and wants BIG money. Chicago already has big $ invested in Muhammad, its #1 WR.

This is not an even swap. Denver would have to kick in something more.

Maybe if they kick in T. Scheffler (TE) this would work - but Denver would never do that as I think he was Denvers 2nd rounder this year.

 

[EBF]

The Bears already have a comparable player to Lelie in Bernard Berrian. They don't have a whole lot to gain by trading Jones for Lelie. Your #1-2 RB is more important than your #3-4 WR.

 

[Banger]

Let's all take off our fantasy hats for just a minute.

How would this trade be advantageous to the Bears. For the past two years TJ has run extremely well - and that was when Chicago had no passing game to speak of. He has two years left on his contract at $2M per - which is extremely reasonable. Chicago is a favorite for the playoffs, and they could use TJ in that run - as of now, Benson has not shown that he can be the MAN.

Lelie has great speed, but he has failed to impress as Denver's #2 WR. He is in his contract year and wants BIG money. Chicago already has big $ invested in Muhammad, its #1 WR.

This is not an even swap. Denver would have to kick in something more.

Maybe if they kick in T. Scheffler (TE) this would work - but Denver would never do that as I think he was Denvers 2nd rounder this year.

Chicago is a running team, not a passing team and their best runner over the past two years has been Jones. That may change this year and the team is HOPING Benson is their guy but he's proven nothing yet. It makes no sense whatsoever to trade him but it does make sense for Denver to inquire.

 

[mbuehner]

The Bears already have a comparable player to Lelie in Bernard Berrian.

 

[ImTheScientist]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

Bell isn't an everydown back. He's a 10-15 touches, where you hope he breaks one for 60. 25 touches and he'll get worn down.

I keep hearing this about Tatum Bell, but where is the support for this position? A cursory look at Bell's career stats (only been in the league 2 seasons, so its not hard to do), and you can see that his touches maxed at 18 (twice) in 2004 and 19 (twice) in 2005. I've heard (but not seen) that his production drops off the more carries he gets. But what kind of a sample size can you get from him when he hasn't even touched the ball (rushing and receiving) 20 times in a game his entire career?Granted, his lack of touches can be attributed to two things:

1. He was a rookie/was hurt/had a more reliable back ahead of him on the depth chart .

2. He hasn't ever been given the opportunity to get 20+ touches in a game because the coaches "know better". They simply know with touches 20 and beyond (although they've only ever existed in theory) he'll average less than 5.3 YPC, or perhaps less than the YPC of the back in front of him, or maybe they even think he'll fumble the ball or do something crazy like run backwards or hand the ball off to the opposing middle linebacker.

OK, I'm getting facetious here at the end of my rant, but my point is that there is a lot of talk about Bell not being able to handle the load. Perhaps this is true, but shouldn't he at least get one chance at even 20 touches in a game? And certainly he should get that opportunity and then if he fails miserably consistently then I'll buy into the above, oft-regurgitated take on Bell's prospects for 2006.

Personally, I used to be on the back end of the Ron Dayne bandwagon. With this Thomas Jones news, though, I'm beginning to think Shanahan is looking for another power back (besides Dayne) to run the committee approach with Bell that happened last year.

Obviously, the Denver RB situation is one where its probably best of have as late a draft as possible.

July 28, 2006, 08:18

Broncos :: RB

HC Shanahan Pleased With RB T. Bell

Mike Klis, Bill Williamson, Denver Post - [Full Article]

HC Mike Shanahan likes what he has seen of third-year RB Tatum Bell, who is fighting for the starting job. "He has a sense of urgency about him," Shanahan said.

there are a number of other topics discussing Bells role w/ the Broncos - tryhere,

here,

or here.

Do you have brian damage?

 

[joffer]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

Bell isn't an everydown back. He's a 10-15 touches, where you hope he breaks one for 60. 25 touches and he'll get worn down.

I keep hearing this about Tatum Bell, but where is the support for this position? A cursory look at Bell's career stats (only been in the league 2 seasons, so its not hard to do), and you can see that his touches maxed at 18 (twice) in 2004 and 19 (twice) in 2005. I've heard (but not seen) that his production drops off the more carries he gets. But what kind of a sample size can you get from him when he hasn't even touched the ball (rushing and receiving) 20 times in a game his entire career?Granted, his lack of touches can be attributed to two things:

1. He was a rookie/was hurt/had a more reliable back ahead of him on the depth chart .

2. He hasn't ever been given the opportunity to get 20+ touches in a game because the coaches "know better". They simply know with touches 20 and beyond (although they've only ever existed in theory) he'll average less than 5.3 YPC, or perhaps less than the YPC of the back in front of him, or maybe they even think he'll fumble the ball or do something crazy like run backwards or hand the ball off to the opposing middle linebacker.

OK, I'm getting facetious here at the end of my rant, but my point is that there is a lot of talk about Bell not being able to handle the load. Perhaps this is true, but shouldn't he at least get one chance at even 20 touches in a game? And certainly he should get that opportunity and then if he fails miserably consistently then I'll buy into the above, oft-regurgitated take on Bell's prospects for 2006.

Personally, I used to be on the back end of the Ron Dayne bandwagon. With this Thomas Jones news, though, I'm beginning to think Shanahan is looking for another power back (besides Dayne) to run the committee approach with Bell that happened last year.

Obviously, the Denver RB situation is one where its probably best of have as late a draft as possible.

July 28, 2006, 08:18

Broncos :: RB

HC Shanahan Pleased With RB T. Bell

Mike Klis, Bill Williamson, Denver Post - [Full Article]

HC Mike Shanahan likes what he has seen of third-year RB Tatum Bell, who is fighting for the starting job. "He has a sense of urgency about him," Shanahan said.

there are a number of other topics discussing Bells role w/ the Broncos - tryhere,

here,

or here.

Do you have brian damage?

leave Brian out of this

 

[CA_7]

Do you have brian damage?

leave Brian out of this

 

[moleculo]

More fuel on the fire .......

Broncos | Shanahan discusses wide open RB situation

Published Thu Jul 27 10:20:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan addressed the team's running back situation on the eve of training camp Thursday, July 27. "Yeah, it's wide open. That doesn't mean I'm trying to take away anything from what RB Tatum Bell's done or what RB Ron Dayne has done or a guy like RB Cedric Cobbs. All I'm saying is where there's not an established guy there from the year before, I'm mean wasn't a starter, I'm kind of wide open at that position."

This seems like a change from the "we will use Dayne in MA's role (starter) and Bell as change of pace".

Bell isn't an everydown back. He's a 10-15 touches, where you hope he breaks one for 60. 25 touches and he'll get worn down.

I keep hearing this about Tatum Bell, but where is the support for this position? A cursory look at Bell's career stats (only been in the league 2 seasons, so its not hard to do), and you can see that his touches maxed at 18 (twice) in 2004 and 19 (twice) in 2005. I've heard (but not seen) that his production drops off the more carries he gets. But what kind of a sample size can you get from him when he hasn't even touched the ball (rushing and receiving) 20 times in a game his entire career?Granted, his lack of touches can be attributed to two things:

1. He was a rookie/was hurt/had a more reliable back ahead of him on the depth chart .

2. He hasn't ever been given the opportunity to get 20+ touches in a game because the coaches "know better". They simply know with touches 20 and beyond (although they've only ever existed in theory) he'll average less than 5.3 YPC, or perhaps less than the YPC of the back in front of him, or maybe they even think he'll fumble the ball or do something crazy like run backwards or hand the ball off to the opposing middle linebacker.

OK, I'm getting facetious here at the end of my rant, but my point is that there is a lot of talk about Bell not being able to handle the load. Perhaps this is true, but shouldn't he at least get one chance at even 20 touches in a game? And certainly he should get that opportunity and then if he fails miserably consistently then I'll buy into the above, oft-regurgitated take on Bell's prospects for 2006.

Personally, I used to be on the back end of the Ron Dayne bandwagon. With this Thomas Jones news, though, I'm beginning to think Shanahan is looking for another power back (besides Dayne) to run the committee approach with Bell that happened last year.

Obviously, the Denver RB situation is one where its probably best of have as late a draft as possible.

July 28, 2006, 08:18

Broncos :: RB

HC Shanahan Pleased With RB T. Bell

Mike Klis, Bill Williamson, Denver Post - [Full Article]

HC Mike Shanahan likes what he has seen of third-year RB Tatum Bell, who is fighting for the starting job. "He has a sense of urgency about him," Shanahan said.

there are a number of other topics discussing Bells role w/ the Broncos - tryhere,

here,

or here.

Do you have brian damage?

I must. The part of my brian that tells me that Bell analysis is appropriate for a Jones trade thread is definately down. Carry on.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

In my hope to recoup something from my ownership of Bell relative to the position at which I drafted him I am always on the outlook for positive signs. I like that Shanahan mentioned him before Dayne in the above quote, and that he has noticed increased maturity and effort. Of course this is merely grasping at straws.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Im glad someone liked my play on words!!

 

[WhoDat]

Let's all take off our fantasy hats for just a minute.

How would this trade be advantageous to the Bears. For the past two years TJ has run extremely well - and that was when Chicago had no passing game to speak of. He has two years left on his contract at $2M per - which is extremely reasonable. Chicago is a favorite for the playoffs, and they could use TJ in that run - as of now, Benson has not shown that he can be the MAN.

Lelie has great speed, but he has failed to impress as Denver's #2 WR. He is in his contract year and wants BIG money. Chicago already has big $ invested in Muhammad, its #1 WR.

This is not an even swap. Denver would have to kick in something more.

Maybe if they kick in T. Scheffler (TE) this would work - but Denver would never do that as I think he was Denvers 2nd rounder this year.

And if Jones becomes a MAJOR camp and seasonal distraction, then the Bears run at the playoffs is at stake. Do not under estimate the impact of the locker room dynamic on a football team. It only takes 1 player to ruin a football team. For a recent example of how that plays out look at Owens v. Eagles. If Jones is going to force the Bears hand and play the malcontent card, then you get rid of him. His trade value is going to plummet, as other teams know damn well what is taking place, but pack him up and ship him out. At this point it is difficult to tell what is and is not taking place but you have to find some irony in Jones hurting himself on the first day of camp.

The Bears are damned if they do or damned if they don't, opinion, with Jones. Keeping him as he puckers and pouts is problematic. Smith could lose some of his players if he fails to act. Smith will be forced to burn extra energy to manage that headache. The other solution is to drop Jones at a loss, while understanding you are not going to get a trade that is anything close to equitable at the expense of keeping your locker room; camp and seaon clutter free.

Sure, that depth is great at RB but at what point is having Jones, assuming he does become a distraction, worth it? You have to establish a walk away point and, if Jones' pissing and moaning is going to jeopardize the season, you walk away. Get what you can and rid yourself of the problem.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?  

WHo would ou draft out of denver then? It would be even less clear IMHO.

Seriously? I'm no fan of Thomas Jones's, but he accomplished more last season than the other three guys have in their entire careers. Combined.

Thomas Jones going to Denver would put an end to all the ridiculous Denver RB threads. Here's to hoping!

 

[Hurler1]

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?  

WHo would ou draft out of denver then? It would be even less clear IMHO.

You wanna know something sad? I just traded for Jones, since reading this thread (Chris Brown/Morlon Greenwood for Jones/DD Lewis). I have Benson, so it made sense either way. But geez, talk about knee jerk ownership. I'm not immune to the sweet siren song of the Denver backfield. Denver RB's, and the thought of Denver RB's. It's like crack.

Crack is right. Last year, due to bye week issues, I was forced to start both Anderson and Bell. Against Philly as I recall. They both went for over a hundred yards and 3 or 4 TD's between them. Can't get me enough of those Denver RB's.

 

[Englishteacher]

at a guy injuring his hamstring taking his physical. What, the hop up to the examining table too high?

I have no idea wehat to make of this but I read a lot more into it than a simple hamstring injury. Guys who want to play and are "happy" find ways to make it on the field, not feign some injury "taking" a physical.

I can remember when Corey Dillon wanted out of Cincy, he missed a game because he stopped on the way to the stadium because he was witness to an accident. Guys who are psyched up to play run over grandmothers on the way to the game but don't stop. My .

 

[Rev]

1. TJ stays in Chicago because if the Bears trade him to Denver, they are in a very similar position to Denver before the trade... having a pair of talented but unproven backs in a system that depends upon the run.

2. TJ stays in Chicago also because he's worth a hank of a lot more to them than Lesly Lelie and a 3rd or 4th round draft pick.

But whoa nelly, Jones would win the rushing crown in a Bronco's uniform, IMO.

 

[cstu]

You know, I don't think Ashley Lelie is the second coming or anything, but that trade makes a bit of sense to me.

I don't think the Bears will be able to get much for Jones, with the current state of the NFL. And the Bears could use a receiver.

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?

And to the guy who drafted him with the 43rd pick in a dynasty league would be

 

[MLBrandow]

You know, I don't think Ashley Lelie is the second coming or anything, but that trade makes a bit of sense to me. 

I don't think the Bears will be able to get much for Jones, with the current state of the NFL.  And the Bears could use a receiver.

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?  

And to the guy who drafted him with the 43rd pick in a dynasty league would be

Would be blood in the water for sure.

 

[Marc Levin]

1. TJ stays in Chicago because if the Bears trade him to Denver, they are in a very similar position to Denver before the trade... having a pair of talented but unproven backs in a system that depends upon the run.

2. TJ stays in Chicago also because he's worth a hank of a lot more to them than Lesly Lelie and a 3rd or 4th round draft pick.

But whoa nelly, Jones would win the rushing crown in a Bronco's uniform, IMO.

agreed on both counts - I don't think the Bears can "afford" to trade Jones right now, and I don't think the Broncos would be willing to meet TJ's contract demands.

 

[fatness]

at a guy injuring his hamstring taking his physical. What, the hop up to the examining table too high?

He injured it running, which was part of the physical conditioning testing. Link

 

[SSOG]

Calling SSOG !!!!! What gives?

What do you mean, what gives? Denver's been trying to get an RB all offseason. They're ready and willing to go into the season with what they have... but that doesn't mean they'd turn down an upgrade if they had the chance for it.From what I hear, Denver feels that a reliable RB is its #3 priority, behind a good dual-threat TE and a nice passrushing DL.

Lordy, what would happen to the Shark Pool if Jones went to Denver?

WHo would ou draft out of denver then? It would be even less clear IMHO.

I disagree. I don't think Denver would trade for an RB just to sit him on the bench or make him part of the rotation. If Denver acquires an RB via trade, that RB becomes the starter. Just my humble opinion.