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So..is Mike Bell Denver's new starting RB? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter gbill2004
- Start date
dickey moe
Fingerpicker
It's boom or bust with the Bell boys. Start either of them at your own peril.
Revo
Footballguy
Before today Tatum Bell was leading the AFC in rushing....but like David Carr, sometimes a coach has to make an in-game decision to win a game. And what's likely, the media will pressure him into a starting controversy.
I'm not watching the game, but after today's performance by Mike Bell, I'm sure he's earned more PT.
I'm not watching the game, but after today's performance by Mike Bell, I'm sure he's earned more PT.
Mike Bell is the guy for now.
Although, realistically, if he goes through a rough stretch at some point during the next couple games, Tatum could see a string of carries in a row, bust off some great runs and find himself as #1 again.
In other words, the same thing that happened to Tatum today could easily happen to Mike.
An early forecast for next week, though, is start Mike and bench Tatum.
Although, realistically, if he goes through a rough stretch at some point during the next couple games, Tatum could see a string of carries in a row, bust off some great runs and find himself as #1 again.
In other words, the same thing that happened to Tatum today could easily happen to Mike.
An early forecast for next week, though, is start Mike and bench Tatum.
Hellfire Snail
Footballguy
I can't believe people are assuming Mike Bell is the starter now. Do you all honestly believe he will start next week's game if Tatem is healthy?
Floyd The Barber
Footballguy
I would say "no", but a time share is likely back.
A few things that do have to mentioned here are:
1) Tatum Bell has had a heavy load and been beaten down and beaten up a little.
2) Mike Bell playing in the 2nd half, was completely fresh, with no mileage for the last six weeks.
3) If the Broncos go to Jay Cutler, it's unlikely they would want to pair a rookie running back with a rookie quarterback (see Tennessee).
All that said, this would be a great time to buy Tatum cheap.
A few things that do have to mentioned here are:
1) Tatum Bell has had a heavy load and been beaten down and beaten up a little.
2) Mike Bell playing in the 2nd half, was completely fresh, with no mileage for the last six weeks.
3) If the Broncos go to Jay Cutler, it's unlikely they would want to pair a rookie running back with a rookie quarterback (see Tennessee).
All that said, this would be a great time to buy Tatum cheap.
I'm not one for knee jerk reactions but if you don't run more decisively you become the third down change of pace back. Work on it in practice.Don't mind me, I'm just lurking to keep track of the doubters.
GregR_2
Footballguy
Didn't see more than a few snaps of the game, but it looks like both RBs got around the same amount of carries, just Mike Bell was more successful. In other games it's been Tatum that this was the case for.
Is there something else beyond what the stats show that should be taken into account?
Is there something else beyond what the stats show that should be taken into account?
We'll see what happens during the week, but if I had to bet on which one would start next week, I'd bet on Mike. The second half looked EXACTLY like the Mike Anderson/Tatum Bell dynamic last season, with Mike Bell playing the part of Mike Anderson.
elpasotexan
Footballguy
In Shannys conference, he said Tatum told him at halftime his toe wasn't allowing him to cut. I'm a Bell owner (both) so I don't really think this changes the rotation much unless Tater is hurt for an extended period of time.
Tatum wasn't on the sidelines because he was hurt, tonight...he was on the sidelines because he was ineffective. I don't know whether Shanahan would name Mike (or anyone, knowing Shanny's track record with this) the starter next week, but how can you not think at this point that Mike's role in the offense is going to be increased enormously.
Fantaholic
Footballguy
Mike Anderson couldn't look that good on the rookie level of Madden playing against Detroit.
thecardiackid
Footballguy
Working on that needed motivation?Don't mind me, I'm just lurking to keep track of the doubters.
You obviously missed the preseason game between Indy and Denver last year. Search for that game thread sometime.And before you make a joke comparing the preseason to the rookie level of Madden... it was the 3rd game. Both teams had all of their starters in, and were honestly playing. I used the Indy example because it fits, since it was against the same opponent- if you'd prefer some regular-season performances, I'm sure I could find some there, too.
Fantaholic
Footballguy
Dude, I know you're the big Denver know it all on this message board and everything. I would never pretend to know half as much about the Broncos nor would I care to. But, you don't need to live in Denver to know that a comparison between Mike Bell and Mike Anderson is ridiculous. What I was implying was that Mike Anderson on his absolute best day as a Bronco never looked like Mike Bell running the ball tonight. Anderson is a down hill, north-south runner and has never displayed the quickness and shiftiness that Bell showed tonight. Two completely different looking backs. Please don't argue that.
Shiggy Shaol
Footballguy
Can we set up an "Auto Merge" for all the various Denver backfield threads that pop up this week? Don't want to keep the first pace too cluttered, ya know? TIA. 
I think Mike Anderson is a tremendously underrated runner. I think that Mike Anderson on his best days looked as good as Mike Bell did today- I'd say better, but once you get into that whole "unstoppable" realm there aren't really different levels of unstoppable. There's just unstoppable, and Mike Anderson has been it. He might not be as shifty as Mike Bell, but he had a lot more power. There were days when I knew Denver was going to give Mike Anderson the ball, and I knew the defense knew that Denver was going to give Mike Anderson the ball, and I knew that the defense would be entirely unable to stop him. If someone could magically clone Rookie Mike Anderson and put them both in front of me, I'd much rather have Rookie Mike Anderson than Rookie Mike Bell.I remember Mike Anderson's 37/251/4 day, and if you want to tell me that Mike Bell looked better today than Mike Anderson looked when he went for 37/251/4 against the Saints, I'm going to have to say that you're crazy.
That's pretty close, actually.If Shanny had realized a little sooner that Mike was the hot hand and not Tatum, and geotten him 25 or more carries, I think you'd have seen a 200+, 3 TD perfrmance. It really had gotten to the point that you knew Mike was going to get close to ten yards per carry.
...And with Shanny being the honest, straight-forward guy that he is, I'll take that as gospel.
KnowledgeReignsSupreme
Footballguy
I'll just transfer my comment from the game thread.
I think Mike Bell was better RB to attack the Indy D, combined with the fact that TBell had the gimpy toe. I wouldn't read too much into it.
However, just to stir the pot some, since MBell is an undrafted rookie, it would take longer for him to adjust to the pro game (if he ever does). I wouldn't be surprised if this was his coming out party.
I think Mike Bell was better RB to attack the Indy D, combined with the fact that TBell had the gimpy toe. I wouldn't read too much into it.
However, just to stir the pot some, since MBell is an undrafted rookie, it would take longer for him to adjust to the pro game (if he ever does). I wouldn't be surprised if this was his coming out party.
delusional
Footballguy
Shanny does not like Tatum period. Been this way for two years now.
Maybe Tatum ####ed Shannys Daughter and we all just dont know about it? LMAO
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
I'm not sure he could have handled that many carries. He was pretty gassed as it was.
do you always laugh at your own jokes?anyone who thinks Mike Bell is going to be the "guy" from here on out is just slow. switching to mike now will ruin tatum for the broncos. shanahan's not stupid.ETA: besides, Tatum's totally got crabs. Cecil Sapp's mom told me.
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I said before the season when Mike Bell was named the starter that it was a really surprising move for Shanahan. He has shown a history of *NOT* trusting rookies, and of leaving them on the bench for several weeks until they finally prove themselves to him (see Portis, Clinton). Then, of course, when Tatum won the job I totally abandoned that statement. Maybe I should have stuck to my guns a little while longer.Starting Mike Bell from here on out would certainly be in character for Shanahan, given his past history. I still waffle back and forth on it, and I'd still probably rather own Tatum (I think he's got a slightly lower chance of being the starter for the rest of the season, but he'll have substantially more value as a backup)... wow, I don't know. I really need to see what sort of smoke might be coming from Dove Valley after this one before offering up any educated guesses. I just think that that second half looked an awful lot like Mike Anderson/Tatum Bell 2.0.
Garts
Footballguy
I saw in one of your earlier posts that you DIDN'T see Tatum limping or playing with pain. But I think others on here, including me....saw him limping (when he split out wide on one play...he limped off- 2nd quarter sometime) and I saw him a few times wincing and shaking his head as he came to the sideline.He's hurt....and Tatum IS a guy who plays through pain....I think he's more hurt then letting on....he knows he wants to keep the job....but maybe Shanny went with the healthy guy in an important game...?? I can't see Tatum playing this well (leading AFC in rushing)..... to be tossed to the bench just like that.
I saw Tatum wincing, I just didn't see any evidence that his play was suffering from the injury. Lots of guys can play while hurt without seeing a dropoff.As for that whole Tatum's been playing too well to be "tossed to the bench just like that"... I already posted here (or was it in another thread?) that Tatum really wasn't playing as well as he could. Last year, he averaged over a half yard more per carry, and broke a 20+ yard run almost three times as frequently. If Mike Bell becomes the starter, that doesn't mean Tatum would languish, only that he'd return to the role he was in last year. It's all speculation at this point, but if for instance Mike Shanahan thinks that Mike Bell is 90% as good as a full-time Tatum Bell, and that full-time Tatum Bell is only 70% as good as part-time Tatum Bell, Mike Shanahan might decide that Mike Bell + part-time Tatum Bell > Full-time Tatum Bell. Just speculation at this stage, though. We'll see what this week brings.
Lauryn
Footballguy
bocksheesh
Footballguy
Turf toe. It is the lingering injury of all lingering injuries. Has sidelined many a RB for surprisingly long periods of time.
If Tatum was showing signs of struggling with the toe during the game, it may not be a one-week thing.
Don't have either Bell. And not particularly interested in playing Shanahan roulette.
Just my two cents.
If Tatum was showing signs of struggling with the toe during the game, it may not be a one-week thing.
Don't have either Bell. And not particularly interested in playing Shanahan roulette.
Just my two cents.
Garts
Footballguy
Ok, makes sense.I also think T. Bell is trying to hard to be the "between-the-tackles guy" rather then playing to his strengths as well. That could be a reason he isn't busting off long runs.
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I'd be surprised if Shanahan comes out and announces Mike Bell as the starter. He likes to use the mystery as a competetive advantage over his opponents.Clearly he and Tatum have very different styles and defenses will have to prepare for both if Shanny keeps it a secret.
Shooter McGavin
Down the middle
Mike got the great majority of the carries in the 2nd half, and Tatum looked to be having problems with the foot. Tatum's toe injury seemed like it was negatively impacting his ability to cut, and let to Shanahan making the switch. Given his history of going with the hot hand at RB, it seems like they may be going back to a rotation or a complete role reversal from the past few games when Tatum was getting the majority of the carries.
Pnishthm
Footballguy
15/136/2 is a great stat line. But it doesn't do anybody here much good if he hasn't played the past month and he's on your bench when he does post those numbers.
sandlotshrink
Footballguy
Where's the official I hate Mike Shanahan thread? Being a Tatum Bell owner it makes a lot more sense than trying to guess or forecast what the heck will happen over the rest of the season especially when we can't even figure it out week to week - as evidenced by this week. How many games were lost by those of us who bought into Tatum being "The Man"? Was there anyone that actually started Mike Bell this week? I seriously doubt it and even FBG's had Tatum ranked 4th, 5th this week in the cheets? It's simply maddening and only deserves daggers thrown toward Shanahan, nothing else - IMHO.
G-Money
Footballguy
From FBG News Page....................
RB T. Bell Pulls Himself From Game, Turf Toe
Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News - [Full Article]
RB Tatum Bell told Broncos coaches during halftime he was struggling with his cutting and while he could play, was unable to shoulder the load. Tatum Bell's issue is a reoccurring turf toe injury sustained in the game at Cleveland last week. That left the main responsibility to RB Mike Bell. He had 129 of his career-best 136 yards and two touchdowns after halftime. Mike Bell's performance marked the fourth 100-yard game by a Broncos back this season. It remains to be seen if his workload will increase now that he has produced in a go-to role. "I'm not sure," he responded. "Tatum's been playing great, so one game isn't going to overshadow what he's done."
RB T. Bell Pulls Himself From Game, Turf Toe
Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News - [Full Article]
RB Tatum Bell told Broncos coaches during halftime he was struggling with his cutting and while he could play, was unable to shoulder the load. Tatum Bell's issue is a reoccurring turf toe injury sustained in the game at Cleveland last week. That left the main responsibility to RB Mike Bell. He had 129 of his career-best 136 yards and two touchdowns after halftime. Mike Bell's performance marked the fourth 100-yard game by a Broncos back this season. It remains to be seen if his workload will increase now that he has produced in a go-to role. "I'm not sure," he responded. "Tatum's been playing great, so one game isn't going to overshadow what he's done."
faulkfan
Footballguy
I think Mike is the better inside runner, but where I think Shanny has screwed up is not using Tatum in a role that fits him better. I just get sick when I see them trying to make Tatum a power back running bewteen the tackles, he would be much better getting to the outside where he can utilize his speed.
Mike on the other hand seems very comfortable pounding it between the tackles and letting the holes open up.
I think they are two different backs and Shanny would be wise to use their strengths to his advantage.
By the way early in the game I saw Tatum get up after getting tackled, hesitate for a second and look to the sidelines almost to see if they were going to take him out. Maybe he knew Mike was going to get a shot today or maybe his toe was hurting and he was thinking about pulling himself out. Or perhaps it was nothing (this is probably the case) and eh was just looking for the next play. I just remember wondering if something was wrong when it happened.
Mike on the other hand seems very comfortable pounding it between the tackles and letting the holes open up.
I think they are two different backs and Shanny would be wise to use their strengths to his advantage.
By the way early in the game I saw Tatum get up after getting tackled, hesitate for a second and look to the sidelines almost to see if they were going to take him out. Maybe he knew Mike was going to get a shot today or maybe his toe was hurting and he was thinking about pulling himself out. Or perhaps it was nothing (this is probably the case) and eh was just looking for the next play. I just remember wondering if something was wrong when it happened.
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Banger
Footballguy
To me this is why I avoided the whole Denver RB situation. One week it's Mike, then it's Tatum, then it's Mike, and then is it back to Tatum? Now it makes Tatum almost unstartable next week but you really can't start Mike next either. From an NFL POV Denver has a great run game but from a FF POV they're totally unreliable.
packersfan
Footballguy
Yesterday was the first game this season where Bell hasn't been at worst a strong RB3 option. He has been very productive every game until yesterday. Given how it came against a horrible run defense that obviously was a major kick in the nads to all of us Tatum owners. But prior to yesterday's game, there had been no problems starting Bell - especially in flex leagues. Now we need to see whether Mike Bell's big game signals a changing of the guard or if Tatum Bell's injury really is the reason why he ended up being benched. Either way, next week would seem to be the first time all season where Tatum cannot be viewed as - at least - a very good RB3 option. My guess is he'll be listed as questionable on Wednesday and be a GTD. But that's just a guess.
how can you guys honestly be mad at Shannahan? Tatum goes to him at halftime and TELLS HIM he can't cut on his toe. Um, how is that Shannahan's being shady and stuff with the RB's? His starter told him he can't be effective in the scheme they run, so he put in someone who could. People get so caught up in fantasy football, there are real games going on and guys trying to win in the real NFL, nobody cares if he didnt get yards for your fantasy team. The Broncos were trying to beat the Colts and Mike Bell was the healthier guy. I admit Shanny has been shady in the past with his RB's but yesterday that was absolutely not the case.
The next Bronco game is definitely a "wait and see" game as far as how the running back-thing is going to play out.
I highly doubt Shanahan will show his cards. Mike and Tatum will both be risky starts.
Those thinking that Mike has taken the job may be disapointed if Shanny shows some loyalty to tatum for his good start of the season.
Those who think that Tatum was too good to lose his job because of one bad game, may be shocked to see that Shanny is goinmg to ride the hot hand of Mike now.
If ever there was a game to not start any Denver back, this will be the game. let the dust settle and cross your fingers that the right guy is on your roster.
I highly doubt Shanahan will show his cards. Mike and Tatum will both be risky starts.
Those thinking that Mike has taken the job may be disapointed if Shanny shows some loyalty to tatum for his good start of the season.
Those who think that Tatum was too good to lose his job because of one bad game, may be shocked to see that Shanny is goinmg to ride the hot hand of Mike now.
If ever there was a game to not start any Denver back, this will be the game. let the dust settle and cross your fingers that the right guy is on your roster.
