Tatum Bell (1 Viewer)

[Kit Fisto]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

 

[UnknownCoach]

Ricky is one of the best RBs in the league. Bell is mainly just a speedster. That makes Bell replaceable. Doesnt mean he will be next year, the year after, or the year after that. Eventually though it will happen. Trying to guess when is foolish. It'll be when Denver finds a complete star running back. Considering how well they have done drafting guys like Portis, Terrell Davis, Anderson, Gary, ect and picking up FAs like Droughns and Dayne, the only reason they'd trade for a guy like Ricky is 1. Because he might be cheap and 2. He's one of the best RBs in the league and they know it.

Denver hasnt contacted Miami as far as anyone is aware. Only had internal discussions of added a veteran superstar like Owens or Ricky to take them over the top after getting close this year. They cant afford both and could be outbid by other teams on both counts. So at this point the odds are still very low that Ricky will be there.

 

[Texasmouth]

Thank you! A non-Super Bowl related thread!

I think Tatum Bell is no more than a change of pace back at best. He might be better suited for a west coast style offense where he catches a lot of passes out of the back field. After watching Bell play at OSU, I was never that impressed.

Ricky in Denver would be unfair in my opinion, if marginal backs get 1500+ behind that line, imagine what an elite guy like Williams could do.

 

[Family Matters]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

This is an odd situation I feel. When they give him carries he posts a 5.3 YPC. Just to be clear, his career so far:248-1317-11 and a 5.3 YPC.

So if he had 320 carries it might look like this:

320-1696-16 based on his career 5.3 YPC.

If I could get that from my RB why wouldn't I put him in a position to do so? And that's what's odd about it.

Now I know there are question marks regarding his ability to stay healthy for a complete season. But you have to give this guy a chance. Who else has a YPC like that? Alexander had 5.1, Tiki 5.2, Dunn 5.1 and LJ 5.2.

My point is with talent this good you cannot hold him back. You've got to try with him before you conclude he can't run a whole season.

 

[Texasmouth]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

This is an odd situation I feel. When they give him carries he posts a 5.3 YPC. Just to be clear, his career so far:248-1317-11 and a 5.3 YPC.

So if he had 320 carries it might look like this:

320-1696-16 based on his career 5.3 YPC.

If I could get that from my RB why wouldn't I put him in a position to do so? And that's what's odd about it.

Now I know there are question marks regarding his ability to stay healthy for a complete season. But you have to give this guy a chance. Who else has a YPC like that? Alexander had 5.1, Tiki 5.2, Dunn 5.1 and LJ 5.2.

My point is with talent this good you cannot hold him back. You've got to try with him before you conclude he can't run a whole season.

Based on the same theory, Dallas gave Troy Hambrick the starting job in Dallas. Hambrick had a 5+ ypc average. Bell will never last an entire season. You are comparing his stats to guys who started an entire season (Except LJ) and Bell is no where near as good as LJ.

 

[Finatic]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

This is an odd situation I feel. When they give him carries he posts a 5.3 YPC. Just to be clear, his career so far:248-1317-11 and a 5.3 YPC.

So if he had 320 carries it might look like this:

320-1696-16 based on his career 5.3 YPC.

If I could get that from my RB why wouldn't I put him in a position to do so? And that's what's odd about it.

Now I know there are question marks regarding his ability to stay healthy for a complete season. But you have to give this guy a chance. Who else has a YPC like that? Alexander had 5.1, Tiki 5.2, Dunn 5.1 and LJ 5.2.

My point is with talent this good you cannot hold him back. You've got to try with him before you conclude he can't run a whole season.

 

[Arm Chair Express]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

This is an odd situation I feel. When they give him carries he posts a 5.3 YPC. Just to be clear, his career so far:248-1317-11 and a 5.3 YPC.

So if he had 320 carries it might look like this:

320-1696-16 based on his career 5.3 YPC.

If I could get that from my RB why wouldn't I put him in a position to do so? And that's what's odd about it.

Now I know there are question marks regarding his ability to stay healthy for a complete season. But you have to give this guy a chance. Who else has a YPC like that? Alexander had 5.1, Tiki 5.2, Dunn 5.1 and LJ 5.2.

My point is with talent this good you cannot hold him back. You've got to try with him before you conclude he can't run a whole season.

The problem here is Bell's production goes down after 10 carries. I read this some where earlier this season. That's why Shanahan was limiting him to 10-12 carries most games.

 

[P Boy]

This is Shanahan. If Bell were a hoss, Shanahan would run him into the ground. For the first time in Shanahan's HC tenure in DEN, he willingly went to a RBBC last season. That he did that knowing his nature, that would lend credibility to guessing that Shanahan does not think that Bell can be a featured RB. He repeatedly used the verbage of the nature of "12-15 touches a game" for Bell.

Bell getting 12-15 touches a game may very well allow him to be a viable #2 RB, but I can't help but think that Shanahan wants a hoss to run the ball. I think he is of the philosophy that good RBs need work to get into the flow of the game & wear down opponents. He is just lacking the RB on his roster to do that right now.

I do know that there has been interest in Williams by Shanahan, but also that it appears Shanahan will sign only 1 high impact offensive FA this coming offseason, and that a stud WR seems to be the priority. If DEN doesn't acquire TO, I'd expect a possible shot at Williams, which IMO would pretty much place Bell on the scrapheap. If Shanahan gets Williams, he's going to run Williams into the ground.

There's also some speculation that Dayne impressed Shanahan with his work ethic, attitude, & production when called upon, and that Dayne is going to get a legit shot at the #1 RB slot in DEN next season. That of course goes out the window if Williams comes on board.

 

[Arm Chair Express]

This is Shanahan. If Bell were a hoss, Shanahan would run him into the ground. For the first time in Shanahan's HC tenure in DEN, he willingly went to a RBBC last season. That he did that knowing his nature, that would lend credibility to guessing that Shanahan does not think that Bell can be a featured RB. He repeatedly used the verbage of the nature of "12-15 touches a game" for Bell.

Bell getting 12-15 touches a game may very well allow him to be a viable #2 RB, but I can't help but think that Shanahan wants a hoss to run the ball. I think he is of the philosophy that good RBs need work to get into the flow of the game & wear down opponents. He is just lacking the RB on his roster to do that right now.

I do know that there has been interest in Williams by Shanahan, but also that it appears Shanahan will sign only 1 high impact offensive FA this coming offseason, and that a stud WR seems to be the priority. If DEN doesn't acquire TO, I'd expect a possible shot at Williams, which IMO would pretty much place Bell on the scrapheap. If Shanahan gets Williams, he's going to run Williams into the ground.

Why do you think this is Pony? I mean couldn't they possibly land Owens and Williams. Williams cap hit would be practically nothing. I do agree they need an impact WR though. Owens isn't much younger than Smith is he? They still need a young talent to break through, but the imediate impact of Owens could be what they need to go over the top.

 

[P Boy]

Why do you think this is Pony? I mean couldn't they possibly land Owens and Williams. Williams cap hit would be practically nothing. I do agree they need an impact WR though. Owens isn't much younger than Smith is he? They still need a young talent to break through, but the imediate impact of Owens could be what they need to go over the top.

Word out of Dove Valley from the beat writers (who are finally competent for a time longer than I can remember in DEN) is that they don't want both headaches at once, as well as the fact that DEN is approximately $30M over the cap right now, so any cap hit - even a miniscule amount - is going to be significant. The word out also is that upgrading at WR is by far their highest priority, and if they could do that they would feel comfortable with the RBs that they currently have on the roster (as well as a low draft pick on a RB in the 2006 draft, I'd imagine).

 

[Kit Fisto]

If you were a Tatum Bell fantasy owner, would you sell high?

 

[FTRWRTR]

Tatum bell is the most overrated rb in ff IMO. Yes, he has a very impressive ypc average but he can't stand the pounding of a full season,

As for those of u who think r-dub will go to denver, keep dreaming. The broncos need wr help more than rb help and the dolphins have already said if denver adds TO there's no way they'd give them williams.

 

[Family Matters]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

This is an odd situation I feel. When they give him carries he posts a 5.3 YPC. Just to be clear, his career so far:248-1317-11 and a 5.3 YPC.

So if he had 320 carries it might look like this:

320-1696-16 based on his career 5.3 YPC.

If I could get that from my RB why wouldn't I put him in a position to do so? And that's what's odd about it.

Now I know there are question marks regarding his ability to stay healthy for a complete season. But you have to give this guy a chance. Who else has a YPC like that? Alexander had 5.1, Tiki 5.2, Dunn 5.1 and LJ 5.2.

My point is with talent this good you cannot hold him back. You've got to try with him before you conclude he can't run a whole season.

Based on the same theory, Dallas gave Troy Hambrick the starting job in Dallas. Hambrick had a 5+ ypc average. Bell will never last an entire season. You are comparing his stats to guys who started an entire season (Except LJ) and Bell is no where near as good as LJ.

My apologies but I will not respond to any Hambrick references.

 

[Family Matters]

Wanna get folks opinions on Bell:

Will he ever get the chance to carry the load? What of all this Ricky Williams talk? What he did in limited duty last year ranks him as a #3 fantasy RB. Will he ever go higher?

This is an odd situation I feel. When they give him carries he posts a 5.3 YPC. Just to be clear, his career so far:248-1317-11 and a 5.3 YPC.

So if he had 320 carries it might look like this:

320-1696-16 based on his career 5.3 YPC.

If I could get that from my RB why wouldn't I put him in a position to do so? And that's what's odd about it.

Now I know there are question marks regarding his ability to stay healthy for a complete season. But you have to give this guy a chance. Who else has a YPC like that? Alexander had 5.1, Tiki 5.2, Dunn 5.1 and LJ 5.2.

My point is with talent this good you cannot hold him back. You've got to try with him before you conclude he can't run a whole season.

The problem here is Bell's production goes down after 10 carries. I read this some where earlier this season. That's why Shanahan was limiting him to 10-12 carries most games.

Well that what I'm not so sure about. They've never given him more than 17 carries to find out. Perhaps he's better after 20 like so many other great backs. And perhaps he's not. We'll never know. I'm just saying I can't believe they're willing to give up without trying.

 

[shredhead]

I do know that there has been interest in Williams by Shanahan, but also that it appears Shanahan will sign only 1 high impact offensive FA this coming offseason, and that a stud WR seems to be the priority. If DEN doesn't acquire TO, I'd expect a possible shot at Williams, which IMO would pretty much place Bell on the scrapheap. If Shanahan gets Williams, he's going to run Williams into the ground.

I respectably disagree. IF the Broncos somehow aquired Williams, it would mean the end of either Mike Anderson or Ron Dayne in Denver. I think Shanahan discovered that the RBBC with 2 backs having 2 different styles actually works. Bell is younger than Anderson and will stay to give Anderson, Dayne, or Williams a breather. Bell is the classic "change of pace" back with a homerun threat that Anderson or Dayne do not have.

 

[shredhead]

If Shanahan gets Williams, he's going to run Williams into the ground.

This, I completely agree with!

 

[P Boy]

I do know that there has been interest in Williams by Shanahan, but also that it appears Shanahan will sign only 1 high impact offensive FA this coming offseason, and that a stud WR seems to be the priority.  If DEN doesn't acquire TO, I'd expect a possible shot at Williams, which IMO would pretty much place Bell on the scrapheap. If Shanahan gets Williams, he's going to run Williams into the ground.

I respectably disagree. IF the Broncos somehow aquired Williams, it would mean the end of either Mike Anderson or Ron Dayne in Denver. I think Shanahan discovered that the RBBC with 2 backs having 2 different styles actually works. Bell is younger than Anderson and will stay to give Anderson, Dayne, or Williams a breather. Bell is the classic "change of pace" back with a homerun threat that Anderson or Dayne do not have.

I don't think I've made myself very clear, which is my fault.If DEN picks up Williams, Bell goes on the FF scrap heap - he'll only be a backup that will get significant work if Williams is injured, suspended, searching for truth in Tibet, etc. IMO, of course.

I think that would move Anderson back to FB duty, since Dayne seems to have caught Shanahan's fancy. That could certainly change during minicamps/preseason.

 

[UnknownCoach]

They arent playing a video game. They dont care about the stats. They have Bell right there everyday in real life. They know what he's capable of.

Fast RBs who get their yards between the 20s having higher ypc than the team bruiser is nothing new to the NFL world. I could name over a 100 of them I've watched over the years. Most of them, you probably wouldnt recognize their name. People screamed for years to give Napolean Kaufman more carries. He was a first round draft pick. He seldom missed games. He had a 1000 yard season. He had over 200 yards in a single game. His career average of 4.9 was considerably higher than anybody else in the commitee rushing game. After 6 seasons of watching him burn defenses, he suddenly retires. Why not make him a featured back? Why did it retire like that? Because he body can only take so much punishment. He wasnt a bruiser. He was a burner. The coaches understood that. The coaches arent playing video games.

 

[zamboni]

Just curious why so many are disregarding Anderson as the main ball carrier again next year. Sure, he lacks the home-run hitting ability of Bell, but was still very effective as the lead sled dog.

And yes, he's 32, but not exactly a lot of tread on the tires for a guy his age.

 

[P Boy]

Just curious why so many are disregarding Anderson as the main ball carrier again next year. Sure, he lacks the home-run hitting ability of Bell, but was still very effective as the lead sled dog.

And yes, he's 32, but not exactly a lot of tread on the tires for a guy his age.

He could be. I think the age thing is catching up with him - it seemed to really show at the end of the year. I also think that he is still a drug suspension risk. You could be right, though.Anderson just seemed like a stop-gap this year.

 

[Sinrman]

I don't have much doubt that Bell will take over soon. Anderson isn't getting any younger, and though he was impressive this year, I don't see them stickin with him more than a year or so longer. I think Bell just needs a bit more polishing before they hand the reigns completely over to him. As far as the rumors of Williams or others coming to Denver? I find them a bit far fetched. I just don't see that happening. The combo of Bell and Anderson worked well this past year, so why mess with it? I think they'll look more towards shoring up a more consistent #2 WR than Lelie, or possibly signing TO and coupling him with Rod Smith...

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

They arent playing a video game. They dont care about the stats. They have Bell right there everyday in real life. They know what he's capable of.

Fast RBs who get their yards between the 20s having higher ypc than the team bruiser is nothing new to the NFL world. I could name over a 100 of them I've watched over the years. Most of them, you probably wouldnt recognize their name. People screamed for years to give Napolean Kaufman more carries. He was a first round draft pick. He seldom missed games. He had a 1000 yard season. He had over 200 yards in a single game. His career average of 4.9 was considerably higher than anybody else in the commitee rushing game. After 6 seasons of watching him burn defenses, he suddenly retires. Why not make him a featured back? Why did it retire like that? Because he body can only take so much punishment. He wasnt a bruiser. He was a burner. The coaches understood that. The coaches arent playing video games.

I'd cite guys like Kaufman, Garner, Barber, James Brooks, Portis and others to make the opposite argument. Give Bell a chance, a real chance, and see if he can carry the load. Thus far all he has had is a freak finger injury and a shoulder separation that he played through. If backs were relagated to third down backs because of shoulder separations Emmit Smith would have only arond 10,000 yards and Dickerson and Allen only around 5,000.Sure I recognize that Shanahan's and Bobby Turner's dumps have more acumen than I. I'd just like to see the proof on the field during games.

 

[shredhead]

I do know that there has been interest in Williams by Shanahan, but also that it appears Shanahan will sign only 1 high impact offensive FA this coming offseason, and that a stud WR seems to be the priority.  If DEN doesn't acquire TO, I'd expect a possible shot at Williams, which IMO would pretty much place Bell on the scrapheap. If Shanahan gets Williams, he's going to run Williams into the ground.

I respectably disagree. IF the Broncos somehow aquired Williams, it would mean the end of either Mike Anderson or Ron Dayne in Denver. I think Shanahan discovered that the RBBC with 2 backs having 2 different styles actually works. Bell is younger than Anderson and will stay to give Anderson, Dayne, or Williams a breather. Bell is the classic "change of pace" back with a homerun threat that Anderson or Dayne do not have.

I don't think I've made myself very clear, which is my fault.If DEN picks up Williams, Bell goes on the FF scrap heap - he'll only be a backup that will get significant work if Williams is injured, suspended, searching for truth in Tibet, etc. IMO, of course.

I think that would move Anderson back to FB duty, since Dayne seems to have caught Shanahan's fancy. That could certainly change during minicamps/preseason.

Thanks for explaining. I didn't realize you were talking fantasy scrap heap. I agree with you then. I just don't know where Anderson fits in if they get a guy like Williams. Kyle Johnson is the fullback next year without a doubt. Would Anderson accept the roll of back up fullback? I don't even know if Anderson beats Cecil Sapp out for that job. Cecil brings more to the special teams table.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Just curious why so many are disregarding Anderson as the main ball carrier again next year. Sure, he lacks the home-run hitting ability of Bell, but was still very effective as the lead sled dog.

And yes, he's 32, but not exactly a lot of tread on the tires for a guy his age.

He could be. I think the age thing is catching up with him - it seemed to really show at the end of the year. I also think that he is still a drug suspension risk. You could be right, though.Anderson just seemed like a stop-gap this year.

 

[P Boy]

Thanks for explaining. I didn't realize you were talking fantasy scrap heap. I agree with you then. I just don't know where Anderson fits in if they get a guy like Williams. Kyle Johnson is the fullback next year without a doubt. Would Anderson accept the roll of back up fullback? I don't even know if Anderson beats Cecil Sapp out for that job. Cecil brings more to the special teams table.

I would think Sapp would be the odd guy out. He doesn't bring much to the table other than special teams play. As much as I like K Johnson, Anderson is a more complete FB. I could see a training camp fight between the two - predisposing that Williams is in blue & orange, which I still have a tough time seeing happen.

 

[Kit Fisto]

I have been offered a crazy deal (one-for-one) for Bell. Dynasty format. I didn't want this to be a "should I make the trade" thread, so if you want to know who I was offered, please PM me.

In the meantime, I really need to know if anyone thinks as highly of Bell as I do. Maybe it's just this sinking feeling I have... the second I trade this guy away, Shanahan committs to him, and he puts up sick numbers.

I've never understood why the Broncos insisted on making Mike Anderson the starter, and giving Bell the scraps. I always thought it should be the other way around. Will Bell's future get brighter as Anderson gets older? Like someone earlier said, I also believe MA hit the wall towards the end of last year.

I do not consider Ron Dayne a threat in any way, shape or form. It's Ricky Williams, a draft pick, or another year of Mike getting in the way...

 

[hofer]

Until tatum Bell learns how to block I don't think he is good at the starting position. Plus he needs to gain some weight so that he doesn't get tackled by a light breeze.

In addition, Tatum Bell as well burned out over the year, his YPC droped from 6.0 to 5.3 because he wasn't breaking long runs anymore, and Ponyboy, Mike's drug suspension was like 3 years ago for having a VERY minor amount of marijuana in his system.

 

[Family Matters]

I have been offered a crazy deal (one-for-one) for Bell. Dynasty format. I didn't want this to be a "should I make the trade" thread, so if you want to know who I was offered, please PM me.

In the meantime, I really need to know if anyone thinks as highly of Bell as I do. Maybe it's just this sinking feeling I have... the second I trade this guy away, Shanahan committs to him, and he puts up sick numbers.

I've never understood why the Broncos insisted on making Mike Anderson the starter, and giving Bell the scraps. I always thought it should be the other way around. Will Bell's future get brighter as Anderson gets older? Like someone earlier said, I also believe MA hit the wall towards the end of last year.

I do not consider Ron Dayne a threat in any way, shape or form. It's Ricky Williams, a draft pick, or another year of Mike getting in the way...

I wish the answer were that easy. It seems as though he should be the starter but as you say, it hasn't happened and the rumors point to it not happening again this year. But it's not out of the question yet.As for a potential trade, IMO-if you have a chance to make a trade for someone that is already a starter and out producing Bell then you might want to make the move. Money in the bank might be better than keeping Bell as Shanny doen't seem sold on this guy.

Lastly, this might be the most clever "Asst Coaches" question I've ever seen so hats off for the cammies.

 

[Traders2001]

Bell is like Willie Parker ( just a speedster )

So if they acquire i say RBBC.

 

[The Dude]

This is on topic and some off. Discussions around Bell have been some of the most ridiculous. A guy plays well in limited action and the FF world begins to proclaim him as being a star and Shanahan is an idiot for not playing him more.

Shanahan sees this guy about 40 hours a week and gets to know him well. The FF world sees him in about 10 minutes a week in playing time. If Shanahan thinks he can't cut it, I thimk he's more than a little smarter than us and knows something we don't.

 

[Sinrman]

Until tatum Bell learns how to block I don't think he is good at the starting position.

And that's what I meant earlier by "needs a bit more polishing." He could learn something from Anderson and others...

 

[Family Matters]

This is on topic and some off. Discussions around Bell have been some of the most ridiculous. A guy plays well in limited action and the FF world begins to proclaim him as being a star and Shanahan is an idiot for not playing him more.

Shanahan sees this guy about 40 hours a week and gets to know him well. The FF world sees him in about 10 minutes a week in playing time. If Shanahan thinks he can't cut it, I thimk he's more than a little smarter than us and knows something we don't.

You make a great point. BTW-when is Clarett going to be the starter?

 

[Finatic]

Am I wrong in thinking now is the perfect time to acquire Bell in Dynasty leagues?Last year at this time his stock was insanely high.One year later and it's just the opposite.I would think now is the time to get Bell if his owner has become disgruntled which in most cases he probably is....

JMHO...........

 

[Family Matters]

Am I wrong in thinking now is the perfect time to acquire Bell in Dynasty leagues?Last year at this time his stock was insanely high.One year later and it's just the opposite.I would think now is the time to get Bell if his owner has become disgruntled which in most cases he probably is....

JMHO...........

If you believe he will be the starter then yes, his value is good for buying.

 

[mlbnfl]

Not about Bell, but a question about the Denver RBs. I have Cedric Cobbs on my zealots team and hes been listed as a FA for a while but now it says hes on Denver(not sure when that changed). When did this happen, what did I miss?

 

[Finatic]

Not about Bell, but a question about the Denver RBs. I have Cedric Cobbs on my zealots team and hes been listed as a FA for a while but now it says hes on Denver(not sure when that changed). When did this happen, what did I miss?

He was signed to the practice squad some time after the season started IIRC.......

 

[UnknownCoach]

I'd cite guys like Kaufman, Garner, Barber, James Brooks, Portis and others to make the opposite argument. Give Bell a chance, a real chance, and see if he can carry the load. Thus far all he has had is a freak finger injury and a shoulder separation that he played through. If backs were relagated to third down backs because of shoulder separations Emmit Smith would have only arond 10,000 yards and Dickerson and Allen only around 5,000.

Sure I recognize that Shanahan's and Bobby Turner's dumps have more acumen than I. I'd just like to see the proof on the field during games.

I mentioned Kaufman because he shared with Harvey Williams and Wheatley. Brooks shared carries with guys like Kinnebrew and Icky Woods. Garner was only featured in pass first systems and often shared with a committee. Sure these guys have had their moments when other backs were hurt or the coaches did as fans like you wanted... tried to feature them. Their careers are defined as being committee backs or pass first system backs. Portis is one of many exceptions of non bruisers who could do everything although he is still questioned about his workload. Barber started as a committee back but earned the full job after other backs failed to compliment him and he worked his body to handle more of the load. Faulk came into the league and immediately handled a full workload. A running style isnt the only thing that dictates whether or not a player can carry the full load. I never stated that. It does however have a lot to do with YPC which is what you seem to think means a guy should play every down. That's video game thinking. YPC has practically nothing to do with a back's ability to be featured. It has much more to do with the team's blocking, play selection featuring that back, and the back's big play ability. The second and third parts of that equation have to do with that back's running style and all around skills. A big part of the reason Faulk and Portis are every down types is their ability at the goalline. An ability that decreases a back's YPC. Of course there is also the ability to stay healthy. An ability that has hurt Bell.

As far as Bell goes... Shannahan has publicly stated that he hasnt ruled out Bell as a featured back while other team sources have said they feel his body cant handle it. While Denver uses a west coast type of system, it does considerably more running than other teams in such a system. I'm not saying he cant or wont be featured. What I'm saying is that YPC has nothing to do with it, your desires have nothing to do with it, and just handing him the opportunity is not only not logical but foolish. Bell has had the opportunity every season he's been on the team to become the featured back. Every year that Bell has been there its been an open competition to see who can become the man in Denver. Every year Bell has failed to become that man. Just giving him the job anyway because he has a high YPC isnt used by coaches because those coaches want to win superbowls, not win statistical contests.

 

[LMF]

Ricky is one of the best RBs in the league. Bell is mainly just a speedster. That makes Bell replaceable. Doesnt mean he will be next year, the year after, or the year after that. Eventually though it will happen. Trying to guess when is foolish. It'll be when Denver finds a complete star running back. Considering how well they have done drafting guys like Portis, Terrell Davis, Anderson, Gary, ect and picking up FAs like Droughns and Dayne, the only reason they'd trade for a guy like Ricky is 1. Because he might be cheap and 2. He's one of the best RBs in the league and they know it.

Denver hasnt contacted Miami as far as anyone is aware. Only had internal discussions of added a veteran superstar like Owens or Ricky to take them over the top after getting close this year. They cant afford both and could be outbid by other teams on both counts. So at this point the odds are still very low that Ricky will be there.

As far as im concerned EVERYONE will eventually be replaced. But do agree that Ricky is still one of the best RB's in the league.LMF

 

[Garts]

I'd cite guys like Kaufman, Garner, Barber, James Brooks, Portis and others to make the opposite argument. Give Bell a chance, a real chance, and see if he can carry the load. Thus far all he has had is a freak finger injury and a shoulder separation that he played through. If backs were relagated to third down backs because of shoulder separations Emmit Smith would have only arond 10,000 yards and Dickerson and Allen only around 5,000.

Sure I recognize that Shanahan's and Bobby Turner's dumps have more acumen than I. I'd just like to see the proof on the field during games.

I mentioned Kaufman because he shared with Harvey Williams and Wheatley. Brooks shared carries with guys like Kinnebrew and Icky Woods. Garner was only featured in pass first systems and often shared with a committee. Sure these guys have had their moments when other backs were hurt or the coaches did as fans like you wanted... tried to feature them. Their careers are defined as being committee backs or pass first system backs. Portis is one of many exceptions of non bruisers who could do everything although he is still questioned about his workload. Barber started as a committee back but earned the full job after other backs failed to compliment him and he worked his body to handle more of the load. Faulk came into the league and immediately handled a full workload. A running style isnt the only thing that dictates whether or not a player can carry the full load. I never stated that. It does however have a lot to do with YPC which is what you seem to think means a guy should play every down. That's video game thinking. YPC has practically nothing to do with a back's ability to be featured. It has much more to do with the team's blocking, play selection featuring that back, and the back's big play ability. The second and third parts of that equation have to do with that back's running style and all around skills. A big part of the reason Faulk and Portis are every down types is their ability at the goalline. An ability that decreases a back's YPC. Of course there is also the ability to stay healthy. An ability that has hurt Bell.

As far as Bell goes... Shannahan has publicly stated that he hasnt ruled out Bell as a featured back while other team sources have said they feel his body cant handle it. While Denver uses a west coast type of system, it does considerably more running than other teams in such a system. I'm not saying he cant or wont be featured. What I'm saying is that YPC has nothing to do with it, your desires have nothing to do with it, and just handing him the opportunity is not only not logical but foolish. Bell has had the opportunity every season he's been on the team to become the featured back. Every year that Bell has been there its been an open competition to see who can become the man in Denver. Every year Bell has failed to become that man. Just giving him the job anyway because he has a high YPC isnt used by coaches because those coaches want to win superbowls, not win statistical contests.

EVERY year??? Bell's only played 2 years and in Year 1 never rally got a shot as we was dinged up in camp. This year, he got beat out by MA.So really 1 year he had a shot.

 

[Kit Fisto]

37 replies later, and no real answer...

Will Bell get his shot, or has his chance come and gone?

 

[2112]

37 replies later, and no real answer...

Will Bell get his shot, or has his chance come and gone?

Yes?