Tatum Bell (1 Viewer)

[Marc Levin]

I defer to SSOG's projections. I'll just point out that, right now, TBell is averaging over 19 carries/game, which projects to 309 carries on the year.

I don't see MB as a GL vulture - just a general carries vulture. I don't see too many 25+ carry games for TB - I think Shanhan learned his lesson from getting Portis injured by pushing near 40 carries.

I also have a higher estimation of his per carry average. I think a continued 5 YPC average is reasonable. In fact, I think that is the kind of average Shanahan wants, and if TB starts to dip in his YPC in a given game, he would be spelled more often to keep him fresh and to keep his YPC elevated.

With TB's ability to bust off long runs at any time, I think his overall YPC will stay elevated. 290 carries and a 5 YPC average is 1450 rush yards.

I guess you are not "down" on TB, but you are clearly not as expectant (hopeful?) as I am for top-notch numbers from TB.

I'll also admit I am probably underestimating TB's TD totals. If the Denver OL plays as it should play, getting double digit TDs should not be that difficult for TB - he'll just have to run where the play is designed to go when the team is at the GL. And he is certainly capable of busting off long TDs - maybe not with the regularity that Portis and TD did, but every so often.

So. I defer to SSOG's numbers - esp. since we match up with each other on fantasy production.

Either way - yes, thatguy, I think the Broncos will offer TB a fair contract. Whether TB and his agent sees it as fair is another question.

 

[jafo]

SOURCE

The turning point in Tatum Bell's NFL career came between two meetings in a seven-week window. During that time, Bell matured into the Broncos' lead running back.

In the first face-to-face with coach Mike Shanahan, on a training camp night Aug. 6, Bell left disappointed but undeterred. In the latest sit-down with his coach, on a Massachusetts Saturday night, Bell became a starting running back with no strings attached.

In between, it was all a matter of trust.

After the first meeting, when Shanahan shocked Tatum Bell by telling him undrafted rookie Mike Bell would become the starting tailback for the preseason, Tatum concluded the coaching staff didn't trust him.

Sunday night, after Bell ran the ball a career-high 27 times and worked as the Broncos' primary back for the first time since being a second-round pick in 2004, he knew he had won over the coaching staff.

"I finally earned their trust," Bell said. "I finally did it. That's why I'm the starter. They trust me, and I really appreciate it. I'm going to make them happy they trust me."

On Saturday night, as the Broncos were making their final preparations for Sunday night's 17-7 victory over at New England, Shanahan told Tatum Bell he no longer would rotate series with Mike Bell, as he did against the Rams and the Chiefs in the first two games. With stability as the goal, Shanahan decided he wanted one primary back and went with the third-year veteran.

Tatum Bell won the job because he didn't go into the tank when Mike Bell became the starter. Tatum Bell, who began training camp as the No. 2 back behind former starter Ron Dayne, continued to work in practice, trying to show his coaches he could run between the tackles and fit in Denver's system. He also wanted to show them he was durable and tough. He never pouted. He kept working. He kept performing.

In the past, when Bell was a backup to Reuben Droughns and Mike Anderson, Bell kept saying he wanted to "be the man." This year, he showed it.

"Tatum kept working hard and never got down on himself," his agent, Jeff Griffin, said. "I think we all saw a kid who stayed focused, learned from the past and really had his sights set on what he wanted."

The way he performed against the Patriots, Tatum Bell again will be the primary back when Denver returns from its bye Oct. 9 against the Baltimore Ravens at Invesco Field at Mile High. He rushed for 123 yards on 27 carries in the win over the Pats.

After getting the nod from Shanahan, Tatum Bell went out and did what the Broncos had hoped he would do when he was a part-time player the past two years. He ran hard throughout the game. In the past, his numbers declined after his 10th carry of a game. However, at New England, as Denver was trying to ice the game late, he picked up difficult yards in the second half, including rushing nine times in the fourth quarter.

Tatum Bell has gained 295 yards on 58 carries, an average of 5.1 yards per carry. He said he understands he must have late-game success, and he was encouraged by his performance against the Patriots. Still the coaches made him promise to tell them if he was tired. He took a breather in the third quarter, with Mike Bell picking up four carries.

"I know the deal and I know the coaches want me to keep as fresh as possible," Bell said. "I plan on being a four-quarter player and a durable player."

If he does, his late-night meetings with Shanahan are likely over.

 

[AcousticNut]

So, do you think the guys at Rotoworld read FBG?

Denver coach Mike Shanahan has decided to go with a one-back system.

Tatum Bell has been informed he will be the Broncos' featured back and will not rotate series with Mike. Though Mike Bell is a talented and promising runner, it's now clear the undrafted rookie was made the preseason starter primarily to motivate Tatum. Mike should still be owned in all leagues but isn't a fantasy starter.

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