Shanahan runs reverse with running back Bell
Traded in 2007, former starter will provide depth
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published November 11, 2008 at 11:29 a.m.
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Photo by Chris Schneider / The Rocky/2005
Running back Tatum Bell scores against Philadelphia on his way to rushing for 1,025 yards for the Broncos in 2005. Coach Mike Shanahan questioned Bell's ability to handle the load of a starting running back, and the Broncos traded him to the Lions in 2007.
Is Tatum Bell the answer for the Broncos at running back?
After bypassing five of the six running backs who worked out Monday and shoving others, such as former Steelers back Najeh Davenport, off their list, the Broncos dipped into their past Tuesday.
They signed Tatum Bell to add some depth to their injured backfield, a day after signing Alex Haynes out of a group of six backs who had worked out at their Dove Valley complex.
Bell, who worked out with the Texans earlier this season, has been awaiting a call since being released by the Detroit Lions in September.
The fifth-year back was a second-round pick by the Broncos in 2004 and was in and out of the starting lineup in his three seasons with the team.
He had been traded, with former Broncos tackle George Foster, to the Lions before the 2007 season in the deal that brought cornerback Dre Bly to Denver.
Bell rushed for 1,025 yards in 2006 for the Broncos after recording 921 yards and eight rushing touchdowns the previous sea-
son.
Bell played in five games for the Lions last season, carrying only 44 times in former Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense.
The Broncos have put three running backs - Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain - on injured reserve during the past week.
And Selvin Young still is not fully recovered from a groin injury that kept him out of three games and limited him to one carry against the Browns on Thursday.
Young did not practice Monday, and fullback Peyton Hillis, who had eight carries against the Browns, is working some at running back.
The Broncos also plan to use Haynes, who has played fullback in his career, at the running back position.
In his time with the Broncos, Bell always professed his desire to be the team's No. 1 back.
But Broncos coach Mike Shanahan repeatedly said he considered Bell a "10-to-15-carry-a- game" player.
Bell missed three games in 2006 because of a toe injury, one game in 2005 with a chest injury and two games in 2004 because of rib and hamstring injuries.
Last season, while discussing the idea of splitting carries among backs, Shanahan said:
"Then there are some guys who keep getting hurt. You say, 'Whoa' and take a second look. Like Tatum Bell, I always said he was 10 to 15 times a game. Once you got to 20, you know, he wasn't effective anymore because he lost his speed.
"But it's a tough job, will always be a tough job, and more than likely, it's going to take more than one person to do it."
Bell's NFL career
| Year | Team | Games | Starts | Carries | Yards | Avg. | Long | TD |
| 2007 | Lions | 5 | 5 | 44 | 182 | 4.1 | 24 | 1 |
| 2006 | Broncos | 13 | 13 | 233 | 1,025 | 4.4 | 51 | 2 |
| 2005 | Broncos | 15 | 1 | 173 | 921 | 5.3 | 68 | 8 |
| 2004 | Broncos | 14 | 0 | 75 | 396 | 5.3 | 29 | 3 |
| Totals | 47 | 19 | 525 | 2,524 | 4.8 | 68 | 14 |
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Broncos cheerleaders
November 11, 2008
11:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
The_KIMN_Chicken writes:
It's a good move, the guy has talent, no he won't be the difference maker but it's a good stop gap.
And now cue all the lame jokes about stealing luggage. The internet comedians are sooooooo funny.
November 11, 2008
11:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
Willy writes:
Was he cut by the cell phone company at the Aurora Mall for fumbling too many phones?
November 11, 2008
11:59 a.m.
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denmex writes:
at this point off the season tatum looks like a good move to complement hillis power whith his spead.
November 11, 2008
12:01 p.m.
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drfractal writes:
everyone better watch their luggage on the way to atlanta!
November 11, 2008
12:02 p.m.
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myshkin writes:
Oh NO!!! I'd take Mike Bell 100 times out of 100. I just threw up in my mouth.
November 11, 2008
12:24 p.m.
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maverick7 writes:
Tatum "I fall down as soon as I am touched" Bell!! I agree, wrong Bell. Where is Mike Bell?
I guess just because he is working out doesn't mean he will be signed.
November 11, 2008
12:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyMts69 writes:
This is definately a good move on Denvers part. We need to get the running game established, and hopefully with Hillis it'll make a nice one-two punch for the offense. It's great that Cutler is putting up some numbers with the passing game, but eventually, if you live by the pass you will die by pass.
November 11, 2008
12:26 p.m.
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CGreen writes:
Its not fair to say he comes with a lot of baggage because most of it isn't his....
November 11, 2008
12:30 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
good job CGreen, I like it. I think we need to Bell "Bellhop" instead of the mailman, because he carries the luggage instead of the mail.
November 11, 2008
12:32 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
Sorry or call him "Bellboy"
November 11, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
Mike Bell had an attitude problem that is why they didnt bring him back. Tatum has proven when he was a Bronco he can break big plays and the Broncos havent had that since he left.
November 11, 2008
12:44 p.m.
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philvysor writes:
Not a bad move, Tatum if i remember right his 1st 2 years averaged @5.0 yrds per carry and had over 1,000 yards for the years. Now IF your Broncos could find a defense it would be a average team.
November 11, 2008
12:47 p.m.
Suggest removal
JCut6JElway7 writes:
In times of trouble ya gotta go with what ya know... and T. Bell at least is familiar with the Broncos System and how Coach works. I will take T. Bell over M. Bell anyday... In a perfect world we would have none of them... but I agree that Hillis and Bell could be a nice 1-2 punch. And it makes Atlanta have to go into the archives and prepare for how Bell played when he was here taking away prep time for gameplanning against the pass. History shows that you don't win Championships by passing... but history is meant to be changed. BANG!
November 11, 2008
1:09 p.m.
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The_Man writes:
Tatum Bell,
Hell yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 11, 2008
1:49 p.m.
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CGreen writes:
OK...so lets guess who will be next...T. Bell hasn't played in a game since last year, so he'll probably pull a hammy his first carry.
Mike Bell next?
Anyone else named "Bell" available after that?
How old is Orlandis Gary these days?
Is the Ex-Marine, Anderson on anybody's roster?
Let's hope Pope can 'lope. (tote the cantelope)
Trying to stay positive...I can't wait for April.
November 11, 2008
2:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
philvysor writes:
CGREEN, Denver has had 4 RB with the last name Bell: Henry, Ken, Tatum and Mike. Pick your poision.
November 11, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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CJT17 writes:
Good stuff!!! Any chance we can send Bly back and call it even?
November 11, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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TIMMAH writes:
I think Tatum is going to realize that this is his very last chance at a professional football career. He is going to play like a mad-man and try to put himself in a position to be the starter once again. As long as he doesn't fumble, I can easily see him taking Hall's spot next year.
November 11, 2008
3:13 p.m.
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kdubya writes:
Mike Bell isn't anywhere after he was cut by Houston. He's proven he can play and isn't a tool box, why not sign him?
November 11, 2008
3:23 p.m.
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discer writes:
There has always been some talent there. Maybe now he will have the desire which is almost as important.
November 11, 2008
3:39 p.m.
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60s4ever writes:
What about Cecil Sapp?
November 11, 2008
3:46 p.m.
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RustyWon writes:
Cecil is a Houston Texan.
Tatum won't be the answer, but what the heck. Can't hurt.
We'll need to throw every down like AZ did last night.
How about Eddie Royal in the wildcat formation?
That would be pretty cool.
November 11, 2008
3:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
chip writes:
OTIS?
Mr. Armstrong?
paging Otis Armstrong...
November 11, 2008
4:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyMts69 writes:
I like your idea about the wildcat formation RW...excellent idea!
But Denvers 'D' needs to come up with some different blitz packages and stay in Matt Ryans face all day long. Make him wish he would have never left the locker room...
November 11, 2008
4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
tdcolorado writes:
Maybe Tatum O'Neal would be harder to tackle. I heard she's out of jail now.
November 11, 2008
4:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
royalmarshalls writes:
RustyWon i like the idea of running Fast Eddie in this, i think is retarded mind you, wildcat formation, that seems to work more than not. Oh and Willy your comment about Tatum being cut by the cell phone company at the Aurora Mall for fumbling too many phones was hilarious! lol! Oh how we love to make fun of these guys when they make smooth decisions. I think, as much as I was frustrated many times by Bell, that he may realize he is being given another chance, hopefully causing him to perform at the very least, a respectable level. Atlanta is gonna be a tough team, but I think we can pull it off if Jay plays like he did against Cleveland during the second half. GO BRONCOS!
November 11, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
CGreen writes:
April 2009.....
Bronco's get a GM and Director of Player Personnel.
Bronco's find the next Albert Haynesworth, Ray Lewis, Lawrence Taylor, Steve Atwater and Walter Payton - all in the draft.
Dumersville grows 5 inches, Boss becomes as good as Champ, J.Moss inexplicably developes into Julius Peppers. B-Marsh grows up.
Bronco's and fan's live happily ever after!
"Puff the magic Dragon, lived by the sea......."
November 11, 2008
4:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
spd writes:
they should have waived D(rops) Jackson instead of Glenn Martinez
November 11, 2008
4:40 p.m.
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Roymance writes:
As long as he waits to the last game of the season, while playing for a playoff spot, to fumble like 6 times then he is ok. The desperation is getting paranormal out here.
November 11, 2008
4:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
nmbronco1 writes:
Don't any of you remember how many long runs Tatum Bell had when he was a Bronco? Tatum Bell does have some break-away speed and decent running skills. He went into Mike Shanahan's doghouse because of some fumbles, but I don't remember him doing anything like Andre Hall did against New England. At least Tatum knows the system, and he should be a hungry running back with fresh legs. Here's hoping he can do the job!
November 11, 2008
5:05 p.m.
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shesgotthejack writes:
Who cares!! Get rid of Shanahan!
November 11, 2008
5:36 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Hah! Did Nuggets217 and myself call it, or what? We said bring Tatum Bell back and that he was a FA and familiar with the system and could make an immediate impact. Sometimes I simply amaze myself (just kidding around).
shesgotthejack, go back to your bottle of Jack.
spd, I agree. D Jackson has not done anything for us. Martinez plays with heart and has some speed. Bad move, there.
TIMMAH, agreed. He needs to come in hungry and with a chip on his shoulder. Something to prove, to himself, the team, and to the fans. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 11, 2008
7:34 p.m.
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Oklahoma22 writes:
dang it, I am telling you, Marcus Dupree is the man for the job.
November 11, 2008
8:19 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Oklahoma22, Marcus is 44 years old? I don't think you can be serious so I'll leave that as a joke. Either that, or cut back on your meds (jk).
November 11, 2008
8:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Broncos4Life1 writes:
At least we know what the Broncos did this week while looking for a running back. They searched the malls like any GM of a NFL team would do and then they signed a guy that last played football last year. Right about now they are probably trying to figure out a way to sew a handle on the ball so our new(old) RB doesn't leave the ball behind everytime he runs into the pile. I agree with cutting Jackson and keeping Martinez. At least Martinez gives you an option returning punts so Royal does'nt get hurt unnecessarily. Now how about returning Dre Bly and Boss Bailey to Detroit! Letting those guys leave Detroit was the only decent personnel move Matt Millen made in all the time he was there!
November 11, 2008
9:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dunc1067 writes:
Check out more on Broncos Tatum Bell pick up...
http://www.examiner.com/x-1618-Denver...
"Broncos sign humbled Tatum Bell"
November 11, 2008
10:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
zippy66 writes:
Next week...Maurice Clarett!
November 11, 2008
11:31 p.m.
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Hillandale writes:
Now, that's a set of comments worth staying up for! Hasn't been much entertainment value in them lately.... And yeah, I'd favor Martinez over Jackson. Returns punts vs. drops passes. Simple.
November 12, 2008
12:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
golfdoc writes:
i'm sorry to see glenn martinez waived yet again. he has always displayed professionalism whether he was catching passes or returning punts. hopefully he'll be back with the team!
November 12, 2008
3:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
carryBIGstick writes:
If this team cannot run the ball, the Chargers will win this division. Even if the Broncos win this division, they will go nowhere in the playoffs due to their horrible defense.
However, Winning the division would be a nice stepping stone for the future.
November 12, 2008
5:03 a.m.
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jr_mcmillin writes:
Good move, Bell knows the system and his legs are fresh. He must be in good shape, otherwise he wouldn't be on the roster. I'm still hoping Hillis has a great game as the starter. This will be a good game to see.
November 12, 2008
7:08 a.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
Derek Loville. No, lets bring Terrell back. I'm sure those knees are healed by now.
November 12, 2008
7:56 a.m.
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BroncoDan writes:
Cecil "The Diesel" is with Houston? didn't know that...how come Houston picks up all our "castoffs"? Can we trade Shanny for Kubiak?
November 12, 2008
8:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncFanFl writes:
Hmmm. The injury bug bit again for this year's Broncos. Ryan Torrain out for the season over an ACL? Damn....
I'm sure you guys know all that latest news as I've not been reading it for a while. And now from what I am understanding, the defense has to change to the backup players who are proving they play better than those starters.
What up with this?
They were that way in the pre-season. Spencer Larsen played with spunk. The other guy was a solid hitter too. Well, when the analysis comes in I do have a question on who is in charge of player assignments.
November 12, 2008
9:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
ShowMe writes:
..."He had been traded, with former Broncos tackle George Foster, to the Lions before the 2007 season in the deal that brought cornerback Dre Bly to Denver."
Does this mean we can give Dre back to the Lions?
November 12, 2008
10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Colorado69 writes:
Hillbilly is an accurate name for someone with more "goat" sense than football knowledge. Giving T. Bell a chance can't hurt. I'm sure they signed him for a minimum. It is more important that the young guys on defense continue to step up.