Bell has what it takes to shoulder the carries in Denver

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, August 03, 2006  |  Comments( 6 )

Denver Broncos
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In 10 of the last 11 seasons, the one constant for the Denver Broncos has been an outstanding running game. The team has gotten 1,000-yard seasons out of Terrell Davis four times, Mike Anderson and Clinton Portis twice each, while Olandis Gary and Reuben Droughns did it once apiece. Entering the 2006 season, many are nearly certain that third-year man Tatum Bell will be the next to join that fortunate group.

A former second-round pick, Bell has been an explosive ballcarrier in Denver for his first pair of seasons in the National Football League. As a rookie in 2004, the former Oklahoma State star racked up 396 ground yards on a 5.3 per-run average in limited duty. Thereafter, it was clear the 213-pounder had what it took to become a big-time runner at the pro level.

The lightning quick Bell proved he could be a top-notch performer last year, as he accumulated 921 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on yet another 5.3-yard average. The 25-year-old only accumulated 173 rushing attempts, leaving Mike Anderson as the primary backfield weapon in Denver.

Earlier in the offseason, the Broncos released the dependable Anderson in a cost-cutting move. The team attempted to bring in other bruising backs to succeed the veteran, but failed in its attempts. Since the organization couldn't find a battering ram in the Anderson mold, it will hedge its bets with Bell in '06.

Much like the Broncos' former tailback, Clinton Portis, Bell possesses tremendous speed and an ability to breakaway from defenders. Portis, now a Redskin, has gone for over 1,300 yards in each of his first four seasons. Of course, he, too, was once a second-round pick.

Along with occasional carries from fullbacks Kyle Johnson and Cecil Sapp as well as Bell's backups - Mike Bell, Ron Dayne, and Cedric Cobbs - the Broncos shouldn't have much trouble maintaining their ground prowess this year. After all, the team's terrific passing attack-led by quarterback Jake Plummer and receivers Rod Smith and Javon Walker-has the ability to keep opposing defenses from stacking the box on Bell and his backfield confidants.

This season, the Denver Broncos will likely maintain their reign atop the AFC West division. Thanks largely to an elite running game, the Broncos finished 2005 with a 13-3 record and marched all the way to the AFC Championship Game. That second-ranked ground game has an excellent chance to be even better starting in September, since Bell has almost limitless potential, and the rest of Denver's backs aren't exactly chopped liver, either.

And if Olandis Gary can be a 1,000-yard back in Mike Shanahan's offense, Bell shouldn't have much difficulty.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

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