Another Mike Bell Article

The Hamburgler · ^#1 08-02-2006, 06:14 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?...nfl&id=2537611

DENVER -- Mike Bell's helmet rolling down the field has become a familiar sight at the Denver Broncos' training camp.

The undrafted rookie running back out of Arizona has lost count of how many times he's charged into the defensive line only to emerge helmet-less.

"I need to strap my helmet on tighter," Bell laughed. "They hit hard."

And so does Bell.

The Broncos like Bell's toughness. That's why he's clawing his way up the depth chart. Bell has replaced Cedric Cobbs as the current running back du jour. Bell's running behind Ron Dayne and Tatum Bell (no relation).

Before camp began, Denver coach Mike Shanahan said the position was wide open since last year's leading rusher, Mike Anderson, was now in Baltimore. Gone with Anderson were 1,014 yards.

"I think all of our guys are able to carry the whole load," Shanahan said. "You just have to evaluate (who) you think is the most effective for your team."

Bell has been turning heads for more reasons than just losing his helmet, which he's done no fewer than four times.

"Mike's having a heck of a camp," Shanahan said. "He really has stepped up and been very impressive."

Shanahan praising a rookie doesn't happen often. When word got back to Bell, he was shocked.

"For him to mention me in the same sentence as the other running backs, it's a compliment for me and it's motivation," Bell said.

The chip on his shoulder is motivation as well. He rushed for 3,163 yards and 17 touchdowns at Arizona, and yet 14 running backs were selected during the draft without Bell hearing his name.

"I'm not going to brag about myself but I thought I was a good enough player where I could've got drafted," said Bell, who left the Wildcats as the school's fourth all-time leading rusher. "To be passed up by everybody, that kind of hurt me. I'm trying to show everyone what they're missing."

Coming into camp, Bell seemed like just another running back. Good talent, but nothing special. His only distinction was the fact he wore No. 20, the same number Maurice Clarett made popular last year.

Shanahan was high on Cedric Cobbs, who spent the 2005 training camp with New England and the regular season on Denver's practice squad. He praised Cobbs at every turn.

But then the Bell not named Tatum began to emerge. He proved he was something special.

"They're giving me opportunities so I've got to show them something," Bell said. "I've been working hard, running hard and doing what they ask me to do. They're starting to notice that."

While he's currently third string, Bell doesn't put much faith in it. He's just hoping to earn a job.

"I just want to make it, whether it's special teams, water boy or fifth string," Bell said. "When I've solidified myself on the team, then I'll try to work my way up."

For Bell, this is almost too good to be true. Bell, who lived in Denver until he was 10 years old, grew up a Broncos fan.

When he was in eighth grade, he wore a Terrell Davis jersey so often that by the end of the year it had faded.

"I never thought I had a chance to play for Denver," Bell said. "When I signed with my agent, I told him, 'If you get me to the Broncos any which way you can, I'll be the happiest man alive.' I was saying it joking around. For it to happen is a dream come true."

Bell thought about requesting No. 30 in honor of Davis, but couldn't bring himself to ask.

"That's T.D.'s number," Bell said. "I respect him enough not to wear it.

"Hopefully, I can make a name for myself."

So far he's done just that.

Sorry if this has been posted before.

GO MIKE BELL

BroncFanInPA · ^#2 08-02-2006, 06:18 PM

Another good read, I can't wait to see this kid in preseason

The Hamburgler · ^#3 08-02-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncFanInPA

Another good read, I can't wait to see this kid in preseason

I cant wait to see this kid when he STARTS. Yeah I said it. he has been the most impressive. If he has a better preseason than the rest, I say LET HIM START.

The Dyna$ty · ^#4 08-02-2006, 06:37 PM

2nd string at best this year

MileHighMagic07 · ^#5 08-02-2006, 07:07 PM

he'll be eased in as the starter slowly... if things go sour at the start of the year... then don't be suprised to see him start getting more reps early...

however... i believe tatum will have a good start to the season and hold down the no.1 until he gets injured or starts lagging halfway and then mike bell takes over and takes the job... along with bell as the home run hitter and dayne takes a seat on the bench

DawgFanatic · ^#6 08-02-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MileHighMagic07

he'll be eased in as the starter slowly... if things go sour at the start of the year... then don't be suprised to see him start getting more reps early...

however... i believe tatum will have a good start to the season and hold down the no.1 until he gets injured or starts lagging halfway and then mike bell takes over and takes the job... along with bell as the home run hitter and dayne takes a seat on the bench

1T.bell 2R.dayne 3M.Bell should be a killer rushing attack.

charcoal01 · ^#7 08-02-2006, 07:55 PM

i'm a current university of arizona student and have had the joy of watching bell play for us for the past four years. he really is a great guy and a team player. he stuck around even during our worst years when our program was in absolute shambles, and stuck it out and helped to start the rebuilding under our current coach mike stoops.

i couldnt be happier to hear how well mike's doing in camp and throughout the draft process was really hoping denver would pick him up. he runs really strong and as i guess some of you have seen, really hits the hole, makes his cut, and gets downfield, a perfect fit for denver. i really believe that if bell had a solid line in front of him during his four years, he could easily have been a first day guy. can't wait to watch him in preseason!

btw, i know denver is a little bit weak in the safety department, so keep an eye on our senior SS michael johnson. the kid is an amazing talent and should impress this year.

GIVEME6 · ^#8 08-02-2006, 10:50 PM

His comment about #30 being TD's number shows how much respect he has for the BRONCOS organization and what this team's legacy means to him. I got sick when I saw Santnio Beard wearing that number a few years back. Mike Bell really seems to have his head on straight. Now, if he can just keep his helmet on!

TXBRONC · ^#9 08-03-2006, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLUMMERFAN16

His comment about #30 being TD's number shows how much respect he has for the BRONCOS organization and what this team's legacy means to him. I got sick when I saw Santnio Beard wearing that number a few years back. Mike Bell really seems to have his head on straight. Now, if he can just keep his helmet on!

Mike Bell has been a fan of the Broncos since his childhood.

As far as player wearing the numbers of former greats I don't get excited about. If that's the case then Bell shouldn't be wearing number 20 because that was Louis Wright's number many year ago. He just happened to be one of the best cb of his era and imo belongs in the HoF with Randy Gradishar. Also Walker shouldn't be wearing number 84 since that belonged Sharpe. There are only so many numbers to choose from for each position.

kristian824 · ^#10 08-03-2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charcoal01

i'm a current university of arizona student and have had the joy of watching bell play for us for the past four years. he really is a great guy and a team player. he stuck around even during our worst years when our program was in absolute shambles, and stuck it out and helped to start the rebuilding under our current coach mike stoops.

i couldnt be happier to hear how well mike's doing in camp and throughout the draft process was really hoping denver would pick him up. he runs really strong and as i guess some of you have seen, really hits the hole, makes his cut, and gets downfield, a perfect fit for denver. i really believe that if bell had a solid line in front of him during his four years, he could easily have been a first day guy. can't wait to watch him in preseason!

btw, i know denver is a little bit weak in the safety department, so keep an eye on our senior SS michael johnson. the kid is an amazing talent and should impress this year.

Weak at safety? I guess JL went to the Pro Bowl because he's a nice guy!

The Hamburgler · ^#11 08-03-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristian824

Weak at safety? I guess JL went to the Pro Bowl because he's a nice guy!

Well not this year but next year because Both of our starting safeties are to that age where they wont be able to produce a lot.

JRWIZ · ^#12 08-03-2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB Bronco Fan

Well not this year but next year because Both of our starting safeties are to that age where they wont be able to produce a lot.

Early to Mid 30's is over the hill and can;t be counted on to make plays. This is the same stuff teh kiddies thought last year and the year before that.

Experience has more value than just flat out speed.

NOT getting beat on a route or knowing what to look for on a play mean more than having to recover for being completely out of position.

WABronco · ^#13 08-03-2006, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRWIZ

Early to Mid 30's is over the hill and can;t be counted on to make plays. This is the same stuff teh kiddies thought last year and the year before that.

Experience has more value than just flat out speed.

NOT getting beat on a route or knowing what to look for on a play mean more than having to recover for being completely out of position.

Exactly. John Lynch is a damn good player. He was not burned over the top (according to research done by mediator12) and he was one of the best run defenders on the team. Then, when you take into account all the blitzing he did last year, John Lynch was an asset.

JRWIZ · ^#14 08-03-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WABronco

Exactly. John Lynch is a damn good player. He was not burned over the top (according to research done by mediator12) and he was one of the best run defenders on the team. Then, when you take into account all the blitzing he did last year, John Lynch was an asset.

Duh what do they think he went to teh pro bowl for his looks or maybe his hot wife?

The Hamburgler · ^#15 08-03-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRWIZ

Duh what do they think he went to teh pro bowl for his looks or maybe his hot wife?

His hot wife.

No but eventually age becomes a factor.