If Clarett and Bell both succeed

[TXBRONC]

Or any other 2 running backs....

Do you think it would be possible for Shanny to split carries successfully? He hasnt really done it much in the past, unless forced to, so the question arises with an example

Could Shanny say give Clarett 10-15 carries a game, while Bell gets the other 10-15?

I think it would be great if we had two running backs to make it possible to keep the defense off guard. That would also keep both under a lot less wear and tear.

Well if were to end up this way then that possibly means neither is good enough to be the main back.

[BroncFanInPA]

I think the point of confusion is when you said, "if Tater pulls a threatened hold-out like his rookie year." However, you made it clear that it would not happen that way. Just the kind of mistake I often make, that's all.

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I am a product of the public schools, and my use of the English language shows it

Yes, I meant that if he threatens to hold out next season based on a (assumed) successful 2005 season.

[NITROBOARD]

Though I hope Clerrett will succeed I think that he would hold out much sooner than Tatum if they both produce well. That is, judging by his history. shanny handles holdouts very well.

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The topic is the hypothetical situation where both runners have developed into superstars, and at this point in time, neither has the experience to claim that. I would not expect that from Tater this year, of course not. Next year? Not out of the realm of possibility at all if he has a breakout year.

I think the point of confusion is when you said, "if Tater pulls a threatened hold-out like his rookie year." However, you made it clear that it would not happen that way. Just the kind of mistake I often make, that's all.

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[BroncFanInPA]

Tell me that you didn't go there with Tatum! Do you honestly think that he would be dumb enough to Hold Out this year? With all of the competition there is, Mike would say there's the door...and move on to the next guy! Tatum will not be a Hold Out this year! Not if he knows what's good for him. Unless of course he would rather go to another team....

The topic is the hypothetical situation where both runners have developed into superstars, and at this point in time, neither has the experience to claim that. I would not expect that from Tater this year, of course not. Next year? Not out of the realm of possibility at all if he has a breakout year.

[SixxGunz]

Are You Kidding Me??

That's my take as well. Another factor: assuming both develop into superstars, Shanny will look for the team player, I.E. if Tater pulls a threatened hold-out like his rookie year, the decision will be easy for Shanny. Likewise if MC forgets the lessons learned over the past two years, it's hasta la bye-bye. Let's hope they both don't go that route

Tell me that you didn't go there with Tatum! Do you honestly think that he would be dumb enough to Hold Out this year? With all of the competition there is, Mike would say there's the door...and move on to the next guy! Tatum will not be a Hold Out this year! Not if he knows what's good for him. Unless of course he would rather go to another team....

[Invesco]

I still think Mike Anderson has some years in him. If I had to choose between Bell and Clarett to run the ball, I would have to choose Bell. He isn't a rookie any more. Mike Anderson has proven himself. He has showed everyone he can run the ball for 1500 yards. I haven't seen that from Bell yet. I would use Bell as a 3rd down back. He can run when Mike Anderson gets exhausted. Clarett can be on the special teams, until he finds his groove on running the ball. Ron Dayne will be the 4th stringer. He will get at least 5 carries. Whoever runs the ball better get some yards for us. Thats all that matters. As long as the running back can get some mega yardage, i'm satisfied.

[SixxGunz]

Or any other 2 running backs....

Do you think it would be possible for Shanny to split carries successfully? He hasnt really done it much in the past, unless forced to, so the question arises with an example

Could Shanny say give Clarett 10-15 carries a game, while Bell gets the other 10-15?

I think it would be great if we had two running backs to make it possible to keep the defense off guard. That would also keep both under a lot less wear and tear.

That is a great idea....and I would love to see it! And depending on the down, and the situation on the clock and score board....maybe we could have both backs in on the same play......confusing the "D" even more!

[Ravage!!!]

Well, naturally in the long run all of them will be traded or cut. Shanahan isn't going to pay any RB in the Broncos system top $$. Portis tried and got traded. The next guy who rushes for 1500 yards will start thinking about how he should have an elite back contract for $20-$30 million. Then he'll be gone to some other team.

As long as Shanahan can keep finding backs who can start and do well in his system, he'd be a fool to pay big $ to a RB! Just keep drafting rookies every couple of years and keep plugging them in as the old ones leave.

He's done it successfully for the last 5 years, so why change? So who's ever the start this year (Bell, Anderson, Clarett, Dayne, Q, the ball-boy), there's a good chance they'll be gone in the next year or two.

Not true. He was willing, and DID give Davis a big contract. Portis is GONE because he threatened to hold out for TOP (best in the NFL money) while still under contract for two more years. If you find a super star RB, then you KEEP him. I think that coaching staff could easily compare portis to Davis, and saw that portis wasn't as good as HE thought he was. Knew his personality in the locker room and on the practice field... and could see that portis was NO class act. He was a punk that was demanding more money early. They didn't want that type of example and person in the locker room. If you find a "Terrell Davis" again.. I would BET they would reward him with contract.

[BroncFanInPA]

Oh, I agree with you on MC. I was playing on the hypothesis that both Bell and MC fulfill their respective potentials and become superstars (which is possible, IMO, else I wouldn't even bother to type this out). How would we then keep both? MC will no longer be making 4th round money at that point, that's for sure. One would have to go. At this point, under that assumption, I don't believe it would be MC. He is more of the downhill type runner that fits into the Broncos offensive schemes.

That's my take as well. Another factor: assuming both develop into superstars, Shanny will look for the team player, I.E. if Tater pulls a threatened hold-out like his rookie year, the decision will be easy for Shanny. Likewise if MC forgets the lessons learned over the past two years, it's hasta la bye-bye. Let's hope they both don't go that route

[Bellthebest]

i dont think the splitting is gunna work either.......look what heppened last year with droughns and bell.....it worked, but not as well as one featuered back.... i say give it to just one of them

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The reasoning behind my comment is I think Anderson costs too much for what his role might be if he doesn't start. You are correct that he might be too old, but he has the skills to play fullback & halfback, which I feel is definitely a plus. And I just can't see Shanny trading a guy away that was projected a year ago to be a high first round pick...that wound up making 4th round money. But if MC starts whining about his playing time and/or contract, I guess I could see him playing somewhere else.

Oh, I agree with you on MC. I was playing on the hypothesis that both Bell and MC fulfill their respective potentials and become superstars (which is possible, IMO, else I wouldn't even bother to type this out). How would we then keep both? MC will no longer be making 4th round money at that point, that's for sure. One would have to go. At this point, under that assumption, I don't believe it would be MC. He is more of the downhill type runner that fits into the Broncos offensive schemes. (I would say just as TD was, but then someone would pop up and say I am crowning him the next TD. I will say though, that MC is faster than was TD.) MC, as I mentioned elsewhere, is a supremely gifted runner, and someone from camp said he may have the best hands among the RBs.

No, I think other teams would be looking at Bell's speed. That's fine. While Barry Sanders was piling up records, a much slower TD was simply leading us to the Super Bowl. I could live with that, couldn't you?

Does that make sense?

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Similar to

Or any other 2 running backs....

Do you think it would be possible for Shanny to split carries successfully? He hasnt really done it much in the past, unless forced to, so the question arises with an example

Could Shanny say give Clarett 10-15 carries a game, while Bell gets the other 10-15?

I think it would be great if we had two running backs to make it possible to keep the defense off guard. That would also keep both under a lot less wear and tear.

Shanahan has stated he likes to have a primary RB, because he believes very much in the concept that you ride a RB much like a horse. He has never been a Coach to go to the Runningback by Committee thing....

The closest thing you have seen to that effect was late last year with Tatum and Droughns splitting carries....

If Clarett has the goods, you might see something similar to that....


But I think it comes down to Tater....if he turns into a Portis-like back....Shanahan will ride him.

[broncosfan247]

But then, we're still stuck with two superstars (in the hypothetical case the do become so). And MA isn't good trade bait now. Too old. And, as Duane suggested, there is a glut of RBs right now.

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The reasoning behind my comment is I think Anderson costs too much for what his role might be if he doesn't start. You are correct that he might be too old, but he has the skills to play fullback & halfback, which I feel is definitely a plus. And I just can't see Shanny trading a guy away that was projected a year ago to be a high first round pick...that wound up making 4th round money. But if MC starts whining about his playing time and/or contract, I guess I could see him playing somewhere else.

[topscribe]

so do I...but not Clarrett. I think Mike Anderson is our trade bait.

But then, we're still stuck with two superstars (in the hypothetical case they do become so). And MA isn't good trade bait now. Too old. And, as Duane suggested, there is a glut of RBs right now.

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