Like all bells, Tatum Bell is better when used not incessantly but once in a while.
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has confounded stat hounds this season because he gives more carries to Mike Anderson (16.7 per game) than Bell (10.7 per game) even though Bell averages 6.3 yards per rush attempt while Anderson is at 4.5 yards.
But Shanahan reasons Bell is able to pop the big run when it becomes available because his legs are kept fresh. A deeper look into Bell’s stats supports his limited use: In carries one through 10, Bell is averaging an astounding 7.6 yards. But in carries 11 through 16, he averages a mere 2.2 yards.
Anderson’s greatest productivity, meanwhile, comes in carries 16 through 20, where he’s averaging 5.5 yards.
To wit: There is a time to grind (Anderson) and a time to sprint (Bell). Together, Anderson and Bell are on pace for a 2,266 yards entering Game 10 on Sunday against the New York Jets at Invesco Field at Mile High. That’s enough yards to keep everybody happy.
“It’s in the back of my mind, me and Mike, of both getting over 1,000 apiece,” Bell said.
Fast learner
The 80-yard interception return for a touchdown at Oakland by Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was set up by the predictability of the Raiders’ formation. Williams knew from film study where quarterback Kerry Collins was going to throw based on the Raiders’ bunching two receivers in a split set.
“They try to get us to bunch inside so they can throw outside,” Williams said. “So I just cheated outside.”
He had the ball picked off the second it left Collins’ hand.
“This whole game is about recognition, because everybody has talent,” Shanahan said. “But the guys that study, the guys that know what’s going to happen before it happens, those are the Pro Bowl players.”
Teach, your children well
Continuing to follow his Friday habit, Shanahan was setting aside time to read his mail from Broncos fans when he heard his secretary, Cindi Lowe, laughing from just outside the office.
Lowe had just read a letter from an elementary school student named Jeri. Shanahan liked it so much, he shared it with the media Monday. Jeri wrote: “My teacher likes the Broncos so much that this kid in my class wore a Raiders jersey once and got in trouble. My teacher told him to write ‘I love Broncos’ on the board 20 times and he wrote ‘I love Raiders,’ and then he had to clean one big desk and go to the other teachers’ rooms and clean trash off the floor. I am your second-biggest fan.”
Footnotes
The right tackle rotation of George Foster and Cornell Green continued for a second consecutive game against the Raiders. And no, the rotation is no longer about protecting Foster’s injured left knee. “I think George’s knee is fine,” Shanahan said. “I can’t say it’s a performance issue. I just say it’s two guys competing.” … Shanahan said he thinks better days are ahead for Champ Bailey as the cornerback’s troublesome hamstring heals. “He had to alter some of his techniques that he doesn’t normally do just because he doesn’t have the practice time,” Shanahan said. “But the good part is when he finished the (Oakland) game, the hamstring seemed to be no problem so he’ll be able to practice all week and get a lot more confidence being in game shape.”
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
EYE ON THE JETS
New York at Denver, 2:15 p.m. Sunday
For the record: The Jets are 2-7 and in last place in the AFC East.
Last game: Jets lost 30-3 at Carolina on Sunday. Panthers cornerback Ken Lucas said after the game the Jets players quit, prompting his coach, John Fox, to call New York coach Herman Edwards on Monday to apologize.
Streaking: The Jets have lost four consecutive games dating to a 14-12 victory against Tampa Bay on Oct. 9.
Who’s hot: The Jets’ pass defense is the bright spot of the team and is ranked No. 7 in the NFL.
Who’s not: Brooks Bollinger, the Jets’ fourth starting quarterback this season, threw for only 98 yards and was intercepted four times against the Panthers. All of Bollinger’s interceptions were in the second half when the Jets turned the ball over on five consecutive drives. Bollinger is expected to remain the starter.
Key stat: The Jets have six starters on injured reserve.
FYI: Former Broncos wide receivers coach Mike Heimerdinger is the Jets’ offensive coordinator. He was with the Broncos from 1995-99.
Injury update: Right tackle Jason Fabini was put on injured reserve Monday with a torn left pectoral muscle.
Coach speak: “They’re playing as hard as they can play. That’s all you can ask them to do. If you’ve got a problem with that, then that’s too bad.” – Edwards after Sunday’s loss at Carolina
– Bill Williamson
