Ringing Tatum’s bell
Tatum Bell is whining because he hasn’t been handed the starting running back position for the Broncos.
Earth to Tatum: You have to earn your position when you put on a Denver uniform. This means practicing as hard as possible, being extremely consistent with all phases of the position and keeping your mouth shut when adversity arises.
Possessing 4.3-second speed in the 40-yard dash and the possibility to go the distance every time you have the ball does not entitle you to be the starting tailback for the Broncos.
Bell might be able to be the starter in the future. But until he proves he can do the job with toughness and consistency, he will continue to be a 10- to 15-carry back brought in when defenses are tired.
Mike Bell, the undrafted rookie from the University of Arizona, appeared to be the best running back of camp entering the Broncos’ preseason opener in Detroit. Even veteran Ron Dayne, a potential starter, stated that Mike Bell had been the best back throughout camp. Therefore, he deserves the opportunity to be the starter and it will be up to him to keep the competition at bay.
As a Denver native and lifelong Broncos fan, it isn’t hard to root for Mike Bell. After all, he is a former Denver resident and lifelong Broncos fan as well. In addition, he was passed over by every NFL team during the 2006 draft. His performance, style and humble nature have reminded fans and coaches alike of former Broncos star Terrell Davis. I hope Mike Bell becomes the next great running back for the Broncos.
Tatum Bell and Ashley Lelie need to realize you must earn your position and status as a member of the Broncos. You must fight off competition and impress your coaches.
Tim Cusick, Seattle
Put ninth first
Whatever happened to who, what, when, where, why and how in a news story? I have read and re-read your Rockies game story on the front page of the Sports section Thursday morning and have no idea what really happened in the ninth inning Wednesday night (when the Rockies beat the Dodgers 3-1 in Los Angeles).
Who scored? How many men were on? “Hawpe smoked a line drive that handcuffed a tentative Lugo” at least told me who had an RBI.
The first paragraph of a game story should give readers important information. Save your vocabulary show for later in the article when you elaborate on what actually happened in the ninth inning.
Steve Peterson, Arvada
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