Mike Bell put himself through a rough week of study after his fumble at Detroit in the Broncos’ first exhibition game.
The work continues this week, even after a bounce-back performance in which the undrafted rookie ran for 73 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries in a 35-10 win over visiting Tennessee.
Bell said he has to improve, particularly at protecting the quarterback in blocking the blitz.
“It’s very complicated and I have a long way to go,” the Arizona product said. “This isn’t college anymore. Guys are flying at you. I think I’m getting better at it. The plays are slowing down, but I still have to work every day on it.”
Sunday’s preseason game against Houston at Invesco Field at Mile High is paramount for Bell. He likely will get significant playing time, even if the every-other series rotation with veteran Tatum Bell continues.
Traditionally, the Denver starters play into the second half of the team’s third preseason game. Only a few starters play in the preseason finale. But Mike Bell is not counting himself a starter.
“I don’t even know if I’ll make the team,” he said. “I still have my work to do.”
Van Pelt awaits his shot
Bradlee Van Pelt knows he probably will get only one more preseason chance to display his throwing arm.
Starting quarterback Jake Plummer should play into the third quarter Sunday, with backup Jay Cutler playing the rest of the game.
That means Van Pelt won’t get significant playing time until the final preseason game, Aug. 31 at Arizona.
After struggling in the preseason opener, Van Pelt finished the win over Tennessee by playing the final two series of the game. He did not attempt a pass.
Van Pelt will make the team if the Broncos keep three quarterbacks. Denver has kept just two quarterbacks on the roster the past two years, but coach Mike Shanahan has said he would like to keep three on the 53-man roster this year if it’s feasible.
“It’s just the situation and you deal with it,” Van Pelt said. “Hopefully, I’ll get some more playing time, but if not, I have practice time to work things out. It’s all part of the game.”
Security measures
The Broncos plan to continue quickly patting down fans as a security measure into the season.
Last week, a fan in Florida won a lawsuit against the owners of Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium, saying the search violated his constitutional rights.
Broncos executive vice president of business operations Joe Ellis has said the team performs patdowns for the safety of fans and that the team believes most fans agree with the decision.
Footnotes
Offensive tackle Adam Meadows is expected to make his Denver preseason debut Sunday. Meadows, returning to the NFL after missing the past two seasons, has been slowed by a hamstring injury … The Pro Football Hall of Fame seniors committee will vote today to put two candidates on the list of finalists for election. The final vote will be in February. Floyd Little, a former Broncos running back, is one of 17 senior candidates to be considered.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
