Broncos running back Tatum Bell says he knows somebody who knows something about the Cleveland Browns’ scouting report.
As the Browns face Bell in Cleveland this Sunday, the scouting report included a line or two about his strengths, and weaknesses, as a ball carrier. Not surprisingly, Bell was more bothered by the insult than he was flattered by the compliment.
“When they scouted us, they said Mike Bell is tougher than me,” Tatum Bell said, referring to his backup at the Broncos’ tailback position. “They said I’m pretty soft, all you have to do is hit me a couple times and I’ll have my head down and won’t play the rest of the game.”
The Browns must have an old scouting report. “Soft” but with dangerous speed might have been the book on Bell in his rookie year of 2004 and early in 2005. But it’s doubtful a “soft” running back could have gained 92 yards through the rain, cold and Baltimore defense, as Bell did two nearly weeks ago at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Nor does it seem likely any running back could have rushed for 470 yards through five games against a schedule that has included the likes of New England, St. Louis, Kansas City and Baltimore, without having at least a modicum of toughness.
“I said, ‘All right, we’ll see after the first couple plays,”‘ Tatum Bell said.
Bell was given a chance to pop off against a Browns’ defense that ranks 27th against the run at 143.0 yards per game.
Instead, Bell was surprised to learn about the Browns’ run struggles because the film told him otherwise.
He was impressed with the size and athleticism of rookie outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who goes 6-feet-3, 245 pounds, and the gargantuan force of 365-pound nose tackle Ted Washington.
“Big Ted, he clogs everything up,” Bell said. “It’s going to be a grind now. They’ve got a pretty decent team.”
Although Bell and receiver Javon Walker have been the most pleasant surprises on an offense that has otherwise stumbled thus far, the Broncos’ tailback believes he has more to offer.
“I’m still looking for that complete game,” Bell said. “I’m still leaving too many yards on the field.”
Scheffler excused
Rookie tight end Tony Scheffler missed the Broncos’ workout Friday so he could attend the funeral of his grandmother in the Detroit area. With Cleveland a 2 1/2-hour drive away, Scheffler was planning to meet the Broncos at their hotel Saturday night.
