Denver’s hand was forced this week in an attempt to shore up its rushing ranks. The Broncos’ once-proud, elite-level running attack, leveled this season with injuries and turnover, got another new roster replacement.
And Mike Shanahan is concerned.
On Wednesday at team headquarters at Dove Valley, Shanahan explained why the team signed free-agent Tatum Bell, a former Broncos’ 1,000-yard rusher who was out of the NFL after being cut by the Lions in September.
“He was the only one left,” the coach said, joking.
The Broncos on Tuesday signed Bell to replace the four tailbacks out for the season with injuries, including Anthony Alridge, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain.
“Tatum has played well when he has played here,” Shanahan said. “He has averaged around five yards (per carry) and when you take a look at his production it kind of gives you an idea of how successful he has been as a running back.”
For Shanahan, the choice to bring back Bell — who compiled 1,025 yards in 2006 in the his best of three seasons with the Broncos — was based on his experience in Denver.
“Obviously we needed somebody that is familiar with our system and our terminology,” Shanahan said. “I don’t think he’s in great football shape yet, but hopefully in a short time he will be.
“If I didn’t know him personally, he would not be here. But I do know him and I know what he’s done for me. That’s the reason why he is here.”
Quarterback Jay Cutler also saw the need for backfield reinforcements.
“We are still going to have to run the ball, and that is a given. You have to be able to run the ball and stop the run to win in this league,” Cutler said. “We are going to have to find someone to get it done.”
Several times in a 34-30 win over Cleveland last Thursday, the Broncos were forced into empty-backfield offensive sets, hoping Cutler’s passing proficiency would carry them.
“We didn’t have a choice,” Cutler said. “We were down to Peyton (Hillis), and he wasn’t 100 percent familiar with what we were doing from a lot of one-back sets. We had that package in just in case and a lot of the guys made some great plays for me. I threw it up a few times and they came down with it.
“We have had some good opportunities. Going into the Thursday game, I don’t think they had a big package for empty (backfield).”
Nick Groke: 303-954-1015 or ngroke@denverpost.com
