Ravens linebacker Bart Scott knows the lineage of the Denver Broncos running backs dating back to the mid-1990s. Terrell Davis. Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary and Clinton Portis all gained acclaim during stints with the franchise
In total, Denver has the most rushing yards (25,022)in the NFL since 1995. Since the start of that season, the team has boasted ten 1,000-yard rushers.
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“You can name the numerous backs that have put up 1,000 yards there,” Scott said.
The Broncos have a new pair who are ready to take their place among the list of top Denver running backs: Tatum and Mike Bell.
The Ravens No. 2 ranked defense will look to stop both Bells tonight at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Tatum Bell has rushed for 58 times for 295 yards for an average of 5.1 yards a carry. Mike Bell has rushed 27 times for 114 yards with one touchdown.
“They?ve got two quality backs,” Scott said. “Tatum Bell is a home run hitter. We have to stay on our feet and not get cut off on the back side. It is going to be a long day?s work, but I think we?ll be up for it.”
Tatum Bell replaced Mike Anderson, a 1,000-yard rusher last season who is now with the Ravens, as the primary back.
“This offense is always going to produce some very good running backs,” Denver quarterback Jake Plummer said. “Tatum Bell had a great year last year behind Mike, so I figured he would come in here and have a good year.”
Head coach Mike Shanahan has long been praised for his solid blocking schemes. His offensive line routinely is one of the more underrated in the NFL, despite their running game success. No Denver lineman was named to the Pro Bowl last winter.
“They are very athletic,” Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said of the offensive line. “They are the type of line that wants to get you on the cut. That is why I believe their running backs have so much success, because of the offensive line.”
Lewis said Denver?s offensive line will cut opposing defenders off at the legs, giving their running backs extra time to roam.
“I have played Denver five or six times now, so I am used to it,” Lewis said. “You never get used to cutting, butI do know their style of play.”
Shanahan said nothing is assured when it comes to facing the Baltimore defense. He even went so far as to say the current unit one was better than the franchise standard-bearer.
“When you take a look at their defense ? you can go back to 2000, too, with the Super Bowl ? their defense had dominated every team in the playoffs,” Shanahan said. “You look at the defense this year and statistically they are even better than that team through a quarter of the season.”
