Please he is tiny compared to Big Dick and doesn't run between the tackles very well yet. He will get better for sure, but I think at best your upside comparison is Clinton Portis. I have seen all these Broncos backs since they got Alex Gibbs in and they have all been deceptively good because Rod Smith and all the receivers are great blockers downfield. Lelie got a great block that finished off the long run. The key is just using the zone blocking to break the runner past the line of scrimmage and then get some more blocks deep for big runs.
Eric Dickerson was not a big back...a speed guy all the way, with enough toughness to be a consistent factor. Tatum Bell is of a similar mold, although a little smaller. But he is tough, maybe too tough for his own good as his shoulder injuries have stemmed from not being afraid to lower his shoulder on guys who are much bigger than he is. Alex Gibbs has not been in Denver for a while now.
The zone blocking system is used by two teams, both installed by Alex Gibbs. He left a few years ago, but his system is very much alive. Atlanta went to it as well and they are also at the top of the league in rushing yards and I doubt anyone would say Warrick Dunn is the kind of guy you would get that sort of production from.
Granted Dick wasn't a huge guy, but he ran between the tackles because of good vision. I think Bell still needs to work on seeing holes instead of just finding a spot to bully his way into. Anderson for all his build has gotten very strong at seing holes and using them, even though he would gladly pound into the line as well. There is just no way though Bell will be a Dickerson-like player. He was much hyped from draft day, using the very pick Shanahan got for Portis. At least he is living up to the billing this year after being something of a dud last year.
Granted Dick wasn't a huge guy, but he ran between the tackles because of good vision. I think Bell still needs to work on seeing holes instead of just finding a spot to bully his way into. Anderson for all his build has gotten very strong at seing holes and using them, even though he would gladly pound into the line as well. There is just no way though Bell will be a Dickerson-like player. He was much hyped from draft day, using the very pick Shanahan got for Portis. At least he is living up to the billing this year after being something of a dud last year.
