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Pierre Thomas is the starting running back for the New Orleans Saints of course, but like most teams in the NFL, he's not alone in the backfield.

Numerous teams have developed a two-back machine behind the quarterback, but some have even gone as far as three. The Saints are one of those teams as they have combined Thomas with Reggie Bush and Mike Bell.

Bell came to New Orleans two years ago after fizzling in Denver after a promising rookie season. His talent on the field was evident, but he just seemed to get lost in the shuffle with the Broncos as they gained more and more running backs.

Another undrafted running back like Thomas; Bell actually spent a little of 2008 with the practice squad of the Houston Texans before heading to the Saints. He was used very sparingly during that season and didn't bring about many stats, but the staff did not give up on him.

Coach Sean payton and other members of the coaching staff knew the ability that Bell had in him and that he was far too valuable a commodity to just let go. So with that in mind and a new season coming around, should the Saints re-sign Mike Bell?

Bell's first season with the Saints wasn't very successful and it got people wondering if he was merely a flash in the pan after his great rookie season.

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foreverfan

I don't think we would have been 13-0 without him. We need him for depth but I'd say I'm not sure we need him. Other are more important than a 3rd RB.

More important question... what happened to all the forums?

dizzle88

i think it may be a little too early to tell, heres why i think this. Week 1 vs detroit 150 yards, week 2 vs eagles, 120 sumthing yards and a td. I felt real good at this point, pierre comes back and bell seems to lose that production, maybe due to loss of carries? all in all pierre is the better back, but bell can be effective at different times

73Saint

This is a tough one for me. He started off the season like gangbusters, but I have yet to hear any valid explanations for his drop-off in performance late in the season. There has to be a reason why he slipped so much....

saintsfan601

He lacks discipline.Which was evident in the superbowl when he had on the wrong shoes.

subguy

Unlike you I was never clear on the reasons we appeared to not utilize him as much or for the drop-off in performance

QBREES9

I don't think coach Payton was to happy with him not wearing the right cleats during the Super Bowl.

I hope the SAINTS can keep the core guys together.

Rugby Saint II

Bell was very good earlier in the season, but his production dropped off rapidly. I don't know why he couldn't get going later in the season after such a good start. I just hope he gets back to his form next year. Although, if it comes down to it we should be able to find a 3rd back fairly easily. We've done fairly well with late round and undrafted players, maybe there's another gem out there waiting for the Saints to bring him in.

Danny Cox

I honestly believe that Bell is going to be a guy that has to fight for a roster spot every training camp.

TopCow

I'm not sure what happened to Mike Bell during the latter part of the season, but if anyone can get him back on his feet, it is SP. Resign him.

ALSO THANK YOU MODS !!! The board was downright weird this morning; I thought I had contracted a virus spyware or whatever, but couldn't imagine where from. Even tried to restore back to yesterday. THANKS FOR THE REPAIR.