Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

OK, so he fell down during a key play in the SB. And other than that he didn't play much in the big game. But why is everyone assuming he should go? Did I miss something? He was asked to be a role player (grind it out in the 4th quarter to protect a lead, run a few short yardage plays) and he did his job. I don't know what kind of contract he got, but he's got to be pretty cheap.

I'm not saying there couldn't be an upgrade, but jeez. For a 3rd string/situational RB, you're not going to get Earl Campbell.

</rant>

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I don't think anyone here is hating Mike Bell. I loved what he did the first part of the season, especially when PT missed the first couple of games. Bell was a hoss early on, but his production tapered off drastically the last several games of the season. I just think several people here just think there can be an upgrade. It's not that we are throwing him under the bus.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

He got a ring out of it, I don't think Mike's complaining about it.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

The question is still looming as to why he was not utilized as much in second part of the season. I think he could be a decent back, just not sure what he would do if he was responsible for the entire workload!

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I don't hate MB. I had him on my fantasy team this year. I kept him as a reserve even after he got hurt because he did so well for me earlier in the season.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Bell could sign with another team for more money. That would be the only reason.
The Saints will not over pay for a 3rd running back.
I think Bell played the 2nd 1/2 the season on a bad knee that never really healed.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I don't hate Bell, but in the Superbowl he did not listen. Peyton told the guys to wear cleats during the warm-ups and he did not, that is why he fell. Peyton was just pissed at him, I guess that's why he didn't play after that. I mean it's only the biggest game of the season and hecould of scored a touchdown onthat play if he wore them IMO.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Boosted you exclaim my sentiments exactly.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Certainly don't hate Mike Bell, I'd be just as happy if we kept him, however, we could lose him and still be able to pickup an equal or better back to replace him.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I think when Bell is in it's going to be a run play. You dodn't see him catching passes or pass blocking. Maybe he isn't as verstile as PT and Bush? We still have Hamilton as well. I think it's all going to come down to $$$. We can keep Hamilton cheaper and probably get the same production. No hate on Bell, just business.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I don't think we need to be looking too strongly at Hamilton. He was cut and made the practice squad and moved up only when we needed another back. Don't get me wrong..... I've been pulling for Hamilton since he first came to the team. I'm just thinking that if Bell was injured the last half of the season then he may have more to offer.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I agree, that didnt cost us the game, but it could have.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Considering Bush, Thomas, and Bell all missed games with an injury last season, I think we would do well to bring in a RB through a mid draft pick. Youth, fresh hunger, and fresh legs would be a good thing.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Bell does need to be a better blocker - I agree.

Bell is well suited to be a running AND blocking FB (Ironhead comes to mind - damn do I miss him) BUT - Bell doesn't want to be a FB. That hurts his value to us.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I hate my face

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

No hate here, a very good player for the Saints.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Hate - not the right word.

Upgrade. That's what we should be looking to do. If we can't then he stays.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Please don't follow SkyMike's avatar lead... :doh:

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Is that a picture of David Patten dreaming of catching a TD in the Superbowl??

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

agreed...imo that is part of why his production dropped...teams saw that it would be a run play and could key on him

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I'd have to see a breakdown of plays Bell was in for in 2009 to see if his presence was a predisposition to run and if a "checkout" to pass was called, what his responsibilities were and how he executed. He played so sporadically, it is tough to remember and it would be cretinous to cast aspersions on his performance without the data at hand.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

His rushing tapered off becuase of injuries. Mike Bell is one of the reasons we got to the SB.....

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Just see Hamiltion being the same type of back for a better price tag.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Mike Bell is a decent back. But I really think we have alot of offensive firepower already. And he maybe looking for more money. So I think we let him go. Hamilton can do just as well as Bell for less money. Bottom line is that Payton's schemes and Brees' brilliance are making these guys look really good. So now they want money..Im not convinced Bell will be as successful for another team.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

Depending on how much money he wants I'd like to have him back.........I'm still not sold on Hamilton. Not enough data on him.

Re: Why does everyone hate Mike Bell?
 

I thought he got a raw deal towards the end of the season, but obviously Sean Payton knows what hes doing, hard to argue with results like that. I like mike Bell though, I hope we keep him