If you need a refresher on the rules for the series or a run down of previous match-ups? Here is the rules and history thread:
"Close Calls 2006" - A Sportsoutlaw.com Exclusive
Remember, this is based on re-draft leagues.
Today's Match-up:

DeShaun Foster - RB - Car *vs* Tatum Bell - RB - Den

Last Year's Stats:
DeShaun Foster - 15 gms - 879 yds - 2 TD's - 34 rec - 372 rec yds - 1 TD
Tatum Bell - 15 gms - 921 yds - 8 TD's - 18 rec - 104 rec yds - 0 TD

Today's match-up features two RB's that at one point had a lot of hype surrounding them. But due to durability concerns, both find themselves in RBBC situations and both have competiton for carries. Can either of these two backs overcome their downfalls and take over as the feature back for their respective team? This is just one of the questions you must ask yourself in today's "Close Call."

Bell gets my vote by default. I have zero confidence in Foster and do not view him as the starter in Carolina this year. Once Williams gets a shot to show his skiills, Foster will be sitting on the bench for good. Bell may not be perfect, but the upside is there. I expect them to give him more carries then last year as feel he will increase his productivity. Could be a nice early mid rd sleeper that could outproduce his draft position by quite a bit.

Honestly, I do not like either of the backs. However, since I have to choose one by default, it has to fall on the head of Tatum Bell. I just do not think that Ron Dayne is the guy to take over the full time duties in Denver. Not to mention, I like the idea of Mike Bell in Denver. Foster will be pressed by DeAngelo to perform...he will...and get injured in the process.

I definately have to give this one to Bell, although I am not confident in getting alot out of him. I already look at Foster though as the #2 guy in Carolina, and it is just a matter of time before it becomes official. Tatum Bell will also be fighting for a job in Denver, especially if little known rookie Mike Bell can make some noise.

I almost wanted to vote for Foster because anybody that can't crack a thousand yards in the Denver system must suck. However, I figure Bell has more of a chance to improve because of that system.

I don't think anyone in their right mind could pick Foster over Bell. I remember the hype from some of the FF preview mags (last year) saying things like "Why Tatum Bell may be a key to winning your league".

I believe those opinions came a year too early. Everything is in place now for Bell to really get a chance to shine. I'm not saying he will, but if your in a large owner heavy league he just might be a 'good' gamble as a bench player.

As for Foster, I can't remember a player riddled with injuries early in his career as Foster has been comng back and being a consistant runner.(if you can remind me 'cause my brain just doesn't remember.) Also if your worried about injuries you'll most likely avoid solid blocking for your QB and that alone will have you watching the young up and comer doing your job as you sit on the sidelines waiting for early retirement. Without the health issues he could have been great ala Correl Buckhalter.

My pick would definately be Bell.

Methinks this isn't going to be a close call at all.

Anyone who picks Foster here...needs help. The man is simply not capable of surviving a season. He will go down, for a lot of time. You might not like Bell, but he is perfect for Denver how they use him. He will be the quick hitter, the change of pace, the huge burst of speed against a tired defense that they can't handle. He will get over 1000yds, and tds, and only play part time. This one is a no brainer.

wow suprised at this out come compared to some of the research I looked at. In my mind it's not close, Bell in a landslide, but I don't like Foster at all.....interesting to see his stock falling like a rock (deservendly so).

The Outlaws prefer Bell in a smackdown vs Foster.

I'm picking Foster for a few reasons..one being that I just really like him (and Carolina, their running game). Another, everyone else is taking Bell. I wanna give DeShaun some glory. But let's take a look at some serious reasoning.

After checking up on Bell, I see the note that Cedric Cobbs, former Arkansas back, has caught Shanahan's eye and is working out hard. That may not equate to much, but it's worth looking at. Everyone may look at Ron Dayne and doubt him because he's never done much in his career. I look at last season's YPC of 5.1 from him, 1.7 higher than his previous average, and the fact that Denver's system and line can turn any back into a 1,000 rusher (see: starters over the last 5 seasons). Oh, wait. Yeah, I just reminded myself to check the depth chart. As long as Bell keeps the top role and is able to keep Dayne off, he'll be huge this season. I'd probably take him.

However, Foster still deserves props whether it seems like it or not. He's 26 so he has plenty of time to prove that he can keep healthy. This year, he will. Not to mention, besides 2004 the man has only missed 3 games. I believe he'll have fully recovered from that broken leg and come back ready to prove himself. I also believe there's a reason Foster has been so injury prone already in his career. Last season, Foster had to wait til about week 12 of the '05 season before he really started games for Carolina. What was he doing the other 9 games? He was waiting to take over for Stephen Davis, and realizing that doing so meant less playing time. Foster has tried to do too much while filling in as the starter, so this year he's ready to do what he needs to and not get himself into another injury situation. His body will be ready, his mind will be ready. His 75 carries for 354 yards in the last 4 games of last season is something to look forward to (88.5 YPG with 4.7 YPC). In a full year, that comes out to just over 1,400 yards. I'm not even adding in his receiving capabilities. Sure, he may be too fragile to complete that full season and DeAngelo may take over the job himself before the season's over, but if he can avoid both of those downfalls, he may be the cheapest 1,300+ yards no one likes. Although, I agree, that's a huge IF. Advantage Bell, for now