Big game would put Tatum Bell at milestone, too

DENVER (AP) _ The game means next to nothing for the Denver Broncos. Still, there is a chance for some history to be made. <br/><br/>If former Oklahoma State standout Tatum Bell runs for 131 yards against

Thursday, December 29th 2005, 6:24 am

By: News On 6

DENVER (AP) _ The game means next to nothing for the Denver Broncos. Still, there is a chance for some history to be made.

If former Oklahoma State standout Tatum Bell runs for 131 yards against San Diego tomorrow, he will reach the 1,000 yard mark this season. Bell and Mike Anderson will become only the fourth running back tandem to each hit 1,000 yards in the same year.

With Anderson nursing a sore ankle and with the game having no bearing on Denver's final place in the standings, Bell will get his first career start against the Chargers.

If he gains the 131 yards, his and Anderson's names will go beside those of Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris, Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier and Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner -- the only other tandems to ever reach the goal.

Coach Mike Shanahan said he would like to get Bell to the mark if it's possible, mainly to reward the linemen, who, like the running backs, will all be sitting home come Pro Bowl week.

Bell has runs of 68, 67, 55, 37, 34 and 30 yards this year.