Bears name RB Jones starter week 1 (1 Viewer)

[MKB4®]

Bears name RB Jones starter

Written by: Larry Mayer ¦ 9/3/2006

Source: www.chicagobears.com

LAKE FOREST, Ill. ? The more things change, the more they stay the same.

At least that's the case in the Chicago backfield, where running back Thomas Jones will start his third straight regular season opener for the Bears next Sunday in Green Bay.

That streak appeared to be in jeopardy when Jones worked with the No. 2 offense during the mandatory minicamp in June after declining to attend the voluntary offseason program.

But with a shoulder injury sidelining Cedric Benson, Jones rejoined the No. 1 unit when he returned to practice after missing the first two weeks of training camp with a pulled hamstring.

While Jones rushed for 17 yards on 10 carries in the final two preseason games, Benson sat out the entire preseason but is expected to be in uniform in Green Bay. Third running back Adrian Peterson rushed for 88 yards on 27 attempts in four preseason contests.

When asked Sunday how playing time at the position would be divided down the road, coach Lovie Smith said: "We have three good running backs and we'll let that all sort out on who plays what and I'll of that. I'll just say Thomas Jones is our starter and we're excited about that."

Jones established career highs in all rushing categories last season when he ran for 1,335 yards and 9 touchdowns on 314 carries. But the Bears also have high expectations for Benson, a 2005 first-round draft pick who is back practicing after injuring his shoulder Aug. 4 in practice.

"We took as much time as we could to make sure that he is as healthy as he can be at this point," said general manager Jerry Angelo, "so we feel good about where he's at."

While Benson did not see any preseason action, he did participate in the first nine days of training camp in Bourbonnais.

"We would have rather had it the other way, but those are the cards we were dealt," Smith said. "We have had a chance to see him. It's not like he missed all of training camp. We got a chance to see him with his pads on and things like that. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to go."

http://www.chicagobears.com

 

[gregjcross]

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

Bears name RB Jones starter

Written by: Larry Mayer ¦ 9/3/2006

Source: www.chicagobears.com

LAKE FOREST, Ill. ? The more things change, the more they stay the same.

At least that's the case in the Chicago backfield, where running back Thomas Jones will start his third straight regular season opener for the Bears next Sunday in Green Bay.

That streak appeared to be in jeopardy when Jones worked with the No. 2 offense during the mandatory minicamp in June after declining to attend the voluntary offseason program.

But with a shoulder injury sidelining Cedric Benson, Jones rejoined the No. 1 unit when he returned to practice after missing the first two weeks of training camp with a pulled hamstring.

While Jones rushed for 17 yards on 10 carries in the final two preseason games, Benson sat out the entire preseason but is expected to be in uniform in Green Bay. Third running back Adrian Peterson rushed for 88 yards on 27 attempts in four preseason contests.

When asked Sunday how playing time at the position would be divided down the road, coach Lovie Smith said: "We have three good running backs and we'll let that all sort out on who plays what and I'll of that. I'll just say Thomas Jones is our starter and we're excited about that."

Jones established career highs in all rushing categories last season when he ran for 1,335 yards and 9 touchdowns on 314 carries. But the Bears also have high expectations for Benson, a 2005 first-round draft pick who is back practicing after injuring his shoulder Aug. 4 in practice.

"We took as much time as we could to make sure that he is as healthy as he can be at this point," said general manager Jerry Angelo, "so we feel good about where he's at."

While Benson did not see any preseason action, he did participate in the first nine days of training camp in Bourbonnais.

"We would have rather had it the other way, but those are the cards we were dealt," Smith said. "We have had a chance to see him. It's not like he missed all of training camp. We got a chance to see him with his pads on and things like that. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to go."

http://www.chicagobears.com

 

[cracKer]

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

I don't think that this info is groundbreaking to anyone. Jones will be on the field during the first play of the seasons first game (assuming they don't open up in a funky formation). There will be quite a few plays after that one for Benson to make his mark.

 

[diesel7982]

This shouldnt surprise anyone. The question is how much does Benson eat into TJs carries, not does Benson start.

 

[broncofan13000]

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

I don't think that this info is groundbreaking to anyone. Jones will be on the field during the first play of the seasons first game (assuming they don't open up in a funky formation). There will be quite a few plays after that one for Benson to make his mark.

Exactly...noone should be shocked because of this. Benson was hurt the last couple of weeks, so noway would he be the starter. Lets see him back on the field first.

 

[Otis]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

 

[CrossEyed]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

 

[gregjcross]

I agree, Its not groundbreaking news or even suprising. And, Benson did get hurt. But regarding Benson: he is a backup (like 32 other RBs in the NFL) and the coach didnt say anything about a guaranteed timeshare as could happen in other situations where two players are very talented + reliableif thomas jones should be considered on a hot seat w/Benson behind him i dont see any evidence as to why -- other than Benson being the #4 overall draft pick (what was probably a bad draft pick)

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

I don't think that this info is groundbreaking to anyone. Jones will be on the field during the first play of the seasons first game (assuming they don't open up in a funky formation). There will be quite a few plays after that one for Benson to make his mark.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

 

[3C's]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

Not. A. Chance.

 

[Bankerguy]

Nice post Moose.

Thanks.

 

[JuniorNB]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

It'll be interesting if Jones has about 500 yards rushing in the first four games. Management trying to force Benson onto the field, while Lovie Smith and every player on the team knows that Jones is the better player.This could get good.

 

[monkeysee]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

 

[Yah_Shoor_Yoobetchya]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

HOLY CRAP!Deja Vu from 2005 hits the message board!

 

[Traders2001]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

It'll be interesting if Jones has about 500 yards rushing in the first four games. Management trying to force Benson onto the field, while Lovie Smith and every player on the team knows that Jones is the better player.This could get good.

 

[Otis]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt late to training camp. He'll be starting by week 5.

2005 is calling. It wants its excuses back.

 

[Otis]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.

If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

Based on what? If Jones comes out and performs like he did last year (i.e., is one of the top 5 or 10 most productive backs in the league, all the while on an awful offense where he is single-handedly carrying the team), what will be the reason to suddenly pull him and give Benson the job?"Well, we are paying this kid a lot. Sorry, Tom."

 

[monkeysee]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.

If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

Based on what? If Jones comes out and performs like he did last year (i.e., is one of the top 5 or 10 most productive backs in the league, all the while on an awful offense where he is single-handedly carrying the team), what will be the reason to suddenly pull him and give Benson the job?"Well, we are paying this kid a lot. Sorry, Tom."

Based on EVERY top 5 pick in draft history has been given every chance in the world to succeed maybe???Fact is we can speculate and talk our favorite Bears running back up. Just typing it won't make it so. These Benson - Jones threads are worthless right now. Lets see what happens after a few weeks and quit wasting thread space with these ridiculous threads.

 

[JetsJetsJets]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.

If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

Based on what? If Jones comes out and performs like he did last year (i.e., is one of the top 5 or 10 most productive backs in the league, all the while on an awful offense where he is single-handedly carrying the team), what will be the reason to suddenly pull him and give Benson the job?"Well, we are paying this kid a lot. Sorry, Tom."

The money is spent already. If all the RBs on the Bears together were paid a total of $10,000,000 per year - they would be paid that same $10 million if Benson, Jones, or some guy named John Johnson runs for them.

Whatever puts TDs on the scoreboard is what will be done.

 

[Otis]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.

If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

Based on what? If Jones comes out and performs like he did last year (i.e., is one of the top 5 or 10 most productive backs in the league, all the while on an awful offense where he is single-handedly carrying the team), what will be the reason to suddenly pull him and give Benson the job?"Well, we are paying this kid a lot. Sorry, Tom."

Based on EVERY top 5 pick in draft history has been given every chance in the world to succeed maybe???Fact is we can speculate and talk our favorite Bears running back up. Just typing it won't make it so. These Benson - Jones threads are worthless right now. Lets see what happens after a few weeks and quit wasting thread space with these ridiculous threads.

Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?If Jones is hurt or unproductive, or maybe if the team is just really bad, it might give them a reason to put Benson on the field. Otherwise, if Jones is as good as he was last year, Benson won't have that opening.

 

[monkeysee]

OK Otis. Benson will be the highest paid backup ever. What was I thinking? I will get back to you a few weeks into the season and see if you have changed your tune.

If you are trying to justify drafting Jones in round 2, then more power to ya.

 

[shadyridr]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.

If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

Based on what? If Jones comes out and performs like he did last year (i.e., is one of the top 5 or 10 most productive backs in the league, all the while on an awful offense where he is single-handedly carrying the team), what will be the reason to suddenly pull him and give Benson the job?"Well, we are paying this kid a lot. Sorry, Tom."

Based on EVERY top 5 pick in draft history has been given every chance in the world to succeed maybe???Fact is we can speculate and talk our favorite Bears running back up. Just typing it won't make it so. These Benson - Jones threads are worthless right now. Lets see what happens after a few weeks and quit wasting thread space with these ridiculous threads.

Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?If Jones is hurt or unproductive, or maybe if the team is just really bad, it might give them a reason to put Benson on the field. Otherwise, if Jones is as good as he was last year, Benson won't have that opening.

Drew Brees-Phillip Rivers (ok I know it was done in the offseason but still)

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

OK Otis. Benson will be the highest paid backup ever.

Is Benson's contract bigger than Rivers'? I don't think it is, but I didn't look it up.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

 

[TheBradyBunch]

If my math is correct, the last 5 times TJ has faced the Packers, he has a combined 592 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Opening up with a team he routinely kills certainly won't hurt his cause in terms of keeping the #1 spot.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

How so? Over the last month Jones is going before Benson in every draft I have seen. Jones owners pounding their chests saying "I told you so." is amusing. I own both players in leagues and I am not nieve enough to believe that when Benson is ready to go that he won't get the oppurtunity to carry the load.

If anything Jones is going too soon in most drafts lately.

Based on what? If Jones comes out and performs like he did last year (i.e., is one of the top 5 or 10 most productive backs in the league, all the while on an awful offense where he is single-handedly carrying the team), what will be the reason to suddenly pull him and give Benson the job?"Well, we are paying this kid a lot. Sorry, Tom."

Based on EVERY top 5 pick in draft history has been given every chance in the world to succeed maybe???Fact is we can speculate and talk our favorite Bears running back up. Just typing it won't make it so. These Benson - Jones threads are worthless right now. Lets see what happens after a few weeks and quit wasting thread space with these ridiculous threads.

Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?If Jones is hurt or unproductive, or maybe if the team is just really bad, it might give them a reason to put Benson on the field. Otherwise, if Jones is as good as he was last year, Benson won't have that opening.

Drew Brees-Phillip Rivers (ok I know it was done in the offseason but still)

The Chargers didn't yank Brees. He started every game in the past two seasons while he was under contract. (Except the meaningless week 17 game in 2005.) So I don't think that's a great example.When Thomas Jones becomes an unrestricted free agent, another team may sign him away. But that's a far cry from benching him.

 

[gman8343]

[Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?

Jon Kitna had a great starting for Cincy - they ended up going 8-8 IIRC which for them is like winning the SB. Then he was replaced by Carson Palmer next year. Not exactly the same, but Kitna was a productive starter who was replaced by the top draft pick. Could happen to Jones this year. No idea if it will, and anyone who says they "know" what's gonna go down in Chi-town is talking out of their ###.

 

[joffer]

If my math is correct, the last 5 times TJ has faced the Packers, he has a combined 592 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Opening up with a team he routinely kills certainly won't hurt his cause in terms of keeping the #1 spot.

wow, an actual good point in this thread.

 

[kolejo]

I remember getting a great deal on Jones last year as my #4 back in a start 3 RB league because everyone was convinced he would be supplanted by week 5, I see a very similar situation to last year coming up where T.J finally gets a chance to recover from some dings and who knows what happens to benson this time. He has been hurt every time he gets a chance so far. And T.J isn't letting him have too many chances with his performance when it matters.

 

[slatercove1]

Holmes-Johnson Part 2 Year 2

 

[TitusIII]

Not a shocker, it also will not be a shocker when Benson has the starting job for the second half of the season.

 

[mcd]

If my math is correct, the last 5 times TJ has faced the Packers, he has a combined 592 rushing yards and 4 TDs. Opening up with a team he routinely kills certainly won't hurt his cause in terms of keeping the #1 spot.

Jones should put up nice numbers in the first 2 games against Green Bay & Detroit. Then he goes against Minn & Seattle & that's when it gets tricky. The Bears should start out 2-0, but if they lose to the Vikings in Minn, & follow that with a loss to Seattle they would be sitting at 2-2. TJ's numbers will almost certainly dip against the Vikes & Seahawks, & Benson could be there healthy & ready to be a spark plug to get the season back on track. I believe Benson will end up being the starter, no later than week 8, when they return from their bye. Benson owners are going to be getting a bunch of lowball offers over the next few weeks.

 

[Otis]

[Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?

Jon Kitna had a great starting for Cincy - they ended up going 8-8 IIRC which for them is like winning the SB. Then he was replaced by Carson Palmer next year. Not exactly the same, but Kitna was a productive starter who was replaced by the top draft pick. Could happen to Jones this year. No idea if it will, and anyone who says they "know" what's gonna go down in Chi-town is talking out of their ###.

Another horrible analogy. That team was rebuilding and just took a franchise QB. Night and day.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I love all of the Benson backers/owners all saying "not a shocker" at this point. 2 weeks ago I'm sure that every single one of them would have been saying that they'd be shocked if he was named the starter.

TJ is the guy and IMO was probably always going to be the guy.

Lovie doesn't care about the contracts. He'll play the guy that gives him the best chance of winning. And that guy is Thomas Jones.

 

[el-gato-grande]

Jones is the veteran that has strong support in the locker room. Benson is going to have to noticably outplay Jones in order to earn playing time beyond just spelling him in a backup capacity.

Jones knows he will likely be on the market next year so he is highly motivated to put up big numbers. This is NOT a Priest/LJ situation like some are suggesting because Priest was on the downside due to injury. Jones is in the prime of his career. I know Benson owners are in denial, but they may have to wait another year before Benson puts up starter caliber numbers.

With that said, I have watched every preseason game thus far and the Bears have not looked good running the ball. The offensive line has been struggling. I think talent wise they have one of the better run blocking units in the NFC so I don't expect that to continue, but it is a concern early.

 

[gman8343]

I love all of the Benson backers/owners all saying "not a shocker" at this point. 2 weeks ago I'm sure that every single one of them would have been saying that they'd be shocked if he was named the starter.TJ is the guy and IMO was probably always going to be the guy. Lovie doesn't care about the contracts. He'll play the guy that gives him the best chance of winning. And that guy is Thomas Jones.

We've barely seen Benson play, how could you possibly know Thomas Jones is better than him and gives the team the best chance of winning? And no, I'm not a Benson owner (do have TJ, though).

 

[el-gato-grande]

I love all of the Benson backers/owners all saying "not a shocker" at this point. 2 weeks ago I'm sure that every single one of them would have been saying that they'd be shocked if he was named the starter.TJ is the guy and IMO was probably always going to be the guy. Lovie doesn't care about the contracts. He'll play the guy that gives him the best chance of winning. And that guy is Thomas Jones.

We've barely seen Benson play, how could you possibly know Thomas Jones is better than him and gives the team the best chance of winning? And no, I'm not a Benson owner (do have TJ, though).

Jones was a top 10 back last year putting up nearly 1,500 combined yards and 9 TDs. So, are you saying that Benson could be a top 5 back? Or are you expecting Jones to somehow tail off? I think we've seen plenty of Jones to know he is a pretty damn good back.

 

[gman8343]

I love all of the Benson backers/owners all saying "not a shocker" at this point. 2 weeks ago I'm sure that every single one of them would have been saying that they'd be shocked if he was named the starter.

TJ is the guy and IMO was probably always going to be the guy.

Lovie doesn't care about the contracts. He'll play the guy that gives him the best chance of winning. And that guy is Thomas Jones.

We've barely seen Benson play, how could you possibly know Thomas Jones is better than him and gives the team the best chance of winning? And no, I'm not a Benson owner (do have TJ, though).

Jones was a top 10 back last year putting up nearly 1,500 combined yards and 9 TDs. So, are you saying that Benson could be a top 5 back? Or are you expecting Jones to somehow tail off? I think we've seen plenty of Jones to know he is a pretty damn good back.

Yes, I'm saying Benson could be a top 5 back. Of couse he could be, we just don't know yet. Neither you nor I nor anyone else knows his ceiling. Thomas Jones ia very good running back, but he's not great. Benson could be great - or he may suck and end up being an enormous bust. But to say there's no way he could possibly be better than Thomas Jones without ever giving him a chance seems foolish. Remember Jones has been a dismal failure for most of his career - it's only the last 2 1/2 years that he's been able to resurrect himself.

 

[gman8343]

[Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?

Jon Kitna had a great starting for Cincy - they ended up going 8-8 IIRC which for them is like winning the SB. Then he was replaced by Carson Palmer next year. Not exactly the same, but Kitna was a productive starter who was replaced by the top draft pick. Could happen to Jones this year. No idea if it will, and anyone who says they "know" what's gonna go down in Chi-town is talking out of their ###.

Another horrible analogy. That team was rebuilding and just took a franchise QB. Night and day.

Benson isn't considered a franchise RB?

 

[cr8f]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt. He'll be starting by week 5.

He may be but will get overshadowed by Jones. They need to go with the guy that gets them victories period.

 

[flapgreen]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Wake up and face reality people. Jones is a great back and has been since he's been in Chicago. Benson is always hurt and hasn't shown ####.

 

[buccosfan]

"We would have rather had it the other way, but those are the cards we were dealt," Smith said. "We have had a chance to see him. It's not like he missed all of training camp. We got a chance to see him with his pads on and things like that. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to go."

http://www.chicagobears.com

if you actually read the final paragraph it sure looks like benson will be playing more than jones owners would like. and starting sooner rather than later.

 

[Bears_Man2]

"We would have rather had it the other way, but those are the cards we were dealt," Smith said. "We have had a chance to see him. It's not like he missed all of training camp. We got a chance to see him with his pads on and things like that. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to go."

http://www.chicagobears.com

if you actually read the final paragraph it sure looks like benson will be playing more than jones owners would like. and starting sooner rather than later.

I thought that was the most eye-opening thing of the piece. Depending on how you read into that first sentence, he really was going to give Cedric the starting job.Probably not what fantasy owners want to hear, but tt's very very hard to imagine this not being a committee soon.

 

[Otis]

[Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?

Jon Kitna had a great starting for Cincy - they ended up going 8-8 IIRC which for them is like winning the SB. Then he was replaced by Carson Palmer next year. Not exactly the same, but Kitna was a productive starter who was replaced by the top draft pick. Could happen to Jones this year. No idea if it will, and anyone who says they "know" what's gonna go down in Chi-town is talking out of their ###.

Another horrible analogy. That team was rebuilding and just took a franchise QB. Night and day.

Benson isn't considered a franchise RB?

You don't build a team around a RB the way you rebuild a team around a QB. This is a stupid argument.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Just like last year. Folks count Thomas Jones out in the preseason, and he ends up a top-10 back at amazing value.

GB the misguided hype trains in fantasy

Benson was hurt late to training camp. He'll be starting by week 5.

2005 is calling. It wants its excuses back.

Is there an icon/smiley with a spit-take? Because I need one here....

 

[Raider Nation]

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

OMG! Overreact much???

Benson isn't ready to go. That, and that alone is why he's not starting in week 1.

Matt Suhey might as well be starting in front of Cedric right now. It'll end the same way.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

"We would have rather had it the other way, but those are the cards we were dealt," Smith said. "We have had a chance to see him. It's not like he missed all of training camp. We got a chance to see him with his pads on and things like that. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to go."

http://www.chicagobears.com

if you actually read the final paragraph it sure looks like benson will be playing more than jones owners would like. and starting sooner rather than later.

I thought that was the most eye-opening thing of the piece. Depending on how you read into that first sentence, he really was going to give Cedric the starting job.

Smith is saying he would have rather had Benson healthy all preseason instead of injured.

 

[Steelers4Life]

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

OMG! Overreact much???

Benson isn't ready to go. That, and that alone is why he's not starting in week 1.

Matt Suhey might as well be starting in front of Cedric right now. It'll end the same way.

Keep telling yourself that.Benson will see the majority of time if and only if at some point Thomas Jones is ineffective or injured AND Benson is healthy enough to do it.

Another year of frustration for Benson owners if Jones performs like he has the last two years.

It'll be around 300 carries for Jones, about 150 for Benson, and Jones will get more touches in the passing game.

 

[Raider Nation]

if you are one that bought into the Benson hype, its back to the drawing board

OMG! Overreact much???

Benson isn't ready to go. That, and that alone is why he's not starting in week 1.

Matt Suhey might as well be starting in front of Cedric right now. It'll end the same way.

Keep telling yourself that.Benson will see the majority of time if and only if at some point Thomas Jones is ineffective or injured AND Benson is healthy enough to do it.

Another year of frustration for Benson owners if Jones performs like he has the last two years.

It'll be around 300 carries for Jones, about 150 for Benson, and Jones will get more touches in the passing game.

I have some time off in November. Mind if I visit your planet?

 

[Joe Bryant]

[Can you point me to the last time a team was winning and the starter was putting up the kinds of stats week in and week out that Jones was last year and the team just decided to yank him without good reason?

Jon Kitna had a great starting for Cincy - they ended up going 8-8 IIRC which for them is like winning the SB. Then he was replaced by Carson Palmer next year. Not exactly the same, but Kitna was a productive starter who was replaced by the top draft pick. Could happen to Jones this year. No idea if it will, and anyone who says they "know" what's gonna go down in Chi-town is talking out of their ###.

Another horrible analogy. That team was rebuilding and just took a franchise QB. Night and day.

Benson isn't considered a franchise RB?

You don't build a team around a RB the way you rebuild a team around a QB. This is a stupid argument.

No it's not. You asked for examples and people gave you two pretty quickly that fit closely to what you asked. If you disagree with the example, be more specific in what you ask. Don't fault the people for answering your question.J