Benson in 2008 (1 Viewer)

[dmac37]

Even though Benson gets ripped on all the time, this year in my dynasty he was #22 RB. Not great but in a league that you can start 2-3 RB there still is value.

What direction will Chicago go with Benson next year:

Go into camp #1 again

Open competition bringing in a quality back, free agent or draft

Kick him to the curb

 

[Raider Nation]

Who knows... good luck predicting that situation. He's dead to me.

 

[NattyDread]

According to one of the Bears beat writers, he's likely to compete with a first day draft pick for the starting role next season: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines

I'm not sure of the cap hit if he's released, but the Bears still have a significant investment in Benson. And in recent weeks, there were hints that his play was starting to turn the corner. His recovery time from ankle surgery doesn't look like it'll be too long, so I suspect some of the Bears evaluation of Benson will hinge on how aggresively he treats rehab and offseason training. Benson has never been a workout warrior, but if he shows a serious committment to getting in shape, the Bears may respond in kind with a greater committment toward him.

 

[BassNBrew]

I can sum up my thoughts on Benson by telling you that I cut him for a back-up kicker in a keeper league.

 

[Rounders]

His cap number alone will keep him on the roster. The concern that I have is how bad is the ankle injury and the O-line? They have been very mum on what it is, and that concerns me. Why wouldn't they say "broken ankle", "torn ligaments", or whatever it is

The O-Line is old and I don't think they are capable of playing at a high level again. This is the number one problem for the Bears IMO. They need to beef up their line in FA and the draft.

As a Bears fan I hate to say it but Benson will most likely be used in a RBBC like he did with T.Jones in their Super Bowl run. He can't stay healthy (fluke injuries or not) and I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him.

I see the Bears bringing in a FA or drafting a RB and having a big competition at RB next year with Benson, Peterson, Wolfe, and 1 more back. Good luck sorting that one out.

 

[nyftbl_giants]

His cap number alone will keep him on the roster. The concern that I have is how bad is the ankle injury and the O-line? They have been very mum on what it is, and that concerns me. Why wouldn't they say "broken ankle", "torn ligaments", or whatever it is The O-Line is old and I don't think they are capable of playing at a high level again. This is the number one problem for the Bears IMO. They need to beef up their line in FA and the draft.As a Bears fan I hate to say it but Benson will most likely be used in a RBBC like he did with T.Jones in their Super Bowl run. He can't stay healthy (fluke injuries or not) and I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him. I see the Bears bringing in a FA or drafting a RB and having a big competition at RB next year with Benson, Peterson, Wolfe, and 1 more back. Good luck sorting that one out.

I wish he had a Marion Barber like effectiveness. Barbers a beast with good hands, Benson leads rbs in drops and has no vision. Im a benson owner and holding, but only because its a deep league and he has little trade value.

 

[RBM]

Hopefully, they wont waste an early pick on a rb, when they have such bigger needs.

I think they will sign a Chris Brown type to compete with Benson and AP.

 

[zamboni]

Benson's only saving grace is that he was a top 5 pick and is being paid like one. That alone will probably keep him in the running for the starting role for at least another year.

 

[NattyDread]

His cap number alone will keep him on the roster. The concern that I have is how bad is the ankle injury and the O-line? They have been very mum on what it is, and that concerns me. Why wouldn't they say "broken ankle", "torn ligaments", or whatever it is

The O-Line is old and I don't think they are capable of playing at a high level again. This is the number one problem for the Bears IMO. They need to beef up their line in FA and the draft.

As a Bears fan I hate to say it but Benson will most likely be used in a RBBC like he did with T.Jones in their Super Bowl run. He can't stay healthy (fluke injuries or not) and I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him.

I see the Bears bringing in a FA or drafting a RB and having a big competition at RB next year with Benson, Peterson, Wolfe, and 1 more back. Good luck sorting that one out.

Here's an excerpt from the link I posted earlier:How bad is Cedric Benson's ankle injury and what do you think about him returning next season? --Gavin D., Waco, Texas

Nobody likes to see a player go down just when he appeared to be making some long-awaited progress. And nobody knows how well Benson will recover from ankle surgery because he has been fortunate to have avoided similar injuries in the past. The fact that he is not known as an off-season workout warrior or fitness freak prone to weight gains probably concerns the Bears. On the other hand, perhaps a traumatic experience like this injury could induce the metamorphosis in Benson's approach for which the Bears have been waiting. According to a team source, Benson sustained a minor fracture near the left ankle that was similar to what Grossman suffered in 2005 but not as serious. Grossman was back on the field in a little more than four months. Benson can take longer and still be able to make mini-camp next May – when the Bears should welcome him back to compete with Adrian Peterson and a promising first-day draft pick for the starting running back position.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

There were moments, even in that last game before the leg injury, that Benson had run with some urgency and power. He will still be in the mix, but I would be surprised if the Bears don't draft someone or bring in an FA. Peterson is not the answer either, he seems to only be able to do damage on runs out of passing formations on passing downs (save for the rugby scrum TD last week).

Unfortunately the time to sell Benson was preseason or September, so if you got him, the best plan is to hold him.

 

[az_prof]

I see the Bears taking a back in the second round most likely and then Benson will be the backup or used in RBBC. I doubt very much they would go into a new season counting on him because he just doesn't show enough.

 

[Rounders]

I see the Bears taking a back in the second round most likely and then Benson will be the backup or used in RBBC. I doubt very much they would go into a new season counting on him because he just doesn't show enough.

Totally disagree here. He has shown flashes of talent in the NFL. He won't be a backup, not on the Bears at least. RBBC for certain, but not a backup.

 

[TheFanatic]

His cap number alone will keep him on the roster. The concern that I have is how bad is the ankle injury and the O-line? They have been very mum on what it is, and that concerns me. Why wouldn't they say "broken ankle", "torn ligaments", or whatever it is

The O-Line is old and I don't think they are capable of playing at a high level again. This is the number one problem for the Bears IMO. They need to beef up their line in FA and the draft.

As a Bears fan I hate to say it but Benson will most likely be used in a RBBC like he did with T.Jones in their Super Bowl run. He can't stay healthy (fluke injuries or not) and I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him.

I see the Bears bringing in a FA or drafting a RB and having a big competition at RB next year with Benson, Peterson, Wolfe, and 1 more back. Good luck sorting that one out.

Here's an excerpt from the link I posted earlier:How bad is Cedric Benson's ankle injury and what do you think about him returning next season? --Gavin D., Waco, Texas

Nobody likes to see a player go down just when he appeared to be making some long-awaited progress. And nobody knows how well Benson will recover from ankle surgery because he has been fortunate to have avoided similar injuries in the past. The fact that he is not known as an off-season workout warrior or fitness freak prone to weight gains probably concerns the Bears. On the other hand, perhaps a traumatic experience like this injury could induce the metamorphosis in Benson's approach for which the Bears have been waiting. According to a team source, Benson sustained a minor fracture near the left ankle that was similar to what Grossman suffered in 2005 but not as serious. Grossman was back on the field in a little more than four months. Benson can take longer and still be able to make mini-camp next May – when the Bears should welcome him back to compete with Adrian Peterson and a promising first-day draft pick for the starting running back position.

This is good info here. This is the first that I've seen what the actual injury was. I was confident it was a break which is good as long as there is no ligament damage with the break. Looks like he should be good to go at the start of the season. I for one am pulling for the guy. I don't have him on any team but he looked good in the games right before the injury. If the Bears were to use a first day pick on some o-line help or sign a lineman in FA Benson could be a viable starting back next year....

 

[Rounders]

Agreed Fanatic. Benson will be one of those guys that could be cheap next year. He could stay under the radar, and if the Bears make some good moves (Oline) he could be a great value pick next year. Just something to think about guys.

 

[Ryan_21]

Bears dont need to waist any first round picks on RBs. Their first 3 rookie picks next year should all be O-lineman, alone with signing any FA O-lineman that is available and decent. Their main weakness IMO is at safety, O-line, and WR. If Hester can be more of a fulltime WR next year that should help also. Another run stopping DT to replace Tank wouldnt hurt also.

 

[TinHat]

If I'm the Bears I try to bolster the OL and sign a cheap FA RB and maybe a decent undrafted rookie or two as insurance for Benson.

 

[Statcruncher]

I see the Bears taking a back in the second round most likely and then Benson will be the backup or used in RBBC. I doubt very much they would go into a new season counting on him because he just doesn't show enough.

Totally disagree here. He has shown flashes of talent in the NFL. He won't be a backup, not on the Bears at least. RBBC for certain, but not a backup.

You need to pay attention to those flashes of talent and you'll notice he's wearing burnt orange uniforms, not chicago blue and orange.

 

[geoff8695]

Dear Santa,

I've been a good boy so here's my Bears offseason wish list:

Sign a FA QB and re-sign Rex cheaply to a one year deal as insurance,

draft a couple of Olineman and safety on the first day of the draft,

and sign FA RB Michael Turner to share the load in '08 with Benson until the Bears can afford to kick Benson to the curb in '09.

Since the new Oline is going to take some time to gel let Benson absorb some of the punishment to help protect Turner.

-G

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

If I'm the Bears I try to bolster the OL and sign a cheap FA RB and maybe a decent undrafted rookie or two as insurance for Benson.

These sound like better options than "Wow, all these RBs we draft are underachieving. How should we fix that? I know, draft more of them!"

 

[zamboni]

and sign FA RB Michael Turner to share the load in '08 with Benson until the Bears can afford to kick Benson to the curb in '09.

Unless somehow that offers are scant (which is unlikely), I don't think Turner would accept going to Chicago in a shared role.

 

[King of the Wolfies]

I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him.

I nominate this as the funniest line in the history of FF.Barber rarely goes down on first contact whereas Benson had started to fall down on his own. Comparing these two is like comparing an Abrams tank versus a go-cart.

 

[Rounders]

I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him.

I nominate this as the funniest line in the history of FF.Barber rarely goes down on first contact whereas Benson had started to fall down on his own. Comparing these two is like comparing an Abrams tank versus a go-cart.

What I meant is tha he has that capability. Potential. When Benson runs hard he's a bulldozer, problem is he doesn't do that enough.

 

[King of the Wolfies]

I think that he has a M.Barber type of effectivness to him.

I nominate this as the funniest line in the history of FF.Barber rarely goes down on first contact whereas Benson had started to fall down on his own. Comparing these two is like comparing an Abrams tank versus a go-cart.

What I meant is tha he has that capability. Potential. When Benson runs hard he's a bulldozer, problem is he doesn't do that enough.

Has he ever in the NFL? I watch alot of Bears football and I've never seen it. What I see is a guy that constantly shoots his mouth off and never backs it up. At best, he's one of those cheap plastic bulldozers that breaks as soon as you play with it.

 

[TheFanatic]

and sign FA RB Michael Turner to share the load in '08 with Benson until the Bears can afford to kick Benson to the curb in '09.

Unless somehow that offers are scant (which is unlikely), I don't think Turner would accept going to Chicago in a shared role.

I totally agree. Turner will be an UFA this year. He gets to choose from all the potential suitors. Unless Chicago were to just blow him away with a monster offer (which seems ridiculous with that they have invested in Benson) there is no way Turner goes anywhere near a RBBC team. No way. Any talk of, "Michael you will be competing with RBX in training camp for the starting job," and Turner is going to zone out and start thinking about the next stop on the FA tour he will have in early 2008...

 

[mozzy84]

OUCH.....

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears RB Cedric Benson (leg) could have lost up to $4 million in bonuses for this season by suffering a season-ending injury. Benson was only 27 yards away from achieving one bonus in particular which would have paid him $1.73 million.

 

[King of the Wolfies]

OUCH.....

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears RB Cedric Benson (leg) could have lost up to $4 million in bonuses for this season by suffering a season-ending injury. Benson was only 27 yards away from achieving one bonus in particular which would have paid him $1.73 million.

anyone wanna bet that he went in and demanded the money anyways because its really his "rookie" year and the o-line didnt open enough crater sized holes for him?

 

[flapgreen]

I was hoping another Benson thread would pick up where the other left off.

BENSON BLOWS!!!!!!!!!1111one

 

[Bill Brasky]

I was hoping another Benson thread would pick up where the other left off.

BENSON BLOWS!!!!!!!!!1111one

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Will start again. Definitely will give up carries to a FA or mid-round RB.

 

[RC94]

Does anyone know the cap hit the Bears would take if they got rid of him? According the the PA, he is signed through 2009, so they have already taken 3 of the 5 years of cap hits on him. Isn't the rule that if they cut him after June 1st they can amortize the bonus over the next 2 years, which are the only 2 years remaining on his contract anyway?

 

[Gopher State]

Bears will keep him, and draft a RB in the 3rd or later round or trade for Ricky Willams for a late round draft pick, or some other FA RB. But Benson will be in the mix for 08. I also think Rex is back, unless McNabb gets cut by the eagles

 

[ditka311]

I see the Bears taking a back in the second round most likely and then Benson will be the backup or used in RBBC. I doubt very much they would go into a new season counting on him because he just doesn't show enough.

Totally disagree here. He has shown flashes of talent in the NFL. He won't be a backup, not on the Bears at least. RBBC for certain, but not a backup.

This is the correct answer. Benson had shown flashes in the past 3 games and when you watched him you could see the difference. For some reason, he never gets going until there is a threat to his job. I think he can be an effective back in the NFL and I would like to see him succeed in Chicago. At the same time I don't trust him fully and think the Bears need to bring in someone to compete to get the best out of him.

 

[NeverEnough]

Benson lacks the proper wortk ethic & attitude to succeed in the NFL.

 

[King of the Wolfies]

unfortunately, next year we'll have to listen again to him explain how 2008 is really his rookie year since he didnt play the entire 2007.

 

[DoubleG]

OUCH.....

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears RB Cedric Benson (leg) could have lost up to $4 million in bonuses for this season by suffering a season-ending injury. Benson was only 27 yards away from achieving one bonus in particular which would have paid him $1.73 million.

WTF?! He gets a $1.73 millon bonus for gaining 700 yards?!?!? WOW! That's setting the bar low - that about 45 yards per game. Jesus, Mary and Joseph!! My grandmother could rush for 45 yards a game...and she's in a wheel chair!

 

[DropKick]

Sorry, opened this thread thinking it was about the upcoming presidential election.

Benson? I'd rather have Benson (the butler).

 

[DropKick]

Bears dont need to waist any first round picks on RBs. Their first 3 rookie picks next year should all be O-lineman, alone with signing any FA O-lineman that is available and decent. Their main weakness IMO is at safety, O-line, and WR. If Hester can be more of a fulltime WR next year that should help also. Another run stopping DT to replace Tank wouldnt hurt also.

A Freudian shot at Benson's conditioning?

 

[Raider Nation]

Benson lacks the proper wortk ethic & attitude to succeed in the NFL.

How long have you been his personal trainer?

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

everyone must have forgotten that Benson looked great when he was in the RBBC with Thomas Jones in the super bowl run and many were balloting for Benson to get more touches than Jones. he has played poorly but not as poorly-or dopped off as much as the bears Oline. that is the bears biggest issue

 

[Interseptopus]

Benson lacks the proper wortk ethic & attitude to succeed in the NFL.

How long have you been his personal trainer?

How long have you been a complete jack hole?What's with the sarcasm? The guy is just trying to offer a constructive fact to the thread, not destructive like yoursBenson doesn't have the drive, we see it every preseason in the news. His own players said last year they didn't like him as the full time back. His attitude sucks

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

everyone must have forgotten that Benson looked great when he was in the RBBC with Thomas Jones in the super bowl run and many were balloting for Benson to get more touches than Jones. he has played poorly but not as poorly-or dopped off as much as the bears Oline. that is the bears biggest issue

ninerfanatic - facts don't belong in any Benson thread. Watch out - the bashing will ensue shortly.

 

[DropKick]

everyone must have forgotten that Benson looked great when he was in the RBBC with Thomas Jones in the super bowl run and many were balloting for Benson to get more touches than Jones. he has played poorly but not as poorly-or dopped off as much as the bears Oline. that is the bears biggest issue

He exceeded 100 yards once last season... in week 17 when things get a little freakish in the NFL.In the playoffs, he ran for 45 (3.8 average), 60 (2.5 average) and -1 yards, when it really mattered in the SB. Some question his heart for leaving such an important game.What exactly did we forget?

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

everyone must have forgotten that Benson looked great when he was in the RBBC with Thomas Jones in the super bowl run and many were balloting for Benson to get more touches than Jones. he has played poorly but not as poorly-or dopped off as much as the bears Oline. that is the bears biggest issue

He exceeded 100 yards once last season... in week 17 when things get a little freakish in the NFL.In the playoffs, he ran for 45 (3.8 average), 60 (2.5 average) and -1 yards, when it really mattered in the SB. Some question his heart for leaving such an important game.What exactly did we forget?

oh i forgot RBBC members routinely go over 100yards don' they. were thomas jones numbers as the 'lead RB' so much better? and how awesome has he done this year? and for the super bowl-he tore his damn MCL. AP can't play thru a PCL-where is his heart?lolanyone that actually watched the bears game last year could see benson was running with aggression and showing some real 'pop', to his disadvantage he does have to build up steam as he doesn't have the great acceleration. the bears Oline played over there heads with aging vets and journeyman lineman. now there line is in flux and he can't build up the steam he needs. he's not a make u miss type in the backfield-so he will/was suffering greatly. ask any bears fan on how many times he has been hit 3yards deep. the 'other' AP is a good runner but he is usually saved by running draw plays on 3rd and long/passing downs. for everyone thats been clamoring for him-what will u say when he averages under 3.5YPC just like benson?

 

[Raider Nation]

Benson lacks the proper wortk ethic & attitude to succeed in the NFL.

How long have you been his personal trainer?

How long have you been a complete jack hole?What's with the sarcasm? The guy is just trying to offer a constructive fact to the thread, not destructive like yoursBenson doesn't have the drive, we see it every preseason in the news. His own players said last year they didn't like him as the full time back. His attitude sucks

Nobody here is qualified to offer an opinion on Benson's work ethic.And please stop insulting me -- it hurts my feelings.

 

[Raider Nation]

Benson lacks the proper wortk ethic & attitude to succeed in the NFL.

How long have you been his personal trainer?

His own players said last year they didn't like him as the full time back.

BTW, please provide a link to support this statement.Let me guess.... you can't find one?

 

[flapgreen]

Benson lacks the proper wortk ethic & attitude to succeed in the NFL.

How long have you been his personal trainer?

How long have you been a complete jack hole?What's with the sarcasm? The guy is just trying to offer a constructive fact to the thread, not destructive like yoursBenson doesn't have the drive, we see it every preseason in the news. His own players said last year they didn't like him as the full time back. His attitude sucks

Nobody here is qualified to offer an opinion on Benson's work ethic.And please stop insulting me -- it hurts my feelings.

 

[flapgreen]

I'm thinking this thread should probably be merged with the other BENSON BLOWS thread.

 

[flapgreen]

Apparently, the O line likes Peterson better.

 

[Notinuse]

Apparently, the O line likes Peterson better.

Yeah, the 3.5 or so ypc that Peterson's getting really shows how much better he is.

 

[flapgreen]

Apparently, the O line likes Peterson better.

Yeah, the 3.5 or so ypc that Peterson's getting really shows how much better he is.

Never mind the 71yds receiving he has.