Benson Is Terrible (2 Viewers)

[Irish]

It's not Benson's numbers that should concern his owners - no one should have expected much of anything against the Charger Defense at home. But he showed absolutely no elusiveness, and no anger when he got the rock. Several of his runs looked as if he either chose the wrong hole, or didn't see that there wasn't a hole and he ran right into the pile.

I think Benson could have decent success if the Bears had a passing game that threatened defenses and a very good run blocking offensive line. Unfortunately for Benson (and his owners), the Bears don't have either. It's going to be a long, long year for those who spent late 2nd and early 3rds on Cedric.

I agree with most of your post, but Thomas Jones did not seem to have those problems with Grossman last year and Kyle Orton the year before.As the thread states Benson sucks.

Until I see something, ANYTHING from Cedric Benson that makes him appear to be more than a smaller Ron Dayne, I'm of the opinion that Thomas Jones is a much better running back.

How many yards did Thomas Jones get today?

 

[Todem]

Jeesh, people very sensitive. All I did was point out a fact fellas. Wasnt saying anything else.

It might be fact but it does not dispute the fact that Benson will never be able to hold LT's jock. LOL.Benson is a bust.

 

[RBM]

Jeesh, people very sensitive. All I did was point out a fact fellas. Wasnt saying anything else.

It might be fact but it does not dispute the fact that Benson will never be able to hold LT's jock. LOL.Benson is a bust.

Never said he could. Just saying that he outgained him by over 20 yards today. Thats all.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

The Bears D really showed up today. They shut down LT. Yes, he caught passes, but only had a couple of big plays. It was Chicago's offense that failed them. Passing, running, whatever. You can't expect that kind of defensive performance every week, and they wasted this one. With the high (and probably unrealistic) expectations heaped upon a conference champion, I don't see how things turn out well for Chicago this year.

Yes, it's week 1. But this problem didn't show up Sunday. They had it to a good extent last year, too.

 

[Penguin]

Jeesh, people very sensitive. All I did was point out a fact fellas. Wasnt saying anything else.

It might be fact but it does not dispute the fact that Benson will never be able to hold LT's jock. LOL.Benson is a bust.

Never said he could. Just saying that he outgained him by over 20 yards today. Thats all.

LT scored almost 25 points in WCOFF today compared to Benson's 6.3

 

[Statcruncher]

As a die-hard Bears fan I have no problem stating the obvious, Benson sucks. He's a head case who is too worried about everything except toting the rock. Normally a good back will at least have one or two runs per game where he shows something special. The 2 plays that stand out for me were:

Getting a swing pass with 1 defender to beat in open space and beelining straight for the sideline to avoid contact.

His most elusive move of coughing up the ball like a cat spewing out a furball.

He's not going anywhere, we would have seen something out of him by now. The quicker they get rid of him the better off the Bears will be. Even though he fumbled Adrian Peterson was running like a RB should. I would be happy to have AP be the starter as I feel his potential is greater than Benson's.

While I'm at it I still can't believe people think Grossman is a real NFL quarterback. Yes he looks good 50% of the time. 25% of the time he looks simply inept, the other 25% he looks like he was paid off by the other team. He is in his 5th year (all with the Bears) so he should have a 100% handle on the offense. Half the time he looks like he has no clue where to throw the ball. When he does know where to throw it he throws off the back foot, something that PeeWee age QB's are taught not to do. Grossman is an anchor around Chicago's hopes. All the Chicago O has to do is not lose games and the D could carry them a LONG way. Unfortunately the Chicago O isn't even that good. The Bears would have a better chance of winning games if they simply punt every time the get the ball.

 

[wilked]

I agree with the others, Benson is awful

 

[tommyGunZ]

Anyone that bit on this guy before round 4 deserves what's coming to them.

 

[Todem]

It's not Benson's numbers that should concern his owners - no one should have expected much of anything against the Charger Defense at home. But he showed absolutely no elusiveness, and no anger when he got the rock. Several of his runs looked as if he either chose the wrong hole, or didn't see that there wasn't a hole and he ran right into the pile.

I think Benson could have decent success if the Bears had a passing game that threatened defenses and a very good run blocking offensive line. Unfortunately for Benson (and his owners), the Bears don't have either. It's going to be a long, long year for those who spent late 2nd and early 3rds on Cedric.

I agree with most of your post, but Thomas Jones did not seem to have those problems with Grossman last year and Kyle Orton the year before.As the thread states Benson sucks.

Until I see something, ANYTHING from Cedric Benson that makes him appear to be more than a smaller Ron Dayne, I'm of the opinion that Thomas Jones is a much better running back.

How many yards did Thomas Jones get today?

What is the point of that staement? Are you dumb. We are talking about when Jones played for the Bears.And oh yeah Jones is still better than Benson. check back after the season.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Benson looked awful today. Fortunately for owners, he gets to play KC next week. I expect 100+ yds and 1-2 TDs.

Long term, CB owners should be worried. Granted, anyone expecting a huge week vs. SD was foolish, but this performance was brutal. CB continues to show limited vision...that's the biggest concern I have. All the other stuff (e.g., headcase, teammates dislike him, etc) is overblown - but his lack of vision is a very real problem.

Of course, it didn't stop him from having the exact same yards per carry in 2006 as "the savior" Thomas Jones.

 

[Badm]

Benson looked awful today. Fortunately for owners, he gets to play KC next week. I expect 100+ yds and 1-2 TDs. Long term, CB owners should be worried. Granted, anyone expecting a huge week vs. SD was foolish, but this performance was brutal. CB continues to show limited vision...that's the biggest concern I have. All the other stuff (e.g., headcase, teammates dislike him, etc) is overblown - but his lack of vision is a very real problem. Of course, it didn't stop him from having the exact same yards per carry in 2006 as "the savior" Thomas Jones.

There are many that bash Benson for some ridiculous reasons, but the lack of vision is brutal. I am an owner of Benson and that was the thing that really concerned me today. SD D was stout, wish maybe they opened the game with some long passes to open the middle up for Benson. The lack of vision however was brutal. Do or can RBs learn this?

 

[twistd]

It was a game featuring two of the league's top rushing defenses. Benson had 19 carries for 42 yards. Tomlinson had 17 carries for 25 yards.If we're counting out Benson after one game, we should also count out Tomlinson. One averaged 2.2 ypc and the other one averaged 1.5. Guess which was which.

don't forget that Tomlinson won the game for his team though...

And Benson lost the game for his team with that fumble...momentum was clearly with the Bears until Benson coughed it up.

That game was lost when McGowan got hit by the ball on the punt. That was the turning point. SD didn 't even score on the Benson fumble.

 

[twistd]

Benson is completely uninspiring. Lendale White looked better.

You've been listening to Cecil too much. Lendale is pitiful. Benson will come around.

 

[Raider Nation]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him)

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57

Frank Gore - 10 for 55

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

 

[tommyGunZ]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him)

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57

Frank Gore - 10 for 55

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

How many more years does he need?

 

[Keith Lewis]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him)

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57

Frank Gore - 10 for 55

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

Benson owner?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Benson is completely uninspiring. Lendale White looked better.

You've been listening to Cecil too much. Lendale is pitiful. Benson will come around.

Im not on the LenDale train, that was just an illustration of how bad Benson actually looked. They are looking similar to me right now, plodding power runners from college who cant dial up the instincts and intensity to reproduce their success in the pros.

 

[TheLastDispatch]

Jackson had a pretty horrendous day too. 61 total yards and 2 fumbles.

It's one week. Hitting the panic button this early is foolish.

 

[Raider Nation]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him)

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57

Frank Gore - 10 for 55

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

How many more years does he need?

More than one week as the starter. Overreact much?

 

[Raider Nation]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him)

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57

Frank Gore - 10 for 55

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

Benson owner?

Yes. And?

 

[Penguin]

Jackson had a pretty horrendous day too. 61 total yards and 2 fumbles. It's one week. Hitting the panic button this early is foolish.

The difference here is that S.Jax has been there before, last year he had one of the most productive seasons in history. 1528 yards rushing, 90 receptions for 806 yards receiving. 2334 total yards & 16 Touchdowns. That was last year for S.Jax, Benson has 976 yards combined rushing & receiving in two years, and 6 TD's. Once he's beenh there, I'll be the first one to say that he can do it, until then

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

It was a game featuring two of the league's top rushing defenses. Benson had 19 carries for 42 yards. Tomlinson had 17 carries for 25 yards.If we're counting out Benson after one game, we should also count out Tomlinson. One averaged 2.2 ypc and the other one averaged 1.5. Guess which was which.

don't forget that Tomlinson won the game for his team though...

Wrong....the Bears 4 turnovers LOST the game....SD didn't win it...the Bears handed it to them on a silver platter....here is 4 turnovers and 3 on the SD 40 or better.

 

[flapgreen]

Jackson had a pretty horrendous day too. 61 total yards and 2 fumbles. It's one week. Hitting the panic button this early is foolish.

The difference here is that S.Jax has been there before, last year he had one of the most productive seasons in history. 1528 yards rushing, 90 receptions for 806 yards receiving. 2334 total yards & 16 Touchdowns. That was last year for S.Jax, Benson has 976 yards combined rushing & receiving in two years, and 6 TD's. Once he's beenh there, I'll be the first one to say that he can do it, until then

Exactly.

 

[Brewzers]

Not sure how you pin today on Benson. The OLine, QB play, route running and running game all looked anemic to me. I'm not sure how any RB does well in that environment. The Bears look like a team where expectations and reality are about to violently collide....kinda like a train wreck.

 

[RBM]

People really need to remember this one little fact.......This was the hardest game on the Bears schedule this year.

Patience, patience.

 

[nygiants56]

I used my first pick on him in a 2 keeper league (3.1) and was worried about it.Yes the SD D is good but Benson looked like Ron Dayne the second (put his head down and ran into the backs of his linemen).......not only that but AP (the original) looked pretty good, before he fumbled late in the game.I see a 50/50 split next week.I'm now officially VERY worried about Benson being productive at all.

well, Benson was one of the most overrated players out there...just looking at what he's done every single time he gets the chance to make an impression, he flops.you saw it in the SB, 1carry, 1 yard, 1 fumble.done.same thing today. he's a waste of,what, some $40 mil they gave him? useless..Adrain peterson looked better..I'll bet Mike turner plays for Chicago next season, if they don't trade for him THIS season..

 

[tommyGunZ]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him)

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57

Frank Gore - 10 for 55

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

How many more years does he need?

More than one week as the starter. Overreact much?

Watching the game down? Benson wouldn't have gotten 100 yards against San Diego State. It's almost like there is a magnet in Benson's shoulder pads that forces him to run into piles of defenders and his own linemen ~ 2 yards past the line of scrimmage.

 

[tommyGunZ]

People really need to remember this one little fact.......This was the hardest game on the Bears schedule this year. Patience, patience.

As long as Cedric is allergic to holes he'll have trouble regardless of who the opponent is.Ray Charles has more vision.

 

[Raider Nation]

People really need to remember this one little fact.......This was the hardest game on the Bears schedule this year. Patience, patience.

As long as Cedric is allergic to holes he'll have trouble regardless of who the opponent is.Ray Charles has more vision.

Bottom line... no rational-thinking person would have expected much out of Benson today.If he also craps the bed next week against the Chiefs, I will acknowledge that I'll start to get a bit concerned.

 

[NatronIsMean]

SD is a tough defense so I wouldn't go too crazy. Benson will have a decent/good year due to the fact that he'll get a lot of carries on a good team but he's not a good RB. LOL, he's kind of like Rex Grossman at the RB position.

Trust me, us Bears fans have been pissed about this all off-season. I knew the Bears couldn't pay both Benson and Jones, but man would I love to see our situation look like Jones, AP, Wolfe instead. Indeed, we were all essentially saying that today: We already were stressed over Grossman... now this? Still, Grossman takes the cake in Chicago as pinata numero uno.

 

[tommyGunZ]

People really need to remember this one little fact.......This was the hardest game on the Bears schedule this year.

Patience, patience.

As long as Cedric is allergic to holes he'll have trouble regardless of who the opponent is.Ray Charles has more vision.

Bottom line... no rational-thinking person would have expected much out of Benson today.

My first post in this thread:

It's not Benson's numbers that should concern his owners - no one should have expected much of anything against the Charger Defense at home. But he showed absolutely no elusiveness, and no anger when he got the rock. Several of his runs looked as if he either chose the wrong hole, or didn't see that there wasn't a hole and he ran right into the pile.

I think Benson could have decent success if the Bears had a passing game that threatened defenses and a very good run blocking offensive line. Unfortunately for Benson (and his owners), the Bears don't have either. It's going to be a long, long year for those who spent late 2nd and early 3rds on Cedric.

So I actually agree with you that today's numbers weren't unexpected.

If he also craps the bed next week against the Chiefs, I will acknowledge that I'll start to get a bit concerned.

He's lucky Adrian Peterson fumbled in the game today or else he might not be getting many carries next week. Other than one 8-10 yard run today, Benson broke absolutely no tackles and looked terrible. I advise you to sell high on Benson now.

 

[Raider Nation]

He's lucky Adrian Peterson fumbled in the game today or else he might not be getting many carries next week.

Stop it. Please..... Jerry Angelo's reputation is on the line with Benson. He took him #4 overall. He shipped Jones out of town.

To presume that Benson would be benched for one fumble is ludicrous. He will be given a thousand chances to succeed.

 

[PatytonsGhost]

If LT played for the Bears today he would have had the same game rushing wise, aside from the throwing TD. The Bear O line Sucked, no push, Jamal WIlliams dominated, he is one of the best DT in the GAME ,

Its funny how many people who play fantasy football know nothing about real football. It is very easy to be a Benson hater this week

 

[Raider Nation]

If LT played for the Bears today he would have had the same game rushing wise, aside from the throwing TD. The Bear O line Sucked, no push, Jamal WIlliams dominated, he is one of the best DT in the GAME ,

Its funny how many people who play fantasy football know nothing about real football. It is very easy to be a Benson hater this week.

How DARE you make sense in this thread!

 

[Statcruncher]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him) (4.4 ypc) 2nd meeting so they had film from the first time he tore them up

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57 + a TD (4.1 ypc)

Frank Gore - 10 for 55 (5.5 ypc)

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also) + a TD (4.7 ypc)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66 + a TD (4 ypc)

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

Great stats. Somehow you forgot:Shaun Alexander 31 carries 140 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Tatum Bell 17 carries 116 yards (6.8 ypc)

Rudi Johnson 18 carries 85 Yards 1 TD (4.7 ypc)

Mike Bell 20 carries 90 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Larry Johnson 28 carries 132 yards 2 TD's (4.7 ypc) in their first meeting

The Bolts only held 5 team's RB's to less than 4 yards per carry:

Buffalo - Willis McGahee

Oakland - LaMont Jordan

Oakland - Justin Fargas

Cleveland - Rueben Droughns

Baltimore - Jamal Lewis

Tennessee - LenDale White/Chris Brown

I call 4 yards per carry a good day against any defense. The fact that they get limited rushes does not prove the Bolts are an awesome rush D. Out of 16 games 10 starting RB's averaged at least 4 yards per carry.

Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, Miami, Minnesot, New England, New York Giants, Oakland, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Tampa Bay all allowed fewer yards per carry than San Diego. I just don't see where the Bolts are that good of a rushing defense. Benson just sucks.

 

[flapgreen]

If LT played for the Bears today he would have had the same game rushing wise, aside from the throwing TD. The Bear O line Sucked, no push, Jamal WIlliams dominated, he is one of the best DT in the GAME ,

Its funny how many people who play fantasy football know nothing about real football. It is very easy to be a Benson hater this week.

How DARE you make sense in this thread!

Sense? If we think Benson sucks, we don't know anything about real football? WTF is that? I've watched every single game the guy has played since he was drafted and yet to see anything that remotely made me think he was the Bears rb of the future. He folded in the biggest game of his life and didn't do much better today.

If thinking Benson sucks means I don't know anything about football, then I guess I just don't know anything about football.

btw, I think the new rook will fit in just fine. Coming into a thread and spouting off about how those not agreeing with you don't know anything about football is par for the course these days in the SP.

 

[Raider Nation]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him) (4.4 ypc) 2nd meeting so they had film from the first time he tore them up

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57 + a TD (4.1 ypc)

Frank Gore - 10 for 55 (5.5 ypc)

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also) + a TD (4.7 ypc)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66 + a TD (4 ypc)

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

Great stats. Somehow you forgot:Shaun Alexander 31 carries 140 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Tatum Bell 17 carries 116 yards (6.8 ypc)

Rudi Johnson 18 carries 85 Yards 1 TD (4.7 ypc)

Mike Bell 20 carries 90 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Larry Johnson 28 carries 132 yards 2 TD's (4.7 ypc) in their first meeting

I was an intentional omission, not an oversight. San Diego can't be expected to hold EVERY running back to 50 yards. Why would I post stats which don't bolster my argument? Would you?

 

[Penguin]

This question will be answered once and for all in the next 4 weeks. Benson's schedule the next 28 days....

Week 2: home v.s. KC

Week 3: home v.s. Dallas

Week 4: @ Detroit

Week 5: @ GB

 

[My Hope Street Alias]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him) (4.4 ypc) 2nd meeting so they had film from the first time he tore them up

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57 + a TD (4.1 ypc)

Frank Gore - 10 for 55 (5.5 ypc)

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also) + a TD (4.7 ypc)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66 + a TD (4 ypc)

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

Great stats. Somehow you forgot:Shaun Alexander 31 carries 140 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Tatum Bell 17 carries 116 yards (6.8 ypc)

Rudi Johnson 18 carries 85 Yards 1 TD (4.7 ypc)

Mike Bell 20 carries 90 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Larry Johnson 28 carries 132 yards 2 TD's (4.7 ypc) in their first meeting

The Bolts only held 5 team's RB's to less than 4 yards per carry:

Buffalo - Willis McGahee

Oakland - LaMont Jordan

Oakland - Justin Fargas

Cleveland - Rueben Droughns

Baltimore - Jamal Lewis

Tennessee - LenDale White/Chris Brown

I call 4 yards per carry a good day against any defense. The fact that they get limited rushes does not prove the Bolts are an awesome rush D. Out of 16 games 10 starting RB's averaged at least 4 yards per carry.

Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, Miami, Minnesot, New England, New York Giants, Oakland, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Tampa Bay all allowed fewer yards per carry than San Diego. I just don't see where the Bolts are that good of a rushing defense. Benson just sucks.

I was wondering about the games that RN didn't mention but I was too lazy to look them up. Thanks for doing that.

 

[flapgreen]

All of you naysayers will be eating major crow SOON, if you have the stones to show up in this thread this time next week.

Benson makes his living between the tackles. I am the biggest Benson honk on this board, and even I tempered my expectations for him this week. I was on record as saying I'd be surprised if he cracked 60 rushing yards. Can we at least wait until he faces a defense which doesn't have an immovable BRICK WALL at nose tackle? At the end of this season, you'll be able to count on one hand the number of RBs who have good days against the Chargers.

Last season against San Diego:

Larry Johnson - 19 carries for 84 yards (A well below-average game for him) (4.4 ypc) 2nd meeting so they had film from the first time he tore them up

Jamal Lewis - 15 for 34

Willie Parker - 14 for 57 + a TD (4.1 ypc)

Frank Gore - 10 for 55 (5.5 ypc)

Steven Jackson - 18 for 84 (good, but below his average also) + a TD (4.7 ypc)

Willis McGahee - 16 for 26

Edgerrin James - 16 for 66 + a TD (4 ypc)

You aren't going to make a living running against this defense. Sheesh... give the guy a chance to settle in.

Great stats. Somehow you forgot:Shaun Alexander 31 carries 140 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Tatum Bell 17 carries 116 yards (6.8 ypc)

Rudi Johnson 18 carries 85 Yards 1 TD (4.7 ypc)

Mike Bell 20 carries 90 yards 2 TD's (4.5 ypc)

Larry Johnson 28 carries 132 yards 2 TD's (4.7 ypc) in their first meeting

I was an intentional omission, not an oversight. San Diego can't be expected to hold EVERY running back to 50 yards. Why would I post stats which don't bolster my argument? Would you?

I have the stones. I've been wrong plenty of times. If Benson ends up being a good rb this year, I'll gladly show up and eat crow. I prefer it. But I see nothing to indicate it'll happen.

 

[Raider Nation]

If LT played for the Bears today he would have had the same game rushing wise, aside from the throwing TD. The Bear O line Sucked, no push, Jamal WIlliams dominated, he is one of the best DT in the GAME ,

Its funny how many people who play fantasy football know nothing about real football. It is very easy to be a Benson hater this week.

How DARE you make sense in this thread!

Sense? If we think Benson sucks, we don't know anything about real football? WTF is that? I've watched every single game the guy has played since he was drafted and yet to see anything that remotely made me think he was the Bears rb of the future. He folded in the biggest game of his life and didn't do much better today.

If thinking Benson sucks means I don't know anything about football, then I guess I just don't know anything about football.

I have no problem whatsoever with those of you who decided early on that Benson can't play. We're all entitled to our opinions, even though I strongly disagree with that particular one. The "sense" he made to which I referred was primarily his points about *today*..... Chicago's O-line struggling, Jamal Williams being a beast of a nose tackle, etc.I can't do anything about today's game. I just ask for patience. Next week at this time there will be ten "Benson is KING" threads.

There are very fickle people in this hobby.

 

[flapgreen]

If LT played for the Bears today he would have had the same game rushing wise, aside from the throwing TD. The Bear O line Sucked, no push, Jamal WIlliams dominated, he is one of the best DT in the GAME ,

Its funny how many people who play fantasy football know nothing about real football. It is very easy to be a Benson hater this week.

How DARE you make sense in this thread!

Sense? If we think Benson sucks, we don't know anything about real football? WTF is that? I've watched every single game the guy has played since he was drafted and yet to see anything that remotely made me think he was the Bears rb of the future. He folded in the biggest game of his life and didn't do much better today.

If thinking Benson sucks means I don't know anything about football, then I guess I just don't know anything about football.

I have no problem whatsoever with those of you who decided early on that Benson can't play. We're all entitled to our opinions, even though I strongly disagree with that particular one. The "sense" he made to which I referred was primarily his points about *today*..... Chicago's O-line struggling, Jamal Williams being a beast of a nose tackle, etc.I can't do anything about today's game. I just ask for patience. Next week at this time there will be ten "Benson is KING" threads.

There are very fickle people in this hobby.

I hope there are at the end of the season. That's what I care about.ETA: I don't care about his fantasy stats. His contribution to the team is all that matters to me.

 

[Statcruncher]

Why would I post stats which don't bolster my argument? Would you?

Good point!

 

[DoubleG]

It was a game featuring two of the league's top rushing defenses. Benson had 19 carries for 42 yards. Tomlinson had 17 carries for 25 yards.

If we're counting out Benson after one game, we should also count out Tomlinson. One averaged 2.2 ypc and the other one averaged 1.5. Guess which was which.

don't forget that Tomlinson won the game for his team though...

And Benson lost the game for his team with that fumble...momentum was clearly with the Bears until Benson coughed it up. the fluke punt that took a funny bounce and hit McGowen in the arm

FYP.Ironically, while Benson's fumble wasn't helpful, it led to no points. It was the silly punt play that lead to the Chargers first TD with less than minute remaining in the 3rd qtr. Adrian Peterson's fumble early in the 4th quarter - after the Bears had converted a couple of 1st downs and crossed midfield, down by only 4, was the one that cost the Bears the game.

Now, don't get me wrong - Benson did suck. His inability to pick up a first down on 2nd and 2 and later on 4th and 1 in the 4th quarter killed the Bears' last real attempt to make it a game (with about 9:00 left). But the turning point was not his fumble - that you could blame on the fluke punt play or AP's fumble.

 

[Raider Nation]

Now, don't get me wrong - Benson did suck. His inability to pick up a first down on 2nd and 2 and later on 4th and 1 in the 4th quarter killed the Bears' last real attempt to make it a game.

Did Chicago's O-line block well today? Yes or no?On those two plays you referenced, Benson got hit thisfast after taking the handoff. It was ridiculous. It had nothing to do with poor instincts and vision as many people are claiming. Jim Brown wouldn't have gained any yards on those plays either, and it happened more than those two plays. Why does Benson get ALL the blame? Why does the offensive line get a free pass? Why are we so afraid to admit that San Diego's defensive line committed sexual battery on five fat, slow, old Bears lineman's rectums?

 

[BBBen89]

Sorry if this is an obvious question but after looking through this thread I can't help but wonder...

It's apparent that a lot of people here believe that Cedric Benson isn't a good running back...I rarely get to see the Bears play so I can't pass judgement on him myself, and the arguments seem to be well-founded, but if he really isn't that special or talented, then why was he so highly touted coming out of college to the point of being drafted 4th overall? If these problems in his game are legitimate then why didn't scouts and coaches pick up on this and realize that he wouldn't be a good NFL rb? Was it overlooked because he came from a high-profile Texas team in which he held records, or was it merely oversight? Or have people been saying these things all along, and only now is everything being brought to light? I know he has attitude issues which can sometimes be hard to forsee but if he were never that good in the first place then why has he been so ridiculously overvalued?

 

[cstu]

Sorry if this is an obvious question but after looking through this thread I can't help but wonder...It's apparent that a lot of people here believe that Cedric Benson isn't a good running back...I rarely get to see the Bears play so I can't pass judgement on him myself, and the arguments seem to be well-founded, but if he really isn't that special or talented, then why was he so highly touted coming out of college to the point of being drafted 4th overall? If these problems in his game are legitimate then why didn't scouts and coaches pick up on this and realize that he wouldn't be a good NFL rb? Was it overlooked because he came from a high-profile Texas team in which he held records, or was it merely oversight? Or have people been saying these things all along, and only now is everything being brought to light? I know he has attitude issues which can sometimes be hard to forsee but if he were never that good in the first place then why has he been so ridiculously overvalued?

He was a beast in college and was a textbook "workhorse" back, which is what his fans have always talked about. I said from day 1 of the 2005 draft that he was a huge mistake for the Bears since he didn't have elite NFL ability and got a lot of flack from UT homers. I've called him a bust because I don't think he'll ever be a stud back in the NFL unless he gets enough carries to put together Eddie George-like seasons.

 

[DoubleG]

Now, don't get me wrong - Benson did suck. His inability to pick up a first down on 2nd and 2 and later on 4th and 1 in the 4th quarter killed the Bears' last real attempt to make it a game.

Did Chicago's O-line block well today? Yes or no?On those two plays you referenced, Benson got hit thisfast after taking the handoff. It was ridiculous. It had nothing to do with poor instincts and vision as many people are claiming. Jim Brown wouldn't have gained any yards on those plays either, and it happened more than those two plays. Why does Benson get ALL the blame? Why does the offensive line get a free pass? Why are we so afraid to admit that San Diego's defensive line committed sexual battery on five fat, slow, old Bears lineman's rectums?

No, you make a solid point - and I certainly didn't think the line was great. They did do a decent job pass blocking though. Considering that the Chargers have one of the better pass rushes in the league, Grossman did have time to make plays in the passing game (which he did do for the most part). They did allow, not once, but AT LEAST twice, an unblocked defender to obliterate #8 - and one of them was on the second play of the game. I also was not thrilled with the game planning on the offensive side - especially late in the game. On the 2nd and 2 where the Bears ran it up the gut 3 plays in a row, the decision to seemingly run right at the Chargers best run-stopper (nose tackle) seemed silly - especially when they had had some decent succes running off tackle and such.At times it almost seemed like the Bears were going to show SD that they could outperform them at their strengths (i.e. IMHo San Diego's strengths are their run D and LT - and it seemed like the Bears were going to try to beat them in those two facets, come hell or high water.) The frustrating thing as a Bear's fan is that for 3 quarters they had done it. Not only that, but save for a fluke punt play and AP putting the ball on the ground in the 4th, they seemed well on their way to a week 1 upset. But often, in closely matched games, it's those types of plays that make the difference.

 

[twistd]

If LT played for the Bears today he would have had the same game rushing wise, aside from the throwing TD. The Bear O line Sucked, no push, Jamal WIlliams dominated, he is one of the best DT in the GAME ,

Its funny how many people who play fantasy football know nothing about real football. It is very easy to be a Benson hater this week.

How DARE you make sense in this thread!

Sense? If we think Benson sucks, we don't know anything about real football? WTF is that? I've watched every single game the guy has played since he was drafted and yet to see anything that remotely made me think he was the Bears rb of the future. He folded in the biggest game of his life and didn't do much better today.

If thinking Benson sucks means I don't know anything about football, then I guess I just don't know anything about football.

btw, I think the new rook will fit in just fine. Coming into a thread and spouting off about how those not agreeing with you don't know anything about football is par for the course these days in the SP.

You have watched every game Benson has played? Well then you saw that the second half of the year last year? Benson looked better than Jones most of the time. I was disappointed with how the entire offense looked. I think they will get better. Next week they play KC. That should help a lot. The following week is Dallas. Their defense is horrible too. I think that will get things on track.

 

[twistd]

Now, don't get me wrong - Benson did suck. His inability to pick up a first down on 2nd and 2 and later on 4th and 1 in the 4th quarter killed the Bears' last real attempt to make it a game.

Did Chicago's O-line block well today? Yes or no?On those two plays you referenced, Benson got hit thisfast after taking the handoff. It was ridiculous. It had nothing to do with poor instincts and vision as many people are claiming. Jim Brown wouldn't have gained any yards on those plays either, and it happened more than those two plays. Why does Benson get ALL the blame? Why does the offensive line get a free pass? Why are we so afraid to admit that San Diego's defensive line committed sexual battery on five fat, slow, old Bears lineman's rectums?

No, you make a solid point - and I certainly didn't think the line was great. They did do a decent job pass blocking though. Considering that the Chargers have one of the better pass rushes in the league, Grossman did have time to make plays in the passing game (which he did do for the most part). They did allow, not once, but AT LEAST twice, an unblocked defender to obliterate #8 - and one of them was on the second play of the game. I also was not thrilled with the game planning on the offensive side - especially late in the game. On the 2nd and 2 where the Bears ran it up the gut 3 plays in a row, the decision to seemingly run right at the Chargers best run-stopper (nose tackle) seemed silly - especially when they had had some decent succes running off tackle and such.At times it almost seemed like the Bears were going to show SD that they could outperform them at their strengths (i.e. IMHo San Diego's strengths are their run D and LT - and it seemed like the Bears were going to try to beat them in those two facets, come hell or high water.) The frustrating thing as a Bear's fan is that for 3 quarters they had done it. Not only that, but save for a fluke punt play and AP putting the ball on the ground in the 4th, they seemed well on their way to a week 1 upset. But often, in closely matched games, it's those types of plays that make the difference.

I think one of the things the Bears were trying to do was establish the run, no matter what. Good teams dictate the game. Good running teams come in, and despite the fact that you know they are going to run the ball, they do it anyway. I think the Bears were trying to establish that against one of the best teams in the league. I was just disappointed with the results. However, the Chargers have a terrific running game, and they were no more successful than the Bears. More than anything the mistakes decided the game. Let's see how good the running game is against KC next week.