Benson Is Terrible (1 Viewer)

[GroveDiesel]

I can't believe that there are still people defending Benson. Always more excuses. Before the season started, everyone said that Benson would be a stud because of a great defense, good offensive line and lots and lots of carries. Now the offensive line gets the blame. It's their fault that Benson keeps running straight into his line instead of finding holes.

Funny how before the season started I kept saying that Benson had absolutely zero vision and that was one reason why he'd be a bust.

Cedric Benson=Kevan Barlow. Some people are just taking longer to accept it. They'll be the same ones that will take Benson as a "sleeper" next year when he's cut by the Bears and signs with someone else as the backup.

 

[Raiders Fan]

Benson is just a pounder. He has no shifts. No vision and no real burst of speed. I don't think the line has ANYTHING to do with that. His career YPC is 3.8.. He managed only 4.1 in the previous years. I think some people just go by stats alone and never watch the player they draft. Opportunity and draft spot alone doesn't mean success ..See Enis. Those who have Benson can suffer through the pain every week and hope he gets a short yardage TD..

 

[BigTex]

CEDRIC BENSON, Senior, Texas

BIO: 2004 Doak Walker Award winner and a unanimous All-Conference choice after posting 326/1,834/19 on the ground and adding 22/179/1 as a pass catcher. Junior totals included 258/1,360/21 after 305/1,293/12 as a sophomore. Originally broke the century barrier as a freshman when he burst onto the scene totaling 223/1,053/12. Has led Texas in rushing the past four years.

POSITIVES: Big, powerful ballcarrier who controls games or breaks them wide open. Patient back who displays vision at the line of scrimmage or down the field, waits for blocks to develop, then follows them. Possesses some wiggle and juke in his runs, sets up defenders, making them miss at the point. Runs with good lean, possesses excellent first step quickness and plays with outstanding balance and body control. Has a burst of speed, runs with authority and gets a good degree of momentum going. Very tough to bring down, squeezes through the small holes in the defense and at the same time a quick footed runner who avoids defenders. Quickly cuts back against the grain or slides off tackles. Strong, carries the pile and picks up close to 50 percent of his yardage off initial contact. Helps the quarterback sell play action passes, immediately becomes the hot receiver on blitz situations and possesses solid hands catching the ball.

NEGATIVES: Gives minimal attempts blocking. Seemingly goes down rather easily at times or finishes the play running out of bounds. Experienced fumbling problems this season. Made some very selfish comments prior to his junior campaign when asked to share the load at running back.

ANALYSIS: An outstanding athlete who gave up a career in baseball, Benson has all the physical skills to be a premier NFL back. Has the abilities to be a three-down player effective in passing situations. Must pick up the tempo of his blocking and does not always show a fire in his belly, yet when hitting on all cylinders a franchise running back.

PROJECTION: Early First Round

Isn't this the reason TJ is gone!?!?!I agree with most on this topic, I watched him and he's a slow, fat, no vision turd.

Even the guppies know this.

 

[bez18]

I don't know.. but watching that game last night it sure seemed like Benson never really even had time to hit a whole. That O-Line was practically invisible

 

[RBM]

<_< I can't believe that there are still people defending Benson. Always more excuses. Before the season started, everyone said that Benson would be a stud because of a great defense, good offensive line and lots and lots of carries.

2 of the those 3 things havent really happened. I mean could you be any more foolish to actually type that and not realize that the D hasnt been great and the O-line has been horrible? Add awful qb play and now a qb that poses no threat to throw the ball deep downfield, and you have a constant 8 in the box situation. This is a fantasy website, so its understandable that we are going to get alot of numbers geeks. But the game was on last night for everybody to see, and nobody couldve ran behind that o-line last night. Nobody.

 

[RBM]

Benson helps revive sluggish running attackBy John MullinTribune staff reporterOctober 8, 2007, 12:30 AM CDTGREEN BAY -- At times Sunday night, the Bears had reason to believe they were getting the kind of running they thought they would get when they took Cedric Benson with the No. 4 pick of the 2005 draft.Dominant, no: 27 carries, 64 yards, one TD. But perhaps a necessary step for a team in need of almost any kind of forward progress at this point.Through three quarters, the Bears managed fewer than 100 yards against the NFL's 15th-ranked rushing defense, but did have something to show for it. And in the closing minutes, when they needed to run some clock as well as the ball, they had Benson carry twice, then used him on an excellent play fake to set up the game-winning touchdown, a 34-yard pass from Brian Griese to tight end Desmond Clark."I knew there would come a time when I would move the chains or do whatever, and I was just waiting for the time to come," Benson said. "I had to earn everything tonight. It was fun, though. [The Packers] made me better tonight."Benson had what was described as one of his best weeks of practice this season. He said he "turned it up in hopes that everyone would see my efforts, not only in practice but in the game, and they would follow right behind me."He started as slowly as he ever has: four carries, seven net yards in the first quarter. But a different Benson went to work on Green Bay in the second quarter, with seven carries, 30 net yards and, more important, no fumbles.And with coordinator Ron Turner keeping the offense committed to running the ball even without significant success, Griese was able to complete a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen in the third quarter against a Green Bay defense set to stop the run.In previous games Benson has been unable to bounce or redirect plays when a hole wasn't there for him. That changed when Benson keyed a 12-play drive for a tying score, carrying five times to account for 24 of the 82 yards and finishing in a style to which he and the Bears would like to become accustomed.On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season."It was a draw play, which I was a little surprised at in the red zone, but it worked well," Benson said. "The middle linebacker came 'downhill' right away, and once I saw that I shuffled out with [fullback] Jason McKie, and he made a great block."Copyright © 2007, The Chicago Tribune

 

[corpcow]

I can't believe that there are still people defending Benson. Always more excuses. Before the season started, everyone said that Benson would be a stud because of a great defense, good offensive line and lots and lots of carries. Now the offensive line gets the blame. It's their fault that Benson keeps running straight into his line instead of finding holes. Funny how before the season started I kept saying that Benson had absolutely zero vision and that was one reason why he'd be a bust.Cedric Benson=Kevan Barlow. Some people are just taking longer to accept it. They'll be the same ones that will take Benson as a "sleeper" next year when he's cut by the Bears and signs with someone else as the backup.

I think it's plainly obvious that Benson would be a top 5 guy if only they didn't have so many injuries on the defensive side of the ball.[/sarcasm]

 

[Raiders Fan]

I can't believe that there are still people defending Benson. Always more excuses. Before the season started, everyone said that Benson would be a stud because of a great defense, good offensive line and lots and lots of carries. Now the offensive line gets the blame. It's their fault that Benson keeps running straight into his line instead of finding holes. Funny how before the season started I kept saying that Benson had absolutely zero vision and that was one reason why he'd be a bust.Cedric Benson=Kevan Barlow. Some people are just taking longer to accept it. They'll be the same ones that will take Benson as a "sleeper" next year when he's cut by the Bears and signs with someone else as the backup.

I think it's plainly obvious that Benson would be a top 5 guy if only they didn't have so many injuries on the defensive side of the ball.[/sarcasm]

It's a way to motivate him..

 

[GroveDiesel]

I can't believe that there are still people defending Benson. Always more excuses. Before the season started, everyone said that Benson would be a stud because of a great defense, good offensive line and lots and lots of carries.

2 of the those 3 things havent really happened. I mean could you be any more foolish to actually type that and not realize that the D hasnt been great and the O-line has been horrible? Add awful qb play and now a qb that poses no threat to throw the ball deep downfield, and you have a constant 8 in the box situation. This is a fantasy website, so its understandable that we are going to get alot of numbers geeks. But the game was on last night for everybody to see, and nobody couldve ran behind that o-line last night. Nobody.

Except that the good defense point doesn't even matter. A good defense helps a RB because it means more running plays typically. And more running plays means better running stats. Right now Benson is 6th in the league in carries and just 1 carry away from being tied for 3rd. So he certainly hasn't suffered from a lack of carries.As for the offensive line, Benson supporters have nobody to blame but themselves on that one. I wasn't a huge fan of their offensive line and I think the signs were there that it wasn't that terrific. People ignored that at their own peril. But I still don't think they are as bad as they're being made out to be now. Benson believers are using it as an excuse for his poor vision and his inability to break tackles.

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

 

[RBM]

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

I havent seen a worse run blocking line than the Bears yet this year. They were dominant 2 yrs ago, very strong last year, but they have gone downhill fast this year. Its frustrating because Angelo has completely ignored the age problems draft after draft after draft. Miller and Brown are old. Tait is getting up there. Garza just isnt that good. The worst part is they have noobdy waiting in the wings to take over LG and RT

 

[Colin Dowling]

As for the offensive line, Benson supporters have nobody to blame but themselves on that one. I wasn't a huge fan of their offensive line and I think the signs were there that it wasn't that terrific. People ignored that at their own peril. But I still don't think they are as bad as they're being made out to be now. Benson believers are using it as an excuse for his poor vision and his inability to break tackles.

As the biggest Benson supporter of which I'm aware around here, I'll chime in...You make excellent points. The line was probably overrated going in to the season and certainly hasn't played well at all. The lack of a passing game is also a problem, much more so then the line or defense, etc. With regard to the bolded portion: Benson was not heralded for his vision, agility, or ability to break tackles. He WAS heralded for his ability to carry the ball a ton (which he is doing), wear down defenses (eh...), and get yards after contact (not happening).

Benson has been far from good, and he hasn't shown much. Agreed. But a bad running game for a bad team is hardly exclusive to Benson and the Bears.

 

[PsychoMan]

Agreed with the folks saying the Bears O-line is a big problem. It looks like Benson certainly won't live up to his draft position (real NFL draft or fantasy), but he sure isn't as bad as a lot of people are saying. Dude has absolutely no room to run play after play.

 

[Raiders Fan]

As for the offensive line, Benson supporters have nobody to blame but themselves on that one. I wasn't a huge fan of their offensive line and I think the signs were there that it wasn't that terrific. People ignored that at their own peril. But I still don't think they are as bad as they're being made out to be now. Benson believers are using it as an excuse for his poor vision and his inability to break tackles.

As the biggest Benson supporter of which I'm aware around here, I'll chime in...You make excellent points. The line was probably overrated going in to the season and certainly hasn't played well at all. The lack of a passing game is also a problem, much more so then the line or defense, etc. With regard to the bolded portion: Benson was not heralded for his vision, agility, or ability to break tackles. He WAS heralded for his ability to carry the ball a ton (which he is doing), wear down defenses (eh...), and get yards after contact (not happening).

Benson has been far from good, and he hasn't shown much. Agreed. But a bad running game for a bad team is hardly exclusive to Benson and the Bears.

How do you take a top pick to be only a pounder?? Can't you find somebody later in drafts to do that??? Usually your early round picks are your future and your difference makers.. To me a guy with a career 3.8YPC is a huge bust.. Almost in the same line as Enis.. While I am sure he would prosper better with an O-line beig better but what RB in the NFL wouldn't?? Look at Wynn last night.. 7th round pick and he did ok.. We have seen practice squad guys do well.. What makes a special back is one that can do it without the great o-line.. I don't think Benson could do well with a great O-line..

 

[el-gato-grande]

Agreed with the folks saying the Bears O-line is a big problem. It looks like Benson certainly won't live up to his draft position (real NFL draft or fantasy), but he sure isn't as bad as a lot of people are saying. Dude has absolutely no room to run play after play.

I find it ironic that you posted this comment considering the guy in your avatar played with crappy teams for the majority of his career behind questionable offensive lines and still managed 4.4 ypc average.

 

[mdog1967]

Benson helps revive sluggish running attack

By John Mullin

Tribune staff reporter

October 8, 2007, 12:30 AM CDT

GREEN BAY -- At times Sunday night, the Bears had reason to believe they were getting the kind of running they thought they would get when they took Cedric Benson with the No. 4 pick of the 2005 draft.

Dominant, no: 27 carries, 64 yards, one TD. But perhaps a necessary step for a team in need of almost any kind of forward progress at this point.

Through three quarters, the Bears managed fewer than 100 yards against the NFL's 15th-ranked rushing defense, but did have something to show for it. And in the closing minutes, when they needed to run some clock as well as the ball, they had Benson carry twice, then used him on an excellent play fake to set up the game-winning touchdown, a 34-yard pass from Brian Griese to tight end Desmond Clark.

"I knew there would come a time when I would move the chains or do whatever, and I was just waiting for the time to come," Benson said. "I had to earn everything tonight. It was fun, though. [The Packers] made me better tonight."

Benson had what was described as one of his best weeks of practice this season. He said he "turned it up in hopes that everyone would see my efforts, not only in practice but in the game, and they would follow right behind me."

He started as slowly as he ever has: four carries, seven net yards in the first quarter. But a different Benson went to work on Green Bay in the second quarter, with seven carries, 30 net yards and, more important, no fumbles.

And with coordinator Ron Turner keeping the offense committed to running the ball even without significant success, Griese was able to complete a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen in the third quarter against a Green Bay defense set to stop the run.

In previous games Benson has been unable to bounce or redirect plays when a hole wasn't there for him. That changed when Benson keyed a 12-play drive for a tying score, carrying five times to account for 24 of the 82 yards and finishing in a style to which he and the Bears would like to become accustomed.

On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season.

"It was a draw play, which I was a little surprised at in the red zone, but it worked well," Benson said. "The middle linebacker came 'downhill' right away, and once I saw that I shuffled out with [fullback] Jason McKie, and he made a great block."

Copyright © 2007, The Chicago Tribune

I think this article could not support more all of the folks in the Benson sucks camp. 1. "Through three quarters, the Bears managed fewer than 100 yards against the NFL's 15th-ranked rushing defense..."

15th Ranked is nothing to crow about, that means middle of the road run defense.

2. "In previous games Benson has been unable to bounce or redirect plays when a hole wasn't there for him. That changed when Benson keyed a 12-play drive for a tying score, carrying five times to account for 24 of the 82 yards and finishing in a style to which he and the Bears would like to become accustomed."

Thats the point he cant bounce or redirect, on the rare occasion that he does, his shoulders never get square and he drops on first contact.

3. "On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season."

We all saw that play, he stumbled past the line of scrimmage ran into the back of his own man and essentially was blocked into the End Zone by the packers defender. If his head would have been up, like your supposed to do he would have hesitated and more likley than not fallen short of the Goal line, he got lucky. When your first, second and last instinct is to run into the pile rather than attempt to cut around it your not helping your team. Replace the word powered with stumbled thru missed tackles.

 

[PsychoMan]

Agreed with the folks saying the Bears O-line is a big problem. It looks like Benson certainly won't live up to his draft position (real NFL draft or fantasy), but he sure isn't as bad as a lot of people are saying. Dude has absolutely no room to run play after play.

I find it ironic that you posted this comment considering the guy in your avatar played with crappy teams for the majority of his career behind questionable offensive lines and still managed 4.4 ypc average.

That's why Walter made it into my avatar. He was a man among boys. Cedric doesn't come close and can't get it done with o-line play this crappy.

 

[Colin Dowling]

To me a guy with a career 3.8YPC is a huge bust.

Eddie George down?

 

[PsychoMan]

Didn't it seem like the Bears ran the toss wide pretty well a few times last night? Seems like when they ran it Benson had a few blockers in front of him and could pick up more than just a couple yards. Why don't they run that more?

 

[sholditch]

I'm a bit amazed that he's getting any good press for this game, but I guess Chicago writers are hungry for some good news at this point. I saw this game as a nail in Benson's coffin. 27 carries for 64 yards is terrible. I'd say of his 27 carries, somewhere from 3-6 were what I would call good running.

I have supported Benson the whole way, but if this is the best he can do, he sucks and should not be starting for our team.

 

[Raiders Fan]

To me a guy with a career 3.8YPC is a huge bust.

Eddie George down?

Eddie George was the product of a good system and longevity. He enjoyed 9 seasons and that is a LONG time for a RB.. I don't think anybody would call George a great RB..

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Why do people bother comparing him to other backs having bad years? Benson looks like crap, 101 carries, 303 yards, that is absolutely horrible. Enough comparing, this is about Benson and he looks like dog doodoo.

the problem is that other high profile backs look just as bad . . . what is Bush doing nowadays??has Benson had a good year?? NO WAY, but even LT's first three weeks were putrid (in terms of ypc) and yet we're on page eight of Benson . . . where's LJ's ten page thread???obviously, most of these teams have OL issues, and anyone watching the games can see that. Benson doesn't break tackles?? It's pretty hard to break them when you have three or four guys on you every down - and he doesnt get tackled by his shoestring like Bush . . .does anyone notice why Benson continues to receive carries if he stinks??? Because Smith knows the OL is at fault . . . if he didnt think that way, then highly touted rookie Wolfe and backup Peterson would get more looks . . .

Amen.How many times did the Packers respect the pass last night? None, that is why they allowed the game winner.Benson was hit numerous times in the backfield, for people that go by numbers.At one point in the second half he looked to bounce everything because the middle just wasn't open. I still think that once the Bears D gets healthy, John Tait comes back, and the weather gets cold, that Benson will lead the way.

 

[Raiders Fan]

Why do people bother comparing him to other backs having bad years? Benson looks like crap, 101 carries, 303 yards, that is absolutely horrible. Enough comparing, this is about Benson and he looks like dog doodoo.

the problem is that other high profile backs look just as bad . . . what is Bush doing nowadays??has Benson had a good year?? NO WAY, but even LT's first three weeks were putrid (in terms of ypc) and yet we're on page eight of Benson . . . where's LJ's ten page thread???obviously, most of these teams have OL issues, and anyone watching the games can see that. Benson doesn't break tackles?? It's pretty hard to break them when you have three or four guys on you every down - and he doesnt get tackled by his shoestring like Bush . . .does anyone notice why Benson continues to receive carries if he stinks??? Because Smith knows the OL is at fault . . . if he didnt think that way, then highly touted rookie Wolfe and backup Peterson would get more looks . . .

Amen.How many times did the Packers respect the pass last night? None, that is why they allowed the game winner.Benson was hit numerous times in the backfield, for people that go by numbers.At one point in the second half he looked to bounce everything because the middle just wasn't open. I still think that once the Bears D gets healthy, John Tait comes back, and the weather gets cold, that Benson will lead the way.

Do you watch games?? I mean your name would think you do or are you totally trashed when you see a Bears game?? Yes on some plays the Packers really destroyed him in the backfield but that doesn't mean EVERY play they did. He had no burst, no vision.. He is a pounder. Move straight ahead if there is a hole he will hit it.. If not he will be a battering ram.. 3 years and 3 years of excuses for him...

 

[Liquid Tension]

I can't believe that there are still people defending Benson. Always more excuses. Before the season started, everyone said that Benson would be a stud because of a great defense, good offensive line and lots and lots of carries.

2 of the those 3 things havent really happened. I mean could you be any more foolish to actually type that and not realize that the D hasnt been great and the O-line has been horrible? Add awful qb play and now a qb that poses no threat to throw the ball deep downfield, and you have a constant 8 in the box situation. This is a fantasy website, so its understandable that we are going to get alot of numbers geeks. But the game was on last night for everybody to see, and nobody couldve ran behind that o-line last night. Nobody.

Except that the good defense point doesn't even matter. A good defense helps a RB because it means more running plays typically. And more running plays means better running stats. Right now Benson is 6th in the league in carries and just 1 carry away from being tied for 3rd. So he certainly hasn't suffered from a lack of carries.As for the offensive line, Benson supporters have nobody to blame but themselves on that one. I wasn't a huge fan of their offensive line and I think the signs were there that it wasn't that terrific. People ignored that at their own peril. But I still don't think they are as bad as they're being made out to be now. Benson believers are using it as an excuse for his poor vision and his inability to break tackles.

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

Without Tait? Buffalo. But again, don't you believe that the QB and threat downfield helps the OL again. I really don't see how anyone who watched the entire game yesterday can say that Benson did not run well? As he said in teh article, he earned every yard.

 

[dornado]

Give me a break guys. The guy just played the 5th game of his first full year as a starter and he "blows" "sucks" or whatever other childish insult people want to come up with... relax already.

I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.

The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

 

[Christo]

Agreed with the folks saying the Bears O-line is a big problem. It looks like Benson certainly won't live up to his draft position (real NFL draft or fantasy), but he sure isn't as bad as a lot of people are saying. Dude has absolutely no room to run play after play.

I find it ironic that you posted this comment considering the guy in your avatar played with crappy teams for the majority of his career behind questionable offensive lines and still managed 4.4 ypc average.

So now if a RB doesn't emulate WALTER PAYTON he's a bust? That's a mighty big bust list you're building.

 

[Christo]

To me a guy with a career 3.8YPC is a huge bust.

Eddie George down?

Eddie George was the product of a good system and longevity. He enjoyed 9 seasons and that is a LONG time for a RB.. I don't think anybody would call George a great RB..

There's a vast expanse between bust and great when you're talking about NFL RBs.

 

[sholditch]

I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.

The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

That really pissed me off. HE scampered out like he was a 170-pound kick returner. Guy plays with no heart, no hunger.

 

[djcolts]

I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.

The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

That really pissed me off. HE scampered out like he was a 170-pound kick returner. Guy plays with no heart, no hunger.

Inexcusable given the situation of the game and the season for the Bears. Missing those extra 2 or 3 yards he should have gotten by running forward instead of out of bounds could have cost the Bears the game, and all practical purposes, the season.

 

[sholditch]

I am really hoping that Lovie sits him down in the film room and makes him watch that clip 25 times in a row. Then just ask him, point blank, do you even care? They should flat out tell him that game was completely unacceptable, and if that's the best he can do he can just ride the bench.

 

[dornado]

3. "On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season."

We all saw that play, he stumbled past the line of scrimmage ran into the back of his own man and essentially was blocked into the End Zone by the packers defender. If his head would have been up, like your supposed to do he would have hesitated and more likley than not fallen short of the Goal line, he got lucky. When your first, second and last instinct is to run into the pile rather than attempt to cut around it your not helping your team. Replace the word powered with stumbled thru missed tackles.

This is the kind of garbage thats been passing for football analysis in this thread.

Go watch the TD run... Benson takes the hand off on a draw play, sees the Linebacker blitzing up the middle and bounces just oustide of the tight end, John Gilmore... Benson stuttersteps to evade Charles Woodson coming in from the outside and in the process steps on the heel of his Fullback, Jason McKie. Benson then regains his footing well enough to right himself and churn his legs towards the goalline, where, at the 1 he gets knocked into the back of Desmond Clark and falls down into paydirt.

This was a good run.

But hey, we all saw the play right? Right?

 

[Power Monster]

Give me a break guys. The guy just played the 5th game of his first full year as a starter and he "blows" "sucks" or whatever other childish insult people want to come up with... relax already.I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

Give me a break. This guy is a bust. I have heard all the excuses and he cried about the need to be the man and he is not the man. This is the NFL- no hand hold here. Excuses are for chumps. He needs room to run? How much room to run? No- he needs speed and vision to hit holes. This soft crowd up here needs to see more and more. Sweet Walter ran behind a bunch of girl scouts that had half the talent this OL has. No more excuses. Relax? Another Angelo 1st round bust!

 

[sholditch]

3. "On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season."

We all saw that play, he stumbled past the line of scrimmage ran into the back of his own man and essentially was blocked into the End Zone by the packers defender. If his head would have been up, like your supposed to do he would have hesitated and more likley than not fallen short of the Goal line, he got lucky. When your first, second and last instinct is to run into the pile rather than attempt to cut around it your not helping your team. Replace the word powered with stumbled thru missed tackles.

This is the kind of garbage thats been passing for football analysis in this thread.

Go watch the TD run... Benson takes the hand off on a draw play, sees the Linebacker blitzing up the middle and bounces just oustide of the tight end, John Gilmore... Benson stuttersteps to evade Charles Woodson coming in from the outside and in the process steps on the heel of his Fullback, Jason McKie. Benson then regains his footing well enough to right himself and churn his legs towards the goalline, where, at the 1 he gets knocked into the back of Desmond Clark and falls down into paydirt.

This was a good run.

But hey, we all saw the play right? Right?

I've been in this kids corner for years now but the offense is his and he isn't doing much with it. The most frustrating this is that he just doesn't seem to have any desire to get the extra yards or make the big play. The running out of bounds is a perfect illustration of what's wrong with him as a runner.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Why do people bother comparing him to other backs having bad years? Benson looks like crap, 101 carries, 303 yards, that is absolutely horrible. Enough comparing, this is about Benson and he looks like dog doodoo.

the problem is that other high profile backs look just as bad . . . what is Bush doing nowadays??has Benson had a good year?? NO WAY, but even LT's first three weeks were putrid (in terms of ypc) and yet we're on page eight of Benson . . . where's LJ's ten page thread???obviously, most of these teams have OL issues, and anyone watching the games can see that. Benson doesn't break tackles?? It's pretty hard to break them when you have three or four guys on you every down - and he doesnt get tackled by his shoestring like Bush . . .does anyone notice why Benson continues to receive carries if he stinks??? Because Smith knows the OL is at fault . . . if he didnt think that way, then highly touted rookie Wolfe and backup Peterson would get more looks . . .

Amen.How many times did the Packers respect the pass last night? None, that is why they allowed the game winner.Benson was hit numerous times in the backfield, for people that go by numbers.At one point in the second half he looked to bounce everything because the middle just wasn't open. I still think that once the Bears D gets healthy, John Tait comes back, and the weather gets cold, that Benson will lead the way.

Do you watch games?? I mean your name would think you do or are you totally trashed when you see a Bears game?? Yes on some plays the Packers really destroyed him in the backfield but that doesn't mean EVERY play they did. He had no burst, no vision.. He is a pounder. Move straight ahead if there is a hole he will hit it.. If not he will be a battering ram.. 3 years and 3 years of excuses for him...

Quote me where I said everytime.....thank you.No vision....did you see the touchdown run?Its easier to hate.

 

[TinHat]

Give me a break guys. The guy just played the 5th game of his first full year as a starter and he "blows" "sucks" or whatever other childish insult people want to come up with... relax already.I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

Give me a break. This guy is a bust. I have heard all the excuses and he cried about the need to be the man and he is not the man. This is the NFL- no hand hold here. Excuses are for chumps. He needs room to run? How much room to run? No- he needs speed and vision to hit holes. This soft crowd up here needs to see more and more. Sweet Walter ran behind a bunch of girl scouts that had half the talent this OL has. No more excuses. Relax? Another Angelo 1st round bust!

relax.Machismo doesn't always solve the problem

 

[flapgreen]

CEDRIC BENSON, Senior, Texas

BIO: 2004 Doak Walker Award winner and a unanimous All-Conference choice after posting 326/1,834/19 on the ground and adding 22/179/1 as a pass catcher. Junior totals included 258/1,360/21 after 305/1,293/12 as a sophomore. Originally broke the century barrier as a freshman when he burst onto the scene totaling 223/1,053/12. Has led Texas in rushing the past four years.

POSITIVES: Big, powerful ballcarrier who controls games or breaks them wide open. Patient back who displays vision at the line of scrimmage or down the field, waits for blocks to develop, then follows them. Possesses some wiggle and juke in his runs, sets up defenders, making them miss at the point. Runs with good lean, possesses excellent first step quickness and plays with outstanding balance and body control. Has a burst of speed, runs with authority and gets a good degree of momentum going. Very tough to bring down, squeezes through the small holes in the defense and at the same time a quick footed runner who avoids defenders. Quickly cuts back against the grain or slides off tackles. Strong, carries the pile and picks up close to 50 percent of his yardage off initial contact. Helps the quarterback sell play action passes, immediately becomes the hot receiver on blitz situations and possesses solid hands catching the ball.

NEGATIVES: Gives minimal attempts blocking. Seemingly goes down rather easily at times or finishes the play running out of bounds. Experienced fumbling problems this season. Made some very selfish comments prior to his junior campaign when asked to share the load at running back.

ANALYSIS: An outstanding athlete who gave up a career in baseball, Benson has all the physical skills to be a premier NFL back. Has the abilities to be a three-down player effective in passing situations. Must pick up the tempo of his blocking and does not always show a fire in his belly, yet when hitting on all cylinders a franchise running back.

PROJECTION: Early First Round

wow, i guess some things never change

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.

The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

That really pissed me off. HE scampered out like he was a 170-pound kick returner. Guy plays with no heart, no hunger.

LT did the same thing on his long screen pass yest.....his is a big P just like Benson.

 

[Power Monster]

Give me a break guys. The guy just played the 5th game of his first full year as a starter and he "blows" "sucks" or whatever other childish insult people want to come up with... relax already.I've watched every snap of his pro career and I'll say this... he is a bit enigmatic... he does run out of bounds sometimes when I feel like he should turn up field... and he has had a few less than flattering interview moments... but overall, I'm pretty optimistic about his pro potential.The offensive line is NOT getting the same push it did the last two years... this is not an excuse, this is a reality. Go back and check the tape on Benson's week 17 game against Green Bay last year. The offensive line created some space and Benson displayed great vision and an open field stride that Thomas Jones (as a point of comparison) simply did not have... his 100 yards rushing in that game came in one half. Benson isn't Barry Sanders or Ladanian Tomlinson... he needs a little room to run... most backs do. Shawn Alexander wasn't as good when Hutchinson left and the the Seattle line struggled... Edgerrin James struggled when the Arizona line couldn't create lanes. This is football, not basketball... you can't turn this into a one man show.

Give me a break. This guy is a bust. I have heard all the excuses and he cried about the need to be the man and he is not the man. This is the NFL- no hand hold here. Excuses are for chumps. He needs room to run? How much room to run? No- he needs speed and vision to hit holes. This soft crowd up here needs to see more and more. Sweet Walter ran behind a bunch of girl scouts that had half the talent this OL has. No more excuses. Relax? Another Angelo 1st round bust!

relax.Machismo doesn't always solve the problem

Solve what problem? Like the rest of the fools here that offer nothing but these little canned internet responses. Go send yer boy some chocolates and roses if you want to hold hands. The best way to solve this is to get a RB that can do the damn job....

 

[jafo]

Disclaimer - I have Benson in 1 league. After watching him last night I thought he was pathetic. He went down easy, always ran into a pile (very little vision) and I also thought he was pushed by a packer into the endzone on his TD run. Out of all his carries it looks like he ran hard on 2 or 3 of them. I was not impressed.

 

[dornado]

Disclaimer - I have Benson in 1 league. After watching him last night I thought he was pathetic. He went down easy, always ran into a pile (very little vision) and I also thought he was pushed by a packer into the endzone on his TD run. Out of all his carries it looks like he ran hard on 2 or 3 of them. I was not impressed.

That guy didn't hit him until he got to the 1 or 2 yardline.... even his good runs are being called bad in this thread.... am I the only one with a DVR?

 

[North]

Benson helps revive sluggish running attack

By John Mullin

Tribune staff reporter

October 8, 2007, 12:30 AM CDT

GREEN BAY -- At times Sunday night, the Bears had reason to believe they were getting the kind of running they thought they would get when they took Cedric Benson with the No. 4 pick of the 2005 draft.

Dominant, no: 27 carries, 64 yards, one TD. But perhaps a necessary step for a team in need of almost any kind of forward progress at this point.

Through three quarters, the Bears managed fewer than 100 yards against the NFL's 15th-ranked rushing defense, but did have something to show for it. And in the closing minutes, when they needed to run some clock as well as the ball, they had Benson carry twice, then used him on an excellent play fake to set up the game-winning touchdown, a 34-yard pass from Brian Griese to tight end Desmond Clark.

"I knew there would come a time when I would move the chains or do whatever, and I was just waiting for the time to come," Benson said. "I had to earn everything tonight. It was fun, though. [The Packers] made me better tonight."

Benson had what was described as one of his best weeks of practice this season. He said he "turned it up in hopes that everyone would see my efforts, not only in practice but in the game, and they would follow right behind me."

He started as slowly as he ever has: four carries, seven net yards in the first quarter. But a different Benson went to work on Green Bay in the second quarter, with seven carries, 30 net yards and, more important, no fumbles.

And with coordinator Ron Turner keeping the offense committed to running the ball even without significant success, Griese was able to complete a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen in the third quarter against a Green Bay defense set to stop the run.

In previous games Benson has been unable to bounce or redirect plays when a hole wasn't there for him. That changed when Benson keyed a 12-play drive for a tying score, carrying five times to account for 24 of the 82 yards and finishing in a style to which he and the Bears would like to become accustomed.

On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season.

"It was a draw play, which I was a little surprised at in the red zone, but it worked well," Benson said. "The middle linebacker came 'downhill' right away, and once I saw that I shuffled out with [fullback] Jason McKie, and he made a great block."

Copyright © 2007, The Chicago Tribune

I think this article could not support more all of the folks in the Benson sucks camp. 1. "Through three quarters, the Bears managed fewer than 100 yards against the NFL's 15th-ranked rushing defense..."

15th Ranked is nothing to crow about, that means middle of the road run defense.

2. "In previous games Benson has been unable to bounce or redirect plays when a hole wasn't there for him. That changed when Benson keyed a 12-play drive for a tying score, carrying five times to account for 24 of the 82 yards and finishing in a style to which he and the Bears would like to become accustomed."

Thats the point he cant bounce or redirect, on the rare occasion that he does, his shoulders never get square and he drops on first contact.

3. "On second down from the Green Bay 10, Benson angled away from a tangle of bodies in the middle of the field and broke off the right side behind guard Roberto Garza and tackle Fred Miller. He was hit more than once, the last time inside the 5-yard line, and powered through the tackles, falling down backward into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the season."

We all saw that play, he stumbled past the line of scrimmage ran into the back of his own man and essentially was blocked into the End Zone by the packers defender. If his head would have been up, like your supposed to do he would have hesitated and more likley than not fallen short of the Goal line, he got lucky. When your first, second and last instinct is to run into the pile rather than attempt to cut around it your not helping your team. Replace the word powered with stumbled thru missed tackles.

You're right on. Time to see what else they have on the bench b/c I'm not convinced that Benson is their best option. Peterson looked good on 3rd downs last night and nobady really knows what Wolfe can do because he's only getting 1 carry a game.

 

[Avery]

Disclaimer - I have Benson in 1 league. After watching him last night I thought he was pathetic. He went down easy, always ran into a pile (very little vision) and I also thought he was pushed by a packer into the endzone on his TD run. Out of all his carries it looks like he ran hard on 2 or 3 of them. I was not impressed.

I haven't had a chance to watch him much until last night.I was befuddled that it goes beyond "lack of vision. He literally doesn't seem to look where he's going but is leaning over and looking down at the ground when he runs.

Truly baffling.

 

[GroveDiesel]

This thread actually makes me happy. I now know that next year people will once again overvalue Benson and I'll grab someone else that can actually play at a high level in the NFL.

 

[Ryan_21]

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

I havent seen a worse run blocking line than the Bears yet this year. They were dominant 2 yrs ago, very strong last year, but they have gone downhill fast this year. Its frustrating because Angelo has completely ignored the age problems draft after draft after draft. Miller and Brown are old. Tait is getting up there. Garza just isnt that good. The worst part is they have noobdy waiting in the wings to take over LG and RT

Larry Johnson was dominant 2 years ago too. He averaged 5.2 YPC and had 20 TDs. This year he has 3.3 YPC and 0 TDs. Do you Benson haters not see how a poor line and poor QB play affect the running game? Look at Ronnie Brown last year. Poor line, crap QB, 1st year starting and he only had 1008 rush yards and 5 TDs. And now with a new Offenisive coordinator and a better veteran QB (Green which is now injured) Brown is blowing up. Another example Jamal Lewis last year in Baltimore compared to this year. I dont know what the difference is but there is definatly a big one. I mean Baltimore had a lot of offensive problems the last two years and come to find out it wasnt Jamals fault......bad play calling, O-line? QB?Give Benson a break for Christ sakes. He is RB #22 in one of my leagues and #19 in another, and I see atleast 10 guys ahead of him that he will pass due to injuries, injury fill ins that wont start anymore ala Keith Kenton, etc, fluke performances, and we havent even gotten to the cold weather games yet. I see Benson ending up the year as a top 15 fantasy RB and maybe even higher. There is such a small sample size to base judgement on and Ive watched every Bears games this year and last and from what I seen when there are holes, Benson hits them and runs hard for 10+ yards, just look at his TD run last night, that was one of the few holes I saw. When there are not any holes NOBODY can run behind that. You know I saw Benson get hit in the back field as soon as he was handed the ball 5 or 6 times last night.

 

[Avery]

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

I havent seen a worse run blocking line than the Bears yet this year. They were dominant 2 yrs ago, very strong last year, but they have gone downhill fast this year. Its frustrating because Angelo has completely ignored the age problems draft after draft after draft. Miller and Brown are old. Tait is getting up there. Garza just isnt that good. The worst part is they have noobdy waiting in the wings to take over LG and RT

Larry Johnson was dominant 2 years ago too. He averaged 5.2 YPC and had 20 TDs. This year he has 3.3 YPC and 0 TDs. Do you Benson haters not see how a poor line and poor QB play affect the running game? Look at Ronnie Brown last year. Poor line, crap QB, 1st year starting and he only had 1008 rush yards and 5 TDs. And now with a new Offenisive coordinator and a better veteran QB (Green which is now injured) Brown is blowing up. Another example Jamal Lewis last year in Baltimore compared to this year. I dont know what the difference is but there is definatly a big one. I mean Baltimore had a lot of offensive problems the last two years and come to find out it wasnt Jamals fault......bad play calling, O-line? QB?Give Benson a break for Christ sakes. He is RB #22 in one of my leagues and #19 in another, and I see atleast 10 guys ahead of him that he will pass due to injuries, injury fill ins that wont start anymore ala Keith Kenton, etc, fluke performances, and we havent even gotten to the cold weather games yet. I see Benson ending up the year as a top 15 fantasy RB and maybe even higher. There is such a small sample size to base judgement on and Ive watched every Bears games this year and last and from what I seen when there are holes, Benson hits them and runs hard for 10+ yards, just look at his TD run last night, that was one of the few holes I saw. When there are not any holes NOBODY can run behind that. You know I saw Benson get hit in the back field as soon as he was handed the ball 5 or 6 times last night.

Benson supports seems to not be willing to acknowledge that Benson and the O-line could very possibly suck to the extreme level of suckiness.It doesn't have to be one or the other.

 

[Ryan_21]

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

I havent seen a worse run blocking line than the Bears yet this year. They were dominant 2 yrs ago, very strong last year, but they have gone downhill fast this year. Its frustrating because Angelo has completely ignored the age problems draft after draft after draft. Miller and Brown are old. Tait is getting up there. Garza just isnt that good. The worst part is they have noobdy waiting in the wings to take over LG and RT

Larry Johnson was dominant 2 years ago too. He averaged 5.2 YPC and had 20 TDs. This year he has 3.3 YPC and 0 TDs. Do you Benson haters not see how a poor line and poor QB play affect the running game? Look at Ronnie Brown last year. Poor line, crap QB, 1st year starting and he only had 1008 rush yards and 5 TDs. And now with a new Offenisive coordinator and a better veteran QB (Green which is now injured) Brown is blowing up. Another example Jamal Lewis last year in Baltimore compared to this year. I dont know what the difference is but there is definatly a big one. I mean Baltimore had a lot of offensive problems the last two years and come to find out it wasnt Jamals fault......bad play calling, O-line? QB?Give Benson a break for Christ sakes. He is RB #22 in one of my leagues and #19 in another, and I see atleast 10 guys ahead of him that he will pass due to injuries, injury fill ins that wont start anymore ala Keith Kenton, etc, fluke performances, and we havent even gotten to the cold weather games yet. I see Benson ending up the year as a top 15 fantasy RB and maybe even higher. There is such a small sample size to base judgement on and Ive watched every Bears games this year and last and from what I seen when there are holes, Benson hits them and runs hard for 10+ yards, just look at his TD run last night, that was one of the few holes I saw. When there are not any holes NOBODY can run behind that. You know I saw Benson get hit in the back field as soon as he was handed the ball 5 or 6 times last night.

Benson supports seems to not be willing to acknowledge that Benson and the O-line could very possibly suck to the extreme level of suckiness.It doesn't have to be one or the other.

Here is something for the Benson haters to think about also. How is it possible for Steve Smith to be a fantasy GOD when Delhomme is playing, but with Carr playing S. Smith is a turd? If a QB cant get the ball to a WR then the WR is worthless. Like wise if the O-line cant open holes and the QB cant be consistent then the running game fails. Plus the playcalling is bad. I mean is "Benson up the middle" the only running play they have? No tosses, counters, misdirections, screens, I never see them pull their guards, and where is the off tackle plays?. Ron Turner is basically clueless in how to use Benson or Hester I believe. I mean you just cant say "we are going to run the ball" then go out and call 22 plays of "Benson up the Middle"

 

[rascal]

He looked more impressive then Larry Freaking Johnson that's for sure.

 

[Power Monster]

Give Benson a break for Christ sakes. He is RB #22 in one of my leagues and #19 in another

You must give points for falling down at the line of scrimmage!

 

[huckyoda]

he's looking a little better, and as each week goes by, the defenses will get worn down a little more an his numbers will start to improve

Sure, buddy.

 

[Avery]

Here's one for you: Who has a better O-line, Chicago or Buffalo?

I havent seen a worse run blocking line than the Bears yet this year. They were dominant 2 yrs ago, very strong last year, but they have gone downhill fast this year. Its frustrating because Angelo has completely ignored the age problems draft after draft after draft. Miller and Brown are old. Tait is getting up there. Garza just isnt that good. The worst part is they have noobdy waiting in the wings to take over LG and RT

Larry Johnson was dominant 2 years ago too. He averaged 5.2 YPC and had 20 TDs. This year he has 3.3 YPC and 0 TDs. Do you Benson haters not see how a poor line and poor QB play affect the running game? Look at Ronnie Brown last year. Poor line, crap QB, 1st year starting and he only had 1008 rush yards and 5 TDs. And now with a new Offenisive coordinator and a better veteran QB (Green which is now injured) Brown is blowing up. Another example Jamal Lewis last year in Baltimore compared to this year. I dont know what the difference is but there is definatly a big one. I mean Baltimore had a lot of offensive problems the last two years and come to find out it wasnt Jamals fault......bad play calling, O-line? QB?Give Benson a break for Christ sakes. He is RB #22 in one of my leagues and #19 in another, and I see atleast 10 guys ahead of him that he will pass due to injuries, injury fill ins that wont start anymore ala Keith Kenton, etc, fluke performances, and we havent even gotten to the cold weather games yet. I see Benson ending up the year as a top 15 fantasy RB and maybe even higher. There is such a small sample size to base judgement on and Ive watched every Bears games this year and last and from what I seen when there are holes, Benson hits them and runs hard for 10+ yards, just look at his TD run last night, that was one of the few holes I saw. When there are not any holes NOBODY can run behind that. You know I saw Benson get hit in the back field as soon as he was handed the ball 5 or 6 times last night.

Benson supports seems to not be willing to acknowledge that Benson and the O-line could very possibly suck to the extreme level of suckiness.It doesn't have to be one or the other.

Here is something for the Benson haters to think about also. How is it possible for Steve Smith to be a fantasy GOD when Delhomme is playing, but with Carr playing S. Smith is a turd? If a QB cant get the ball to a WR then the WR is worthless. Like wise if the O-line cant open holes and the QB cant be consistent then the running game fails. Plus the playcalling is bad. I mean is "Benson up the middle" the only running play they have? No tosses, counters, misdirections, screens, I never see them pull their guards, and where is the off tackle plays?. Ron Turner is basically clueless in how to use Benson or Hester I believe. I mean you just cant say "we are going to run the ball" then go out and call 22 plays of "Benson up the Middle"

I'm not a Benson support or hater and I'm not a Bear fan or a hater there as well. Just a football fan.Now you've expanded beyond just blaming the O-line for Benson's failures but the play calling as well.

Can we stipulate this, at least in theory: The O-line, the play calling and Benson could all be super-sucky.

Just say it, you'll fell better. It will be a weight off your shoulders not trying to come up with ways of defending Benson.

 

[mr. furley]

was at the game last nite

couple things i noticed:

1) the Bears line looks miserable. the Packers run defense is good but there was absolutely no room there. their best lineman is Kreutz by a longshot and he was just OK. there were no holes anywhere across the front. none. it just wasn't happening. the Bears are predicated on running the ball and great defense. those big linemen get heavier and stronger as the game goes on when they have a lead, are controlling the clock and the defense&ST are winning the field position game.

early on there was absolutely nothing available in the run game. the Packers didn't respect the pass and the Bears couldn't figure out that all you need to do is pick on Bigby, Collins, Bush and Poppinga with the TE or slot guy. they put 8 in the box, let Woodson and Harris control the outside and that was that. good luck.

their defense is just not good right now. their receivers aren't good. they give opposing defenses no reason to play 7 in the box. as an NFL player Benson has to beat that 8th guy but it's made extra tough when there are no gaps and/or people in the backfield 75% of the time.

2) Benson looks tentative. seeing him live it really shows. it looks to me like he's thinking, before he gets the ball, "there's not going to be a hole there". so when he gets the ball he's thinking "how do i make something happen.. i can't go to that hole". it only takes a split second of indecision to look tentative.

which makes him look slower and less powerful than i think he really is.. late in the game the Bears line was leaning on the Packers rotation of d-linemen and opening holes.

the Bears need a lot of help on offense. Muhammad is done. Berrian is one-dimensional. Olson is a rookie. their QB is garbage and their line is just not good.

EVERYONE killed Thomas Jones... saying he looked tentative and slow and blah blah blah. the same things they're saying about Benson. he sucked.. all that. what he has that Benson doesn't is experience. they're not the same type runner but i don't think Jones is far superior either. Jones has a little more shiftiness and he knows to let plays develop.

Benson doesn't have that yet. i don't think he'll ever be great but if the Bears game plan is going well he doesn't have to be. they want a sledgehammer to control the clock. if they had a passing game, that would loosen up the defense, which would make it easier for the line to create space, which would make Benson look quicker and stronger.

everyone sees a problem and wants to blame one person. that's not quite how it works.