Defending Champs
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http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines
Tailback competition ticklish situation
Burden on Benson in bid to replace well-respected Jones
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 30, 2006, 11:12 PM CDT
BOURBONNAIS -- If Cedric Benson doesn't fumble his opportunity to become the Bears' starting tailback, he not only will be carrying the football but also huge expectations and the burden of supplanting one of the most respected members of the offense.
Thomas Jones' standing with his teammates is solid, built on his production, his work ethic and his ability to play through pain.
Benson admitted to not always fitting in last season, a byproduct of missing his entire rookie training camp because of contract issues and then getting injured during the season.
Building trust and earning respect could be just as important for Benson as shedding tacklers.
"That's crossed my mind, but I don't think that much about it," he said. "I'm more just focused on doing my thing, making sure I get things done right so they don't have any doubt in me.
"Even if I didn't feel like a part of this team, I'd still be making plays and running hard out there. Going through the off-season program helps with the team aura. It still all boils down to performance on the field."
Indeed it does. But the issue of Benson replacing Jones—if that happens—could be a sensitive one if not handled well by coaches and teammates.
"I think our teammates—or at least I—have respect for both players," quarterback Rex Grossman said. "I know that Thomas has proven it, and you know what you've got with Thomas. But Cedric has a lot of ability and people are excited about what he can do.
"Right now, we're just kind of forming our identity as an offense in this new year. It really doesn't make that big of a difference because all three running backs are really good."
Last year, Jones, Benson and Adrian Peterson all seized opportunities at varying times. The Bears are hopeful that can happen again.
But players are smart enough to know that only one will be the featured back. And players with workhorse mentalities, like Jones and Benson, need carries as much as oxygen.
"Anyone that's a competitor wants the ball in their hands every single play," Grossman said. "The more you take that away, the less happy they're going to be."
Jones, who again missed practice Sunday with his strained hamstring, has vowed to look forward rather than back at his off-season disgruntlement. He said his hamstring is feeling better and responding to treatment, but he still doesn't know how long he'll be out.
Jones rolled into training camp last Wednesday in a vehicle driven by defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, a close friend and fellow client of agent Drew Rosenhaus. Ogunleye is impressed with how Jones is handling his demotion and injury.
"Very professionally," Ogunleye said. "It's a very tough situation for him. Me, put in that same situation, I don't know if I'd be able to hold up as well as he has. He has confidence in himself. I know he's eager to get back. As soon as his hamstring is [OK], he'll be out there with us working hard."
In the meantime, Benson will continue studying the playbook, tackling his assignments and trying to prove to all that he's ready.
"He's worked real hard," center Olin Kreutz said. "We'll find out on game day."
Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has credited Benson with improving his pass protection, no small task for a franchise trying to protect a quarterback who has endured multiple injuries. Jones is considered one of the better blocking backs in the league.
"He knows the offense so well that he can pick up guys that aren't even his responsibility," Grossman said. "Cedric came from strictly a running offense at Texas. But he knows the playbook so much better. I have confidence in him.
"I think all three do have special abilities that are unique to them. You see a defense getting tired in late third quarter or early fourth, you bring in a fresh 'A.P.' to run them over. Then you feed Cedric and Thomas the whole game. To me, it's a good situation for us."
kcjohnson@tribune.com
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines
Tailback competition ticklish situation
Burden on Benson in bid to replace well-respected Jones
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 30, 2006, 11:12 PM CDT
BOURBONNAIS -- If Cedric Benson doesn't fumble his opportunity to become the Bears' starting tailback, he not only will be carrying the football but also huge expectations and the burden of supplanting one of the most respected members of the offense.
Thomas Jones' standing with his teammates is solid, built on his production, his work ethic and his ability to play through pain.
Benson admitted to not always fitting in last season, a byproduct of missing his entire rookie training camp because of contract issues and then getting injured during the season.
Building trust and earning respect could be just as important for Benson as shedding tacklers.
"That's crossed my mind, but I don't think that much about it," he said. "I'm more just focused on doing my thing, making sure I get things done right so they don't have any doubt in me.
"Even if I didn't feel like a part of this team, I'd still be making plays and running hard out there. Going through the off-season program helps with the team aura. It still all boils down to performance on the field."
Indeed it does. But the issue of Benson replacing Jones—if that happens—could be a sensitive one if not handled well by coaches and teammates.
"I think our teammates—or at least I—have respect for both players," quarterback Rex Grossman said. "I know that Thomas has proven it, and you know what you've got with Thomas. But Cedric has a lot of ability and people are excited about what he can do.
"Right now, we're just kind of forming our identity as an offense in this new year. It really doesn't make that big of a difference because all three running backs are really good."
Last year, Jones, Benson and Adrian Peterson all seized opportunities at varying times. The Bears are hopeful that can happen again.
But players are smart enough to know that only one will be the featured back. And players with workhorse mentalities, like Jones and Benson, need carries as much as oxygen.
"Anyone that's a competitor wants the ball in their hands every single play," Grossman said. "The more you take that away, the less happy they're going to be."
Jones, who again missed practice Sunday with his strained hamstring, has vowed to look forward rather than back at his off-season disgruntlement. He said his hamstring is feeling better and responding to treatment, but he still doesn't know how long he'll be out.
Jones rolled into training camp last Wednesday in a vehicle driven by defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, a close friend and fellow client of agent Drew Rosenhaus. Ogunleye is impressed with how Jones is handling his demotion and injury.
"Very professionally," Ogunleye said. "It's a very tough situation for him. Me, put in that same situation, I don't know if I'd be able to hold up as well as he has. He has confidence in himself. I know he's eager to get back. As soon as his hamstring is [OK], he'll be out there with us working hard."
In the meantime, Benson will continue studying the playbook, tackling his assignments and trying to prove to all that he's ready.
"He's worked real hard," center Olin Kreutz said. "We'll find out on game day."
Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has credited Benson with improving his pass protection, no small task for a franchise trying to protect a quarterback who has endured multiple injuries. Jones is considered one of the better blocking backs in the league.
"He knows the offense so well that he can pick up guys that aren't even his responsibility," Grossman said. "Cedric came from strictly a running offense at Texas. But he knows the playbook so much better. I have confidence in him.
"I think all three do have special abilities that are unique to them. You see a defense getting tired in late third quarter or early fourth, you bring in a fresh 'A.P.' to run them over. Then you feed Cedric and Thomas the whole game. To me, it's a good situation for us."
kcjohnson@tribune.com
