C. Benson (1 Viewer)

[TheGreatest]

Having some good debates in the Asst Coaches forum about this guy. I thought I would open it up to the Shark Pool.

Will C. Benson be a great back? Will he just be a average back? Or will he be a bust?

 

[Banger]

Average. Doesn't have good vision, runs hard, takes big hits, injury problems, questionable receiver. What he's got going for him is that he plays on a good team and looks at this point like he will get the lionshare of the carries.

 

[Routilla]

I don't think he has the mental toughness. Also his physical toughness is a question mark based on the fact that he took himself out of the Super Bowl with what I guess was a minor knee injury. I would not take him as a 2nd RB but that's where he will get drafted in my league. I'd take him as a 3rd but no sooner.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Love to have him, but yeah... average.

 

[turkishkamel]

Average. Doesn't have good vision, runs hard, takes big hits, injury problems, questionable receiver. What he's got going for him is that he plays on a good team and looks at this point like he will get the lionshare of the carries.

this is where bensons value is. he's not a supremely talented back as stated above. he is the primary back on a very good team (a running one too). we'll see if he can carry the load this year. if not i'm sure adrian peterson (the other one) will have a very solid year filling in.

 

[renesauz]

I would say high side of average...but we'll see.

Even average should be enough to produce solid numbers out of Chicago though.

 

[PsychoMan]

even if he's average (i think he's better than average), i'm guessing he'll be underrated for fantasy purposes ... at this point, it looks like he'll be getting the bulk of the carries for the team he plays for - something that a lot of RBs can't say right now ... and, in Chicago that should mean pretty solid fantasy production.

 

[nygiants56]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

 

[mozzy84]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

 

[PsychoMan]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

i would hope the Bears aren't that dumb if he's as bad as you say - they didn't have to trade away jones ya know ..

 

[TheGreatest]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

Wow!

 

[DAG]

I traded Benson away this offseason, but I still like him to be productive for the Bears this year. I just think his ceiling in ppr leagues is somewhere around Rudi Johnson. Now, if he actually reaches Johnson's numbers he'll count as well above average, but I'm thinking a poor man's Rudi, which should be very nice as a RB2. I don't doubt his toughness, or his love of the game, but watching him last season I didn't feel like he looked explosive enough. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he's a 3 yards and a cloud of dust guy by any means, but his game isn't to run with elusiveness, so to count him as potentially special I would have liked to see more pop through the line of scrimmage. 1300 rushing yards and 10-12 TDs, with maybe 20 recs sprinkled in wouldn't surprise me at all, but I think that's his ceiling, especially if Peterson plays a lot on 3rd down.

 

[mlball77]

His value in PPR takes a hit, but in non-PPR I think he should make a good RB2 in FF. I think he is a bit better than some here are giving him credit for. Although I do wholeheartedly agree that he is not a world-beater; just has solid running skills. Rudi Johnson as upside (as mentioned by the previous poster) seems a fair comparison.

 

[zed2283]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

i would hope the Bears aren't that dumb if he's as bad as you say - they didn't have to trade away jones ya know ..

The Bears front office hasn't impressed me much in general, and I think trading away T.Jones was a huge mistake. The team was completely different when he was in there, compared to Benson. I'm a Benson owner, and I want him to be successful, but I honestly haven't seen anything from him.

 

[Sabertooth]

He'll be a (C+) back.

 

[LHUCKS]

Average when healthy, completely overrated coming out of Texas...been saying it for years.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Bensen should get goalline looks early in the season regardless, and there is some value there.

There is alot in the air right now regarding the running back situation in Chicago. Mainly is where the Bears draft a running back (I seriously doubt they go into the season with 2).

If they get a scat back like Booker out of FSU, I wouldn't expect Bensen's role to change much. He would probably take 2 out of 3 drives and goalline duties. But if they take another back in the same bigger back mold, then you could see something closer to 50/50 or 50/25/25 with the best goalline runner getting those carries (but still probably Bensen).

I think Bensen runs well when he makes it to the second level, punishing DBs. But I also think he initiates contact more than he needs to and needs to become more patient behind the LOS. I've seen him put his head down and try to run over a DE before. If he continues to try to do that he wont last 5 years.

Id grade him out at about a C+ to a B- overall.

 

[Irish]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

 

[Bri]

I wouldn't be surprised if he does well as the main RB. For whatever reason I've always felt having Jones to share the rock with bugged him.

 

[Raider Nation]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:

1.01 - Tomlinson

1.02 - Jackson

1.03 - Johnson

1.04 - Benson

1.05 - Addai/Gore

Benson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

 

[Biabreakable]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:

1.01 - Tomlinson

1.02 - Jackson

1.03 - Johnson

1.04 - Benson

1.05 - Addai/Gore

Benson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

checking the strength of this limb not ready to join you yet.

 

[Riffraff]

Chicago rushing attempts in 2006 = 503 (#5 in NFL)

If Benson can get 60% of those (very conservative estimate), that's 302 carries.

302 carries times a very average 4.0 per carry is 1207 yards.

I don't think any FF owner will complain about "very average" yardage of 1200 rushing.

60% of 14 rushing TDs is 8, which probably is on the low side.

But decent production none-the-less with the 60% rule for injuries and sharing the load.

If he gets more than 60%, he's top 10 for RBs.

 

[cscmtp]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Benson have a Rudi Johnson type year. Maybe not a sexy pick, but if he's churning out 1200-1300 yard seasons and 9-12 TDs, I'll take that for a #3 RB and be quite happy. It sure doesn't hurt that he plays for the Bears. Great D, QB/passing game that no one trusts, sounds like there will be LOTS of opportunities for him...

 

[3C's]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:1.01 - Tomlinson1.02 - Jackson1.03 - Johnson1.04 - Benson1.05 - Addai/GoreBenson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

# of td's is high, otherwise I agree with you.

 

[Banger]

Benson = Chester Taylor

They do nothing particularly well but as long as they are the primary runners they will come in in the top 15 based on the # of carries and a pedestrian ypc. My big problem with Benson is he can't stay healthy when he's not even getting 15 carries/game. He's a risky pick if taken too early.

 

[MelKiperJr]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:1.01 - Tomlinson1.02 - Jackson1.03 - Johnson1.04 - Benson1.05 - Addai/GoreBenson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

I really like your view, although I believe the total TDs are a bit overstated. I think somewhere in 8-10 is reasonable.

 

[ICON211]

he's soft, plays without passion, runs without authority, doesn't make people miss, has 1 gear, fumbles, gets hurt a lot, is immature in dealing with demotions and in his dealings with teammates in general, and hasn't shown anything since turning pro that would make you think 'oh yeah, this is going to be his year'.

if he had passion for the game, he would have kicked TJ to the curb last preseason. he didn't. he never took the job,even during the regular season, when the Bears front office was trying to hand it to him on a silver platter. aside from a few sporadic appearances late in the 4th Quarter of blowout games, he hasn't shown that he's anything more than just a 3rd string RB, IMO..A. Peterson is better, and I believe AP to be the sleeper RB on that Bears' roster. Peterson, not Benson, will likely finish the season as the Bears' leading rusher.

Chicago should seriously consider trading Briggs to the Redskins for the #6 pick, and take the other A. Peterson (AD ) at that spot... Without a solid running game this Bears offense , under Rex Grossman, will grind to a HALT...

Benson reminds me of Ron Dayne,when he played for NYG, i.e, a soft '3 yards and a cloud of dust' runner with awful hands , no shifty moves, and only 1 gear s-l-o-w

This is pretty much my feeling also. Thomas Jones looked much better in the games I saw last year and Benson seems to go down on first contact almost all the time. I don't think the guy has any heart whatsoever.

 

[(HULK)]

Its the offseason, so I won't bother cleverly disguising this post.

My league lets us keep 1 sleeper keeper (a guy drafted after a certain round each year).

This year, I've got a wealth of very good options.

I've got Benson, MJD, and DeAngelo Williams.

I'm torn, because I honestly feel that MJD is just a superior back. However, his opportunity will be impacted by Fred Taylor staying in Jax. On the other hand, Benson isn't sharing the rock next season.

Anyways, if I had to make my choice today, I'd go with Benson. I just think the opportunity outweighs talent when evaluating these two.

So, its your draft, which of these two do you take first? The explosive guy in a sharing situation, or the guy who plods along in clouds of dust but gets fed the rock?

 

[RBM]

Top 10 this year

 

[mozzy84]

Bears believe strongly in RBs Benson, Peterson

Written by: Larry Mayer ¦ 4/10/2007

Source: www.chicagobears.com

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Confident in ascending starter Cedric Benson and productive backup Adrian Peterson, the Bears are ready to begin life without running back Thomas Jones.

Jones was traded to the New York Jets in part because the Bears wanted to clear a path for Benson to develop into the type of back they envisioned when they chose him with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft.

"Thomas Jones did a lot for our ballclub," said coach Lovie Smith. "He was a great leader, a good player. At the same time, we drafted Cedric Benson early. He showed a lot of promise last year. We feel like it's his time. He's ready to take the lead position.

"With an outstanding offensive line, which we have, we'll always be a running football team. We'll always have a great tailback and I think Cedric Benson is ready to really step up to be one of the better backs in the league."

Sharing the workload with Jones in 2006, Benson emerged during the second half of the season, rushing for 432 of his 647 yards in the final seven games. He capped the regular season with the first 100-yard game of his career, gaining 109 yards in a Sunday night loss to the Green Bay Packers.

"Thomas Jones was a great player for us," said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. "He did a tremendous job in the three years he was here and the two years that I was here with him. I've got a lot of respect for Thomas. Obviously, you're going to miss what he does.

"Cedric Benson, though, is a guy we're very excited about. As much as we like Thomas, we feel every bit that good about Cedric. He's got tremendous talent. All he needs is an opportunity to go out and do it every Sunday and be that guy who's going to get 20, 25, 30 carries.

"That's the kind of back he is. I think he gets better as he goes. We're excited about what Cedric can do and how we're going to utilize him and the production that we feel he's going to be able to give us."

Like their coaches, Bears players are sad to see Jones go but excited about Benson's potential.

"Thomas is a great player, but obviously we've got to move on without him," said Pro Bowl center Olin Kreutz. "We have a lot of belief in Cedric, too. Cedric's a really good back. There's a reason he was drafted as high as he was drafted. I think he's going to show everybody that this year."

"Thomas is a great player, and it's a tough situation to be in when you have Cedric Benson in the background," added right guard Roberto Garza. "Toward the end of the season (Benson) played extremely well and ran the ball extremely hard."

Although Benson is more of a power runner than the quick and elusive Jones, Bears linemen don't anticipate making much of an adjustment while blocking in 2007.

"They have different running styles, but both guys were successful behind us," Garza said. "They make our job easier and make us look good. Cedric is going to be a guy that's going to have a lot of plays and touch the ball a lot of times and make a lot of big plays for us."

The Bears have just as much faith in Peterson as a complementary back. When given more of a chance to contribute in the backfield in 2005, he rushed for a career-high 391 yards and 2 TDs on 76 carries, a robust 5.1-yard average.

"Every time we've given him an opportunity to play, whether it's on special teams or whatever we've asked him to do, he's done it well," Smith said. "I'm excited about him moving up into the backup spot too."

"All he does is produce," Turner added. "He's a great football player on special teams, a great football player as a running back. He can do a lot of good things, so we have two really good running backs that we feel great about right now.

"Will we miss Thomas? Sure, because he's a quality guy. But we feel great about the guys we have."

http://www.chicagobears.com

 

[eefflrat]

Its the offseason, so I won't bother cleverly disguising this post.My league lets us keep 1 sleeper keeper (a guy drafted after a certain round each year).This year, I've got a wealth of very good options.I've got Benson, MJD, and DeAngelo Williams.I'm torn, because I honestly feel that MJD is just a superior back. However, his opportunity will be impacted by Fred Taylor staying in Jax. On the other hand, Benson isn't sharing the rock next season.Anyways, if I had to make my choice today, I'd go with Benson. I just think the opportunity outweighs talent when evaluating these two.So, its your draft, which of these two do you take first? The explosive guy in a sharing situation, or the guy who plods along in clouds of dust but gets fed the rock?

I think that answer is simple. Benson. he won't be sharing carries I expect him to get 70% of the carries for the bears that should be about 325 rushes. MJD is in a RB hell, with Taylor, and Greg Jones. DWIl is also in a RBBC, and hasn't proved he is anything more than a project at this point. JMO

 

[Raider Nation]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:

1.01 - Tomlinson

1.02 - Jackson

1.03 - Johnson

1.04 - Benson

1.05 - Addai/Gore

Benson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

# of td's is high, otherwise I agree with you.

I was fully aware the TD total was generous when I typed it, but here's my reasoning:If LT and Alexander can notch 30-ish TD totals over the past two years, I see no reason why Benson - who WILL be the sledgehammer inside the 5 - can't get twelve fewer scores than that. Add to the fact that San Diego and Seattle are bigger threats to throw the ball inside the 10, and Benson figures to be a TD machine.

 

[3C's]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:

1.01 - Tomlinson

1.02 - Jackson

1.03 - Johnson

1.04 - Benson

1.05 - Addai/Gore

Benson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

# of td's is high, otherwise I agree with you.

I was fully aware the TD total was generous when I typed it, but here's my reasoning:If LT and Alexander can notch 30-ish TD totals over the past two years, I see no reason why Benson - who WILL be the sledgehammer inside the 5 - can't get twelve fewer scores than that. Add to the fact that San Diego and Seattle are bigger threats to throw the ball inside the 10, and Benson figures to be a TD machine.

Not totally out of the question, but I'm going on TJones having 6 td's last year. Benson had 6 as well. I'd put Benson around 10 with Peterson getting a few.

 

[CalBear]

I was fully aware the TD total was generous when I typed it, but here's my reasoning:

If LT and Alexander can notch 30-ish TD totals over the past two years, I see no reason why Benson - who WILL be the sledgehammer inside the 5 - can't get twelve fewer scores than that. Add to the fact that San Diego and Seattle are bigger threats to throw the ball inside the 10, and Benson figures to be a TD machine.

Uh, LT and Alexander play for teams that have good offenses. Benson plays for a team with an offense that's mediocre. Chicago was #16 overall in yardage in 2006; decent backs on teams in the middle of the pack in yardage tend to score 8-10 TDs, not 15.

 

[Toads]

Good topic for a poll.

 

[geoff8695]

I was fully aware the TD total was generous when I typed it, but here's my reasoning:

If LT and Alexander can notch 30-ish TD totals over the past two years, I see no reason why Benson - who WILL be the sledgehammer inside the 5 - can't get twelve fewer scores than that. Add to the fact that San Diego and Seattle are bigger threats to throw the ball inside the 10, and Benson figures to be a TD machine.

Uh, LT and Alexander play for teams that have good offenses. Benson plays for a team with an offense that's mediocre. Chicago was #16 overall in yardage in 2006; decent backs on teams in the middle of the pack in yardage tend to score 8-10 TDs, not 15.

Did you know that the Bears were #29 overall in 2005? Rather than seeing it as a negative I think moving up to #16 last year shows a DRASTIC improvement (and in Rex's 1st full season as the starter).I can't be absolutely certain that this trend will continue, or that the Bears will jump into the top 5 or top 10 this season, but I'm VERY encouraged by last year's improvement (despite a streaky 1st year QB). I know the Bears haven't exactly been synonymous with great offenses in the past, but I do fully expect this offense to continue to improve in 2007.

just my

 

[Christo]

I was fully aware the TD total was generous when I typed it, but here's my reasoning:

If LT and Alexander can notch 30-ish TD totals over the past two years, I see no reason why Benson - who WILL be the sledgehammer inside the 5 - can't get twelve fewer scores than that. Add to the fact that San Diego and Seattle are bigger threats to throw the ball inside the 10, and Benson figures to be a TD machine.

Uh, LT and Alexander play for teams that have good offenses. Benson plays for a team with an offense that's mediocre. Chicago was #16 overall in yardage in 2006; decent backs on teams in the middle of the pack in yardage tend to score 8-10 TDs, not 15.

He had 6 TDs last year and he didn't start a single game. Anything less than 12 would be a disappointment, and 15 should be well within reach if they feed him the ball in the redzone.

 

[LHUCKS]

He had 6 TDs last year and he didn't start a single game. Anything less than 12 would be a disappointment, and 15 should be well within reach if they feed him the ball in the redzone.

Mediocre, overrated talent in a good situation should be able to get 12 TDs...I agree.

 

[CalBear]

Did you know that the Bears were #29 overall in 2005? Rather than seeing it as a negative I think moving up to #16 last year shows a DRASTIC improvement (and in Rex's 1st full season as the starter).

I can't be absolutely certain that this trend will continue, or that the Bears will jump into the top 5 or top 10 this season, but I'm VERY encouraged by last year's improvement (despite a streaky 1st year QB). I know the Bears haven't exactly been synonymous with great offenses in the past, but I do fully expect this offense to continue to improve in 2007.

just my

Grossman was a fourth-year QB. And he basically sucked; his mediocre stats are misleadingly good, because he ran up a bunch of numbers in blowout games. Check out his split stats; he threw 6 TDs and 0 INTs for 8.3 yards per attempt when leading big. When he wasn't leading big? 52% completions, 6.2 ypa, 20 TD 22 INT. Compare that to, say, Matt Leinart, an actual first-year QB who had 58.1% completions and 6.9 ypa, and more TDs than INTs when not leading big.

The Bears will not spend as much time leading big as they did in 2006, and I would be shocked to see their offense finish any higher than #15 overall, unless they get someone unexpectedly strong in the draft.

 

[Christo]

Did you know that the Bears were #29 overall in 2005? Rather than seeing it as a negative I think moving up to #16 last year shows a DRASTIC improvement (and in Rex's 1st full season as the starter).

I can't be absolutely certain that this trend will continue, or that the Bears will jump into the top 5 or top 10 this season, but I'm VERY encouraged by last year's improvement (despite a streaky 1st year QB). I know the Bears haven't exactly been synonymous with great offenses in the past, but I do fully expect this offense to continue to improve in 2007.

just my

Grossman was a fourth-year QB. And he basically sucked; his mediocre stats are misleadingly good, because he ran up a bunch of numbers in blowout games. Check out his split stats; he threw 6 TDs and 0 INTs for 8.3 yards per attempt when leading big. When he wasn't leading big? 52% completions, 6.2 ypa, 20 TD 22 INT. Compare that to, say, Matt Leinart, an actual first-year QB who had 58.1% completions and 6.9 ypa, and more TDs than INTs when not leading big.

The Bears will not spend as much time leading big as they did in 2006, and I would be shocked to see their offense finish any higher than #15 overall, unless they get someone unexpectedly strong in the draft.

Why?

 

[Jason Wood]

Fantastic, productive collegiate back who has yet to define himself in the NFL. Ask this question of Thomas Jones three years into his career and you hear declarations of "bust", "fraud!", "waste!", yet now he's heralded by Bears fans [who are sorry to see him go], Jets fans [who are thrilled to see him arrive], and many fantasy owners.

Benson is tough, runs with a low center of gravity, understands how to bounce off a hit and get positive yardage. He is not, however, a very talented receiver nor a great open field threat.

Not sure how one defines "average", but if one defines that as the median NFL RB, Benson is certainly above that.

 

[Banger]

Did you know that the Bears were #29 overall in 2005? Rather than seeing it as a negative I think moving up to #16 last year shows a DRASTIC improvement (and in Rex's 1st full season as the starter).

I can't be absolutely certain that this trend will continue, or that the Bears will jump into the top 5 or top 10 this season, but I'm VERY encouraged by last year's improvement (despite a streaky 1st year QB). I know the Bears haven't exactly been synonymous with great offenses in the past, but I do fully expect this offense to continue to improve in 2007.

just my

Grossman was a fourth-year QB. And he basically sucked; his mediocre stats are misleadingly good, because he ran up a bunch of numbers in blowout games. Check out his split stats; he threw 6 TDs and 0 INTs for 8.3 yards per attempt when leading big. When he wasn't leading big? 52% completions, 6.2 ypa, 20 TD 22 INT. Compare that to, say, Matt Leinart, an actual first-year QB who had 58.1% completions and 6.9 ypa, and more TDs than INTs when not leading big.

The Bears will not spend as much time leading big as they did in 2006, and I would be shocked to see their offense finish any higher than #15 overall, unless they get someone unexpectedly strong in the draft.

Why?

easiest schedule in the league last year....

 

[Raider Nation]

I was fully aware the TD total was generous when I typed it, but here's my reasoning:

If LT and Alexander can notch 30-ish TD totals over the past two years, I see no reason why Benson - who WILL be the sledgehammer inside the 5 - can't get twelve fewer scores than that. Add to the fact that San Diego and Seattle are bigger threats to throw the ball inside the 10, and Benson figures to be a TD machine.

Uh, LT and Alexander play for teams that have good offenses. Benson plays for a team with an offense that's mediocre. Chicago was #16 overall in yardage in 2006; decent backs on teams in the middle of the pack in yardage tend to score 8-10 TDs, not 15.

Did you know that the Bears were #29 overall in 2005? Rather than seeing it as a negative I think moving up to #16 last year shows a DRASTIC improvement (and in Rex's 1st full season as the starter).I can't be absolutely certain that this trend will continue, or that the Bears will jump into the top 5 or top 10 this season, but I'm VERY encouraged by last year's improvement (despite a streaky 1st year QB). I know the Bears haven't exactly been synonymous with great offenses in the past, but I do fully expect this offense to continue to improve in 2007.

just my

Also, if the Bears grab an offensive lineman in the 1st round, that would be sweet!

Bottom line is that as long as Chicago's defense is dominant, Benson will get major carries.

 

[CalBear]

The Bears will not spend as much time leading big as they did in 2006, and I would be shocked to see their offense finish any higher than #15 overall, unless they get someone unexpectedly strong in the draft.

Why?

In 2006, they played a total of 6 games against teams in the top half of the league in defense, and only 4 against top-10 teams. They switch the NFC West (Seattle: 19, St. Louis: 23, San Fran: 26, Arizona: 29) for the AFC West (Oakland: 3, San Diego: 10, Denver: 14, KC: 16--and the offenses are better, too).

 

[SproutDaddy]

If we could fast forward 12 months, the consensus Top 5 for '08 drafts will be:1.01 - Tomlinson1.02 - Jackson1.03 - Johnson1.04 - Benson1.05 - Addai/GoreBenson has 1,500 & 18 written all over him for '07.

I don't even think the top 3 will pan out this way. Seriously, in PPR leagues I think Bush is going to surprise alot of people barring any injury.

 

[Christo]

The Bears will not spend as much time leading big as they did in 2006, and I would be shocked to see their offense finish any higher than #15 overall, unless they get someone unexpectedly strong in the draft.

Why?

In 2006, they played a total of 6 games against teams in the top half of the league in defense, and only 4 against top-10 teams. They switch the NFC West (Seattle: 19, St. Louis: 23, San Fran: 26, Arizona: 29) for the AFC West (Oakland: 3, San Diego: 10, Denver: 14, KC: 16--and the offenses are better, too).

Those are last year's numbers right?

 

[faulkfan]

Its the offseason, so I won't bother cleverly disguising this post.My league lets us keep 1 sleeper keeper (a guy drafted after a certain round each year).This year, I've got a wealth of very good options.I've got Benson, MJD, and DeAngelo Williams.I'm torn, because I honestly feel that MJD is just a superior back. However, his opportunity will be impacted by Fred Taylor staying in Jax. On the other hand, Benson isn't sharing the rock next season.Anyways, if I had to make my choice today, I'd go with Benson. I just think the opportunity outweighs talent when evaluating these two.So, its your draft, which of these two do you take first? The explosive guy in a sharing situation, or the guy who plods along in clouds of dust but gets fed the rock?

I can't see how you can justify keeping bensen over MJD. You say Fred will impact his numbers and all I think is ..."Why didn't he do that this year then? MJD went crazy even with Freddie around so what will next year change?Give me MJD in a HEARTBEAT!!!

 

[CalBear]

In 2006, they played a total of 6 games against teams in the top half of the league in defense, and only 4 against top-10 teams. They switch the NFC West (Seattle: 19, St. Louis: 23, San Fran: 26, Arizona: 29) for the AFC West (Oakland: 3, San Diego: 10, Denver: 14, KC: 16--and the offenses are better, too).

Those are last year's numbers right?

Yes. But I think Oakland, San Diego, and Denver are all locks to have good defenses in 2007, and KC could be good as well.

 

[Routilla]

FWIW, I think T. Jones outperforms Benson this year in NY.

 

[SproutDaddy]

FWIW, I think T. Jones outperforms Benson this year in NY.