Can Benson handle most of the carries? Not will he get most of them (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

If you vote no, then please post what kind of back can carry 75% to 80% of the carries? Benson has been dinged a couple of times since coming to the NFL, but he was extremely durable at Texas. I personally think he is the type of back that will get better and better with more carries. A lot of backs get dinged, and some are more prone to injury than others, like those who run upright and leave themselves open for big hits. I surely don't see Benson as that type of back.

 

[wannabee]

Johnny, I agree that Benson can handle most of the carries. But, I think 70% of the carries is about the limit. The Bears rushed the ball over 500 times this past year so 75-80% is a bit much.

I think Benson will be fine for the 300-350 touch range. I do not think you want Benson to have 400+ rushes.

 

[Gandalf]

Physically I think he can handle the load. I'm more worried about his leadership ability and willingness to work hard enough to be the best. That's probably more of an issue for the Bears than a fantasy squad though.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I think he can handle it, but I disagree about him not leaving himself open to big hits. He's not very elusive and takes some mammoth shots (delivers some too). He has been injured quite a bit in a limited number of carries. Like you said, he did carry a huge load at Texas, so he might just need to get into the groove of the game better. More carries may very well lead to less injuries.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Johnny, I agree that Benson can handle most of the carries. But, I think 70% of the carries is about the limit. The Bears rushed the ball over 500 times this past year so 75-80% is a bit much.I think Benson will be fine for the 300-350 touch range. I do not think you want Benson to have 400+ rushes.

I don't think you want anyone to have over 400 rushes, at least not for long term success.

 

[wannabee]

Johnny, I agree that Benson can handle most of the carries. But, I think 70% of the carries is about the limit. The Bears rushed the ball over 500 times this past year so 75-80% is a bit much.I think Benson will be fine for the 300-350 touch range. I do not think you want Benson to have 400+ rushes.

I don't think you want anyone to have over 400 rushes, at least not for long term success.

I understand. But, the poll is set for 350-400 rushes plus catches.

 

[RBM]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

 

[flapgreen]

No. He's a ####.

 

[JohnnyU]

No. He's a ####.

Nice analysis. That settles it.

 

[Raider Nation]

How do you guys envision the 3rd down duties?

I say A-Pete comes in on 3rd and 4 or more. Benson stays in on 3rd & 1, 2 or 3.

 

[FTRWRTR]

If you vote no, then please post what kind of back can carry 75% to 80% of the carries? Benson has been dinged a couple of times since coming to the NFL, but he was extremely durable at Texas.

I loved benson when he was in college so I'm not trying to hate or whatever but NFL defenders are bigger, faster, and stronger than the ones he faced in college. Also he's gotten hurt both years he's been in the NFL despite being able to share the load and never having more than 157 carries in a season, there's no indication he's now ready for 300 or more carries

 

[Ryan_21]

If you vote no, then please post what kind of back can carry 75% to 80% of the carries? Benson has been dinged a couple of times since coming to the NFL, but he was extremely durable at Texas.

I loved benson when he was in college so I'm not trying to hate or whatever but NFL defenders are bigger, faster, and stronger than the ones he faced in college. Also he's gotten hurt both years he's been in the NFL despite being able to share the load and never having more than 157 carries in a season, there's no indication he's now ready for 300 or more carries

Theres no indication that guys like Adrian Peterson (the college one), Marshawn Lynch, Joseph Addai (last year), Maroney, Bush, Deangelo, etc are ready for 300 carries, yet they get the benefit of the doubt and teams are ready and willing to spend 1st round picks and top dollars on them.

 

[flapgreen]

No. He's a ####.

Nice analysis. That settles it.

 

[SproutDaddy]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

He just doesn't strike me as an every down back. He would definitely benefit sharing carries. I wouldn't want to give him more than 15 touches a game. He does well in the red zone and late in the game to wear a defense down. He has just never shown me the ability to break a game open with his rushing ability.

 

[JohnnyU]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

He just doesn't strike me as an every down back. He would definitely benefit sharing carries. I wouldn't want to give him more than 15 touches a game. He does well in the red zone and late in the game to wear a defense down. He has just never shown me the ability to break a game open with his rushing ability.

What classifies as an every down back? Someone 5'8 200 lbs? To me, someone of Benson's size is perfect for getting most of the carries, 5'11" 220.

 

[fruity pebbles]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

He just doesn't strike me as an every down back. He would definitely benefit sharing carries. I wouldn't want to give him more than 15 touches a game. He does well in the red zone and late in the game to wear a defense down. He has just never shown me the ability to break a game open with his rushing ability.

What classifies as an every down back? Someone 5'8 200 lbs? To me, someone of Benson's size is perfect for getting most of the carries, 5'11" 220.

think he was referring more to his ability than his size.

 

[JohnnyU]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

He just doesn't strike me as an every down back. He would definitely benefit sharing carries. I wouldn't want to give him more than 15 touches a game. He does well in the red zone and late in the game to wear a defense down. He has just never shown me the ability to break a game open with his rushing ability.

What classifies as an every down back? Someone 5'8 200 lbs? To me, someone of Benson's size is perfect for getting most of the carries, 5'11" 220.

think he was referring more to his ability than his size.

Really? Then he must not have watched too many Bear games in 2006. From what I saw of Benson, ability isn't his problem.

 

[Raider Nation]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

He just doesn't strike me as an every down back. He would definitely benefit sharing carries. I wouldn't want to give him more than 15 touches a game. He does well in the red zone and late in the game to wear a defense down. He has just never shown me the ability to break a game open with his rushing ability.

What classifies as an every down back? Someone 5'8 200 lbs? To me, someone of Benson's size is perfect for getting most of the carries, 5'11" 220.

think he was referring more to his ability than his size.

I am convinced that 90% of the people doubting Benson are Jones owners in dynasty leagues.If you saw the way Ced ran over defenders this past season, it is clear that the light finally came on for him. With Jones out of the picture, I expect Larry Johnson-like production from Benson. Seriously. It's a lot easier for a RB to be productive when he KNOWS he's the man, and all the drama and backstabbing and "he said/he said" will be a thing of the past.

 

[fruity pebbles]

1500/15 for Benson if he gets 300+ this year

He just doesn't strike me as an every down back. He would definitely benefit sharing carries. I wouldn't want to give him more than 15 touches a game. He does well in the red zone and late in the game to wear a defense down. He has just never shown me the ability to break a game open with his rushing ability.

What classifies as an every down back? Someone 5'8 200 lbs? To me, someone of Benson's size is perfect for getting most of the carries, 5'11" 220.

think he was referring more to his ability than his size.

Really? Then he must not have watched too many Bear games in 2006. From what I saw of Benson, ability isn't his problem.

I thought he looked alright. I wouldn't be starting a new thread about him every other day. Kind of a plodder. Probably suits the Bears style well. Looked no better or worse to me than Thomas Jones.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

In the biggest game of his football career he fumbles, then goes out with a MILD knee sprain.

The guy is a zero and a headcase in most Chicagoans' viewpoints.

 

[Raider Nation]

In the biggest game of his football career he fumbles, then goes out with a MILD knee sprain.The guy is a zero and a headcase in most Chicagoans' viewpoints.

Hmmm... what options do we have for you.1) Embrace him, as he'll be your backfield STUD until 2012.2) Become a Raiders fan... we can always use more.

 

[JohnnyU]

In the biggest game of his football career he fumbles, then goes out with a MILD knee sprain.The guy is a zero and a headcase in most Chicagoans' viewpoints.

Well, he's Chicagoans' headcase for a long time, so get used to it.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Can he handle MOST of the carries? I would say probably. But the knee is now a reoccuring issue with him.

And just because a guy took a pounding in college doesn't mean that he is now MORE durable in the NFL. It just means he took a pounding in college. period.

Personally, I have never been too impressed with his running style. Reminds me of Bam Morris.

Just saying.

 

[JohnnyU]

Personally, I have never been too impressed with his running style. Reminds me of Bam Morris.Just saying.

I really like how he runs over people (see Earl Campbell).Just saying.

 

[DAG]

OK, so some disclosure here: I just traded Benson away in a dynasty league, and I got the 1.02 rookie pick in the deal. I actually posted this on the asst. coach forum and the recommendations were split on whether to go through with it or not. I had assumed Thomas Jones would stay because the Bears' Super Bowl window was still open. But I also accounted for my willingness to trade him because I felt like Lynch or Calvin Johnson would both constitute upgrades over Benson. Am I regretting it now? This news makes me a little hesitant about the trade, but here's my (most objective possible) take on Benson:

To me he certainly has the talent to succeed in the NFL. He's not as explosive as I was hoping he'd be when I picked him last season in a startup dynasty, but he finishes runs very well and I think in a lot of ways we've only seen hints of what he can do because he's likely a guy that needs to get into the rhythm of the game with a lot of carries (a la Eddie George; I've even heard Portis say this same thing about himself, too). He also seems to take a little longer to get a head of steam (he goes down at the line of scrimmage easier than I expected) but I think that once he starts seeing things a little better (again, a rhythm thing) that he can be the punishing downhill runner we saw at Texas. His limitations as a pass blocker and receiver out of the backfield have always struck me as overblown, and I think way too much is made of the locker room stuff. There was a noticeable difference to me later in the season when he was in on all the celebrations, and his teammates seemed to be coming around on him. Even after he walked off the sidelines in preseason, he went around to his teammates and apologized individually, which seemed to help a lot.

So, why was I willing to trade him for an unknown? I don't have any scientific answer, but when I watch him play I don't get the *feeling* that I'm watching a future NFL star (the expectation for a #4 overall). I feel like I'm watching a very serviceable NFL starter, who will be limited by a general lack of burst. If he can't get through a hole it seems like he has a tough time getting downhill to me. Don't get me wrong, he has decent burst and speed, but when you juxtapose him again Thomas Jones, the difference in burst/speed is noticeable, and Jones is a good bit older. I also feel that the way his NFL career has started off is a bad sign. Again, this isn't scientific thinking here; a lot of guys start off rough but do well going into their 3rd years and beyond (I myself have posted comparisons between Benson and LJ). But Benson would have to be an exception to some previous rules concerning high picks and rough starts. He just feels snake-bitten to me. Every time things start going well, something happens; he either gets hurt or says something stupid. The getting hurt part is the greatest concern, but the *timing* just seems....snake-bit. Consider that he's announced the starter in training camp, then dislocates his shoulder. He has a chance to shine in the Super Bowl after a wonderful second half to the season, and he sprains his knee. Maybe I've been burned too many other times on talented guys who always seem to have an injury at the worst possible moment, but this is feeling I get with Benson.

I don't know. Maybe Benson's college workload is starting to show up in these injuries. He had a significant college workload running against constant 8-man fronts: 223 carries as a freshman, 305 as a sophomore, 258 as a junior, and 326 as a senior. This isn't terribly unusual, but he was a true workhorse at Texas. If the knee injury he suffered in the SB had happened during the regular season, he would have missed significant time in both of his first two seasons with knee injuries.

In short, I don't think either the bust tag fits (at all) and I don't think he looks like a star. I think he'll be a serviceable starter, with a justifiable injury concern.

 

[JohnnyU]

(he goes down at the line of scrimmage easier than I expected)

....

....

I feel like I'm watching a very serviceable NFL starter, who will be limited by a general lack of burst. If he can't get through a hole it seems like he has a tough time getting downhill to me. In short, I don't think either the bust tag fits (at all) and I don't think he looks like a star. I think he'll be a serviceable starter, with a justifiable injury concern.

I disagree with him going down easy at the line of scrimmage. When I watched him run, he gets the extra yards and plows over people. I like his burst for a bigger back, and that has a lot to do with his ability to break tackles the way he does.

As far as him being a star, I really don't know for sure if that will or will not happen. I like his chances however.

 

[Raider Nation]

Quality post, DAG!

I agree that he hasn't exactly looked like a world-beater to this point, but I've contended for the last two years that if he is ever THE MAN, getting 20+ carries per game without being in a time-share, the kid will be studly.

If I'm wrong, I'll own it.

 

[Raider Nation]

(he goes down at the line of scrimmage easier than I expected)

I disagree with him going down easy at the line of scrimmage. When I watched him run, he gets the extra yards and plows over people.

In fairness, you are both correct.He does plow over people, and then there are other times when it seems like he gets tackled by a ghost at the line of scrimmage. It's really a head-scratcher. His footwork gets messed up very frequently, it seems.

 

[guderian]

1. Benson has a career YPC average of 4.1.

2. Benson has been used sporadically throughout his career--never knowing if he was going to get 15+ carries or zero carries. Most NFL RBs wouldn't be as productive in that situation.

3. In the second half of the 2006 season, when he finally began to consistently get 10+ carries his YPC spiked up to 4.7.

4. Everyone on this board thought Benson tore multiple ligaments after his knee injury last year. After seeing the injury I was shocked that the prognosis wasn't that bad and that Benson bounced back so easily. I'd hardly use that injury as evidence that he's injury prone or brittle.

Benson has talent as shown by his career 4.1 ypc and IMO my personal observations. Now it looks like he'll have opportunity. Those two factors often lead to great things in fantasy football. The haters should take an objective look at this situation otherwise they are going to miss out on a promising RB next year.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

(he goes down at the line of scrimmage easier than I expected)

I disagree with him going down easy at the line of scrimmage. When I watched him run, he gets the extra yards and plows over people.

In fairness, you are both correct.He does plow over people, and then there are other times when it seems like he gets tackled by a ghost at the line of scrimmage. It's really a head-scratcher. His footwork gets messed up very frequently, it seems.

Does this NOT sound like Bam Morris when he was still with Pittsburg?I think Ced needs a hole, but he is very effective when he gets to the 2nd level. I agree he could be very servicable, but doesn't seem like a "stud" RB.

IMO Now that the Bears locked up Briggs, RB is a possibility in this draft............

And knee injuries scare me in any RB. They just do.

 

[cstu]

Quality post, DAG! I agree that he hasn't exactly looked like a world-beater to this point, but I've contended for the last two years that if he is ever THE MAN, getting 20+ carries per game without being in a time-share, the kid will be studly.If I'm wrong, I'll own it.

Any RB getting 20 carries a game will be studly. Wasn't Lamont Jordan a top 10 back by virtue of getting around 300 carries?

 

[Tag]

I dont own Benson in any of my dynasty leagues but to say this guy cant handle the full load as a starting RB is ridiculous considering how many carries he had at Texas and more importantly how productive he was with those carries.

 

[Raider Nation]

Quality post, DAG!

I agree that he hasn't exactly looked like a world-beater to this point, but I've contended for the last two years that if he is ever THE MAN, getting 20+ carries per game without being in a time-share, the kid will be studly.

If I'm wrong, I'll own it.

Any RB getting 20 carries a game will be studly.

Not exactly. Some approximate examples from '06:Edgerrin James - 337 carries (21 per game), 1159 yards, 6 TDs

Jamal Lewis - 314 carries (19.5 per game), 1132 yards, 9 TDs

Chester Taylor - 303 carries (19 per game), 1216 yards, 6 TDs

Thomas Jones - 296 carries (18.5 per game), 1210 yards, 6 TDs

Are those studly numbers in your estimation?

 

[SeveredHorseHeads]

In the biggest game of his football career he fumbles, then goes out with a MILD knee sprain.The guy is a zero and a headcase in most Chicagoans' viewpoints.

Actually this is pretty much just your viewpoint. You've hated this guy since the word go. Your irrational hatred of Benson is nothing short of bizarre.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

In the biggest game of his football career he fumbles, then goes out with a MILD knee sprain.The guy is a zero and a headcase in most Chicagoans' viewpoints.

Actually this is pretty much just your viewpoint. You've hated this guy since the word go. Your irrational hatred of Benson is nothing short of bizarre.

I didn't say "ALL" Chicagoans slappy. So perhaps YOUR viewpoint is in the minority. I'm not aware of too many Bears fans that don't question Benson's durability and toughness.And I don't give a crap what he did in high school or college. Big boy rules now.

 

[cstu]

Quality post, DAG!

I agree that he hasn't exactly looked like a world-beater to this point, but I've contended for the last two years that if he is ever THE MAN, getting 20+ carries per game without being in a time-share, the kid will be studly.

If I'm wrong, I'll own it.

Any RB getting 20 carries a game will be studly.

Not exactly. Some approximate examples from '06:Edgerrin James - 337 carries (21 per game), 1159 yards, 6 TDs

Jamal Lewis - 314 carries (19.5 per game), 1132 yards, 9 TDs

Chester Taylor - 303 carries (19 per game), 1216 yards, 6 TDs

Thomas Jones - 296 carries (18.5 per game), 1210 yards, 6 TDs

Are those studly numbers in your estimation?

Not exactly studly, but in the seven years from 2000-2006 there were 86 RB's who had over 280 carries and only 18 of them (21%) finished with less than 200 FP (roughly a top 10-12 RB). Strangely, 5 of those 18 were from last year (Chester, Lewis, Edge, TJ and Dunn).

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

I dont believe the issue will be in terms of ability but in terms of the intangibles such as leadership and locker room presence. From all accounts, TJ was the man at motivating and was a great guy who people wanted to do well. Who will step up on the offensive side of the ball? Grossman's got his own issues, Des Clark is a malcontent, mushin muhammad is the only person that comes to mind here. In my opinion, TJ was the cog that allowed Chicago to go as far as they did and quite frankly, I dont believe they are a SuperBowl contender without him.

To boil it down, the issue is not whether Benson has the talent to carry the load, its whether he has the ability to be a team-first guy. If not, I see a dropoff for the bears and benson ultimately being hanged in effigy.

 

[BoulderBob]

Team-first or Benson-first, doesn't really matter at this point. RB's are paid to gain yards, and I think Benson has the ability to accomplish this feat at a very high level. Injuries are certainly a concern, but the same can be said for every RB in the league.

 

[FTRWRTR]

If you vote no, then please post what kind of back can carry 75% to 80% of the carries? Benson has been dinged a couple of times since coming to the NFL, but he was extremely durable at Texas.

I loved benson when he was in college so I'm not trying to hate or whatever but NFL defenders are bigger, faster, and stronger than the ones he faced in college. Also he's gotten hurt both years he's been in the NFL despite being able to share the load and never having more than 157 carries in a season, there's no indication he's now ready for 300 or more carries

Theres no indication that guys like Adrian Peterson (the college one), Marshawn Lynch, Joseph Addai (last year), Maroney, Bush, Deangelo, etc are ready for 300 carries, yet they get the benefit of the doubt and teams are ready and willing to spend 1st round picks and top dollars on them.

Benson got the benefit of the doubt back in '05 when the bears used their first rounder on him. When it comes to evaluating a rookie most of us ff owners hope for the best case scenario when it comes to durability. And for the record I as well as plenty of others have pointed out that AD had problems staying healthy in college.

 

[FTRWRTR]

Benson has talent as shown by his career 4.1 ypc and IMO my personal observations. Now it looks like he'll have opportunity. Those two factors often lead to great things in fantasy football. The haters should take an objective look at this situation otherwise they are going to miss out on a promising RB next year.

How are you being objective when you yourself ignore the fact that he wasn't the rb defenses were preparing to stop. Also in only three of the ten games in which he had at least 10 carries last season did he average at least 4.1yards per carries which IMO if he survives a heavy workload his numbers still won't be all that impressive. As for him averaging 4.7 ypc a game in his last 8 games his average is skewed by playing vs. average defenses like the jets, vikes, and green bay

 

[Marc Levin]

We did not allow the short name for Richard to avoid the language filter for uncalled for postings.

Let's try to stay cool, please.

"jock sniffing" is a better term.

 

[flapgreen]

We did not allow the short name for Richard to avoid the language filter for uncalled for postings.Let's try to stay cool, please."jock sniffing" is a better term.

sorry about that. thought it would filter that out.

 

[guderian]

Benson has talent as shown by his career 4.1 ypc and IMO my personal observations. Now it looks like he'll have opportunity. Those two factors often lead to great things in fantasy football. The haters should take an objective look at this situation otherwise they are going to miss out on a promising RB next year.

How are you being objective when you yourself ignore the fact that he wasn't the rb defenses were preparing to stop. Also in only three of the ten games in which he had at least 10 carries last season did he average at least 4.1yards per carries which IMO if he survives a heavy workload his numbers still won't be all that impressive. As for him averaging 4.7 ypc a game in his last 8 games his average is skewed by playing vs. average defenses like the jets, vikes, and green bay

1. If those defenses were so bad, why did Thomas Jones average fewer yards per carry? BTW, they also faced some pretty good run Ds in those last 8 games too. 2. I don't buy the "he wasn't the RB defenses were preparing to stop" since he wasn't the RB going into the game that the Bears were game planning to use the most either. 3. Sounds like you're looking for things to nitpick. Reminds me of the Thomas Jones haters back a few years ago when he was averaging 3.4 +/- per game and losing out to the likes of Pittman and Shipp. He was also called a player with a bad attitude, but now he's the consumate team player and extremely productive carrying a full load.

 

[chris1969]

Johnny, I agree that Benson can handle most of the carries. But, I think 70% of the carries is about the limit. The Bears rushed the ball over 500 times this past year so 75-80% is a bit much.I think Benson will be fine for the 300-350 touch range. I do not think you want Benson to have 400+ rushes.

I don't think you want anyone to have over 400 rushes, at least not for long term success.

I understand. But, the poll is set for 350-400 rushes plus catches.

Actually, it works out to 375-400 carries, that's a little too much for any back.