Cedric Benson (1 Viewer)

[Spike]

In trying to get better at this (fantasy football), I'm continually looking at ways to better look at players and their situations.

One of those I've been focusing on recently is the situations players find themselves in.

Case in point - Cedric Benson and the Bears.

Here's my question: Isn't the situation with Benson fairly similar to that of Larry Johnson in his first 2 seasons with the Chiefs?

To start, I understand the differences:

1. A vast chasm between Thomas Jones and Priest Holmes.

2. That Johnson really wasn't given much of an opportunity his first 2 years while Benson has had that opportunity.

But, right now, I feel we are looking at "deja vu" with Benson in how Johnson had been with the Chiefs.

Does anyone else see anything here?

 

[Banger]

Huge difference. One team wins with offense the other with defense. One had the best lines and very good skill players and the other doesn't. Besides being a highly touted RB's that were drafted high and didn't start immediately I really don't see the similarity in their situations at all.

 

[gman8343]

Holmes was 30+ and dealing with major injuries when Johnson was given the go. T Jones is in the prime of his career and hasn't had any major injuries.

I do think they want to see what Benson can do out there, but I'm not sure if Benson will be better than what they have in Jones.

 

[redman]

What's the feeling in Chicago? If they're winning with Jones, would they still put Benson back into the lineup to get significant work (not necessarily starting, but getting say 10+ carries per game)?

 

[Spike]

Holmes was 30+ and dealing with major injuries when Johnson was given the go. T Jones is in the prime of his career and hasn't had any major injuries.

I do think they want to see what Benson can do out there, but I'm not sure if Benson will be better than what they have in Jones.

Part of what I'm looking at is Benson vs. Johnson prior to them coming into their own.If I'm right, Benson looks to be a huge value right now for keeper/dynasty purposes. THAT'S the purpose for my starting this thread.

 

[Vikingship]

The similarity I see is that like Johnson two years ago, Benson needs to "take the diapers off."

 

[gman8343]

Holmes was 30+ and dealing with major injuries when Johnson was given the go. T Jones is in the prime of his career and hasn't had any major injuries.

I do think they want to see what Benson can do out there, but I'm not sure if Benson will be better than what they have in Jones.

Part of what I'm looking at is Benson vs. Johnson prior to them coming into their own.If I'm right, Benson looks to be a huge value right now for keeper/dynasty purposes. THAT'S the purpose for my starting this thread.

Not sure Benson is that big a value in keeper/dynasty leagues. Owners will know he's going to eventually get a shot. It's not like he came out of nowhere, the guy is a high 1st round draft pick who many think will challange for the starters job soon. Unless you get someone who needs a starter now, not sure what kind of value you'd get.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

LJ seems a lot less crazy by comparison.

Honestly, I think a non-RB situation sums this up better. Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer.

Kitna was pulled off the trash heap and performed admirably for the Bengals as the starter.

Palmer was drafted #1 overall as heir apparent.

Kitna, despite his play heading into 2004, was benched in favor of the untested Palmer.

It seems to me that Lovie wants Benson to be his Palmer, despite TJ's past performances, despite what other teammates feel and despite Benson's unprovenness. The only difference is that Benson hasn't been able to get on the field for any length of time.

Much better comparison than the KC one, where the coach loved the starter and hated the backup.

 

[cr8f]

What's the feeling in Chicago? If they're winning with Jones, would they still put Benson back into the lineup to get significant work (not necessarily starting, but getting say 10+ carries per game)?

Benson gets 3 carries while Jones rest to show what he can do. As long as Jones is doing well they won't mess with it too much but Benson will get reps in practice and they will probably try him some in games. Being a playoff team they won't risk team chemistry unless Jones is hurt.