Did anyone else hear John Clayton on ESPN today? (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

If you can handle one more Benson/Jones twist.

First Doug Gottlieb asked him about the Bears QB situation. Clayton assured us that Lovie is still firmly in Grossman's corner, especially since he had a better game on Friday night. But he also said that the Bears are extremely happy with the way Griese has picked up the offense, regularly moving the 2nd and 3rd team players down the field, and they are comfortable if he had to take over.

When asked about Chicago's RB situation, Clayton repied:

"Jones might have missed his chance to lock up the #1 job on Friday night. Both backs should see action in the final preseason game. There's no question that Lovie thinks Benson is the better running back, and he wants him to win the job. Benson's going to be the guy."



This is the first time I've heard anyone reputable contend that Lovie prefers Benson. I have to admit that I often get the feeling that if Clayton doesn't know the answer to a certain question, he will throw something against the wall to see if it sticks rather than offering a simple "I don't know."

Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE it if his information is correct, being a Benson owner. But this is the first time I've heard that Lovie "prefers" Benson and thinks he's the better back. You know Jerry Angelo and the Bears brass hope Benson can be the man, given his fat contract, but Lovie has never said anything to that effect to my knowledge. And if Lovie said it to Clayton off the record, Clayton wouldn't say it in public. All of the above makes me think it's pure speculation on JC's part.



BTW, is Woodrow going to get an exclusive interview with John Clayton again this year?

 

[TenMidgets]

Why is this a surprise? Lovie drafted him #4 overall. In fact, the head coach is the only friend he's got on that team...

 

[Raider Nation]

Why is this a surprise? Lovie drafted him #4 overall. In fact, the head coach is the only friend he's got on that team...

Angelo drafted him. Lovie plays whomever gives the team the best chance to win.

 

[TenMidgets]

Come on...are you saying Lovie had no input on that pick? Angelo is actually the one who awarded Thomas Jones with a new contract pre-Lovie Smith's arrival.

 

[mcjc4]

The problm they have is it is a marque postion where the better play will win out the most reps when the games count. Lovie can have all the "Man Lovie" he wants for Benson, but if Jones is the better back on game days he can't bench him. The Bears are in the window of opportunity to win a Superbowl right now. They cant let this year and next slip by. the window closes fast.

 

[Raider Nation]

Come on...are you saying Lovie had no input on that pick? Angelo is actually the one who awarded Thomas Jones with a new contract pre-Lovie Smith's arrival.

I have no knowledge regarding the pecking order in the Bears war room.Whether Lovie had input or not, Angelo is the one who has to pull the trigger.

 

[Armando]

Vrrrrroooomm......

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

the Bears drafted Benson b/c they thought Jones wouldn't be a good fit for Ron Turner's offense. Benson's long holdout and inability to understand blocking assignments gave Jones a chance to play, and he proved without a shadow of a doubt that he can be successful and effective in this offense.

He's hurt his chances to lock up the job this year, however, with some of his decisions and his play in camp hasn't been that great either. The door is still open for Benson, but he hasn't shown anything either. Jones appears to be the starter by default right now, but nobody will be surprised if Benson gets a chance at some point. What he does with that chance is still anyone's guess.

However, I still think Jones' all around ability should give him a slight edge. He's a better blocker and better receiver so even if Benson somehow makes a claim for the starting job, Jones should still hold onto a job as a 3rd down back. Which could likely mean a pure RBBC in Chicago at some point. I think they will try to use both backs and hope that Benson shows enough progress to become the feature back in 2007.

 

[Raider Nation]

Lovie can have all the "Man Lovie" he wants for Benson, but if Jones is the better back on game days he can't bench him.

I don't dispute this.The part of the story which borderline-shocked me was Clayton's contention that Lovie thinks Benson is "the better back." I have never even heard that hinted at by anyone in the past. Has anyone else EVER actually heard Lovie saying that he thinks Benson is the better RB, or is Clayton full of hot air on this one?

 

[Donnybrook]

When asked about Chicago's RB situation, Clayton repied:

"Jones might have missed his chance to lock up the #1 job on Friday night. Both backs should see action in the final preseason game. There's no question that Lovie thinks Benson is the better running back, and he wants him to win the job. Benson's going to be the guy."

So in other words, Lovie didn't actually say this - just Clayton trying to be a mind reader.

 

[Armando]

When asked about Chicago's RB situation, Clayton repied:

"Jones might have missed his chance to lock up the #1 job on Friday night. Both backs should see action in the final preseason game. There's no question that Lovie thinks Benson is the better running back, and he wants him to win the job. Benson's going to be the guy."

So in other words, Lovie didn't actually say this - just Clayton trying to be a mind reader.

John Clayton > You

 

[Raider Nation]

However, I still think Jones' all around ability should give him a slight edge. He's a better blocker and better receiver so even if Benson somehow makes a claim for the starting job, Jones should still hold onto a job as a 3rd down back. Which could likely mean a pure RBBC in Chicago at some point. I think they will try to use both backs and hope that Benson shows enough progress to become the feature back in 2007.

From everything I read, the Bears were thrilled with Benson's improved pass-catching ability in minicamps and training camp. But Jones is almost certainly still the superior blocker to Benson at this point.

 

[Shiver44]

Good I just got Benson at the 8th round as my #4 RB.

 

[Raider Nation]

Good I just got Benson at the 8th round as my #4 RB.

Did you have a mask and a gun when you made that pick???

 

[TenMidgets]

Benson has bigger issues right now than just comparing his talent to Thomas Jones'. This guy is getting abused by his own teammates both physically (the current shoulder injury) and in the press for leaving the sidelne/skipping the postgame meeting. I am startign to think he is way more immature than we all knew and might even have mental issues in the realm of a Dennis Rodman type. And the more I think about his reaction on draft day where he began an ESPN interview right afterward in tears and then became angrier & angrier as it went on, all kinda makes sense right now...

 

[Donnybrook]

LEADER OF THE CEDRIC BENSON BANDWAGON!!!!!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

However, I still think Jones' all around ability should give him a slight edge. He's a better blocker and better receiver so even if Benson somehow makes a claim for the starting job, Jones should still hold onto a job as a 3rd down back. Which could likely mean a pure RBBC in Chicago at some point. I think they will try to use both backs and hope that Benson shows enough progress to become the feature back in 2007.

From everything I read, the Bears were thrilled with Benson's improved pass-catching ability in minicamps and training camp. But Jones is almost certainly still the superior blocker to Benson at this point.

He's supposedly gotten much better in the receiving game, but I still don't think he compares to Jones. I think Jones is probably one of the best receiving backs in football. Benson needed improvement just to become average.

 

[Armando]

LEADER OF THE CEDRIC BENSON BANDWAGON!!!!!

Just realize by joining now that you will be riding in the back & won't enjoy the benefits of the full fledged supporters. We'll probably give you dirty looks and make fun of you to your face. But hey, better late than never. Right? To join:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...9&hl=benson

 

[Shiver44]

Good I just got Benson at the 8th round as my #4 RB.

Did you have a mask and a gun when you made that pick???

I must have. I was so surprised he was still there, considering some owner took Thomas Jones at the turn in round 2.

 

[Raider Nation]

Good I just got Benson at the 8th round as my #4 RB.

Did you have a mask and a gun when you made that pick???

I must have. I was so surprised he was still there, considering some owner took Thomas Jones at the turn in round 2.

Looking at your sig, you are strong everywhere except for your horrid, pig QBs.Trade Gore or Droughns for a real quarterback, and laugh all the way to the finals.Now back to our regularly-scheduled topic.

 

[J-Co]

Why is this a surprise? Lovie drafted him #4 overall. In fact, the head coach is the only friend he's got on that team...

Angelo drafted him. Lovie plays whomever gives the team the best chance to win.

If this was true, Brian Griese would have been named the undisputed starter at QB for week 1.

 

[Couch Potato]

Doesn't matter if Lovie names Benson the starter. Brian Urlacher and Mike Brown will just take him under the bleachers before the game and beat up his shoulder, then when Benson leaves for the hospital, six other players will report to Lovie that he split the stadium and they don't know why. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Good I just got Benson at the 8th round as my #4 RB.

Did you have a mask and a gun when you made that pick???

I must have. I was so surprised he was still there, considering some owner took Thomas Jones at the turn in round 2.

Looking at your sig, you are strong everywhere except for your horrid, pig QBs.Trade Gore or Droughns for a real quarterback, and laugh all the way to the finals.Now back to our regularly-scheduled topic.

remember when you went 0-14 last year?

 

[Otis]

LEADER OF THE CEDRIC BENSON BANDWAGON!!!!!

Just realize by joining now that you will be riding in the back & won't enjoy the benefits of the full fledged supporters. We'll probably give you dirty looks and make fun of you to your face. But hey, better late than never. Right? To join:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...9&hl=benson

3 digiters don't ride in a 5-digit whip. Sorry.

 

[Armando]

LEADER OF THE CEDRIC BENSON BANDWAGON!!!!!

Just realize by joining now that you will be riding in the back & won't enjoy the benefits of the full fledged supporters. We'll probably give you dirty looks and make fun of you to your face. But hey, better late than never. Right? To join:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...9&hl=benson

3 digiters don't ride in a 5-digit whip. Sorry.

Well you can join Week 5 when Gore's hurt. We'll need someone to serve us drinks.

 

[Lauryn]

Good I just got Benson at the 8th round as my #4 RB.

Did you have a mask and a gun when you made that pick???

I must have. I was so surprised he was still there, considering some owner took Thomas Jones at the turn in round 2.

Looking at your sig, you are strong everywhere except for your horrid, pig QBs.Trade Gore or Droughns for a real quarterback, and laugh all the way to the finals.Now back to our regularly-scheduled topic.

remember when you went 0-14 last year?

 

[Warhogs]

Why is this a surprise? Lovie drafted him #4 overall. In fact, the head coach is the only friend he's got on that team...

Has anything been confirmed on if it was a couple of players that seem to have an issue with Benson or the whole team? Somehow, I believe that there are a few players that feel strongly that Jones should be the guy but I really think this the whole team hates him thing is way overblown.

 

[TenMidgets]

We won't know exactly how many players hate him, but we do know the leaders are not in his corner: Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown etc. I saw Hillenmeyer hitting him after the whistle too. Basically I think the whole defense has it out for this guy and it wouldn't suprise me to see a guy like Kruetz to be against him too.

Let's face it, Benson's got problems right now! I would let somebody else draft him.

 

[Armando]

Let's face it, Benson's got problems right now! I would let somebody else draft him.

....Like the winners of your league.

 

[TenMidgets]

Let's face it, Benson's got problems right now! I would let somebody else draft him.

....Like the winners of your league.

We'll see. I always have enough RB depth to where I would never have to depend on a back who has shown exactly NOTHING so far in his career! And even if Benson does earn a role, why would you expect anything more than RBBC? Think about it.

 

[Armando]

Let's face it, Benson's got problems right now! I would let somebody else draft him.

....Like the winners of your league.

We'll see. I always have enough RB depth to where I would never have to depend on a back who has shown exactly NOTHING so far in his career! And even if Benson does earn a role, why would you expect anything more than RBBC? Think about it.

I'm not saying draft him as your #2 back. Because you won't have to.Could it be RBBC early on? Probably. Come Week 14-16 and fantasy playoff time, all bets are off. I have no problems taking Benson and Jones at 4.12 & 5.1. I'll take the Top 12 RB production and run.1.1 LT/LJ2.12 WR3.1 Dunn4.12 Benson5.1 Jones6.12 WR7.1 QB or TE (BPA)8.12 Norwood9.1 WR/QB/TE (BPA)

 

[Raider Nation]

Let's face it, Benson's got problems right now! I would let somebody else draft him.

....Like the winners of your league.

We'll see. I always have enough RB depth to where I would never have to depend on a back who has shown exactly NOTHING so far in his career! And even if Benson does earn a role, why would you expect anything more than RBBC? Think about it.

ANSWER

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

What's that guy on South Park that Clayton looks exactly like, again?

 

[joffer]

What's that guy on South Park that Clayton looks exactly like, again?

i always think of Herbie the Elf Dentist from the Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer Christmas special

 

[Tick]

What's that guy on South Park that Clayton looks exactly like, again?

Never made that connection before, but it's a good one. It's Mr. Mackey, mkay.

 

[TenMidgets]

Let's face it, Benson's got problems right now! I would let somebody else draft him.

....Like the winners of your league.

We'll see. I always have enough RB depth to where I would never have to depend on a back who has shown exactly NOTHING so far in his career! And even if Benson does earn a role, why would you expect anything more than RBBC? Think about it.

ANSWER

Umm...Thomas Jones makes $5M per year. While I'm sure Benson made more in guaranteed money, its not like one is super cheap and the other signed a huge deal. They both make good money so I don't agree that's the answer.

 

[packersfan]

I'm not sure what the big surprise is here. It's been pretty obvious that management (Lovie included) BADLY wants Benson to be the starter on this team. That Lovie gift-wrapped the starting job for Benson during OTA's despite the fact Jones was clearly the superior RB on the team last season made it abundantly clear that Lovie preferred Benson over Jones. The problem here is Benson keeps mucking things up and Jones has proven to be a better RB than the team imagined (were they solidly in his corner, Benson never would've been drafted in the first place).

But I think it's been apparent for some time who the Bears want to be their starting RB this season. That's been a big problem here from a fantasy perspective since the guy they want (Benson) has yet to truly prove he's better than the other guy and so the thing remains a gigantic mess.

 

[Armando]

Umm...Thomas Jones makes $5M per year. While I'm sure Benson made more in guaranteed money, its not like one is super cheap and the other signed a huge deal. They both make good money so I don't agree that's the answer.

XA little over 2.

 

[JohnnyU]

I believe what Clayton says is generally respected, but looking at the guy, I don't think I would leave my graddaughter alone with him.

 

[Raider Nation]

That Lovie gift-wrapped the starting job for Benson during OTA's despite the fact Jones was clearly the superior RB on the team last season made it abundantly clear that Lovie preferred Benson over Jones.

Well, that and.... you know.... Jones wasn't there.

 

[cr8f]

Did Lovee tell the o-line to block so there aren't any running lanes too. Twiggy wouldn't have fit into those creases.

 

[Raider Nation]

Umm...Thomas Jones makes $5M per year. While I'm sure Benson made more in guaranteed money, its not like one is super cheap and the other signed a huge deal. They both make good money so I don't agree that's the answer.

XA little over 2.

Yep. $2,250,000 to be exact.But let's not cloud the issue with facts.

 

[packersfan]

That Lovie gift-wrapped the starting job for Benson during OTA's despite the fact Jones was clearly the superior RB on the team last season made it abundantly clear that Lovie preferred Benson over Jones.

Well, that and.... you know.... Jones wasn't there.

So what? Jones was the starter last season. He was clearly the superior RB. It wasn't even close. We are in agreement on that point, right? It's one thing for Benson to work with the first team in Jones' absence; it's another for him to be given the starting job without having to earn it on the field (either in practice or more importantly -- in my opinion -- in games). Isn't that one of the main reasons why Jones is currently steamed or was recently steamed? The fact Benson remained atop the depth chart even after Jones returned made it pretty clear who Lovie wanted there in my opinion. It's become a clusterf... for fantasy owners because I think most of us agree the undisputed starting RB in this offense can put some huge numbers. It would be great to have that guy. Instead, we're all left to guess who it might be or how both will be used if both are able to play.

 

[KGB]

When asked about Chicago's RB situation, Clayton repied:

"Jones might have missed his chance to lock up the #1 job on Friday night. Both backs should see action in the final preseason game. There's no question that Lovie thinks Benson is the better running back, and he wants him to win the job. Benson's going to be the guy."

So in other words, Lovie didn't actually say this - just Clayton trying to be a mind reader.

John Clayton > You

 

[JohnnyU]

He was clearly the superior RB. It wasn't even close.

How do we know that when Benson hasn't been given his shot?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Umm...Thomas Jones makes $5M per year.

this isn't accurate.here are their yearly salaries according to the NFLPA

Thomas Jones Salary History 2004 800,000.00 2005 1,800,000.00 2006 2,250,000.00 2007 2,225,000.00

Cedric Benson Salary History 2005 230,000.00 2006 350,000.00 2007 620,000.00 2008 820,000.00 2009 1,020,000.00

Those numbers don't include signing bonuses and other guaranteed money though.Thomas Jones signed a 4-year deal with the Bears that was worth approximately $10 million and included a signing bonus of $3.5 million.From what I can find, Benson got about $16 million guaranteed ($4 million to sign, $7.1 million option bonus, $1.44 million roster bonus, and $3.46 million "log" bonus).So, the team obviously has a lot more invested in Benson and can't release him or trade him anytime soon. Jones, however, could easily be moved this year or next without affecting their cap. It's obvious that anyone associated with Bears management would hope that Benson emerges and lives up to expectations b/c they've invested so much in him. But, he needs to show a bit more than he has so far, and he could definitely still be a year away from taking over the feature back role given that the Bears are favorites to win their division.

 

[mcd]

I'm not sure what the big surprise is here. It's been pretty obvious that management (Lovie included) BADLY wants Benson to be the starter on this team. That Lovie gift-wrapped the starting job for Benson during OTA's despite the fact Jones was clearly the superior RB on the team last season made it abundantly clear that Lovie preferred Benson over Jones. The problem here is Benson keeps mucking things up and Jones has proven to be a better RB than the team imagined (were they solidly in his corner, Benson never would've been drafted in the first place). But I think it's been apparent for some time who the Bears want to be their starting RB this season. That's been a big problem here from a fantasy perspective since the guy they want (Benson) has yet to truly prove he's better than the other guy and so the thing remains a gigantic mess.

Everything I have read points to the Bears management wanting Benson to start. It sounds like this situation is very similar to what happened in SF a few years back when Beasely led a group of veterans against Barlow. Once Barlow was given the job the veteran nonsense died down. In my eyes, Benson was handed the starting roll & there really hasn't been any comment on it since. That could be why Benson is not concerned about rushing back too quickly. Also could be why Jones did the interview a few weeks ago where he sounded like nutcase campaigning for his job back. Let's see, an injured player that wasn't even suited up left the sidelines & a few players tatled on him. From that we're getting Benson is immature, in need of medical attention, & is hated by his whole team. Someone compared him to Owens as a selfish, whiney cancer. Yeah right.

 

[Raider Nation]

That Lovie gift-wrapped the starting job for Benson during OTA's despite the fact Jones was clearly the superior RB on the team last season made it abundantly clear that Lovie preferred Benson over Jones.

Well, that and.... you know.... Jones wasn't there.

So what?

So what? Is Benson going to be second-team behind AIR at the minicamps?

Jones was the starter last season. He was clearly the superior RB. It wasn't even close. We are in agreement on that point, right?

Of course Jones was the better back last year, for many different reasons. The only reason he got a fair shake initially was because Benson held out. That doesn't mean Jones is still the better RB.

It's one thing for Benson to work with the first team in Jones' absence; it's another for him to be given the starting job without having to earn it on the field (either in practice or more importantly -- in my opinion -- in games).

We are chasing our tails here. Benson wasn't named the starter UNTIL Jones failed to report.

 

[packersfan]

He was clearly the superior RB. It wasn't even close.

How do we know that when Benson hasn't been given his shot?

Benson had a shot last season and mucked it up with his holdout. Jones took advantage and was the superior RB. I don't believe Benson should be handed the starting job given how good Jones has been for the Bears. But that's a separate discussion.

 

[TenMidgets]

Umm...Thomas Jones makes $5M per year. While I'm sure Benson made more in guaranteed money, its not like one is super cheap and the other signed a huge deal. They both make good money so I don't agree that's the answer.

XA little over 2.

Yep. $2,250,000 to be exact.But let's not cloud the issue with facts.

My bad: I thought Jones made much more than $10M. Perhaps the money is part of the equation...but isn't Rosenhaus TJ's agent? Isn't he worth more than that contract? I am surprised.