Michael Bennett (1 Viewer)

[Weiner Dog]

Nobody is sure what will happen will LJ. For the sake of argument, let's assume there's a 25% chance of a trade or hold-out. Jason Whitlock with the KC Star thinks a LJ trade is strong possibility.

link:

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/190405.html

If a trade (...or hold-out) happens for LJ, I think it's safe to assume that Bennett would be the #1 for the Chiefs. Sure...Bennett would probably be yanked on goal-line carries, but I just don't see much competition on the current Chiefs roster.

Bennett averaged 5.6 yards/carry in very limited action last year (ie. 36 carries). However, it wouldn't be a reach for Bennett to achieve his career average of 4.5 yards/carry over a complete season (Bennett is only 28 years-old and LJ averaged 4.3 yards/carry last year despite playing in short-yardage situations). If Bennett were to nab 275 carries (17/game), he would accumulate 1237 yards for the season. For reference, Westbrook was the NFL's #8 rusher with 1217 rushing yards last season.

I know...wishful thinking. But that's what the offseason is all about!

25% chance LJ is traded or holds out

25% chance Bennett could tote the pill 275 times in a season (career high of 255 carries waaaaay back in '02)

=

6% chance of Top-10 status for Bennett

 

[FFFIEND]

I think I gave up on Muchael Bennett a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away! That guy is a sprinter. NOT an NFL running back.

 

[LHUCKS]

No

 

[rzrback77]

He did not impress at Saints camp last season and was dumped to the Chiefs. Just don't see much talent there to take advantage of any opportunity, and I'm not sure that the Chiefs top RB is an awesome opportunity in 07 anyway.

 

[jonessed]

The KC line isn't too hot. LJ is what makes it go. I don't think any second stringer could step in there and do half as well.

 

[menobrown]

He did not impress at Saints camp last season and was dumped to the Chiefs. Just don't see much talent there to take advantage of any opportunity, and I'm not sure that the Chiefs top RB is an awesome opportunity in 07 anyway.

I'm not debating if he impressed or not with the Saints but I'd argue he never got a chance to impress. The Saints signed him before they knew they were going to be able to get Bush and once they got Bush signed and knew Duece was healthy they has not use for him and he knew it.Don't take that as me supporting Bennett. He'd have some value on the right team, like one with a wide open attack that created large running lanes and a team that played on astroturf. If LJ went down he'd have value with the Chiefs just because he'd be the starter but I think he'd be far from top 10. As someone said before he's a sprinter playing football, he's not a grinder and that's what the Chiefs would ask him to be.

 

[Sultans]

I think I gave up on Muchael Bennett a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away! That guy is a sprinter. NOT an NFL running back.

I think you could not be more on point. Bennett is awful!! I have never seen him a break a tackle.

 

[Weiner Dog]

I'm assuming everybody views Bennett as LJ's #1 backup, right?? Who are the LJ owners acquiring as a handcuff?? Excluding Priest, the non-Bennett backups (Ross, Kolby. O'Kieth) collectively have three NFL carries. Yup...three.

Again, I believe Bennett essentially has a 1-in-20 chance of hitting Top-10 stats in '07. He's barely rosterable. However, for RB-starved or LJ owners, I think Bennett could be a savior if the stars align.

Just a FYI...I did not factor LJ's '06 workload in my original post. Three scenarios could make Bennett the #1 in KC:

1. LJ hold-out

2. LJ trade

3. LJ injury.

Are the stars aligning??

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Nobody is sure what will happen will LJ. For the sake of argument, let's assume there's a 25% chance of a trade or hold-out. Jason Whitlock with the KC Star thinks...

Jeff George is still a vailable NFL QB. Don't piss in the pool, Whitlock is a clown.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Nobody is sure what will happen will LJ. For the sake of argument, let's assume there's a 25% chance of a trade or hold-out. Jason Whitlock with the KC Star thinks...

Jeff George is still a vailable NFL QB. Don't piss in the pool, Whitlock is a clown.

OK...go ahead and completely eliminate Whitlock from this discussion. I think few would argue that LJ is not happy about his contract situation. LJ himself has said he will hold-out if he's not given a BIG, long-term deal. The Chiefs are on record saying they will not pay him BIG money. Something's gonna give. In Whitlock's piece, he simply reference recent contracts (Manning, Gonzo, etc) and the Chiefs ownership unwillingness to write BIG checks.

 

[Banger]

Not even close. This is 2007 and the dominant line of the Priest Holmes days is a memory. Bennett would be Caddy from last year with that line in that offense.

 

[az_prof]

People who say Bennett sucks don't know what they are talking about. I remember seeing him break many 50 plus carries. He is well suited to the KC running offense because of his speed. The one thing that has held him back is injuries and that is a legitimate concern. But he did make it through one complete season as a starter and put up very good numbers. No reason to think it is impossible again if LJ is not there for some reason.

 

[Banger]

People who say Bennett sucks don't know what they are talking about. I remember seeing him break many 50 plus carries. He is well suited to the KC running offense because of his speed. The one thing that has held him back is injuries and that is a legitimate concern. But he did make it through one complete season as a starter and put up very good numbers. No reason to think it is impossible again if LJ is not there for some reason.

Bennett is a track star not a guy that can break tackles. Bennett had one nice year, a looong time ago on a good Minn team with a great offense on turf. He would be terrible as an every down back in the KC backfield.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

I cannot imagine how long Bennett will last before injury behind that OLine if he is the RB1 in KC. I will be picking up Kolby Smith quickly if Bennett is the starter.

 

[The Ref]

No

 

[Rev]

People who say Bennett sucks don't know what they are talking about. I remember seeing him break many 50 plus carries. He is well suited to the KC running offense because of his speed. The one thing that has held him back is injuries and that is a legitimate concern. But he did make it through one complete season as a starter and put up very good numbers. No reason to think it is impossible again if LJ is not there for some reason.

255 carries for 1296 yards and 5 scores (5.1 average) That was Bennet's 2002 season. It was an explosive season for the Vikings, and Bennet was the third option behind Carter and Moss. After that, a combination of injuries, tentative running, and an inability to cut with agility prevented Bennet from rushing for more than 500 yards in a season. He is one of the most one dimensional and fragile players my Vikings have tried to rely on, and he simply has no chance of becoming a top ten back, especially since the soon-to-be 29 year old is no where near as fast as he was when he came out of Wisconsin back in 2000. Michael "has" Bennet is an appropriate title at this point.

 

[veto87]

LJ needs the money , he ain't holding out. It's a ploy. Get over it and forget about Bennett

 

[ratpfink]

255 carries for 1296 yards and 5 scores (5.1 average)

That was Bennet's 2002 season. It was an explosive season for the Vikings, and Bennet was the third option behind Carter and Moss.

So this was just foreshadowing that Culpepper would end up in a Dolphins uniform, eh? In fact, Culpepper did throw 2 picks against Miami that year, but I highly doubt Cris Carter caught either of them.

 

[nygiants56]

I'm assuming everybody views Bennett as LJ's #1 backup, right?? Who are the LJ owners acquiring as a handcuff?? Excluding Priest, the non-Bennett backups (Ross, Kolby. O'Kieth) collectively have three NFL carries. Yup...three.

Again, I believe Bennett essentially has a 1-in-20 chance of hitting Top-10 stats in '07. He's barely rosterable. However, for RB-starved or LJ owners, I think Bennett could be a savior if the stars align.

Just a FYI...I did not factor LJ's '06 workload in my original post. Three scenarios could make Bennett the #1 in KC:

1. LJ hold-out

2. LJ trade

3. LJ injury.

Are the stars aligning??

NO.I have LJ , and in no way, will I ever pick up Michael Bennett. you just make sure you have 3 starting RB's heading into the season ( like you do every year). But to think Bennett can come in and produce, as you say, Top 10 stats, is ludicrous.

Mike Bennett has gone over 1000 yards only once in his career, and he's never scored more than 5 tds in a single season. He's FAR more likely to get hurt at some point , than he is to pull a Top 10 stat line if LJ misses any time.

Look at the Seattle situation: if SA had missed any time over the past 3-4 years, do you think the #2 RB would have a Top 10 stat line as a fill-in? no.

Would Brandon Jacobs have produced top 10 stats if Barber missed any significant time? no.

what about the Jets, what if C-Mart went down back in his heyday, would the backup post top 10 stats? no.

(Last season,they used a platoon of RB's)

In certain offenses, ( SD, Denver, Washington, Jax), the backup RB would have a chance to pull it off. but, we're talking about Michael Turner, Mike Bell , Betts, MJD. and I'm not sure Bell could produce at that level but the system is so reliant on the RB position,that he just might be able to do it, that is, if Shanny doesn't go with a RBBC, instead.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

People who say Bennett sucks don't know what they are talking about. I remember seeing him break many 50 plus carries. He is well suited to the KC running offense because of his speed. The one thing that has held him back is injuries and that is a legitimate concern. But he did make it through one complete season as a starter and put up very good numbers. No reason to think it is impossible again if LJ is not there for some reason.

255 carries for 1296 yards and 5 scores (5.1 average) That was Bennet's 2002 season. It was an explosive season for the Vikings, and Bennet was the third option behind Carter and Moss.

After that, a combination of injuries, tentative running, and an inability to cut with agility prevented Bennet from rushing for more than 500 yards in a season. He is one of the most one dimensional and fragile players my Vikings have tried to rely on, and he simply has no chance of becoming a top ten back, especially since the soon-to-be 29 year old is no where near as fast as he was when he came out of Wisconsin back in 2000.

Michael "has" Bennet is an appropriate title at this point.

That was 5 years and many injuries ago. They had a good team around him. This team would crumble if LJ got hurt. Whoever takes over at RB would be a bottom of the barrel starter.

 

[Ned]

the only 1 i'd stash would be ross.

bennett? keep clinging onto something he did 5 years ago...

 

[Blackjacks]

No

While I can't see Bennett being a star I can say that someone with a career 4.5 ypc average isn't horrible. He might not be able to break a tackle but if given room he can still run very fast. FWI: He avg 5.6 a carry last year with the Chiefs.

 

[Couch Potato]

Bennett has completed six seasons in the NFL. How many times has he had more than 20 carries in a game? Unbelievably, including all the games he started in Minnesota, only four times.

2001 wk 16: 25-104 (4.2 ypc)

2002 wk 08: 29-106 (3.7 ypc)

2003 wk 14: 25-103 (4.1 ypc)

2005 wk 13: 22- 79 (3.6 ypc)

That's it, in a total of 75 games played. Even ignoring the injuries, he never was a heavy workload guy.

RBBC in KC if LJ doesn't play, not a 300-carry season for Bennett.

 

[Beaumont]

If LJ goes down 2007 Bennett becomes 2006 Tatum Bell ... more or less.

 

[switz]

Michael Bennett has NEVER had top-10 potential... I tried telling people that when he was drafted, but no one wanted to listen... and after he's sucked, people still ask???

 

[switz]

People who say Bennett sucks don't know what they are talking about. I remember seeing him break many 50 plus carries. He is well suited to the KC running offense because of his speed. The one thing that has held him back is injuries and that is a legitimate concern. But he did make it through one complete season as a starter and put up very good numbers. No reason to think it is impossible again if LJ is not there for some reason.

Bennett sucked. He was on a tremendous passing offensive team, that opened mack truck holes for him, and he - if had talent - should have gone for over 1500+ yards. And with all his speed, it's pathetic he could only score 5 TDs.

 

[Routilla]

 

[Banger]

No

While I can't see Bennett being a star I can say that someone with a career 4.5 ypc average isn't horrible. He might not be able to break a tackle but if given room he can still run very fast. FWI: He avg 5.6 a carry last year with the Chiefs.

on what 36 carries? Pretty meaningless if you ask me. Last year Justin Griffith had a 5.6 ypc, Fason - 5.6, K. Watson - 5.5, M. Moore - 5.5, E. Graham - 5.4, V. Haynes - 5.2......He fits right in with those guys....If he were even a decent RB where they could expect 5.0 + ypc, I think they would have used him A LOT more instead of riding LJ to the tune of 400+ carries.

 

[-OZ-]

If LJ goes down 2007 Bennett becomes 2006 Tatum Bell ... more or less.

Less, much less.Worse OLine at this pointWorse QB Worse WRsWorse coachHe may have speed, but if the RB can't break tackles, and the defense only has to worry about the TE and RB, Bennet has no chance to do much. Top 30, maybe.LJ is going to have a difficult time putting up top 10 stats this year. No way Bennet does it.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Sorry, but I can't resist, so here it goes...

Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer, he's a demon on wheels...

 

[BearsFan]

Kolby Smith has enough talent (and KCC may not have anything to lose) to supplant Bennett as primary backup, ...and become a viable option if LJ's not there.

 

[semaj33]

Kolby Smith has enough talent (and KCC may not have anything to lose) to supplant Bennett as primary backup, ...and become a viable option if LJ's not there.

i was just going to type this...

 

[The Ref]

No

While I can't see Bennett being a star I can say that someone with a career 4.5 ypc average isn't horrible. He might not be able to break a tackle but if given room he can still run very fast. FWI: He avg 5.6 a carry last year with the Chiefs.

I am willing to accept that out of the box thinking wins championships. And on it's face, if Bennett is the #1 going into the year makes him "draftable". But having seen the body of work that is Michael Bennett I am not going to allow myself to think on this so hard that I see a Diamond when all there really is is a lump of coal.Maybe I am wrong, but that's my feelings.

 

[AnonymousBob]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

 

[LHUCKS]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

sure as heck doesn't make 'em top 10 though.

 

[AnonymousBob]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

sure as heck doesn't make 'em top 10 though.

What would that make him? How many carries do you think Herm Edwards would give to his #1 rb? What do you believe the top rb would average? Is it unreasonble to expect the top rb in a Herm Edwards based offense to rush the ball 20 times a game? Is Bennett incapable of averaging 4.0 ypc? That does not strike me as being unreasonable.

 

[LHUCKS]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

sure as heck doesn't make 'em top 10 though.

What would that make him? How many carries do you think Herm Edwards would give to his #1 rb? What do you believe the top rb would average? Is it unreasonble to expect the top rb in a Herm Edwards based offense to rush the ball 20 times a game? Is Bennett incapable of averaging 4.0 ypc? That does not strike me as being unreasonable.

As has been stated earlier, there is a reason why Bennett has only carred the ball 20+ times in four games throughout his entire career...the guys isn't a workhorse runningback.To make matters even worse, he's absolutely horrid at the goalline...no chance at the top 10.The Chiefs go RBBC or bring in another RB if LJ isn't playing.

 

[Banger]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

sure as heck doesn't make 'em top 10 though.

What would that make him? How many carries do you think Herm Edwards would give to his #1 rb? What do you believe the top rb would average? Is it unreasonble to expect the top rb in a Herm Edwards based offense to rush the ball 20 times a game? Is Bennett incapable of averaging 4.0 ypc? That does not strike me as being unreasonable.

look at Jamal Lewis/Edge from last year, they averaged nearly 20 carries/game and weren't top 10. Bennett has never carried the ball over 255 times in a year and only carried it over 150 times twice in 6 seasons. When he has been placed in the starters role in the past he has struggled with injuries so even if he got the gig staying healthy would be a major issue.

 

[AnonymousBob]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

sure as heck doesn't make 'em top 10 though.

What would that make him? How many carries do you think Herm Edwards would give to his #1 rb? What do you believe the top rb would average? Is it unreasonble to expect the top rb in a Herm Edwards based offense to rush the ball 20 times a game? Is Bennett incapable of averaging 4.0 ypc? That does not strike me as being unreasonable.

look at Jamal Lewis/Edge from last year, they averaged nearly 20 carries/game and weren't top 10. Bennett has never carried the ball over 255 times in a year and only carried it over 150 times twice in 6 seasons. When he has been placed in the starters role in the past he has struggled with injuries so even if he got the gig staying healthy would be a major issue.

I don't believe for one moment Bennett is capable of avoiding the injury bug. If he were to stay healthy (if only for a few games), while I don't feel he would become top ten material, I don't see why he wouldn't be able to serve your team as a competent spot starter.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Herm normally has always gone with veterans over rookies or younger players. So, whatever you think about Bennett (if you like or don't like him), I'd caution to not think with the heart and use your head. Know the coach! I'd also say that it is pure idiotic to say that Bennett won't start because he can't stay healthy. He'll start and IF he breaks down (which in the past makes it more likely than the avg joe), then they will go to alternative.

It would appear that many are bashing...lemme guess, you owned him in your league and you still have a bitter taste in your mouth? Just remember, many were rowing that same boat of hate for Thomas Jones a few years ago.

 

[Ace Matherton]

I'd have to disagree, I dont think at this point MB will ever be used as the full time back in KC even if Johnson is not there. K Smith has had Edwards eye since the pre draft workout and is much more the type of back Edwards likes to use than Bennett. I'd venture to say if LJ is gone Bennett get 1 start to prove himself then gets injured or replaced. Saying Edwards like his vets at RB is a moot point, no one knows that cause he's never had a RB situation with the two teams he coached. Jets always had Martin, durring his stint so not playing rookies in that position had more to do with the impending starter than his proclivity to stick with vets.

 

[az_prof]

Herm normally has always gone with veterans over rookies or younger players. So, whatever you think about Bennett (if you like or don't like him), I'd caution to not think with the heart and use your head. Know the coach! I'd also say that it is pure idiotic to say that Bennett won't start because he can't stay healthy. He'll start and IF he breaks down (which in the past makes it more likely than the avg joe), then they will go to alternative.It would appear that many are bashing...lemme guess, you owned him in your league and you still have a bitter taste in your mouth? Just remember, many were rowing that same boat of hate for Thomas Jones a few years ago.

 

[Weiner Dog]

If LJ holds out, SOMEBODY has to carry the ball.

sure as heck doesn't make 'em top 10 though.

What would that make him? How many carries do you think Herm Edwards would give to his #1 rb? What do you believe the top rb would average? Is it unreasonble to expect the top rb in a Herm Edwards based offense to rush the ball 20 times a game? Is Bennett incapable of averaging 4.0 ypc? That does not strike me as being unreasonable.

As has been stated earlier, there is a reason why Bennett has only carred the ball 20+ times in four games throughout his entire career...the guys isn't a workhorse runningback.To make matters even worse, he's absolutely horrid at the goalline...no chance at the top 10.The Chiefs go RBBC or bring in another RB if LJ isn't playing.

With Bennett's 4 games of 20+ carries, he trumps Kolby Smith by 3 games. In four seasons at Louisville, only once did Kolby have 20 carries in a game...in his junior season.OK...so the Chiefs do not have a "workhorse" RB on their roster. However, as a team last year, they carried the ball 500+ times. If LJ is traded, if LJ holds-out or if LJ is hurt, I highly doubt the Chiefs throw every down...somebody will tote the pill. If Bennett can hold-off a 5th-round rookie for 1/2 the carries and average 4.5 yards/carry, you're still looking at 1125 yards rushing...good for #17 last year. Furthermore, if you factor Kolby's lack of experience (both catching and receiving) in the passing game, Bennett will be getting most of the 3rd-down touches.If (...and, granted, it's a BIG if) Bennett can stay healthy, 275 carries is not out of the question.

 

[Couch Potato]

"Hello, Mr. Dillon? Yes, Carl Peterson calling. I'm sure you've read that LJ isn't here, and it's now a week before the season starts. Whatcha doin' the next few months, big fella?"

 

[veto87]

Herm normally has always gone with veterans over rookies or younger players. So, whatever you think about Bennett (if you like or don't like him), I'd caution to not think with the heart and use your head. Know the coach! I'd also say that it is pure idiotic to say that Bennett won't start because he can't stay healthy. He'll start and IF he breaks down (which in the past makes it more likely than the avg joe), then they will go to alternative.It would appear that many are bashing...lemme guess, you owned him in your league and you still have a bitter taste in your mouth? Just remember, many were rowing that same boat of hate for Thomas Jones a few years ago.

YOU PLAY THE GAME TO WIN ! .....maybe he'll get C-MART and destroy whatever is left in the tank

 

[Weiner Dog]

If Bennett continues to average 9+ yards/carry like he did tonight, a 250-carry season would easily translate into a 2,000 yard season!

 

[cowboyz]

If Bennett continues to average 9+ yards/carry like he did tonight, a 250-carry season would easily translate into a 2,000 yard season!

maybe if he can play the browns twice a year anyone watching the game? bernie kosar talks like an #######

 

[John Black]

Nobody is sure what will happen will LJ. For the sake of argument, let's assume there's a 25% chance of a trade or hold-out. Jason Whitlock with the KC Star thinks a LJ trade is strong possibility.

link:

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/190405.html

If a trade (...or hold-out) happens for LJ, I think it's safe to assume that Bennett would be the #1 for the Chiefs. Sure...Bennett would probably be yanked on goal-line carries, but I just don't see much competition on the current Chiefs roster.

Bennett averaged 5.6 yards/carry in very limited action last year (ie. 36 carries). However, it wouldn't be a reach for Bennett to achieve his career average of 4.5 yards/carry over a complete season (Bennett is only 28 years-old and LJ averaged 4.3 yards/carry last year despite playing in short-yardage situations). If Bennett were to nab 275 carries (17/game), he would accumulate 1237 yards for the season. For reference, Westbrook was the NFL's #8 rusher with 1217 rushing yards last season.

I know...wishful thinking. But that's what the offseason is all about!

25% chance LJ is traded or holds out

25% chance Bennett could tote the pill 275 times in a season (career high of 255 carries waaaaay back in '02)

=

6% chance of Top-10 status for Bennett

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

With the OLine of 2-4 years ago, I'd say no doubt. But I don't think LJ is even a top 10 RB this year...