Thomas Jones is the starter (1 Viewer)

[GroveDiesel]

05/23/06 12:18 PMTHE NEWSBears head coach Lovie Smith addressed his crowded backfield this week and continued to give public support to incumbent Thomas Jones. "I still think there's a one and there's a two, and you have to establish that, which we've done," Smith told Yahoo! Sports. "Our No. 1 is Thomas Jones. Our No. 2 is Cedric Benson. Our No. 3 is Adrian Peterson…The No. 1 will get the majority of reps. But it's a long year. You have to play the two some. We're planning on [benson getting more carries]."Our ViewThe prevailing notion among fantasy rankings this spring is that Benson is the higher-paid, more-talented runner in the Bears backfield and will be a more valuable commodity this season. However, Jones has been the team's offensive MVP for two years running—accounting for 41 percent of their total touchdowns—and Lovie has never wavered in support of his starter. It may surprise most to hear that Jones is slated for the majority of the reps, but that remains the plan for now.

This is from AOL's fantasy pages.

 

[T Man]

I suspect that the significantly higher pay and the perceived talent increase makes the GM want Benson to get the ball.

Lovie will support the guy that has performed on the field. So far, that is TJ. Plus, I don't think the staff wins anyone in the locker room by simply handing the ball to someone else given TJ's performance the last two years. Teammates would have to know that Benson is clearly the better option (ala Palmer/Kitna two years ago), especially since the Bears are considered contenders.

A holdout by TJ will change the equation as it gives BEnson a chance to strut his stuff. You aren't #1 if you aren't there.

 

[RBM]

Of course Jones is the starter. He will be until Benson proves he is ready to take over.

 

[nygiants56]

Of course Jones is the starter. He will be until Benson proves he is ready to take over.

not that Benson is going to become LJ, but his situation mirros that of LJ's , so far..looks like he could sit or play p/t in 2006 , and eventually taking over the F/t duties in 2007...

barring injury to TJ or a TJ holdout this year..

 

[Verbal Kint]

Seems like coachspeak to motivate Benson.

 

[JohnnyU]

not that Benson is going to become LJ, but his situation mirros that of LJ's , so far..

looks like he could sit or play p/t in 2006 , and eventually taking over the F/t duties in 2007...

TJ <> Holmes

 

[QUEZILLA]

Lovie Smith made it perfectly clear, you need 2 backs. Last year they needed three, so what makes anyone think they wont need them all again.

They will plat TJ until he either gets hurt, or needs a breather. If he has 3 fumbles in the first 2 games, then they can make a case for benson being the starter.

TJ wants to get paid, cant really blame him I guess.

 

[slayer666]

I suspect that the significantly higher pay and the perceived talent increase makes the GM want Benson to get the ball.

Lovie will support the guy that has performed on the field. So far, that is TJ. Plus, I don't think the staff wins anyone in the locker room by simply handing the ball to someone else given TJ's performance the last two years. Teammates would have to know that Benson is clearly the better option (ala Palmer/Kitna two years ago), especially since the Bears are considered contenders.

A holdout by TJ will change the equation as it gives Benson a chance to strut his stuff. You aren't #1 if you aren't there.