Cedric Benson proves why NFL should never give up on top drafted running backs

by angryandy on Oct 28, 2009 10:57 AM EDT Comment 10 comments

The Cincinatti Bengals made a wise decision in giving Cedric Bensonanother shot. Teams sometimes don't give players a second shot after their first NFL teams experience doesn't work out. Cedric was harassed by fans,media, and teammates in Chicago from day one when he reported to camp after a holdout his rookie year. The Chicago bears were filled with drama in cedric Benson's few years with the running back controversy between him and the veteran Thomas Jones. Cedric Benson was drafted to be the future running back in Chicago Jones and some of his friends on the team had a problem with that. Cedric was given a second chance with the Bengals and now it is paying dividends now this year as he is running his way to a pro bowl appearance. That attitude of certain Chicago bear fans to Benson on blogs and talk radio clearly show a dislike for the man to this day. It was great to see him stick it to his Chicago detractors who have bashed him for years in the media. Kudos to the Bengals in getting this man to show the NFL the true football talent he had that Chicago held back for his first three years. Cedric Benson has come to a less pressure environment and an organization that treats their players well.

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The NFL in general, perhaps, but sometimes the only way to “wake up” a player is to let him go and have him sitting on his butt reviewing the mess his life has become. It worked with Benson. It worked with Henry. It has also worked with some others as well.

But the original team sometimes has no choice but to move on. Had they not, Benson would still to this day be a Bears running back who couldn’t perform up to his contract. Or even close to it. And while their horrible O-Line wouldn’t help, he also wouldn’t be mature enough to put in the effort he needed to be as good as he is right now.

And once you (and/or the league in general) have given a player five or six chances, that’s more than enough.

by FriarBob on Oct 28, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also...

As you may recall, The Bears haven’t run the ball well in years (with the exception of last year’s bears with Forte). Their O-Line has been in shambles, even going to the point of picking up Orlando Pace, yesterday’s star and todays aging retiree. They need some serious young blood on the line, but without early draft picks, (Denver and Tampa) they better hope to get lucky in the later rounds.

by The Dealio on Oct 28, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another top RB pick will soon be available as well

Larry Johnson should be cut by the Chiefs any day now

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Oct 28, 2009 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would love to snag Larry Johnson

But I doubt him and Cedric could be on the same team. I just don’t want to see a power running back like that go anywhere in our division. The Browns could use him. Ravens are well-stocked at RB so they would unlikely. Pittsburgh have two high-caliber speed backs. Would they be interested in a power running back to bring back the Pittsburgh power running game they’ve been missing?

I know LJ is somewhat of a tool but he’s a really good player with a good line.

by WhoDeyDerek on Oct 28, 2009 4:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is? Or was?

by FriarBob on Oct 28, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, thats exactly what we need.. Larry Johnson..

a 29 year old RB who is all out of talent and a complete mess off the field.. where do we sign? I wonder if we could get a good price for LT too, hes doing just as well on the field this year.. Benson is doing well because he is still young and has some tread left on the tires, I put money on LJ not being in the NFL much longer..

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Oct 29, 2009 1:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Larry and LT both are now second tier RBs

They have put too many miles and too many hits on their bodies. I believe both could offer a team a qualty second half performance, but neither will be a starter next year. Give them rest and don’t depend on them as your workhorse.

LT is defintely the better choice. He still has a great set of hands.

by UpStateMike on Oct 29, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

those 2.9 yards per carry have me licking my chops

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Oct 30, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everybody said the same thing when Jamal Lewis left Baltimore

He had another good year at Cleveland after that, could’ve probably had two if the Browns didn’t suck so bad.

And he was older than LJ. LT is definitely second tier now but LJ I’m not so sure. I have to question KC’s offensive line if they picked up Ghuciac…

My point was I think LJ is a turd and a half but I would hate to see him go somewhere that needs a power running game (Pittsburgh) where he has the chance to revamp his game. Truth is we don’t really have any idea how successful LJ could be in the right system with a good line.

by WhoDeyDerek on Oct 29, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Benson is doing great on the field and off

The problem will show up when he is up for contract extension. Will he remember that nobody else wanted him or will he just head on down the road. That is when his character will be tested. If he is offered a good contract and looks for more than that will say a lot.

" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran

by JUNGLEJOHN on Oct 29, 2009 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs