Cedric Benson, Brian Leonard, Bernard Scott: Is the Cincinnati Bengals Running Back lineup set?

by Josh Kirkendall on May 23, 2009 10:39 AM EDT in Analysis

Cedric Benson is the team's feature back. However, is the team's entire running back lineup already set?

There's a feeling that the Bengals already have their running back lineup set. The problem with such finality is that when forecasting these things, variables always upset the balance. For instance, if the Bengals break camp with Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard, then in a sense, the team had a perfect scenario pass without injury. We know Benson is the team's feature back. It's his job to lose. We know that Leonard is able and that Scott is the most dynamic and speediest back. If there's a guy that brings the most intrigue, it's Scott. Throw in a guy like Fui Vakapuna at fullback, who can block and run the ball during short to-go yardage situations, the team has a balance of running backs that can be featured depending on the play called.

On the outs looking in: DeDe Dorsey, Kenny Watson, James Johnson, Marlon Lucky. Of those four players, Lucky is the most likely to make the team's practice squad, as as well as possibly fullback Chris Pressley. What about Jeremi Johnson? I feel it's becoming unlikely that he makes the squad. Even with a great performance during camp, if Johnson resumes his role as the team's fullback, there's always the question afterwards about his weight. He's only signed to a one-year deal. You have to consider a guy like Vakapuna will be a Bengals fullback for at least 3-4 years -- if not longer depending on the new CBA will be structured. So wouldn't it make more sense getting Vakapuna in the lineup now?

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

When I was watching the draft a few weeks back, The guys at NFL network had trouble finding tape of Fui, and NFL.con didn’t have anything on him. So where did this tape come from if they didn’t have it?

by Greener's eyes on May 23, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

they dont know everything ;)

by Joe Goodberry on May 24, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

If I may reiterate

Benson is powerful and quick, catches the ball well, knows the offense and can pick up blitzes.
Scott is really quick, elusive, has great hands, and, as a third down/change of pace back, his newness to the offense shouldn’t be a problem.
Vakapuno, as seen above, can not only knock people over but looks like he has quick feet and a good burst as a runner, a combo short yardage/fullback type.
Pressley or JJohnson, one or the other, will be fullback.

So, we needed Brian Leonard, why? As insurance against Scott relapsing into behavioral problems? No, he’s not nearly fast enough. In case Benson struggles? No, he’s no feature back. Ah, for short yardage? Well, he’s not much bigger- or stronger, than Benson and isn’t nearly the load Vakapuno will be. So, no. Anyone? Bueller?

by IgnatiusJReilly on May 23, 2009 6:50 PM EDT reply actions

Leonard would be a great third down back. He has the strength to get the short yardage, as well as the speed to bounce it outside if needed. Fui would be a great short yardage back as well don’t get me wrong, but to me he is does not have the quickness we need from our backs. He is more suited for the fullback who can make short runs if needed.

by BigJungle on May 24, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Benson, Scott and Leonard...

…with the fullback spot, unfortunately for JJ, going to Tony Rockyhara.

Remember, it’s only half about what an athlete can actually DO…the other half is what Marvin, Brat and the rest of them need for an athlete to do in this offense! We need RBs with all the mad skillz mentioned above…and then we need a FB (I’m sensing a weird deja vu here…like, maybe I’ve said this before…no wait, I have) who will just live to put The Big Hurt on somebody like Lorenzo Neal used to do for Corey Dillon and the gang. Like he did for Eddie George before Corey. Like he did for LT after Corey. Rockyhara obviously is that guy.

So you break camp with three RBs, but the FB spot is Rockyhara’s, so Leonard does get that 3rd RB spot after all, IMHO.

by TheWalrus1971 on May 25, 2009 11:20 PM EDT reply actions