Expect the Bengals to Put Benson Behind a Fullback in 2011

by Jason Garrison on Aug 10, 2011 3:49 PM EDT

In 2009, Jeremi Johnson lined up in front of Benson as the team's fullback for the majority of Benson's 13 starts as the team's running back. That year, Benson not only ran for 1,251 yards, but he almost single handedly led the Bengals offense to the playoffs.

In 2010, Jeremi Johnson was gone and was replaced by nobody. Occasionally tight ends Reggie Kelly or Jermaine Gresham lined up in the fullback position. That year, Benson still ran for over 1,000 yards but his yards per carry average nose dived to 3.5 YPC and the team, still without a legitimate passing game, went 4-12.

I don't want to say that the absence of a full back kept the Bengals from having a successful 2010 season because we all know that there were many more problems than that. However, I will go out on a limb and say that not having a fullback didn't help at all.

This year is going to be different.

When the Bengals released their 2011 depth chart a couple of days ago, they listed Chris Pressley as the team's No. 1 fullback. This is good news for the entire offense. Not only does Benson get to run behind somebody who weighs 256 pounds, but the tight ends will be free to do what tight ends are supposed to do.

Plus, it looks like the tight ends are going to have help from fullback Chris Pressley, emerging as the club's first true battering ram of a fullback since the early Jeremi Johnson era.

Battering ram. I like it.

This is what Gruden's new West Coast offense needs if it's going to be successful in 2011. The running game not only needs to be successful but it will likely need to be the backbone of an offense being run by a rookie quarterback. When the defense decides they've had enough of being run over by the Pressley-Benson semi-truck, and they start to creep up into the box, Gruden will start throwing in passing plays.

It's amazing how one guy in one position can make a big difference. It's just one of the reasons that football is the greatest sport in the world.

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Comments

bring put

turned off to story because of grammar…kidding, I would love to see the data with Benson alone and behind a fullback. As long as we due no more stretch runs….I just cant stand advertising where we are running for 5 seconds prior to the run…bye bye Brat

by ticalcaldwell on Aug 10, 2011 3:52 PM EDT reply actions

speaking of grammar

“due no more stretch runs”

That would be DO not DUE – Duh

by BengalBum on Aug 10, 2011 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

lol

but we are not going to comment at all on the story though, tool

by ticalcaldwell on Aug 10, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

This also adds a point to a comment on a previous article

about all the Benson hate. After what he did in 2009, 2010 was a disappointment, but everybody has “an off year” every now and then. But one thing that I didn’t point out in my previous comment here:

Honestly, I don’t see why everyone is so anti-Benson. He was great in 2009. Yes in 2010 he had 7 fumbles; 5 lost. In 2009 Adrian Peterson had 7 fumbles and lost 6.

Career stats for Benson:
Rushing Receiving Fumbles
Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost
1,256 4,702 3.7 46 25 91 654 7.2 79 1 14 9

Peterson:
1,198 5,782 4.8 80 52 119 1,170 9.8 63 2 21 14

Yes Peterson is a better back all around, but Benson doesn’t deserve all this hate.

Is that he was behind a fullback in 2009 but not in 2010.

And yeah he’s had a few off the field incidents. At least he wasn’t a distraction on the field at practices and games.

Give the guy a chance to show that he can repeat if not exceed his 2009 season.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Aug 10, 2011 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think he's "hated"

I think it’s more of being readily replaceable. I mean of course, he was immediately after the hold out lifted, then there was a huge pile of good backs on the market. Now, not so much.

Sure. Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth - Mike Tyson

by UpStateMike on Aug 10, 2011 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Peterson

Has his stats in 4 years, Benson in 6. I just wish Cedric was a little more elusive and a better receiver out of the backfield. Not anti-Benson, but i do hope we see alot of the speedy youngsters.

by CINCY1CATS on Aug 10, 2011 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

Benson needs to be a better receiver out of the backfield. And they are working with him on that this year so hopefully we’ll see a marked improvement. As for more elusive, he was known to be a downhill runner, not a juke and jive runner, but I know what you are saying. It would be nice.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Aug 10, 2011 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions

i really like pressley

I think he can be a vonta leach type lead blocker. He seems physical and wanting to hit, what I want in a fullback.

by JCompton41 on Aug 10, 2011 7:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

We've all been Pressley fans since Hard Knocks.

I am thrilled that he was able to make the Bengals believe in him. He’s a punisher, super smart, and a hard-worker. What is not to like? Watch him make a difference right away.

"I slyde my boehner into sexsalad...."
Sounds like a johnu1 production. --jch24

by GrooveLeg on Aug 11, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions