Is that it for Benson?
If the Bears weren't going to look for a new starting running back before Cedric Benson's injury, they probably will now.
He's facing a long rehab and didn't impress this season. He still struggles with blitz pickup, and some believe the offense will be better without his limitations.
This tastefully named blog thinks the Bears should move on, but that's unrealistic. Even if Benson is overpaid, he'd be just as expensive to release.
Benson will be back, but at best he'll probably be splitting carries to open next season. It's possible that he will be a backup. If you own Benson in a keeper league, I can't imagine using a 2008 draft pick to retain him.
Comments
The Bears are married to Benson, for better or worse, at least for next season and probably a season after.
The other Adrian Peterson is already on board for the next few seasons and I'm sure the Bears will concentrate on developing Garrett Wolfe so even if a RB is added, it won't be anyone high profile.
Bears fans shouldn't get their hopes up for a solid running game in the near future.
Posted by: royaltee | November 29, 2007 04:55 PM
As a Bears fan I can only hope the Bears are not as stubborn with sticking with Benson as they have been with Rex the Hex. The Bears coaching staff and Gm are the most frustrating in sports, they just have no clue. Benson is the worst RB in Chicago since Enis.I would be content if the bears cut every member of the O
Posted by: Jared | November 29, 2007 06:28 PM
"The Bears coaching staff and Gm are the most frustrating in sports"
uh... dude. try being a lions fan.
i understand you're frustrated with the situation, but don't even cross that bridge. you guys can't hold a candle to our pathetic franchise here in detroit.
Posted by: matt | November 29, 2007 07:10 PM
The Bears won't get rid of Benson, not because they're stubborn, but because it will make them look bad.
It will make them look bad for:
(1) taking him so early
(2) signing him for a huge contract
(3) trading TJones
(4) not benching him all year, even though they lost Griese because Benson can't pick up a blitz
Of course, they don't think about how poorly it reflects on a coaching staff to not be able to teach a successful college runner how to hit a hole, make a cut, catch a pass, or make a block. Still, it is too embarrassing for the front office to let him go.
Especially because Wolfe seems to be brought in to compliment Benson's straight-ahead running; Wolfe is tiny but quick and could be a good compliment....if Benson were wearing down defenses, instead of tackling himself in the open field. It could have been a poor man's Deuce/Bush. But, if Benson busts, fans are going to want Wolfe to get carries, and if he can't do well without a complimentary RB, that's more evidence of Chicago's ineptitude at drafting offensive talent.
Posted by: Bears Fan | November 30, 2007 01:44 PM
Bears will find another running back instead of benson in offseason or draft 1. It is all about selling tickets and winning is a big part of that and benson is not the answer. They either draft a running back or pick 1 in free agency. Wolfe is 2 small. Benson was hurt every year sense being in the league. So many people were high on him. saying he is going to go crazy. Plain and simple he stinks. He came in for jones with fresh legs last year and looked great against tired defenses. Knew he was a stinker. I steered clear from that bumb. Well anyways the bears need more than just a running game. They need a QB the most important position for a team as all the best teams in the league have a damn good QB. They do not. They may regress next season until the upgrade from benson and grossman.
Posted by: Jacob Kiniry | December 1, 2007 09:26 PM