Is it too early to say this? Running back is the easiest position for rookies to come in and make an immediate impact. I have absolutely no respect for this guy and his agent because that long holdout was a complete sham. Too bad for the Bears because I like that franchise. However unintentional, for me, Tony Dorsett's faint praise drives a stake into Benson. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...ct17,1,6328272.story?coll=chi-sportsbears-hed Dorsett says Benson has bright future Fred Mitchell Published October 17, 2005 Bears rookie running back Cedric Benson has been slow to impress with his cameo appearances on the field since his lengthy and contentious contract holdout. But the former Texas Longhorn and No. 4 overall draft pick has a huge supporter in Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett. "He's a player, definitely a difference-maker," Dorsett said. "But on this level, it is a different game. The terminology is different and the game is a lot faster. They hit a lot harder. As a runner, as long as you can learn that offense so you are not thinking [on the field] and just reacting . . . it took me almost nine or 10 games just learning the offense." Of course Dorsett is being modest because he was the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 1977, a year after winning the Heisman Trophy at Pittsburgh. Dorsett, who resides in Texas, had an opportunity to watch Benson run up NCAA rushing records in college. But Benson has been unable to displace incumbent Thomas Jones as the Bears' starting tailback. "Even if Cedric doesn't get that much playing time this year, I think he will come in right on time next year and show the people what he can do," Dorsett said. "Cedric is a workhorse and he will make the people of Chicago proud." Dorsett, in Chicago last week for a MasterCard "Priceless Game Day Experience--Tailgating with a Legend" promotion, recalls he reported on time to training camp as a rookie, unlike Benson. "More than anything, just being there on time and staying healthy were important for me," Dorsett said. "You win some of those veteran guys over and learn the ropes. That was a big plus for me. Harvey Martin, Billy Joe Dupree, Drew Pearson . . . they were telling me what to expect from (legendary Cowboys coach) Tom Landry and what to expect from the other teams in our division." Dorsett rushed for 1,007 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie on the Super Bowl champion Cowboys. He also caught 29 passes and had one touchdown reception. "It doesn't hurt to be a little apprehensive and nervous [as a rookie] because you don't know what to expect, especially if you are coming in with a lot of hoopla as a [first-round] draft pick. You have to respect the players who are already here."
ced isn't going to get much of a chance this year unless something happens to Jones who's on pace to shatter his career bests.
Ronnie Brown isn't exactly lighting it up in Miami either. Chicago has a rookie QB, not exactly a stellar o-line, and a solid veteran RB. Not exactly the recipe for a breakout rookie season.
And they still have a chance to make the playoffs because that division might be the worst in NFL history. So Ced isn't even going to get the benefit you do have if you're a rookie on a bad team, getting a lot of time because this bad team can make the playoffs and they know what they are goint to get out of Jones.
Yes it is. I don't think he'll end up as a complete bust, but I do think he'll be a bust for how high he was taken. I've never really seen what others have in Benson. At his best, he'll be a Stephen Davis like back, but I don't think he'll maintain that level, and I don't think that's worth the pick they used on him. What really made me scratch my head was them taking Benson when they already had a better back in TJ, who was already signed to a pretty hefty contract, so he isn't going anywhere either.
stephen davis is a franchise back and that's exactly what Chicago wants and if he does turn into stephen davis he'll be worth the pick. texas's offense was all Vince and Benson last season and look how far it got them. the guy has franchise back potential.
No, picking a back with Davis high end potential is not worth the number 4 pick overall esp when you already have a damn good rb on the roster that is getting $paid$. With the rb depth in the nfl and college, there are very few backs that are worth the 4th overall, and he ain't it. And Benson did good in college. So? That means jack in the NFL after the draft.
so? you wrote that you didn't see what people saw in him? the guy carried a major college offense. that's what they saw.
fair enough. I just don't think he'll be the stud in the NFL that he was in college. imo, there are very few franchise backs in the nfl(since they are easily replaceable). If you are drafting a rb in the top 5, it better be a LT, Edge, or McGahee(well, a healthy one anyway).
I took Cadillac Anderson just because there was no one else left. Man, talk about a contrast in rookie seasons so far, Ced and Cadillac. Which one do you think has endeared himself to his teamates the most?
Being a huge Bears fan - I would say it is wayyyyyyyyyy to early to call him a bust. The holdout sure didn't help plus the fact that TJones has solidifed his role as the #1 guy. Benson still has a future.
I have Arrington too. Luckily he's just a backup/bench player. My starting RB is Shaun Alexander, thank you very much. On the other hand, Andre Johnson is killing me.
Anderson, Williams, whatever. I guess I was thinking of the original Cadillac, Cadillac Anderson from the ol' Phi Slamma Jamma days. The point is that I have Tomlinson, Cadillac Williams, Tiki Barber, and DDavis at RB so I'm set!
Too early to tell for Benson. That hold out got him dropped in the depth chart. Benson might end up as trade bait though.
"Complete Bust" ???? After six games, backing up Thomas Jones -- who's been an great this year. This must be a case of Longhorn baiting. Are we this knee-jerk nowadays?
Cedric Benson is not really a bust, but he shouldn't have been picked this year. His first three years were good, but not great. He couldn't break a big run, ever. I think he looked so good his senior year because of Vince. When you have that threat - especially with the goofy Zone-Read play that we run from so much, your linebackers have to spy the QB. When you do that, you open up that extra second for your RB. Without Vince, I think he's good but not great. Good, bottom-of-the-first-round type pick, but not a top-5 caliber pick.
