Benson is Bears' back of the future

By Michael Rushton

When Cedric Benson was drafted fourth overall by the Bears in 2005, Chicago thought it had immediately upgraded its running back position. So much for sure things in the draft.

Benson got his NFL career off on the wrong foot when he held out for 36 days before finally agreeing on a five-year contract. That move immediately put him in the doghouse though, and allowed Thomas Jones to keep a hold on his starting job.

Jones went on to rush for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games in 2005. Benson, meanwhile, got into just nine games -- one start -- and rushed for 272 yards. His season ended prematurely when he suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain.

Then came 2006, when the Bears looked about ready to go with Benson. Only an unfortunate shoulder injury during preseason kept Benson off the field and Jones again held down his starting spot.

So now that the Bears have reached the Super Bowl, what better stage is there for Benson to -- literally and figuratively -- grab the ball and run with it to the spotlight.

Despite wanting to hand the starting job to Benson twice now, only to see the youngster fumble it away each time, Chicago is indicating they still plan to go with Benson in the long run.

He outcarried Jones 59-to-49 and had 275 rushing yards to his 233 yards over the regular season‘s last four games. On the surface, it would seem as if the Bears were just using a two-back rotation to wear down defenses, but the front office most likely had Benson under a microscope.

Additionally, the Texas product will get carries this Sunday. He started handling the ball more towards the end of the season and against the Colts, the Bears should go with a 1-2 ground punch that will both puncture a defense that has given up yards on the ground and take the pressure of quarterback Rex Grossman.

Jones is 28-years-old and will enter the final year of his four-year contract next season. Given his success the last two years (2,545 yards and 15 touchdowns) he certainly won't stick around to be Benson's backup. Plus, he is four years Benson’s senior, so he can’t be in Chicago’s long-term plans.

If the Bears capture the Super Bowl this Sunday, and especially if Benson has a strong game, it will make it easier to cut ties with Jones before the start of next season. Should the Colts prevail, they may go with a dual-back system again for next year to ensure another strong ground game and a trip to the postseason.

But not matter what, the starting job is once again Benson’s to lose.

You can discuss old episodes of the show Benson with Michael Rushton at mrushton@phanaticmag.com.


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The Phanatic