August 8, 2007
How has Benson performed in training camp?
Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of e-mail questions from fans every day on ChicagoBears.com.
Larry: There appears to be a lot of optimism about the Bears passing game. That is encouraging. However, I haven’t heard much about the running game.
How has Cedric Benson fared so far in training camp?
Thomas R.
Portland, Oregon
Thomas: It’s difficult to truly gauge how a running back is performing in training camp because he isn’t getting tackled in practice. From what I have seen, however, Cedric Benson looks exceptional. He’s running with more speed than most people give him credit for, he hits holes with quickness and power and he’s improved as a receiver out of the backfield. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer told me that running backs like Benson who run downhill and are always leaning forward when contacted are the most difficult to tackle. I expect big things from Cedric this season, but I doubt that he’ll get very many carries in the preseason. He’ll absorb enough punishment when the games start to count in the standings.
Larry: I was able to watch most of the Bears’ practice Aug. 3 and I was especially impressed with Greg Olsen. The crowd erupted when he made a sideline grab, tearing the ball away from Adam Archuleta in midair.
I was wondering who holds the franchise record for catches by a tight end and for rookies as well?
Justin K.
Chicago
Justin: Hall of Famer Mike Ditka holds both records. Ditka’s 75 receptions in 1964 remain the most by a Bears tight end and his 56 catches in 1961 are still the most by a Chicago rookie.
Larry: Kyle Orton appears to have arrived at training camp as a changed man.
Is there a good chance that he will overtake Brian Griese as the No. 2 quarterback?
Michael W.
Michael: Kyle Orton has outperformed Brian Griese in training camp, but I wouldn’t say that there’s a good chance that Orton will be promoted to the No. 2 position behind Rex Grossman. Griese didn’t throw the ball particularly well in training camp last summer if I recall correctly, but then he proceeded to lead the NFL in passer rating during the preseason. Griese is a seasoned veteran who knows how to play. I wouldn’t count him out yet.
LINK
How has Benson performed in training camp? - Chicago Bears