08-09-2007, 02:54 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Both of them
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,225
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RB Benson comfy on the hot seat
RB Benson comfy on the hot seat on ChicagoSports.com
Quote:
Cedric Benson was dripping with perspiration after practice this week, sweltering along with fans and anyone else around training camp.
But Benson is Texas; he was born there and played high school and college football there so he should be at home playing in a blast furnace. Right?Not quite.
"To tell you the truth, after two years in Chicago, I come out on days like this and wonder how in the world did I ever [thrive in such heat]," Benson said, shaking his head. "Being in Chicago has spoiled me; I'm looking forward to the winter.
"Plus," he added, laughing, "I like driving in the snow."
Of more importance to the Bears, Benson is also more than comfortable with his situation on the field as well as off it. For the first time Saturday in Houston he will open a game as the team's undisputed first-string running back.
As Rex Grossman did and still does, Benson has things to prove about his durability and, frankly, his ability.
Benson has not managed to stay healthy with the Bears and has been shunted in and out of games as relief for Thomas Jones. Some backs thrive as situational changes of pace; not Benson.
At Texas he was a back who got stronger as games and seasons went on.
"He hasn't had a chance to show it here, but that was how he was," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said.
Last season in the first eight games, Benson averaged 8.5 carries per game and 3.1 yards per carry. In the final seven he averaged 11 carries and 4.9 yards per rush.
"It really boils down to never getting warm and getting the feel of what guys are doing or how they're playing," Benson said.
He will have that chance now, regardless of what the weather is
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