Gobears81

Jones carries full load; Benson sits, doesn't stew


By Fred Mitchell and John Mullin
Tribune staff reporters

September 24, 2006, 10:45 PM CDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Bears' running game has yet to get on track, but the team still has managed to win its first three games.

Thomas Jones handled the entire load at running back Sunday, picking up 54 yards on 18 carries for a 3.0 average. His longest run was 17 yards. Jones also caught three passes for 11 yards. Jones has rushed for 181 yards on 60 carries this season.

The Vikings' frenzy of blitzing Rex Grossman helped keep Cedric Benson on the bench in favor of Thomas' blocking prowess. So Benson spent the afternoon watching from the sideline, mostly with his helmet off.

Benson appeared a bit down, even though he received words of encouragement from receivers coach Darryl Drake and team chaplain Harry Swayne, who hugged Benson and offered encouragement. Coach Lovie Smith also found Benson and talked to him.

"He just said we had a good game, and we did," Benson said. "You want to play, naturally, but I see the other side of this too."

Said offensive coordinator Ron Turner: "It was just the flow of the game and the way it turned out. I'm not worried about him."

Copyright © 2006, The Chicago Tribune

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Gobears81

I'd be more worried about #20 out there who has been nothing short of pathetic this season.


They need to get Benson in the game. Bottom line.

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Bearmatt

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gobears81 @ Sep 24th ) [snapback]1719502[/snapback]</div>Jones has been dancing around too much, not hitting the hole when it is there, and running out of bounds instead of getting the extra yard or two. It disappoints me. Benson always falls forward, he rarely gets caught in the backfield going side to side, and usually takes defenders back a yard or two...which makes a huge difference over the course of a game. I just want to see him in a non-mop-up role soon.

WaltsOrangeCBears

Give Benson More Carries Now.

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AF4

I was reading an article on MSN.com I think about how Jones' blocking skills in the backfield were helping Grossman in the passing game, could this be why Benson is maybe not in their full time yet? How is Benson at picking up the blitz and blocking back there?

imported_PeanutTillman

Jones was bad in Blitz Protection yesterday. But there is a noticeable difference in his "dancing" when there is a hole and when there isnt a hole. When he's got room to run it's 10 yards a pop.

The Bears abandoned the running game in the 4th Q.

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imported_PeanutTillman

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bearmatt @ Sep 25th ) [snapback]1719584[/snapback]</div>

Jones continually falls forward in the open field and the only time doesnt is when a Pat Willimas clothesline is aimed right at his neck. You're being a little too critical of TJ.

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greylion

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AF4 @ Sep 25th ) [snapback]1719650[/snapback]</div>They don't play Benson in long enough stretches for any of us fans to know the answer to that question. I suppose the coaches see how Benson picks up blitzes in practice and have more confidence in Jones? Benson's time will come, I look for more playing time for Benson this week at home. I think the noise of the Metrodome and the incessant blitzes by the Vikings caused the coaches to just go with Jones.

I agree that the only way we'll all know for sure is to see Benson play a full half or two without substitution. Unless TJ gets hurt, I don't expect that this year.

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imported_OBC

Benson was on the field for one play yesterday, the INT for TD by Rex. When you watch the replay of that play, watch Ced. He looks like he is going to be the safety valve on the left but runs into Tait and just sort of stands there after. If he did not run into Tait, I think Rex would have throwhim the ball in the flat. After that Rex gets pressure on his feet, looks right and throws.


But TJ is doing way too much dancing, I want Ced to get more carries too. I am beginning to think his alienating himself from the team and the Bears might move him to keep peace in the locker room. The kid has talent, but he does not seem to endear himself to the team at all.

imported_TheTahoeLT

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PeanutTillman @ Sep 25th ) [snapback]1719698[/snapback]</div>....which makes him an average running back. The good backs are the ones who are able to gain something on nothing where as anyone could run through a big hole and get arm tackled like Jones does.