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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bengals’ Benson at a loss for answers
Carson Palmer has taken much of the heat for the Bengals’ underachieving offense, but he isn’t the only one being thrown under the bus. The coaching and play calling also are being questioned, contributing to a wave of controversy.
If there is a bright spot, it comes from the team’s running game, which we haven’t seen enough. Cedric Benson’s numbers are slightly down at this point from a season ago. He has 21 fewer carries, 175 fewer yards and three fewer touchdowns.
Asked if the team has strayed too far from its running roots, the running back was careful.
“The only person who can answer that question is the one making those calls,” Benson said. “I would love to voice my opinion on that but it will get me nowhere. I’m above and beyond negative energy. It’s on the film and everybody sees it. You have to play the cards you are dealt. I’m only employee number 32 and have to be there. However, I think we’ll keep hitting our heads up against a brick wall if we stay blind to the facts.”
Everyone wants to chime in with an easy fix for the team’s problems on offense, but the solution starts and ends with the players. So at what point do they turn the corner and live up to expectations?
“It’s hard to pinpoint,” Benson said. “The same question is being asked week to week and my answer is not going to change. I don’t know what the offense has to do as a whole to improve each week, but I know what I have to do. We have a big game Monday night (against Pittsburgh) and I’m prepared to take advantage of my opportunities and contribute.”
With Palmer struggling, the Bengals will rely heavily on their running game against the Steelers.
The Bengals will need a productive night from Benson if they have any chance against that Pittsburgh defense. The running back averaged nearly five yards per carry in a victory over the Steelers at home last season. He finished the game with 16 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown.
The key to success Monday night is simple.
“We have to make up our minds that we’re not going to be beat,” Benson said. “We have to execute to the best of our ability and have fun.”
Skeptics have been standing by waiting for Benson to implode on the sideline over a lack of production, primarily because this is a contact year for Benson and he’s auditioning for 31 other teams. The more touches he gets, the more he can showcase his skills both running and catching the ball.
“Early in the year when things didn’t jump off as quickly as I would have loved them to, I found myself speaking negatively,” Benson said. “It created thoughts of doubt, which were trying to grow roots in my mind. Luckily, I was mature enough to realize what was taking place. I stepped back from what was going on around me and locked in on executing and being happy. I learned not to focus on things I do not have control over.”
Taking a positive approach seems to be benefiting the player in many ways. Benson has endured much adversity over his six-year career but continues to maintain his focus.
“Through it all, my approach to the game hasn’t changed,” he said. “I know other people can see it and that brings me joy. At the end, whatever comes about I’m going to be happy and roll with it. I won’t quit on this team.
“In our players-only meeting last week I talked about bringing my A-game each week. I think that rubbed off on some of the other guys. It showed in the game on Sunday but somewhere we lost it. We just have to find a way to keep fighting and finish games strong.”
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