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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > November > 02 > Entry
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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Comments
By mick
November 3, 2010 6:25 AM | Link to this
Benson has the ability and talent to make a difference. But the numbers indicate that the play calling has definitely shifted to a pass oriented offense. Probably because of some high-visibility players who run the routes and fail to catch the passes thrown into their hands. Benson necessarily takes second place to such hijinks. Palmer is not the greatest talent in that position either. Benson should look elsewhere for a team that recogizes his talent.
By Bubba
November 3, 2010 7:08 AM | Link to this
Bengals would look good and do well in Indy’s offense.
By Bubba
November 3, 2010 7:14 AM | Link to this
Benson would look good and do well in Indy’s offense.
By TT
November 3, 2010 7:53 AM | Link to this
When management doesn’t have answers it is time to change management. New coaches new QB. How long can a QB ride on a reputation that never materialized?Carson’s done. Stick a fork in him.
By deuce
November 3, 2010 8:13 AM | Link to this
Who would run a no-huddle offense the first posession, score on it, and then abandon it the rest of the game?? Any idiot could see that a no-huddle offense is what the bengals need to do, and let Palmer stay in the shotgun and call his own hot routes. They would be so much better.
By Benson good
November 3, 2010 8:32 AM | Link to this
Benson is still running the rock hard. i dont think you can blame the play calling for his lack of production. i am screaming at the TV becuase he is running it too much (not that i dont want him to run he is our best offensive guy right now). when you find yourself down huge early in these games you have to get away from the run…24-3 halftime spreads are what is killing Benson’s numbers
By mike
November 3, 2010 3:08 PM | Link to this
Every year we hear how great the bengals are gonna be, and then they suck,,,,year after year.Thanks for the Laughter & Joke material your team has provided.
By mike
November 3, 2010 3:08 PM | Link to this
Every year we hear how great the bengals are gonna be, and then they suck,,,,year after year.Thanks for the Laughter & Joke material your team has provided.
By joe
November 4, 2010 7:22 AM | Link to this
Benson is an average back. He is a problem child as well who gets-off from the law because he is a pro athlete. This is a terrible team. And I remind you that the officials gave the Bengals the Ravens game. This team should be 1-6.
By sam
November 4, 2010 7:24 AM | Link to this
The Bengals will finish last and get the easy schedule again for next season. Then they beat up on the bad teams and all the talk will again be how good they are and how good a coach Lewis is.
By Donald Fridint
November 4, 2010 1:06 PM | Link to this
Benson has been awful in te first half week after week. He is a third down back being used way too much. B. Scott is clearly our best playmaker at the RB position and is light years ahead as a receiving back. Benson hardly breaks anything for a big gainand has had some key fumbles.
By dick
November 4, 2010 1:23 PM | Link to this
here’s an answer for him: he sucks. we need to start bernard scott instead. there’s no excuse for our starting running back to average only 3.8 YPC considering our run blocking isn’t too bad.
By Romana
December 20, 2010 6:39 PM | Link to this
Yu gave a greatf blog here! I love the content!