Benson Limps Away Future In Chicago?

I receive a lot of emails regarding Cedric Benson.  The biggest question following Benson’s latest injury is whether he has a future in Chicago. 

Does Jerry Angelo have to start over at the running back position?

Yes.

The Bears are built around a strong run game and aggressive defense.  That’s why they can’t count on Benson filling such a key role within their philosophy.

Benson has displayed very ordinary run skills and has been very tentative most of the season.  The two most critical issues that disturb me is a running back that gets nicked up easily and lacks mental toughness. 

The bottom line to Jerry Angelo: You can’t trust building the future of your football team around Cedric Benson. 

The “other” Adrian Peterson will now be counted on to help the Bears remain competitive in December.  Peterson lacks the speed and burst to scare opponents with big plays, but he’s a tough, dependable back who can keep the chains moving.  He displays adequate run skills and is reliable in most facets of the passing game. 

The Bills go back to rookie Trent Edwards at quarterback.  Dick Jauron likes to plays clean football by eliminating mistakes on the offensive side of the ball and play strong defense.  J.P. Losman flashes some talent, but coaches are frustrated by his uneven performances – especially his inability to make good decisions with the football. 

The teams remain in playoff contention at 5-6, so the players aren’t excited about going with a rookie at quarterback right now.  That means one of the biggest challenges for Edwards at this point is to win over his teammates.

It will be interesting to see how the St. Louis Rams respond following their devastating loss at home against Seattle.  Scott Linehan has his work cut out for him this week in terms of lifting the offensive side of the football.  Linehan must make sure the players don’t quit on him at this point.  But one area of the Rams that remains underrated is their defense.  Jim Haslett is doing a tremendous job getting this defense to play hard.  Will Witherspoon has been a monster at linebacker.  O.J. Atogwe is developing into a presence at free safety.  And rookies Clifton Ryan and Adam Carriker have proven they are building blocks inside along the front line. 

Are the New York Giants suspects?  Yes.  Eli Manning has taken a step back again.  The offense wasn’t on the same page against Minnesota.  I was very disappointed by the inconsistent effort of Jeremy Shockey at times.  The biggest concern down the stretch has to be the mental makeup of this team.  Remember, this is the same core of players of I have questioned in the past in regards to their leadership.  Can they handle adversity heading into the December playoff run?  Quick frankly, I have serious doubts. 

I was disturbed at Philip Rivers telling off his home fans on Sunday.  The Chargers need more poise from their quarterback on and off the field.  This was a problem during the stretch last season and it’s carried into this season.  Rivers seems to crumble under pressure when things aren’t going his way.  It’s resulted in a very erratic season where’s he’s struggled to protect the football.  This isn’t a great sign for a playoff team.  That is why a few of their core veterans – LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, and Lorenzo Neal must take control of this team.  They miss veteran leaders like Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey on the other side of the ball.  Their core of best players must take accountability towards being an intense, focused football team down the stretch. 

Look for Bill Callahan coming to a sideline near you next season since he’s been fired by Nebraska.  Callahan should draw a lot of interest as an offensive line coach and possible coordinator next season.  Seattle and San Francisco could be possibilities.  Callahan also has strong ties from the past with Jon Gruden.  But Gruden has one of the top offensive line coaches in Bill Muir. 

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