So with the Bengals soaring at 7-2 and with Larry Johnson now on board to provide key depth at the tailback position, everyone is happy, right?
Not Cedric Benson, who could find his role diluted by the presence of Johnson.
When a reporter told Benson on Wednesday that he didn’t appear to be thrilled by move, Benson said, “I didn’t know I was supposed to be jumping out of my seat or
anything. I really have no feelings about it.” (But, hey, Benson could have said a lot worse to the media.)
“They made a move they
felt they needed to do, and that’s fine with me,” Benson added. “It’s not going to
affect me in any kind of way.”
But, surely, it could. If Benson gets hurt and Johnson comes in and plays like he did back in 2005 and 2006, when he rushed for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons, Benson might have a hard time getting back on the field.
Benson and Thomas Jones couldn’t get along in Chicago and Jones was sent packing. Don’t expect these two guys to become pals. It’s not necessary, anyway. But, I can guarantee you that Benson won’t be welcoming Johnson to town.
Then again, if LJ runs the same way he’s run over the last two years or so (which is more likely), Benson has nothing to worry about.
stir that pot!! Like I said already, NOTHING bad can come out of this move! Riiigghhht!
Johnson is old and slow and lucky he got another shot at being on an NFL roster. He won’t outplay Benson or Scott; he can’t.
No. Johnson turns 30 today and Ced is 26. Ced has proved himself for the last year and Johnson hasn’t done anything. Don’t even act like they brought in LJ to do anything but insure the team has a dependable running back should something happen to Ced.
In your dreams Mike, in your dreams…. People act like this locker room is full of angels. Um it’s the island of misfits. No one is complaining. It’s been business as usual.
Florio casually failed to include the rest of quote in which Benson sounded just fine about the addition of LJ.
Hey Flo… The Bengals have shown that they want to pound the ball with the run instead of relying on the pass. Adding Larry Johnson gives them a veteran option to help out Ced. Have you ever played running back? 35 carries a game plays hell on your body and over 7 weeks, it takes it’s toll. B. Scott and Brian Leonard are still young. Too young to have to carry the load. Leonard will continue to be utilized on 3rd down, which is the best place for him. B. Scott will be used in special teams while giving him the ball on 4 or 5 runs or short passes. Larry Johnson will be there to take 5-10 carries away from Ced. I would say primarily on 70 yard + drives. Benson isn’t going to ‘lose’ his spot to LJ, it’s an attempt to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
He needs a quiet boat cruise to get his head straight.
I find it very unlikely that the coached are going to risk screwing up the chemistry that Ced, B. Scott, and Leonard have. It is Cincy but with Marvin a shoe in for coach of the year they’re going to play it smart. Johnson will probably play this weekend while Ced heals then not again till they wrap up everything they can. When home field advantage, a first round bye, and the division are all clinched by whoever clinched them, Johnson will get playing time but only as Scott’s backup.
They know he won’t be here next year so an insurance policy is all he will be.
“Benson might have a hard time getting back on the field.”
No. Bengaldom could only hope that LJ returns to 05/06 form. If anything, they would split time. Barring an injury to Ced, LJ will not have more carries in any single game.
I cant see how Benson would be against the move, if Johnson performs, it will allow both of them to be much fresher late in the season for a play off run
“If Benson gets hurt and Johnson comes in and plays like he did back in 2005 and 2006, when he rushed for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons…”
Sure, and if unicorns are real…
Cedric Benson doesnt worry about anything, he’s Cedric Benson. Cedric Benson just doesnt show emmotion, because he doesnt know how. Hes the Alpha Male of that locker room and not even Larry Johnson Alpha Male-ish ways can compare to Cedric. While I believe if Larry gets the chance there he will be great in Cincy, He cant measure up to Cedric Benson. Cedric Benson is a giant amongst men and Larry Johnson is a man amongst boys. Its as simple as that
In my opinion the PROS out way the CON’S by signing L.J.
CON’S: Benson gets disgruntled and it affects is play on the field thus creating a riff in the locker room.
PROS:with the arrival of L.J. Benson runs even harder to keep is starting job and get a contract extension thus making the Bengals even better.
PROS:L.J. is happy for a another chance and is dieing to prove he still can run, thus giving every single carry he gets his max effort which again makes the Bengals better.
If Benson gets hurt and Johnson comes in and plays like he did back in 2005 and 2006, when he rushed for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons, Benson might have a hard time getting back on the field.
——————
Bit early to be smoking whatever it is that you’re smoking isn’t it?
Benson is in a no win situation. If he says “I am happy to have LJ here” he is saying he isnt good enough. If he says “I am pissed off because he is going to take carries away from me” he is a bad team guy. So he says NOTHING and STILL gets ripped by you pricks in the media.
“but…” and “if…” Yeah, Florio, but if my aunt had balls she would be my uncle.
LJ averaged 4.5 yds a carry last year and pretty much just dogged it this year because the chiefs o-line is the worst in nfl history, you’ll see
That’s right, Mike, stir the Bengals pot. Very nice, very nice indeed……(please insert evil laugh).
I can’t imagine always looking for the negative angle on everything…….wait a second, I might live with someone similar to that……..
but she’s called my beautiful, loving, caring wife. (Hi honey! just in case you’re reading this)…….
I truly think, Florio, you just need more hugs. Why don’t you come down for the Eagles v. Falcons game on 12/5 and get in here for the real thing……I’ll give you a hug……(insert evil laugh again)….
Congrats to LJ for turning. Less than 3 yards per carry average into a new contract on a playoff team. I really don’t see how it helps the Bengals to add a disgruntled egomaniac on the team when they are playoff bound, and already have Ocho/Esteban/Chad and his massive egos. I bet Mike Vick gets more carries over the next 7 weeks than LJ
“If Benson gets hurt and Johnson comes in and plays like he did back in 2005 and 2006, when he rushed for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons, Benson might have a hard time getting back on the field.”
Florio, you clown. Yea maybe if Emmitt comes back this weekend and runs like he did in ’93 or ’94 then Marion Barber might have to wonder how many carries he’ll get moving forward. Or Jamaal Charles could be out of a job if Priest Holmes comes back Sunday and runs like he did in ’03.
Benson has nothing to worry about, all this does it create more competition and enhance the run game.
I think people are trying to put words in Benson’s mouth. If you look at the whole interview, he said nothing that would lead you to believe that he is upset about the move. Why would he be? Benson has a longer contract, makes more money, has played significantly better and is three years younger. In running back years that’s a lifetime.
Johnson is nothing more than a late season pick-up to help ease the load off Benson. Again, Benson leads the league in rushing attempts (which includes a bye week and the Pittsburgh game, in which played less than a quarter).
Sign him now. Get him reps in the Cincy system in practice.
If Benson gets hurt, then LJ is up to speed. Benson does have a few “bruises” getting him listed on injury reports. So its not far fetched to need the extra body. So it makes sense to have that body ready with more then 3 days of practice with the team (or signed elsewhere and have to go find Edge)
Without a blow out or an injury there is no reason for LJ to see the field. But he is better then Edge, SA or any of the other backs praying for a phone call.
So sign him for a song and cut him loose at year end.
Of course Ced isn’t doing cart wheels. LJ coming into the locker room threatens the number of touches he will get. He has more touches than anyone in the league and he wants more. He is greedy and that is a good thing. Fish swim, birds fly, and Superstar Running Backs want the ball. Ced said it himself at the end of that interview, all it’s going to do is motivate him to run harder and do more with the oppurtunities he does get. Makes perfect sence but if Florio reported the entire interview he wouldn’t have a story. I’m starting to figure out how this web sight works.
Maybe Benson’s not worried about losing carries to Johnson, but he said he’s not jumping out of his chair because he knows Johnson sucks and he doesn’t see how he can help the team. Probably not but maybe.
Half truths, everybody who listened to Marv talk about the signing knows that LJ is a fourth option and will primarily (at least fo rthe first week or two) be a practice squad type who mimics the opposing teams RB and will probably work his way into the game as a backup for Detroit or MInn, and you KNOW they’re gonna let him play against KC. This is a non story.
If the O-line is good enough to propel Benson to a career year, why should we not assume LJ will do quite well running behind the same line? We all know that a running back is only as good as the holes created for him, at least to a large extent.
“….Johnson comes in and plays like he did back in 2005 and 2006, when he rushed for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons,…”
Nice to see PFT readers calling you out on this analytical bombshell.
AHh the media trying…trying sooo desperately to make a story out of this….Face it the Bengals are boring. They run the ball, they play great D and dont make for exciting commentary. Then here comes LJ and they media wants something…anything to give a hook into this team…but its juts not there. Its boring. Hes a backup roll until he can play his way into running the ball. As long as Ced stays healthy hes running all the way to Miami. That when you will get your story FLorio. Not a minute too soon either.
Have fun being 4th on the depth chart LJ. You’ve earned it! haha
You’re trying to start a rift Florio, gossip queen. Benson will be fine, LJ will help provide a bruising one two punch. WHO DEY!
Sweet God in heaven there are so many things wrong with this article.
1.) You left out how Benson also said that it’s nice to have another capable back and a possible contributor to the team.
2.) Marvin Lewis said LJ was brought in as a FOURTH RB.
3.) Nobody screamed controversy when the Giants used the three-headed monster of Ward, Bradshaw and Jacobs.
4.) Marvin told Ced and LJ that this could be a chance for LJ to learn from Ced on how to resurrect a career after his mistakes.
5.) CedBen, while having a GREAT year, has never been THE GUY yet. At 200 or so carries this year, he’s nicked up.
6.) The Bengals don’t have a true bruiser back if CedBen can’t play. Leonard is a blocker/pass catcher (I love that guy), and Scott is a change of pace/speed guy.
7.) The Bengals have also said that if Ced can’t go Sunday, LJ would be active in a limited basis. LJ would only get 5-10 touches in that game.
8.) They’ve already said that if Ced is healthy and active, LJ won’t be.
9.) Herm Lewis (LJ’s former coach) publicly backed this move.
10.) The Bengals may have to play the Steelers, Colts, Chargers and/or Patriots in the playoffs. They need clock-draining RBs to win those games–especially if it’s cold.
Congratulations, Florio, you’ve mastered the fine arts of paraphrasing and selective reading.
“But, surely, it could. If Benson gets hurt and Johnson comes in and plays like he did back in 2005 and 2006, when he rushed for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons, Benson might have a hard time getting back on the field.”
I’d love to the list of RB’s who were able to turn back the clock 3-4 years at age 30 after having dismal seasons of production since that point. The Bengal’s line this year is good, but you can’t honestly tell me it’s as good as the line KC had back then. That line even made a guy like Derrick Blaylock look like an elite RB.
4th RB, Insurance back, etc.
the point missed in all of this is this removes the most viable power runner from the pool of available players.
Now NE, ATL, Philly, Washington, Houston and anyone else eye-ing the playoffs who has issues at RB.
Sing him and stash him on the roster. break glass in case of emergency.
Why would he be happy about it. “Hey we just brought in your pottential replacement, arent you exited?” Benson kept it real he’s not happy about the move. The move was a good one by the Bengals I dont think Florio’s even arguing that. The point is that Cedric Benson isnt happy about it and isnt willing to play the whole “whats good for the team is good for me” game. P.S. If he’s nothing more than a 4th RB that is by far the DUMBEST pick up of the season in terms of overpaying for a player.
The Bengals customarily keep four backs active for each game, with three halfbacks and a fullback.
Scott is the primary kick returner and solidified his position with the teams first return. Leonard also plays special teams and is the model third down back, an apt blocker and pass catcher. Jeremi Johnson is the team’s fullback.
That leaves one roster spot. Neither Benson nor Johnson are capable of contributing to special teams, meaning neither will replace Leonard or Scott.
Johnson and Benson will not be active for the same game. That is why Coach Lewis dubbed Johnson “an insurance policy.”
Johnson will mostly contribute to the scout team, assisting the second ranked rush defense with schemes. It is helpful that three of the Bengals’ remaining opponents are in the AFC West division.
Don’t forget that Johnson’s father is a member of the Penn State staff. Johnson’s family’s connections with coach Lewis are well known (or should be Florio).
Additionally, adding Johnson keeps him off Indy and New England, both teams which could have upgraded their rush offense.
I don’t get the media’s infatuation with this story. If there is one thing the Bengal’s have proven over time, it is that they stick with a guy who produces until the very end: Rudi, Dillion, Green, Brooks, Alexander, etc. This is a Florio “gotcha journalism” posting. Benson’s comments were actually mellow and non-inflammatory- like he has been all year. In the context that this is written it blows his statement out of proportion…
Another reason I don’t the fascination: I would be really surprised if either of these guys are on the team next year. Benson’s contract is up, and he can be replaced via the draft if he does not resign with the team. Credit the Bengals for finally doing something right: get the offensive line rebuilt and then worry about your RB situation. Why waste a lot of money on a great RB if there are no holes to run through?
This is why you see more professional athletes taking over the media, less sound bites, paraphrases and shortcut opportunist. Iam not a Bengal fan but a Marvin Lewis fan, he finally get the support from upper management to make the strategic moves to contend for a Super Bowl run. It’s a win – win for all involved.
BENGALS get a proven RB , pennies on the dollar with a chip on his shouder, a bruiser for cold weather, playoff defenses and a insurance policy that could result in a 3rd or 4th round pick if productive and wants to move on. Carrot- thanks Marvin, playoffs , win a Super Bowl!!!
CEDRIC get a chance to heal, a breather, extended career , illustrate team leadership the opportunity to win a Super Bowl. Carrot- Pro
LARRY get one last chance to illustrate his worthiness, physical talents and appreciation being productive in Americas greatest gladiator specticle the NFL playoffs. Carrot-erase the mental mishaps, one more contract, face Joe Pa !!