ReutersThe Bengals running game in 2012 was made up of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and a little more BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
The Law Firm carried the ball 278 times in the regular season and the rest of the Bengals running backs carried it 81 times, a lack of balance they’ve talked about remedying since losing to the Texans in the playoffs. Running backs coach Jim Anderson is at the Senior Bowl and said that he’s trying to find a complement for Green-Ellis, but explained that he isn’t just looking for a “speed back” because of the chance that No. 2 will have to take over the starting job at some point in the season.
“If you have a guy that can’t do some of the things that he can do, and you really need a guy that can carry it a lot in this division, then you can’t do what you do on offense,” Anderson said, via the team’s website. “You’d like the (other back) to emulate him in some way. Maybe the guy is like the other guy, but brings a few different things to the table. But sometimes you can’t have your cake and eat it, too.”
The Bengals probably wouldn’t mind if they found a back who wound up being more than a complement. Green-Ellis had a career-best 1,098 yards and did his best work during the second-half spurt that carried the Bengals into the playoffs, but he’s not the most dynamic back in the world. He’s affordable enough at $2.3 million in each of the next two years that he could become the complement to a younger back if the Bengals find the right one.
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Beanie Wells
This article understates the role that BenJarvus Green-Ellis played in the running game.
-QG
Just tell him that he is a really nice guy. That should be complement enough.
Wishful thinking, but maybe the Bengals could take MJD off the Jaguars hands.
The Bengals will draft a running back in the second round because of value. I would to see Marcus Lattimore of South Carolina or Stefan Taylor of Stanford. Lattimore could pull an Adrian Peterson and people would be shocked if that happens,but I do think that he will play in the NFL this year.
In other words, they’re looking to replace him with a younger, faster, hard running back that can turn the corner or blast through the middle if need be. And then keep the lawfirm there for 3rd downs and short yardage situations.
Then tell him he is a great guy and fun to be around. Two compliments! That was easy!
Marcus Lattimore would look good in Bengals colors. He could be what LaMichael James is now to the 49ers.
Take a flyer on Marcus Lattimore wouldn’t be a bad idea on top of adding a complementary guy.
You look very nice today Mr. Green-Ellis. Looks like you owe me a contract Cincinnati
HEY! Ced Benson is available!
Seriously? Beanie Wells?. C’mon man! There are some great backs available this offseason. MJD (Can’t see that happening, too much $$$), Reggie Bush, Jahvid Best (if finally healthy) ya know what I mean? There is some talent, an the draft. I just couldn’t see Beanie going to the Bengals. He hasn’t produced as well as they would like too see expecially “Mike Browns Checkbook”.
Gio Bernard from UNC would be a good fit – good runner and a good receiver.