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1-on-1 with Bears coach Lovie Smith: Clock ticking for Cedric Benson
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1-on-1 with Bears coach Lovie Smith: Clock ticking for Cedric Benson
Tribune reporter Dan Pompei sits down with Smith, who clearly isn't
thrilled with the team's rushing attack

11:35 PM CDT, April 2, 2008

PALM BEACH, Fla.



Bears coach Lovie Smith offered a strong endorsement for Democratic
presidential candidate Barack Obama during a breakfast with the media
at the NFL meetings Wednesday. His endorsement for running back Cedric
Benson wasn't quite as strong.

 After an omelet and fresh fruit at the Breakers Hotel, Smith revealed
he and Obama have spoken.

 "He's a big Bears fan," Smith said. "He even has some advice on the
quarterback situation."

 Then, without solicitation, Smith said, " I hope he wins the
election. I'm a big Barack Obama fan. I believe in his plan for the
future."

 Some Bears fans might be more concerned about Smith's plan for
Benson. In a conversation that lasted about 50 minutes, Smith talked
more about Benson than anything.


The running game

Asked if the Bears need a starter at halfback, Smith said in reference
to Benson and Adrian Peterson, "We didn't get No. 1 running back-type
production most of the year. Do I think the players we have there can
do it? Yes, I think they can."

 He said Benson continues to rehab from a broken leg and should be
ready to participate in the off-season program at some point.

 While being clear he was not laying all the blame on Benson, Smith
said he does not want to see the same Benson he saw in 2007.

 "We weren't pleased with … our running game last year," he said. "We
haven't made that a secret. It's the off-season, so we're looking at
ways to improve. … There are a lot of good running backs coming out of
the draft."

 Smith called Benson a "hard worker," but indicated he would like to
see the former Texas star lose weight in an effort to gain quickness.

 "You look at some of those things and change your body up," he said.
"You maybe play at a lighter weight. You do some things differently."

 He said he believes Benson is very motivated in part because of the
way last season went for him but he also said it's time for him to
live up to expectations.

 "There comes a time when you need to produce," Smith said. "That's
where he is. It's as simple as that."

 What seems certain is the Bears will bring in competition for
Benson—probably from the draft. But …

 "It's probably better getting linemen earlier [in the draft]," Smith
said. "More running backs have turned out later in the draft than have
offensive linemen or even defensive linemen."


On competition for playing time

Smith did not want to declare any player a starter this early in the off-season.

 But when the Bears line up for their off-season team workouts, Smith
indicated John St. Clair would take the first rep at right tackle and
Terrence Metcalf would take the first rep at right guard. He also said
Josh Beekman would be in the mix for playing time.

 Smith also addressed the absence of proven playmakers on offense,
expressing confidence in wide receivers Devin Hester and Mark Bradley,
as well as tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen.

 "Whenever you lose a playmaker, it's a little unsettling," he said,
apparently referring to the departed Bernard Berrian. "But I still
like what we have on our roster. … The cupboard isn't totally bare,
but we need to look to elevate our game even a little more."


On Devin Hester's future"I think Devin Hester can pretty much be what
he wants to be," Smith said. "Can he be a three-down receiver?
Definitely."

 Smith said the plan is to have Hester return fewer kicks, but will
use him on special teams on a limited basis.

 "You have to be realistic to know he can't do it all," Smith said.

 Smith indicated Danieal Manning could help the Bears on kick returns,
and mentioned restricted free-agent receiver Rashied Davis as another
possible return man.

 Yet that doesn't mean we have seen the last of Hester the return man.

 "We're in a game and we need a play and they're kicking the ball off
to us, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there,"
Smith said. "They're punting the ball to us and we need a big play, no
matter what part of the game, there is a good chance you are going to
see him back there."


Not on the defensive

There are fewer questions on defense, but Smith said he expects Mike
Brown to move to free safety after playing strong safety last season.
Brown has played free in the past.

 The move could have ramifications for Manning, who is considered a
better free safety than strong. Smith said he expects Manning to
compete at strong safety with Brandon McGowan, Kevin Payne and Adam
Archuleta. He also left open the possibility the Bears could add a
safety in the coming months.

 Smith also said defensive lineman Israel Idonije will be given a longer look.

 "There are a few players on our roster who I feel haven't gotten a
great opportunity to play," Smith said. "One of them is Israel
Idonije. … We're thinking about letting him play more tackle. He can
be a 275-pound guy or a 300-pound player with [low] body fat. So we
need to get him involved a little bit more."

 dpompei at tribune.com

Copyright (c) 2008, Chicago Tribune