[CBFF] BEARS IN BRIEF: Benson insists he has nothing to prove: 'I just got sidelined' :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears - Sent Using Google Toolbar

[Tom Shannon]

BEARS IN BRIEF: Benson insists he has nothing to prove: 'I just got
sidelined' :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears

 BEARS IN BRIEF: Benson insists he has nothing to prove: 'I just got sidelined'



January 1, 2008
BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs at suntimes.com

Cedric Benson got the cast off his left ankle Monday in time for the
offseason, and he got some thoughts off his chest about the Bears'
broken-down running game.

In his first comments since fracturing his fibula, Benson promised he
could return 100 percent next season. He debunked the idea he was out
of shape when training camp and the season began, and he said it
didn't make it any better to see Adrian Peterson struggle after Benson
was lost for the season Nov. 25 against Denver.

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''I didn't need vindication,'' Benson said. ''I knew the type of
problems and issues we had on offense. We were all part of it.''

The No. 4 pick in the 2005 draft, Benson lost out on a $1.73 million
bonus -- considered part of the guaranteed money in his contract --
when he finished with 674 yards, 27 shy of the trigger. With 1,593
yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons, he doesn't feel he needs to
assert that he's the No. 1 back.

''I feel it's established,'' Benson said. ''I don't feel like I need
to prove anything. I know everybody's looking for the big season, and
we were coming on strong at the end and still had quite a few more
games where we would have had good numbers. I just got sidelined.''

Does he welcome competition?

''I've had it before,'' he said. ''Maybe somebody else can get some
criticism.''

Benson admitted he wouldn't be surprised if the Bears brought in some
running backs.

''But they'd be wasting their time,'' he said.

That means either he's confident he'll be the No. 1 back -- or that no
one can succeed with the current issues facing the offense.
Comeback kid?

A big basketball fan, coach Lovie Smith referenced Grant Hill when
asked about the status of often-injured safety Mike Brown.

''The only thing that has stopped him from being a good player
consistently has been injuries,'' Smith said. ''A healthy Mike Brown?
Of course, we would love to have him.''
Extra points

Smith said he expects all members of his coaching staff back unless
someone gets an opportunity for a promotion elsewhere. It's an
interesting stance after a 7-9 season, considering five coaches were
sent off after the Bears reached the Super Bowl. Don't be surprised to
see some minor turnover.

• • Right tackle Fred Miller will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his
right ankle, probably next week. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris will
have a scope of his left knee.

• • The Chicago chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America
selected linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer as the Good Guy Award winner
for 2007 for his consistent and professional approach in handling
media obligations.

• • Running back P.J. Pope, guards Tyler Reed and Mike Jones and
safety Leonard Peters signed futures contracts. Cornerback Greg
Fassitt said he expects to sign one, but a source said Fassitt might
wait to test the market.