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

[Phil DeNomme]

"''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.''"

And that's pretty much the problem with Benson.  no drive to improve.  seems
like he's happy to just get a paycheck.

On Jan 1, 2008 9:34 AM, Tom Shannon <tshanno at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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.
>
> RELATED STORIES Job No. 1: Find franchise QB
>
> ''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.
>
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