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

[Kenny Claxton]

A cynic would say he has strong confidence in himself.

On 1/1/08, Phil DeNomme <pdenomme at gmail.com> wrote:
> "''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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> >
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