[CBFF] [Fwd: Are Bears interested in Dominic Rhodes?]

[Tom Shannon]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?STORY_ID=4673

*You’re probably getting this question a lot, but are you picking up on 
any interest in Dominic Rhodes? Given Cedric Benson’s history of 
injuries and recent arrest, it seems like a veteran would provide good 
insurance at the position.
*
Jeff T.
/Middlesex, Vermont/

I can’t argue with your point about a veteran bolstering the running 
back position, but I’m not sure that Dominic Rhodes is the answer. He is 
a talented player as he showed in Indianapolis' Super Bowl win over the 
Bears, but there's a reason the Raiders chose to release him while 
keeping Justin Fargas and LaMont Jordan after drafting Darren McFadden. 
Plus there are character concerns with Rhodes. He was arrested and 
charged with domestic battery in 2002 and drunk driving in 2007, and he 
was also suspended for the first four games of last season for violating 
the NFL’s substance abuse policy. As far as Benson goes, I'm more 
concerned about the four injuries he's sustained than his recent arrest 
for a misdemeanor offense. He must prove that he can stay healthy before 
he ever develops into the type of back the Bears envisioned when they 
drafted him.

*With the recent signing of undrafted free agent running back Matt 
Lawrence, does that mean the Bears are leaning towards cutting Cedric 
Benson?*

Beau R.
/Richland, Washington/

The signing of running back Matt Lawrence is not related in any way to 
Cedric Benson's status with the team. The Bears typically sign a few 
players who participate in their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and 
this was no different. They also signed a punter, defensive end, guard 
and tight end.

*If the Buccaneers release Chris Simms, do you think he would be a good 
fit for the Bears?*

Jeremy B.
/Davenport, Iowa/

It’s hard to say. Chris Simms hasn’t played since he ruptured his spleen 
in a 2006 game and he was only average at best before he sustained the 
injury. Selected in the same 2003 draft as Bears quarterback Rex 
Grossman, Simms has played in only 19 games with 15 starts, completing 
59.1 percent of his passes for 3,087 yards with 12 TDs, 17 interceptions 
and a 71.2 passer rating. With that being said, I’m sure the Bears will 
at least discuss the possibility of signing Chris Simms if and when he 
is released by the Buccaneers. But at this point I think there's a 
better chance that they will try to develop a rookie such as Caleb Hanie 
or Nick Hill as the No. 3 quarterback behind Grossman and Kyle Orton 
this season.

-- 
Another unsettling element in modern art is that common symptom of immaturity, the dread of doing what has been done before.
  - Edith Wharton