After seeing the play of Cinci Bengals running Back Cedric Benson today against his old team the Chitown Bears, I started reminiscing about Benson’s road back to stardom. You see, I remember watching Benson play back in his college days for the Texas Longhorns where he destroyed the NCAA and was rated the #1 RB going into the draft. The Chicago Bears had high expectations for their 2005 1st round Draft pick (4th overall) but his career with them was nothing but a disappointment. In 3 years with the Bears Benson was involved in a lot of controversies (disagreements with coaches and notably 2 alcohol related arrests), had a lot of fumbles, a lot of injuries and very little TD’s and yards gained. His career was on the verge of ending until the Bears traded Benson to the Bengals in 08. Staring the year slow (making the critics say “here comes the usual Benson”), Cedric started to pick up his game finishing the year with 932 all-purpose yards (747 rushing – 185 receiving), his best year by far. Now with the 2009 season started the former #1 draft pick of the Bears is finally showing why he was picked so early. His 720 rushing yards this season is the best amongst NFL running backs after 8 weeks of play, all while becoming the first player to rush for over 100 yards in a single game against the Baltimore Ravens shut down defence in 40 games. The reason why this subject came to mind today is because while facing his former team for the first time since being traded, Benson had perfect timing to have his best career rushing game, he ran for 189 and 1 td!!
Cedric, I hope you really got your life together and wish you the best of luck with the rest of your career.
Today you are my Rise of the fallen players!
