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RB Cedric Benson leaves teammates, writers impressed in Packers debut

Running back Cedric Benson @Cedric_Benson hit the field in the Green and Gold on Thursday night, and he made an immediate impression on his new teammates. He rushed six times for 38 yards, caught a 10-yard pass and left the likes of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings saying, "Did you see that?"
Jennings continued: "If nothing else, (he brings) excitement. A name back who's proven, who you know can get the job done."
Long-time Packers beat writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bob McGinn tweeted after the game that Benson looked like a "real back," and that it's been a long time since you could say that about anyone in the Packers' backfield.

Fantasy Analysis:

Benson displayed burst that has been rare from him in recent years. Playing in the Packers' offense, Benson said he felt like "a kid in a candy store."
There's been no doubt that whomever the Packers' starting running back is, he has a good chance to prosper because defenses won't ever be stacking the box. My concern with the Green Bay situation has been that with Benson, James Starks @James44Starks and Alex Green @AGreen_20, is anyone going to get enough work to be worth a place in your starting lineup? Last week, I didn't think so. I thought Benson is worth a reserve pick, nothing more.
This week, after watching a little of Benson's performance, in which he greatly outclassed Green, and hearing the reports that Starks is on the roster bubble after coming down with turf toe, I'm starting to change my tune slightly. Benson isn't going to look that good all year. He was obviously motivated to prove something to his new team. He'll slow down in time. But if the Packers do cut Starks, give Green just third-down work and trust Benson with 15-18 touches per game, he should be in the RB2 conversation. I won't concede that is going to happen now, but Thursday's showing certainly helped.

Source:
Green Bay Packers Official Web Site

3 Comments | Add Yours

There's no credible evidence that Starks will be cut. Nonetheless, Benson will be the lead dog. Draft him as a reserve. Forget about the rest of the bunch.

Posted by:
rhatch 08/24/12 10:52 AM

There have been quotes by McCarthy that indicate he prefers a lead back approach, and only uses RBBC when the talent/health dictates it. Benson is - as a Bear fan I can't believe I'm typing this - the best RB they have had since a motivated Ryan Grant took the reigns in 2008 and 2009

Posted by:
Eric Pratt 08/24/12 02:24 PM

I disagree...I think Cedric Benson could be in store for a Renaissance year. I'm not saying he will light the world on fire, but I think he could turn over a new leaf thrust into the starting role on a championship caliber team. Definite consideration as a RB2 or flex player.

Posted by:
dunfee 08/24/12 07:28 PM

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Brian Murphy -
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Los Angeles, CA
FFToolbox Fantasy Football Writer since 2002
I have played fantasy sports since 2001, specializing in fantasy football and baseball.

I wrote for FFToolbox from 2002-2005 and re-joined in 2009.

I am a journalism/mass communication grad student at Cal State University, Northridge. I am aiming to be a sports reporter for a website, newspaper, magazine, anything. I received my undergrad diploma from the University of Central Florida. I make my home in Long Beach, Calif.

While I grew up in California, my favorite football team has always been the New York Giants.
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