Cedric Benson vs. Thomas Jones

[Cbus cardsfan]

Both seem to be on very similar career path. Look at the comparisons.
Both very high draft choices after productive college careers.
Both split time as rookies.
Both were handed starting jobs over the incumbents and had some success but also struggled quite a bit as well.
Both got labeled as malcontents and troublemakers.
Both went on to new teams, TJ with TB, CB with Cincy, and had some success.
TJ went on to become a perrenial 1000 yard rusher,has made the pro bowl, and is now highly regarded.
CB is just now entering that phase of his career. I think/hope he comes to Cards and continues to re-juvenate his career.

Both guys are very talented and just needed to find the right situation. The fact that Benson was drafted to replace TJ and ends up in Arizona just makes the circle complete.

As for the off field concerns,if he could stay out of trouble in the Cincinnati enviorment then i have no doubts he could do the same in Arizona. Plus,nothing really came of his any his reported incidents while with Chicago. I believe all charges were dropped.

 

[TJ]

I have no problems with CB getting a look. I just don't think the Bidwills would go for it. talented, young, determined. The fact he was a bonehead back in the day will keep him away from getting consideration

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I have no problems with CB getting a look. I just don't think the Bidwills would go for it. talented, young, determined. The fact he was a bonehead back in the day will keep him away from getting consideration

if that's the case,it's bad management on the Cards part. It's not like the guy is Lawrence Phillips, Mike Vick, or Maurice Clarett. He had a boat party in Austin on a lake where boat parties are prevelant.

 

[Mulli]

pass do what the bears did. Go with a rookie instead.

 

[Shogun]

After having Cedric Benson on my FF team last year, he sucked against teams with a decent run defense and got most of his yardage against crappy defenses.

 

[Duckjake]

Both guys are very talented

Not Benson. The guys highly overrated. If he hadn't played at Texas he'd have been a 3-5th round pick.

After having Cedric Benson on my FF team last year, he sucked against teams with a decent run defense and got most of his yardage against crappy defenses.
__________________

Exactly what he did at Texas.

 

[Spielman]

Benson looked good as a receiver to me last year. Not as a runner. I'd pass.

 

[Skkorpion]

Nope. Pass. I'll bet he hardly gets a looksee from any team.

 

[Ryanwb]

5 out of the top 10 rushers in terms of total yards were running backs with 2 years of service or less.

Bottom line, you draft running backs and don't sign them via FA

 

[Unsterblich856]

Pass. What has he done to prove he is a capable back? Have three good games against awful defenses?

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Pass. What has he done to prove he is a capable back? Have three good games against awful defenses?

That's more than what Hightower has done.

 

[Shogun]

That's more than what Hightower has done.

True.

However, if that is so then you go with the younger guy who is already on the roster. No need for redundancy.

 

[TJ]

He played 12 games last season, splitting carries with Chris Perry the first couple of games. He still rushed for 750 yards. Although he did average only 3.5 ypc, you have to take into consideration that he played in the same division as the Ravens and Steelers, and played against the NFC East.

26 years old and has tread on the tires. As a replacement for Edge, why not?

 

[Unsterblich856]

That's more than what Hightower has done.

Hightower would've had a better season if the majority of his carries weren't shotgun draws and short yardage. He was impressive in the postseason, minus some dropped balls but he was never considered much of a receiver.

 

[Duckjake]

He played 12 games last season, splitting carries with Chris Perry the first couple of games. He still rushed for 750 yards. Although he did average only 3.5 ypc, you have to take into consideration that he played in the same division as the Ravens and Steelers, and played against the NFC East.

True, but almost 40% of his season total yards came in the last two games against Cleveland and Kansas City.

 

[DoTheDew]

Only for the minimum so we can cut him if/when Hightower/Arrington/??????? emerges.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

True.

However, if that is so then you go with the younger guy who is already on the roster. No need for redundancy.

i didn't mean to just give Benson the starting job. I think Higtower will be the starter next year. But, Benson would be a good guy to come in a let him compete for the job and ,if Hightower wins it, CB would be a quality backup.