Cedric Benson, as he usually does, took his time thinking about the question before answering.
Has it been difficult, with all that has gone on for him this season beginning with a shoulder injury in training camp, to avoid becoming bitter or to “run angry” every time he touches the ball?
“No,” he said slowly, choosing his words. “I’m a very spiritual person. I don’t do everything perfect every time; nobody really does. But I just think it was all a test.
“Getting hurt in training camp was a test. Had I not gotten hurt, I might have come in as the starter, had an awesome season and [there’s] no telling what I’d be doing. I’d probably be doing things I shouldn’t be doing, going places I shouldn’t be going. You know what fame does to people.”
Benson may yet have the chance to find out, and the Bears bet more than a guaranteed $16 million via his rookie contract that he will. Coming off the bench in relief of Thomas Jones, Benson has averaged 4.9 yards per carry over the last seven games, highlighted by 109 yards on 13 carries and a 22-yard pass reception Sunday against the Packers.
Of more note, Benson has done some of his best work against the best defenses. Besides Green Bay, which ranks 13th against the run, Benson has averaged 5.2 yards per carry against the three top-10 rushing defenses the Bears have faced (Minnesota No. 1, New England No. 5, Miami No. 8).
But Benson’s season has been about more than yardage and playing time–and the personal disappointment over not getting as much of either as he might have liked.
“There have been a lot of growing pains and a lot of things learned,” he said.
He has gotten bigger and stronger, from 220 pounds before the season to 230 now, at a time when the Bears need him and Jones. Like defensive end Mark Anderson, Benson has taken the playing time he has been given and has shown he might deserve more.
Over the last five games, with Jones bothered by minor injuries, Benson has had more carries and more yards. Coach Lovie Smith may have installed Benson as the starter last off-season, but he is not making a lineup change.
“Our trend is to play both,” Smith said. “The situation has allowed Cedric to play more lately and he has taken advantage of the reps. As we go into the playoffs, Thomas Jones is our starter; he’ll get the majority of our reps and Cedric will be next in line.”
Benson has run with the power the Bears saw when they made him the fourth overall pick of the 2005 draft. With the added playing time, his game instincts have returned.
“I run so hard because I think I have a wonderful blessing that God has given me and I want to take it as far as I can,” Benson said.
So has he taken it as far as he can yet? That question required no deliberation.
“Oh no,” Benson said, and then laughed. “It’s going to be dangerous when I get there.”
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jmullin@tribune.com
