The Bears’ decision to release troubled running back Cedric Benson could have positive and negative repercussions for the teammates and team brass Benson leaves behind.
POSITIVES
Matt Forte
With his chief competitor out of the mix, Forte should get the bulk of first-team snaps, which could speed his development.
Rex Grossman
Benson’s 61.3 yards per game last season didn’t do much to keep defenders from focusing on the passing game.
Garrett Wolfe
Improves his chances of making the roster. A resurgent Benson could have put his job in jeopardy.
Jerry Angelo
Benson’s off-the-field stumbles give the Bears personnel chief an easy excuse to cut a high pick who was floundering on the field.
negatives
Matt Forte
That’s one less veteran to show Forte the ropes. Plus, the rookie from Tulane will now take the brunt of the hits — and public scrutiny.
Rex Grossman
Benson’s departure likely will leave a rookie responsible for picking up blitzing defenders — never a good scenario for Grossman.
Garrett Wolfe
Development could be scrutinized more because he’s one of Jerry Angelo’s picks that has yet to pan out as a significant contributor to the running game.
Jerry Angelo
Benson is Angelo’s third first-round pick since ’02 who is no longer with the team; Marc Colombo (2002) and Michael Haynes (2003) are the others.
