Benson's payback for making him No. 1

Benson is goin 2 be a star in the NFL. Grossman will NEVER play like an NFL QB. NEVER.

Bears fans and players better wake up and realize that immature or not, this kid could very well make the difference in success vs. failure this year. Thomas Jones may be good, but he is not going to lead you to the SuperBowl this year. Cedric has more talent in his right leg then in Jones entire body. Benson will be a star in this game and it will be a shame if it isn't with the Bears.

Alright Roman, you totally redeemed yourself after that Prior/White Sox debacle. This is a great question. Go get yourself a Mariotti-manicure. We could all use one.

It's also a tough topic because on one hand, you have loyalty to a man that has been your entire offensive production for the past 2 years. As Chicago fans, we have a lot of loyalty that isn't always best for us (Ex: Cubs, Ozzie Guillen, White Castles at 2am, etc.) however, in this situation we're talking about a guy that hasn't shown any slowing down. So why should he lose his job? Believe it or not, Thomas Jones has proved over the past 2 seasons that he is in fact a sure thing. We haven't had too many sure things in a while at our running back position. So why are we so willing to sacrifice the now for potential that might not ever play out. Is Jerry Krause running the team? Are we going to let the Elton Brands of running backs go so that we can see what our Tyson Chandler can do? It's not a guarantee either way, however, I'm going with the safe bet here because I don't want to risk another Enis, Salaam, or Thomas. Stick with Thomas Jones. End this controversy now.

Why do we have to have a controversy any ways? The running back positon isn't like the quarterback position where it has to be one guy. We've got two styles of running from these two guys. Jones is more of a finesse runner whereas Benson is a power back. Why not utilize them both? We've got a quarterback in there that we're still not sold on. The least we can do is have some stability at running back.

But I definitely agree that this has disaster written all over it. We've got teammates tattling on each other and that's not right. Benson ran his mouth in the offseason by proclaiming he was the starter. You don't say things that could potentially insult the one guy from the offense that the defensive unit respects. It's going to take a lot to get everyone on the same page but hopefully Lovie can do it but he needs to step in now. If not, it could make for a great reality show.

Thomas Jones has earned the starting job by performance. Give Cedric Benson his fair chances to show why he was drafted fourth overall. REX IS THE STARTING QUARTERBACK! There are reasons why Brian Grease was available. He's a terrific number TWO option.

I don't like the way the veterans are treating Benson. I know why though. They like Jones because he held out with 2 years to go on his contract. They are all for him for that reason. If he can pressure the BEARS for more $ maybe it will help their negotiations in the future. They are also jealous of the contract Benson has. But didn't Benson suffer when he held out last year? I think the BEARS are in a world of hurt with this team dissension. I think Jones and the team should get their heads out of their butts and start thinking of the team rather than his contarct. That comment that Moose made today about "HE's BACK" really upsets me. I think Moose may be getting a kickback from that greedy agent of his. Moose is a cancer because of the way he pushes his agent on the BEARS players. Benson may be young and sometimes makes mistakes but he is our future. Screw Thomas Jones, Moose and their agent! Get rid of them before the season is ruined.

Roman, You know me. I rarely respond to other posts if I've already posted, however, this Rich Hurley guy makes me ill.

You seriously think the reason why they like Thomas Jones is because he held out? Are you kidding me? Firt of all, he didn't hold out. He didn't come in for his voluntary workout. He's been practicing since he was supposed to report. He wasn't fined any amount by the Chicago Bears. That's not exactly a hold-out.

The reason why Moose and the rest of the Chicago Bears are showing their support is because Thomas Jones helped to keep that team afloat last year when they had an inept back-up take over at QB thanks to the wonderful GM abilities of Jerry Angelo. It has nothing to do with pay. The veterans actually have a lesser respect for Cedric Benson BECAUSE HE held out; not the other way around. This guy sounds like he's a Packer fan trying to stir the pot. Any sportscaster, reporter, or person with any sense of the game and business side of football understands what this is about: Players showing their loyalty to a guy that has played his heart out the past two seasons and who they felt was getting the raw end of the deal. Plain and simple. Jealous of his contract? You really think Brian Urlacher is jealous? Yeah, he's crying all the way to his endorsement deals and memories of Paris Hilton's under garments.

Thomas Jones would make a great Gentry, and wake up Chicago, Benson is our best chance for another Walter. I watched Rex play down here in Florida, and he has got Bret Farve written all over him. Be happy we have a top of the line back up this year, with Griese

"Cedric has more talent in his right leg then in Jones entire body."? It sounds like you slept through the past two football seasons and missed the performances of Thomas Jones. Further, if you think Benson is going to be the difference between a division title and the Super Bowl, I'm glad you're not in charge of the team as we would then be in for another disappointing season. While you can argue Benson has more "pure talent" than Jones, you can't dispute the fact he's only been here 15 months and he's already shown repeatedly that his focus is on himself - not the team. As far as his teamates disliking him because they are jealous of his contract, I would think the fact he missed his rookie year pre-season and shot his mouth off about taking Jones' spot as the starter was more then reason enough to find him a jerk. It's really quite simple: they support Jones because he's proven both as a player on the field and as a leader in the locker room; they dislike Benson because he's an arrogant punk that hasn't proven a thing. Quite frankly, I think Benson is a head-case and, in the end, prove to be a bust ala Curtis Enis.
Time will tell.

Way to use that economics degree, Rich. Don't you realize that the more money Jones gets, the less money there is available under the salary cap for other players? I would think that it would be counter-productive for teamates to support Jones's hold-out in hopes that they would then reap greater benefits in the future. Funny how Moose is a cancer, but Benson, a self-centered punk that has dissed the entire team, is the future. The fact that you think the Bears would be better off this season without Moose and Jones shows your inability to think rationally. You must also be a Cubs fan.

I have this to say about Benson not being on the sideline. Who gives a crap? It is a preseason game where he needs to rest not work. They can say all they want that he needs to be there for the team. Hello, remember when Thomas Jones was not there for the team in off season workouts, because he did not agree with his contract, no stink was made for that. That is Bull. Thomas Jones is not an elite back and will never be. The 2 years spent in Chicago he has been injured. Wait let me remember. Same thing in Arizona. He is not a gamer. Benson is the best chance these Bears have to reach the Big one. As for those that sold Benson out. You all are pathetic. He was not going to be used. If you needed a cheerleader go to the nearest street corner I am sure one will give you praise for the price.

1335 yards rushing last year with no passing game? how quickly one forgets, if you look around the NFL you will notice a need for at least 2 good backs on most teams and the Bears are ahead of the curve, in house fighting??? the 85 super bowl seem to have a bit of that and look how that turned out. I do believe Rex is the answer and if the Defense can match last year (not the Carolina game)we WILL go to the super bowl...

Pigskin is team sport, if no team, you'll just be a pig without skin. Cedric better be ceeeeeemart. he know better than that.

Hang in there, Thomas Jones !!! It's all office politics. The fact is your office is in the field, not in front of computer like the rest of the world is.

Rex is aint all bad, but need to watch your back. It's called motivation.

this is overblown. Benson was aidiot for leaving the the field and not going to the meeting but although he is wrong , it is worse that teammates ratted to the media. Look, Jones is a good back but his vision and balance is suspect. I know about the 1300 yards but I also know our line is one of the top 3 in the league, A. Peterson avg was 5 ypc behinde that line. Jones will never be anthing but a good back while Benson has a chance to be a star.

Lovie's and Jerry's stupid decisions are the biggest problems the Bears have. The QB & RB issues are actually insignificant. There are bigger problems none of you even speak of.

I find snitching to be very selfish and unmanly. whom ever told on Benson should be ashamed of themselves. crying about what someone else does is what children do. backstabbing is just as bad as prima donna behavior, if not worse. if members of the team have a problem with Benson's behavior or attitude be a man and say it to his face. it troubles me that both of our running backs and other players do not seem to grasp the "team" concept.

Grossman has done NOTHING this preseason for me to be confident that he can lead to a Super Bowl. Griese doesn't have a Favre arm, not flashy, but he is consistent and his throws are accurate. Correct me if I am wrong but isn't that what we needed last year? Consistency? Give me Griese. Man, Urlacher has more touches than Grossman.

Now CB could be a stud but as that city with the cheesesteaks has shown us, stud or not that me, me, me, prima donna crap can destroy a team. The only prima donna I know that got a pass here won a Super Bowl. Benson does not get SPECIAL treatment and should stay on the field like everyone else. It's a rule people! Man I knew we shouldn't have drafted this guy. He sounds like he may have some personal issues. I hope that Lovie will not let this ruin what could be a potentially very special season that we have been waiting so long for...

He gets drafted, then holds out and is immediately hated by his teamates. You can tell by the way they block for him, snitch on him, treat him in practice (the extra hard hit delivered by Urlacher). I thought since day one this guy was a head case from his dealings at Texas (saying Ricky Williams was his idol), to when he was drafted (crying)...Just seams that the combination of him and the his situation will cause' this to end badly

I don't know who the moron is who wrote the comments about Moose and getting kick back from agents and that Benson is our future and screw Jones, Moose and so on, but he is a stupid moron. Jones is the now for our team Benson is a selfish UNPROVEN ME FIRST person. THAT will be the down fall of the Bears. Jones is the ONLY reliable person we have on our team, and one of the best in football. The only thing Benson has done is CRY about getting hit in practice. WAAAAAAA call the WAAAAAAbulance, Benson got hit. Imagine what your so called future would be had he really been hit by Urlacher. Beson is a cry baby who got what he deserved. Go Thomas Jones!

Thomas jones and Cedric Benson are great running backs ,Jones has more experience and Benson is our future (barring any freak injuries)how is he a prima donna?he was not appointed savior like Grossman,Prior and Kerry Woods,like stated ealier you can have a couple running backs(read rulebook)every year their is media made controversies that people such as Mariotti makes up to sell newspapers.(this one with Ozzie he got his hands full because Ozzie is notgoing to backdown)let Lovie Smith run the team ,not the media (most have never played the sports they report on anyway!)True fans will understand the real deal when it comes to our hometeams.Yes ,Benson made a mistake he is frustrated just like most Players/fans,I dont blame Jones either because running for over 1300 yards and having to answer ridiculous questions from the media gets on your nerves ,I am also glad that people know it was voluntary workout Jones skipped ,not mandatory(unlike some media genuisesand uneducated fans tried to portray it to be)If Griese beats out Grossman so what ,Rex is a professional he will rebound as long as the injury bug doesnt bite him too often and he gets better as the season goes on, he will be okay.In the meantime ...gooooooo Bears!!!!!

I don't give a rat's ass which one starts or if the Bears win another game...I just need one of the idiots in charge there to pick one. I own both in my dynasty league...I need to know which one to start!

I'm a transplanted bears fan living in Austin. Its well known in these parts that "El Ced" makes more bad decisions than a kid in an after school special. Remember the whole TV incident?

At least Cedric -- unlike Grossman -- makes his bad decisions OFF the field.

However, I blame Lovie Smith for the current locker room dissension. By gifting cedric the starting job (instead of making him earn it) he turned him into the proverbial teachers pet. Now the bullies and snitches are lining up to take their shots.

All in all, I'm getting tired of the Bears antics. Would somebody please remind these prima donnas they got creamed by Cleaveland last year!??!?

You all need to stop complaining about Benson and start looking at Rex. He's not proven regardless what he did at Florida and who ever mentioned that he's the next Brett Favre needs to look at how many full straight seasons he completed. I do know Rex has two full seasons missed. Check your stats. We also need some receivers.

Benson was wrong. Done deal..move on. Jones will start the season and remain there until Benson begins to prove himself.
Teamates ratted out Benson? Where's the proof? The statement came from REPORTERS. If people think that's a credible source then they're not too bright. REPORTERS start crap like this all the time just to get ratings and theirselves something to write about.
Remember Mariotti's idiotic ranting that Kruetz and should be fined and suspended for their fight at the shooting range last year?
C'mon folks. Don't believe all the garbage you read from the media until you see solid proof for yourselves.
Go Bears!

BTW, I agree that Benson is a head case and will be a bust A.K.A. Ricky Williams.

Roman responds: Nobody is disputing what the REPORTERS wrote. The Bears' bone of contention is they didn't want it leaked to the media, and some believe the source was someone other than a player. The stories were accurate.

1) Forget CB's holdout. If the team is upset about that, grow up and look at the Chargers' players and team response to Shawn Merriman's holdout. When he was healthy, he started.

2) The brass is to blame. Once Grossboy was up to speed again, they started him last year. They did not do the same with CB. Once he was up to speed after the holdout, they sat him. They created the present controversy by not starting CB when able last year. They planted a seed within all of us that TJ was better, which exploded in their faces this year when they contradicted last year's actions by anointing CB the starter. The only way to establish consistency now is to start CB when he returns. Then say "you can't lose your spot to injury," which is the same line used to justify Grossboy's entrance last year.

3) We are not personnel gurus. If the brass now thinks CB is better, we have to trust them. These same coaches had Vasher, Scott, Harris, and Briggs starting quicker than we expected and they are 4 for 4.

4) Blame the rest of the players. Ratting out to the media is spineless, especially when remaining nameless. Furthermore, a player's job is to play, not take sides as to whom should be starting. As fans, we should expect CB to be better because the professional coaches know so. Consequently, we should expect CB to be more explosive than TJ, and TJ to likely block and catch better. Why? Because that is what the coaches have said. If we do not see that, CB is as much to blame as is the likely lackluster effort of his blockers to spring him.

Has anyone questioned why the Bears are the only team in the league that can't make the "2-back" system work. ATL, GB, Den, NO, PIT, and a whole host of others have "2-back" systems. Since when did Jones and Benson become "Highlanders" (There can only be one)?? The Bears are turning into a bunch of whining immature brats. Benson doesn't have a me first attitude, he simply doesn't care about gaining the approval of his teammates. Being a "team guy" and a "team player" are two different things. You can't accuse Benson of not being a team player. After all, a team player is what they are paying him to be, not a team guy.

OK Ray Michael, you're an idiot if you think Grossman is better than Griese. And you're football retarded. Griese is available because a younger, just as capable, more expensive option (Chris Simms) was on the team. They had to play him to justify the expenditure. !

Moose is an idiot whether he gets kick backs or not. He hasn't done one thing since he set foot in Chicago except give interviews on topics he really shouldn't be discussing. Take a look at all the teams that made the playoffs last year and he isn't fit to be the number 3 receiver on any of them. I hae him and wish he would go away. H's Brian Cox all over again!!!!

There is a bigger problem going on here. Lovie has no control of this team. the players have no respect for him . they lie straight to his face. and now Lovie is more worried about the negative stories getting out, than about the bad behavior. the management is letting politics affect who starts (QB). this whole thing is a mess. superbowl? yeah right.

Well I guess I'm an idiot or moron or whatever because I disagree with Thomas Jones and Moose's agenda. OK, I can handle that, but please understand that the agent for TO, Moose, Jones, Briggs, and several other BEARS are Rosenhaus clients. Also look at when they changed agents and how their hamstrings are holding out.

"Roman responds: Nobody is disputing what the REPORTERS wrote. The Bears' bone of contention is they didn't want it leaked to the media, and some believe the source was someone other than a player. The stories were accurate."
AND:
"At least a couple Bears turned in Benson for leaving the sidelines early during Friday's preseason game."

So, in the first quote we have "Some believe." In the second quote we have it stated as fact that "at least a couple Bears."

"Some believe?" How is that accurate? Some believed that Earth was the center of the solar system too. You prove my point that the media sensationalizes things to get the story some attention by stating that "Some believe" and then it is written as fact that teamates ratted out Cedric Benson. Which is it? Nah, just go ahead and release the story before having all the facts. Might as well be reading the Washington ComPost. Cannot believe the media most of the time.

On the other hand I enjoy reading your blogs now and then. It's a riot watching everyone stress out before the season even began.

Roman responds: Sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant some believe IN THE BEARS ORGANIZATION that the source wasn't a player. But nobody is disputing these facts: Benson left the sideline early and didn't attend a team meeting after the game.

I am appalled at the general disregard everyone shows for Cedric Benson. We know he's sensitive. He cried on draft day. The kid has heart. It's not his fault that Jerry Angelo took him on as a pet project and wants to give him every competitive edge. Let's not forget that the reason Benson held out last season is because Ted Philips and Cliff Stein were obsessing over their 5-year contract preference and bitter that Benson wanted more bonus money because he's allowed his own free agency to be delayed by a season.
Thomas Jones deserves a better contract and has a legitimate gripe, I will concede that. But that is Thomas Jones' issue, and the idea that other players on the team have taken up Jones' cause by bullying Cedric Benson in "shorts and shoulder pads" workouts is rediculous.
You can count on Jones to miss three games a year with an ankle sprain or a hamstring pull, so we will need Cedric Benson. He's not expendable. He's still a commodity, to be quite honest.
Before you trash Benson, recall that Thomas Jones did not do a thing in the NFL until the Bears handed him a starting job from Anthony Thomas, who had run for 1,000 yards in 2 of his first 3 seasons. No one said these things are fair, and it's definitely not the players' fault that these things happen. In this case, though, a guy's teammates need not make things worse for him.

The problem with the tailback issue between Benson & Jones is simply an unwillingness to co-exist, primarily Jones' unwillingness. Up to this point "Big Texas" Benson has indicated in a few interviews that he is willing to work with Jones and even would like to see situations where both are on the field simultaneously. If Ced really feels that way is another issue. I think its easier for him to take that position knowing he was drafted 4th Overall to be the future and Jones only has, at best, two years remaining and it being about a 99.99999% level of certainty that Jones' contract will not be renewed once it expires. Atleast he's said he willing to work together. We have heard none of this from Jones and shouldn't expect to. I'll tell you why. Its because just like Ced Benson, Jones' was a top 10 pick (7th Overall) in his respective draft year (2000)and had sky high expectations placed on him by the team (Cardinals) and hisself. As we all know, he failed miserably for the Cardinals and for the 1st 5 years of his career for that matter and therefore, justly labeled a bust. Jones is now, for the 1st time in his career, achieving the on-field success that has alluded him for so many years. Subsequently, Jones is getting on a roll career wise (with 2 pretty good seasons, 1 being a standout, in consecutive years), and is in no mood to have it impeded by having to share the load with the incoming young stud. For Jones, co-existing is taking a step back and counterproductive to his success, especially when the other half of the co-existence is a back of immense stature (based on collegiate performance, as we have yet to see enough of him as a pro to really assess what he is at this point)and makes roughly 4 times what you make. Jones views it as being phased out and not co-existence. In reality Jones is being phased out. He knows it just like all of us do, he just not going along with the program. Not now after it has taken him the better portion of 6 years to finally get rolling. As for the rest of our locker room, they need to try their best to stay out of the situation as opposed to openly choosing sides (too late for that), as it is only complicating the matter. It emboldens Jones to continue be a nusiance in the locker room and subsequently gives Ced a hard road to tow. Ced already trusts no one and is always on guard just by nature, this only galvanizes him to remain that way. Which leads to further friction internally between him & Jones and the rest of the squad for that matter.

I believe, not that my opinion matters, that Thomas Jones should be the starter. He has proven that he can keep his mouth shut and play football. Ced has been saying he's going to do this and that and the other. I hear too many "I don't care"'s come out of his mouth to make me wonder if he really cares about, not just the Bears, but football at all. If Benson's supposed talent will ever come to fruition, he needs to take a lesson from Jones, and keep his mouth shut, and prove that he is a quality back.

For the comment from Ray Michael "REX IS THE STARTING QUARTERBACK! There are reasons why Brian Grease was available. He's a terrific number TWO option." Guess what, Griese has proven himself in this league that he can get the job done as a starting QB. Has Grossman done that? Just from what I've seen thus far in the preseason (not to mention career stats) Griese is our best option at QB if you want to win and win big. But hey, if you would rather have a guy with a QB rating of less than 60 over a guy with a rating over 80, then Grossman's your guy. Regardless of who ends up starting, hopefully we will have a successful offensive and defensive football team this year. Well rounded football teams win championships.

Congratulations Angelo - you've destroyed any semblance of team unity with your egotistical, arrogant leadership. You know better than anyone else and you'll prove it by playing your draft choices over proven starters. And note: we haven't had a tight end since Ditka, and you passed over 5/6 of them in the draft because it wasn't a position of need? Do you really believe you're kidding anyone?

If anyone is surprised about Benson's behavior, all they need to do is to go back and look at his bizarre draft day interview 2 years ago. NICE JOB JERRY??? The one year you should have traded down to replace your high school linebacker Hillenmeyer, you draft a wacko.

I kind of like the "circle the wagons mentality" What I don't like is that "El Ced" is acting like that former Ex-texas RB Ricky Williams.

It's so simple.1)Benson has done NOTHING to earn the starting job he also seems to be "shell shocked" since being injured maybe because he never has been but he needs to toughn up. 2)Griese was available for ONE reason, money, tampa saved a ton going with simms. you want proof look at Grieses career stats they are already better than ANY PLAYER IN BEARS HISTORY. He is proven, grossman is not, how long and how many games do you lose before making the switch? Bottom line the offense looks just as bad as a year ago they can not even run the ball. Teams will still try to make the qb beat them and until that happens it will be a loooonngg season.3)As far as jones, remember he gained 1300 yds with the defense KNOWING the bears were going to run it. bottom line the front office is a joke how can any team go 20 years with out a QB I blame mgmnt for not getting the job done. They did NOTHING (except griese) to improve the offense, no tight end, no reciever, no FB. one thing that seems improved is the special teams especially on the return side. but the recieving core is a joke we have NO legit number 2 guy so guess what? moose will be looking at double coverage all day long and jones or cb will be looking at an 8 man front.

Anyone who thinks that Lovie has real power to start Benson over Jones doesn't know how the NFL works.Lovie has to work with whoever the GM picks.Lovie is the most underpaid coach in the NFL and is glad he has a head coach job.He's going to work with what he has in prove what an excellent coach he is and leave this city in his rearview mirror.He is always speaking the company lines through gritted teeth because he knows better.He knows that Thomas Jones is an excellent back and I'm sure he would love to start him and see if he could repeat his production.The man wants to succeed because that is his job.The GM wants to prove he's a mastermind and can draft weapons for the team to use.I didn"t think we needed another back because Jones did a fine job against 9 man fronts in 2004 and did what 80% of the backs in the league could not do.Come on,2nd best rushing total in Bears history!!!2ND only to the great WALTER PAYTON!!!!!Ced has to prove he can do something instead of shooting his mouth off and alienating has backstabbing teammates.I didn't know that when Playmakers was canceled on ESPN that the Bears would make a sequel.

Ron Turner is supposed to be an offensive genius - if that's true, why can't he devise a game plan that would get both Jones and Benson on the field together? Seems to me, and I'm dating myself here, that at one time the Bears had a couple of guys named Walter Payton and Roland Harper in the same backfield. Harper never hit the thousand yard mark (but came real close w/ a 990+ yard season) and that worked out pretty well.

Yeah.

Lawrence Phillips and Maurice Clarett were both more talented than Thomas Jones, too.

Benson is a head case, and that will more-likely-than-not affect his preparation (or lack thereof) for games. As a result, he will either be injury-prone, a mental midget, or a washout because he is not prepared in a lightning-fast league. We should deal him NOW - while there is still some uncertainty about his future. The only people on this board who defend him ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE JUST LIKE HIM - LAZY ASSES THAT DO NOT FOLLOW THE RULES, TRY TO ROCK THE BOAT, TRY TO GET BY ON TALENT ALONE WITH NO HARD WORK, GET IN GET-RICH QUICK SCHEMES, AND COMPLAIN WHEN THE WORLD COMES COLLAPSING DOWN AROUND THEM. Benson is the hero of this type of individual in today's society. If he can be successful, it vindicates that whole lefestyle. (okay, steps off of soap box)

Benson is good, but so is Jones. We have two great options to line up on the offense side of the ball. So why not use them both to their potetnial. This will only egg these guys on to give it the extra yard.
QB, QB, QB. i'm 33 years old, born and raised on the south side, and the Bears are genetically insilled in my blood. We have always had, and alway will have issues at QB. Years have past where it seemed like we had a guy to pose a deep threat, but then our offensive line stunk on ice thus preventing our QB twinkle in the fans eye dwindle.
Last year proved the line can provide decent protection, and this years looks to be the same. Between the 3 (Grossman, Griese, and Orton) well I say let Grossman earn his number 1 spot. If we are down towards the end of the game throw in Griese why not. Just have to remember Griese is the perfect QB for the Bears. he will get hot, if protected, and he will stink. I don't see big numbers from these qb's and last weeks game seemed to me a prelude to a rerun of last year. Thank goodness we still have a great looking and well conditioned D.

If Cedric Benson wants the job, let him do like Larry Johnson in Kansas City! Snag the job from a highly productive player--with heart and determination--and never look back!!!!!

If Cedric Benson wants the job, let him do like Larry Johnson in Kansas City! Snag the job from a highly productive player--with heart and determination--and never look back!!!!!

we have 2 starting running backs and a pretty darn good third stringer. we have 2 starting QBs and a pretty darn good third stringer and we are speaking of controversy? If this is a problem I'll take it!!!!

How can you complain about Benson being named the starter without earning, while in the same breath blithely accept Grossman's annointed status as starter. What has he ever done, at any level, since high school? Yay, he put up numbers in a Steve Spurrier system that made stars out of puds like Danny Weurfel and Shane Matthews.

The RB situation will resolve itself, either guy is probably capable, and they can easily sub in and out every 2 or 3 series to find out who is most effective. Can you do that with a QB? Really? Do you truly think so?

Grossman is the problem, not Benson. Get over it.

Was Benson out of line, yes, but that does not excuse the rest of the team's behavior. Ever since Jones was 'demoted' for missing 'voluntary' practices. If he wasn't such a Prima Donna himself, he would have been at practice (if he is such a team player then why did he miss the opportunity to 'voluntarily improve himself and the team). Isn't the reason that Benson is hurt is because the defense was taking extreme hits on him that they weren't on anyone else? He didn't make the decision in regards to Jones and he is not the reason he is on the sidelines instead of playing. If Jones felt he should still be #1 then tell him to get out there and earn it himself.
Bottom line is if players are willing to risk injury at key posiitons to 'protect' last year's starter against coach's decisons and are willing to rat out a team mate then they are the cancer. Cancer kills and if not checked quickly will kill this team's chances.

Do any of you people really believe the bears have a shot at the superbowl? you must be kidding this team is BAD you have a D that CANNOT stop big plays, CANNOT tackle and CANNOT cover any one. You have a starting QB who is ok at best. a coaching staff that is clueless and A GM who should be dumped in lake michigan. the bears did NOTHING to improve this team from a year ago . Another WEAK division title(if your lucky) and another quick exit in the playoffs. same old B.S.

So I hear Branch may come avaible if the trade is right. Lets see if the brass has the balls to get it done. I know this is not the topic for this blog but since the receiver position is a issue and so is the rb postion both can be fixed in a swift signature of trade.

Somebody please tell me when did Thomas Jones become a star in the NFL? Matter of Fact please tell me before last year when did Thomas Jones gain over a thousand yards? The bears basically took a gamble on a potential 1st round bust. Just because you did your job and gained over 1300 yards doesn't mean you can just demand more money. How about putting back-to-back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons than we can talk.

Branch is not going any where. and the brass doesn't need the balls to sign him they need the money. they gave griese 15m so they are not going to do that again. Besides even with the pats giving him permission to talk to other teams if he gets picked up the pats stiil have to deal him and i'm sure they would want at least a second round pick!!!!!

Griese was available because the Bucs decided on Simms to be the starting QB. I think I would rather have Grossman starting than Chris Simms. Also Griese's stats weren't that impressive last year. 7 TDs to go along with 7 INTs in an injury shortened season. WOW, staggering aren't they. He is, at best, a capable back-up. As for Benson, he should just shut up and win the starting job out-right. I think he will be the franchise back but all this crying about not trusting is B.S. Win the job and in turn you win the respect you want so badly. Hopefully both these problems will work themselves out and the Bears will have a great year.

"capable back up" ??? Griese has thrown for more yards than ANY QB in bears history and last year he was 5-1 before getting hurt, has thrown for more than 16,000 yds has 16, 300 yd games and 84+ passer rating. I think "capable back up" is understated.

I agree with frank | August 25, 2006 11:48 PM. Except that the Bears brought in Griese, a definite plus.

I think Benson is a chump (Jones too by the way). To my knowledge the only running backs chosen as high as Benson were Walter and Gale. Both were superstars and Hall of Famers. Do you see Benson in that class? I sure as H don't. Way to go Lovie and Jerry! Also, Lovie is so clueless, just look at his face and listen to what he says. This one is Jerry's fault. You can't blame Lovie for taking the job, I would. By the way, I know I can out coach Lovie.

The Bears look like a 5-11 team again. Lovie has been very, very lucky so far, so I will say the Bears go 8-8. They should be 12-4 but Lovie can't get this team to play any where near its potential. Coach of the year my hind end.

It's annoying that the three offensive skill positions (QB,RB,WR) aren't fully resolved. Management has messed this up and it's hurting team chemistry. Annoint someone and be right (!) or let it be truly competitive.

I personally think Benson is the guy but he needs to EARN it.

no--"capable backup" is pretty accurate. Like Thomas Jones, Griese has only really had a couple of genuinely solid seasons. He's been mediocre or hurt the rest of the time. He's talented, I guess, but not much of an upgrade over Rex, not to mention just as fragile and a few years older.

Benson is a lot more ready to be a starter than Thomas Jones was when he first came into the league. With that said, I'll be surprised if he supplants Thomas Jones again as starter this year, because TJ is solid.(By-the-by: I know this was covered in a previous thread, but I finally saw the Thomas Jones episode of "Cribs" - not to be judgemental or anything, but if you're trying to get a pay raise, it's probably a bad idea to show the world just how extravagantly you live. Not a judgement; just business advice.)

I don't think Benson's a head case, and I don't think he's rocking the boat. He's just a kid with too much money. He'll figure it out.

This team needs a new coach. Lovie has the greatest talent this team has had since 1986 and he can't get the offense on track nor discipline the team to even do the fundementals well. I don't think there's QB or RB controversy, these decisions are either allowed to fester by the coach or are handled by a strong leader.

Let the facts do the talking. The two who have done the most in the NFL are Griese and Jones. They should start.
All the talk about the potential of Grossman and Benson is just that: TALK, just everyone's opinions and guesses.
So start Griese. Start Jones. They're solid. Don't waste the precious time of our defense, who have been carrying this team for 5 years.

Scott | August 28, 2006 04:02 PM is right on!

No Frank, Griese is just a capable back-up. His best year was in a contract year, so those numbers will never be put up again. HE was 5-1 on a Bucs team that had the easiest schedule thru the first 7 games. They also had Cadillac Williams who ran the ball on an average of about 35 times per game. Saying he has more passing yards than any QB in Bears history is like saying he is the tallest midget in his class. Grossman will be the starter all year because Griese isn't a better option at QB position. His stats in the PRESEASON are against 2nd and 3rd stringers. I hope a veteran QB can play like that against players fighting for roster spots!

Scott t.were you ranting about Prior,kerry woods,Grossboy,Dirk Nodzzzzwickyi?It sure wasnt a desciption of Cedric Benson and his fans.

I'd rather have Cedric benson start. Why? Because he is more talented than Thomas Jones and will give us a better chance to win. It's not as if Thomas Jones is a perennial pro bowler. He's been consistently average through his whole career. I could careless about the off the field stuff right now if Benson gives us a big season.

BLAKe,you can put grossman against 2nd and 3rd stringers and i believe he still does not compare to griese. 16,000 yds and 84+ passer rating is not compiled in just a few easy games. I do not believe grossman will even stay healthy long enough to play the whole season and i do not believe the bears payed griese 15 mil. to sit on the bench. If you think grossman is better than griese, at this point, your crazy. grossman is not even comfortable in the pocket (look at his last pic his feet were not set he was jumping all over the place) and griese has become the starter where ever he's landed. One thing I will say is all this QB talk has over shadowed a bigger problem, namley RUNNING the ball. We are DEAD LAST in that category so far. If we cannot run the ball the QB position will be a mute point.

Agreed: Griese has had an easy time going against the 2's and 3's. So...why not let him run the 1's? Against the 1's. Chances are, he'll have to go in anyway during the season. That's why he was brought over here, isn't it? Give him a few series with the first stringers. That's what preseason is for. Get a feel of the offense in a game situation that doesn't count. Why not?

Not defending Grossman here at all, but I think he would be more comfortable in the pocket, once he takes a hard sack. He's playing scared for two reason's, one for his job, and 2 of getting a hard hit and getting hurt. If he gets hit, and is able to pop back up, maybe just a tad bit on the dazed side that may help him. Then he can focus his energy on the real threat, his starting position. Once players have jsut that one focus of keeping their jobs, they practice harder, study longer, and produce more. Granted this may not be the case with Rex, but he needs to get hit. Lovie should whisper into one of the guards ears to let the D slip past once.

Benson and Jones need to take it out on the field and fight for the spot. Both need and deserve a fair shot at it, and to run on the first string offense. Mix it up for a few regular games, the bears have done that before. 2 or 3 plays Benson, 2 or 3 plays Jones.
Do that for at least the first 3 or 4 regular games and go from there.

For a team that did so well last year, and with so many returning starters, I can't recall so much baggage. Part of this is Angelo and his iron rules of negotiating (Vashar, Briggs) and the Benson/Jones fisasco. The QB situation will sort itself out, I personally think grise should start this year and let Rex sit a year. I just wonder will the team chemistry implode this team, especially if they get off to a bad start?

It is very interesting to me how quickly people will turn on a player. I can't believe that Griese is being mentioned in the same breath as Grossman. Griese has won the QB position everywhere he has gone except in Miami where he was 3rd string behind the likes of JAy Fiedler and Sage Rosenfals. Those are quality QBs and he couldn't even be the back-up on that team. With Denver and Tampa he started because there were no other options. In Denver he did play well but that was along time ago. He isn't the same QB. He has no arm and will not do anything special for this team. THe only reason he was signed for 15 mil is because of Rex's injury problems the last 3 yrs. He is an insurance plan. I like him as the back-up but to annoint him as the starter after 3 PRESEASON games is just plain dumb. Grossman will be the starter and he will preform the way he is capable of and these arguements will all be mute points. Nothing against Griese but fans have waited a long time to see this team with Grossman leading the way and a couple of bad plays in games that don't count shouldn't change that. If Grossman preforms terrible in the season then maybe there needs to be a change but if Grossman is replaced he will lose all confidence and never be the starter again. Then its back to the drawing board because Griese is not a long term answer.

Long time ago ??? 2004 trhu 2005- 91+
passer rating, 67% completion rating 3,768 yds 27TDS team record 12 straight games with at least one td pass. 2004- tied team record with 11 straight games with a td beat good D'S such as carolina (3 tds) and atlanta(2 TDS)Griese has been a good QB, recently and not starting in miam? he was there for 1 season and was never given the chance. He is a good QB period!! stats speak for themselves, he has them grossman does not. Every game grossman says how great he and the offense are going to do then he goes out and lays an egg then comes back and tells everyone he's not worried and next game they will do much better but, then comes out and has another bad game. I guess most people are getting tired of hearing him keep promising results and getting NONE. If he played as well as he talks he would be the best QB in the NFL. Most bear fans are tired of hearing "empty" promises and would like him to talk less and perform more. When you keep saying how great you are and how much your going to produce then stink up the joint you start sounding like an idiot.

I don't care for Mushmouth Muhammbone. He drops too many easy passes and is way too quick to flail around with frustration and get that look on his face that beems disgust with the young QBs if a pass isn't perfect. I'd like to see one of the veterans set him straight. I'd also like to see him earn that huge paycheck by getting open deep much more often, catching more of the passes thrown his way and act more like a veteran leader and less like a prima donna T.O. wanna be. Yeah that's right!

I agree ALL bears recievers drop WAY to many passes. On any of the ELITE teams with ELITE recievers moose would be a number two guy no doubt. he had 1 great year and he is solid but, not great no where near a t.o. or chad johnson or steve smith. When your recieving corp has been PATHETIC for so long any decsent reciever is going to look good to you. They drop a lot of catchable balls. Just another area of the offense that mgmnt. has not made any upgrade. It's like I said in the past Mngmnt. has done NOTHING to improve a pathetic offense for yet another year (except griese helps)

Listen, all this talk of Grossman not delivering is just doomsaying on the part of a bunch of whiny Bears fans that can't learn some good old fashioned PATIENCE.

Did any of you actually watch the third preseason game? Rex opened up with 5 straight passes, had 4 straight on his last (albeit ill-fated) drive, and there were numerous drops by the receivers on bullet throws right at their numbers. You want someone to blame, blame the inconsistent receiving corps (and that includes Moose, whose drops belie his steep price).

Grossman needs a running game and more than a half-season of experience. It'll work. As for Benson, yeah.. he needs to shut his mouth sometimes. He's off to a bad start. That doesn't change the fact that he will produce in a big way for this team one day. Thomas Jones is a great back, but he's not our future. The guy can't even start an entire season (naysayers name ONE complete set of 16 games; I dare you).

With a consistent passing game and Benson's power running, Grossman and the Bears will become a force to be reckoned with. At least wait until the season tanks before you start moaning about production. Buncha girly Cub fans on this board make me ill..

I wouldn't get my hopes up with Benson. He's behind just about every curve there is... maturity, loyalty, training, practice, learning, conditioning, etc. I don't see him as a Bear but a guy making money from a team to play ball. I have this feeling he will be a fumbler. Get you down to the goal line and then cough it up. Jones is a cherry picker runner. He has quickness to get through a huge hole but when things are tight he hops, skips and jumps around like a 6 year old girl at the playground and gets run out of bounds without cutting upfield to gain some tough yards. I believe in the "run to daylight" philosophy but Jones seems to believe in the "run only if there is enough daylight to not get hit" philosophy. In other words he does not pound it up the field to get those tough yards you must have as often as he should, not even close. And I don't like his attitude. Oh, by the way I have to say that the play calling was awful all last season and doesn't look much better so far this season. The play calling is where you hide your weakness, focus on your strength, overcome your shortcomings, protect your defense, reduce risk of injury, etc. The Bears have done just a terrible job in this area. This is the root cause of all of our offensive problems

bob4, first not a Cub fan, was from the south side, Sox all the way. Second the Bears have really never had in several years a passing game. Sure Grossman threw 5 straight passes, he gets an atta boy, and about time. He still needs to get comfortable and hit at least once.

Lets be honest. While Thomas Jones did have a great year last year, in fact his best as a pro, he is not a superstar back. He has no breakaway speed or gamebreaking potential. He also has been hurt and missed atleast 2 to 3 games in every pro season. The fact is the Bears need to be rooting for Cedric Benson to achieve his potential on the field and mature off the field, because he is a possible game changing back. The type of running back that can carry a team. There is a reason Thomas Jones is on his 3rd team in 7 seasons, so lets not pretend that he gets a free pass. The fact is he did skip workouts with his teammates in the offseason when the "me me me" Cedric Benson was spending all of his time at Hallas Hall with the coaches and his teammates preparing for the season. Maybe some people see it as selfish that he said he would be the number one back, but if I'm drafting someone with the fourth overall pick in the first round they better have the attitude that they are going to be a starter or they don't belong in the league let alone being drafted that high. As far as Grossman and Griese goes, Rex has to prove himself before all the questions will go away. Perform or sit down!

Look Frank, I don't know if you are on Griese's payroll or what but his stats aren't that good. And don't bring up that he has more career passing yards than any Bears QB all-time because they haven't had any QBs worth anything. Last year although leading the Bucs to a 5-1 record he had a QB rating of 79.6. WOW!!, threw 7 picks and 7 tds in 6 games. SO he's good for about a pick a game. IN 2005 he had good numbers and a good completion percentage but he palyed in the West Coast Offense where every pass is a 5 yrd pass. Also in this magical season the Bucs won 5 games. I'm not saying that he is a bad QB, but i think Grossman has more potential to be a great QB. Hopefully he can show it. I just hope for a good year because this team can be special if the offense falls into place. But i don't think that than can happen with a mediocore QB like Griese.

I wish I was on his payroll whats 3% of 15 mil? I guess it's useless to try to prove my point even if the starting offense has scored ZERO TD'S so far and griese looks a 100x better than rex AND has the stats to back up my point. (includidng a pro bowl apperance)I'm not even saying rex will NEVER be good I just think you need to have the best players on the field that give you the best chance to win NOW. At this point and time Griese is better than rex, end of story!!!!!!

Rex, Griese, and Orton all will put up numbers at some point this year. Can't forget that even though they are completley differant attitudes, and differant stats, they are all still atheletes that trhive on competition and consistantly proving themselves. No where is this more previlent than the QB spot.
At this point I don't care who is the QB so long as they put up numbers, get TD's instead of FG and give the D a little rest. Can you imangine how the D would play, with their current stellar conditioning, if they actually got to sit for awhile? Harmony and chemistry play hugely in any team that could potentially be a playoff contender. Mess with that, and you will see preseason mistakes 8 or 9 weeks into the season.

Anytime a reporter, fan, player, or any other idiot with a keyboard starts spouting off about who the number one tailback is should take a look at the number of reps the dynamic duo of Thomas and Benson have performed this year. The answer to who is number 1? Who ever is healthiest. The only people who should be worrying about this is the fantasy footballers. Lovie should stop disclosing his depth chart and let his opponents speculate who they need to prepare for.

Grossman is not a starting quarterback, and he never will be. He is only hte number 1 QB because the team is stuck with a paycheck that should never have been offered in the first place. As for Greise, he is a much better QB then Gross will ever be. As I recall, the there are plenty of Brad Johnsons and Trent Dilfers out there with Championship rings, not be cause they are premeire QBs, but because the were good enough to NOT lose a game. When Grossman shows me something that is akin to an NFL quarterback (besides a paycheck and the "QB" next to his name ont he injury list, then I might give him some respect. But this year its going to have to be about quality wins. we are a shoe for a minimum 8-8 season, we shouldn't lose any games in our division, which means he has to win the outside games, becaus eif he doesn't win those and we get bumped in the first round of the Playoffs, then he has only marginally accomplished what Orton did last year. Which if Orton was allowed to Start in the Post-Season, maybe the Defense would have stayed as vigilant as they did in the season, and we would not have had to witness the embarassing moment when the "Buss" rolled over Urlacher.

Benson will NEVER get caught from behind by defensive lineman like Thomas 2 yard Jones does on a regular basis. NEVER.
As far a Rex is concerned, I'd rather have a dead man at QB.

When Thomas Jones can convert a 3rd and 1 play, I'll forget about Cedric Benson

Who cares if Lovie expose his depth chart.It only matters if your starter isn't starting the game.Allthis comes back to Angelo.He wanted Jaroun to start Grossman for development even though he was a lame duck coach.I'm pretty sure that some of the losses the his team experienced helped to contribute to him being fired.I say that Lovie is just working with whoever he's stuck with.Other than the Panthers playoff game his coaching hasn't been that bad.Take that out and some of you guys have nothing to cry about.You go back to his company line about Chad last preseason and you can see he isn't married to these players.But it's easier to work with people if you aren't telling the media how you think this person is or isn't doing his job.Why down a guy that you have to work with.Look at Phil Jackson.Do you think he would have dissed Kobe that bad if he knew he was going to be working with him again?Hell to the no.The only reason he would just come out and choose Benson like that is because that was Angelos' decision and he had to live with it .Or maybe he wants to see a guy from Texas succeed.I doubt that is his answer.I'm sure he knows the dynamics of the locker room where if he can't have a guy earn his job there will be questions about his leadership.He is only a company man who knows he's lucky to have a head coaching job.Not because he knows he's in over his head but because there are only 30 some-odd number of head coaches in the NFL.Do you know how many head coaches have been in the league since 1990?Me neither but there haven't been a hundred.And yet we've probably had over 10 thousand guys come and go through those years who have played in the NFL.Okay,those last lines were pointless.But that's just it.A lot of this stuff is pointless.Over the season these guys will be hurt and it'll all play itself out .I just hope THE best man wins.Benson should've shut up and played.Jones should've took it like a man.Didn't he supplant someone in Arizona when he was drafted.The more things change the more they stay the same.

WOW,YOU FOLKS CALL YOURSELVES BEAR FANS!FIRST,ANY RUNNING BACK GETS ZERO YARDS WITHOUT A VERY GOOD LINE BLOCKING. SAME GOES FOR TIGHTENDS & RECIEVERS. QUATERBACKS GET NO TIME TO PASS WITHOUT THE O-LINE BLOCKING DA! AS FOR MOST REPORTERS,YOU CAN TELL THEY ARE LEVEL HEADED CAUSE OF THE DROOL OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF THIER MOUTH!!A REAL BEARS FAN SHOULD'NT CARE WHO STARTS AND WHO DOES'NT JUST BE PRODUCTIVE. AS FAR AS MOOSE IS CONCERNED,BRING BACK STICKUM,MOOSE DROPS! CATCH THE BALL, THEN TALK.AS FAR AS ALL THE WHINEY PEEPS SHUT UP!AS FAR AS COACH SMITH,HE GOT OUT COACHED IN ONLY ONE GAME.NOT TO BAD FOR A FIRST TIME HEAD COACH!I AM SURE THE REST OF YOU SELF PROCLAIMED EXPERTS EXCELLED AT YOUR NEW JOBS THE VERY FIRST DAY! IN MY OPINION MR.ANGELO AND THE REST OF THE BEARS SCOUTING STAFF HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB UPGRADING THE TALENT LEVEL ON MY FAVORITE TEAM.SO AS THE GREEN BAY GAME APPROACHES, ALL I CAN SAY IS SHUT UP SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE COMING SEASON.WHO GETS PAID WHAT FOR WHAT...WHO CARES AS LONG AS THE PLAYERS PLAY AS HARD AS THEY CAN WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL AND ENTERTAINING, JUST PRAY WE STAY HEALTHY.LAST BUT NOT LEAST S... FOR BRAINS THANK GOODNESS OUR OPINIONS DON'T COUNT!!!!!!!!!!! GO BEARS!

coach Lovie Smith said: “We have three good running backs and we’ll let that all sort out on who plays what and all of that. I’ll just say Thomas Jones is our starter and we’re excited about that.�

All is as it should be. Thomas Jones and Rex starting, and combining all these Blogs, I can sleep well. Our Bears will kick some arse this year.

Funny how things work out. Time for a big, fat, new, Lovie contract.

It's time to focus on Green Bay now. The coaches and players will show us what kind of team they are on the field. I think the Bears are primed up to get reamed by the Packers. The Bears have greater talent across the board so they might win just because of it but I don't see them playing well and I see little of value from the coaches and the front office. Either way... its Green Bay. Could be great... could be ugly.

Packers 27 Bears 23. Ouch!

Bearsfansteve, Don't forget when asked about jones or cb starting smith said, "thomas jones" and then he said, "Though we would like to have had it the other way around" does not sound like much confidence in TJ. Then he said they are excited about TJ starting. that was your typical, "What else did you excpect him to say" answer! THE DUMBEST thing said so far this season, with out a doubt, is "Packers 27 Bears 23. ouch" The packer have so many problems even favre said he would consider a trade to a different team. this is a fact! BEARS 20 PACKERS 6

If the Bears complete more passes than the peeps complete sentences in this blog...AND...if the Bears offense and defense finish more plays than the peeps finish thoughts in this blog, the Bears will win the Super Bowl in a walk!!...

Frank, apparently you don't think that Favre and the Packers can beat the Bears in Green Bay. Are you new here? If you think the Bears are well coached and play smart you haven't been paying attention. Based on talent alone the Bears should win by 24. Factor in poor coaching, play calling and stupid mistakes and the margin is about 3. With Green Bay's home field advantage it's a push. If the Packers play well they will win unless the Bears are extra lucky or Hester returns a couple for TDs. Maybe the Bears play well and win, I hope they do but I've been a Bears fan for over 40 years and I think the Bears are ripe for a Green and Gold ream job.

Hey BigBadBear I've been a fan since 1960.
The Bears have youth, depth, and speed. How did your team Carolina do? I'm sure you had them to win.