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Lewis likes what he sees in Benson
The Bengals' new running back, who made a good impression at his first practice, is thankful for a second chance.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Newly signed Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson takes a break during practice, Wednesday in Cincinnati.CINCINNATI — There's a new No. 32 in town, and Bengals fans are going to get a look at him beginning at Dallas on Sunday, Oct. 5.
That's when running back Cedric Benson, the occupant of Rudi Johnson's old number, teams with starter Chris Perry to give the running game a one-two punch.
Benson, who spent three seasons with Chicago (2005-07) only to be released June 9 in the wake of two alcohol-related arrests, got what he wanted: a second chance.
Exonerated of all charges last month after appearing before two grand juries in Travis County, Texas, Benson brings fresh legs to the Bengals' backfield.
"It feels good to be back on a team around a great group of guys, very accepting to me, and I'm just thankful for the opportunity," Benson said Wednesday after his first practice. "The fact they were willing to give me an opportunity said a lot about them as an organization, just the opportunity was what I liked most.
"It's going to be tough at first — new scheme, new playbook, things like that. My head is spinning a little bit, but I'll have a few more things I'll like by the end of the week."
Like some carries.
Perry saw limited practice time because of a sore hamstring, so Benson — who signed a one-year contract Tuesday — took a ride on a swift learning curve.
"I thought he did a good job," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He had a crash course for 24 hours. He seemed to carry his pads well and had a little burst and acceleration."
"The first impression was a good impression," added running backs coach Jim Anderson. "He's a competitor. He'll compete to get himself ready, and when he's ready, he'll do what he can do."
Benson will add to his career totals of 1,593 yards on 420 carries (3.8) with 10 touchdowns — production that never measured up to the high expectations the Bears envisioned when they drafted him No. 4 overall in 2005.
"I'm just going to come out and run the rock, get first downs and help the offense score touchdowns," Benson said.
Why didn't things work out in Chicago?
"Probably not being on the right team in the right situation," he said. "Hopefully, we can start that up right now."
Next game
Who: Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) at
Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5
TV: WHIO-TV (CBS, Channel 7)
Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)
