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Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis share something in common that no other player can say they accomplished.
Benson and Bettis are the only two running backs over the last 14 years to post two 100-yard rushing games against the Baltimore Ravens in the same season.
In Sunday's 17-7 win over the Ravens, Benson ran for 117 yards and a touchdown, his fourth 100-yard game of the season. Back in Week Five, he ran for 120 yards and a touchdown, ending the Ravens 39-game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher.
In 1996, Bettis rushed for 116 and 105 yards in two games against the Ravens. Since then, no player has been able to accomplish what Bettis did—until Benson did on Sunday.
It's a difficult statistic for other running backs to achieve considering the only chance a player has at playing the Ravens defense twice each season is if they play for the Bengals, Steelers, or Browns. However, it's an impressive statistic considering how great the Ravens defense has been throughout their history.
The Ravens have built a reputation as a team difficult to establish a run against. In fact, in the 216 games played in their 14 seasons as a franchise, including the eight from this season, they have allowed just 92.7 rushing yards per game. This season, they are allowing just 94.9 yards per game, which is seventh in the NFL.
With his fourth 100-yard game of the season, Benson has the second-most rushing yards in the league with 837, just 122 yards behind Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
The Bengals are averaging 130 yards per game on the ground, mainly because of Benson. Looks like the fourth overall pick from 2005 NFL Draft is finally living up to his potential.
Dan Parzych is the founder of WhoDeyBengals.com
Questions? Comments? Email him at djp746@gmail.com
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