Has Cedric Benson Really Become An Elite Back?

The fact that I have to address this question is exactly what is wrong with the notion of the running back position in the NFL.

Over a year ago, I wrote an article where I compared every opening day starter in 2007 to their primary backup. After researching and analyzing the statistics, I found that 25 out of the 32 opening-day starting NFL running backs were replaceable with running backs on their own team.

I concluded that 11 backups outperformed their starters, with 14 performing as well as their starters.  Not surprisingly, 21 of the starters from 2007 have been replaced.

Cedric Benson was one of the starters replaceable then, and despite leading the league in rushing, he definitely still is now.

Has Benson improved? Yes, but that shouldn’t surprise anyone, because generally experience and maturity will make you a better player? But has he improved into an elite or even very good back?

I believe the answer is obviously no.

I don’t judge running backs by their raw stats, because that can be misleading.

The one thing that can’t actually lie is the actual footage of the player.

Here is is a link to a video of Benson’s best highlights from his 189 yard rushing performance this past Sunday.

Before watching the footage, it’s important that you look for several things.

First of all, you should notice the gaping holes that even my grandmother could run through.

Second you will see that Benson practically breaks no tackles, jukes any defenders, and gets any tough extra yards. Thirdly, If you watched the game closely, you would have seen that Benson leaves plenty of yardage on the field because of his vision and especially poor balance. 

However since we only have the video of his best highlights, it makes it harder to notice.

There are two plays I specifically remember that I don't have the highlights of, where Benson got tripped up by an almost fully blocked defender sticking his arm out in the trenches, instead of keeping his balance and likely gaining a long run like a real elite back would do.

What truly separates a great running back is their vision, their cutting ability, their speed, their ability to break tackles, and their ability to fight for those extra yards.

Does Benson have any great attributes? 

He has decent speed for a back his size, but his vision and cutting ability are mediocre, and despite his size, he truly lacks real power.

I can only imagine the numbers great open field backs like Darren Sproles, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, and Adrian Peterson would have done with those glaring holes. If Adrian Peterson had the holes Benson was given on Sunday, he would have likely broken his own single game rushing record.

It’s obvious that the Bengals offensive line has improved tremendously, and they are now one of the best in the league in run blocking.

Even so, now many people are saying that the Bears were smart after all for taking Benson with the fourth pick in the 2005 draft.

Sorry Benson fans but Benson is still a bust in my mind. All Benson did this past Sunday, like he has been doing most of this season, is run through open holes and gain the yardage he is suppose to get.

Besides a few select plays, in general, Benson hasn’t done anything extra that we should expect from  a fourth pick in an NFL draft.

If you want to see what a true elite running back does do separate themselves from everyone, then watch these highlights of Adrian Peterson against the Chargers his rookie year.