Bernard Scott: Explosive RB Will Seize the Moment with Benson Suspended

Leave it to Cedric Benson to create opportunities for his backup. He did it for Adrian Peterson, not "Purple Jesus," I mean the Bears' bootleg version. The other AP nearly duplicated Benson's numbers in his stead in 2007 when Benson missed five games that year.

Benson ultimately "Bensoned" his way out of Chicago and now he seems as though he may be pulling the same act in Cincinnati. Bernard Scott is an explosive RB who has already shown his worth in a Bengals uniform.

While filling in for Benson in 2009, Scott started two games. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry on 74 attempts. He broke off a 61-yard TD run and showed the kind of home-run speed that the Bengals should have incorporated before now.

Marvin Lewis recently offered this self-damaging assessment.

"

I just have to do it. I really do. And that's my fault. I've got to do it and say, 'OK, this is when.' I think sometimes we get caught up in the flow of the game and the situation.

Oh, we had a three-and-out. Well, OK, it's Bernard's turn. If that goes three-and-out, then so be it. We'll know we can go three-and-out and with whoever the back is at times.

As I've looked over the NFL the last few years I think the Giants have done the best job of platooning their guys like that, getting the guy in and going, letting the guy play for a series and then the other guy comes back for a series and they alternate them.

They just do it, I think for longevity purposes over the season, that's the way to do it. And in Bernard's case, I think he's deserving to get to play more and more, to get the chance to touch the ball.

"

Not only are you admitting that another NFL coach has utilized his resources better than you, you also haven't seen the playoffs in recent memory. Not exactly a good thing, Marvin.

Nonetheless, Scott is ready and he will be the starter in Weeks 4-6 as Benson serves his suspension. The Bengals will face the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts in these games. This will be a great opportunity and Scott will shine.

Now, when Benson returns, how will he handle what should be a platoon system at RB? He has resisted that in the past when he and Thomas Jones clashed in the Chicago Bears' backfield.

If Marvin Lewis is smart, he won't wait until Week 4 to incorporate Scott into the offense. He should set the expectations now for both players as well as his young QB.