Read here. Interesting signing. Benson is a guy who can get the tough yards between the tackles. He’s a decent player for sure and I’m a bit surprised he was just floating out there unattached to a team. I’m also surprised we got him for the 1 year veteran minimum ($850,000) and no signing bonus of any kind. I generally like the signing as I think he could add some nice depth/experience. Though I must say, I continue to wonder about why TT and company refuse to look at shiftier/quicker/faster backs. For a long time I wondered if it was because of suspected durability issues – but our bigger backs seem to have frequent injury issues so I don’t think so. I’d just like someone who could either make people miss or blow by people for long runs/TDs. Benson’s 6 carries for over 20 yards in the last 2 years are a concern – though maybe he might do a bit better working in an offense with an electric passing game. Again though, I’d love to see us work in a fast guy who brings more excitement.
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packergeeks 
August 13, 2012 at 12:01 pm |
I’m more intrigued by the Packers signing Benson when Grant is still out there. A known commodity vs an old back who needs a ton of carries to be productive and has a penchant for fumbling. Did Grant kill Ted’s dog or what??
August 13, 2012 at 2:53 pm |
My hunch is the Packers needed someone to take reps in camp and preseason with Starks missing a few weeks due to his turf toe injury. A vet who is good at pass protection to protect Rodgers during the preseason. Maybe he shows something during preseason and sticks on final roster and considering his production the last few years that wouldn’t be completely surprising but I think his signing is due more to needing a reliable back in camp then needing a new starter.
August 13, 2012 at 4:57 pm |
I read commentary stating his most recent work was with a rookie QB in a run-first offense. It’s conceivable that his production will be more efficient with the pass-first Pack. I’m hoping it gives our play-action more cred.
August 14, 2012 at 10:16 am |
Scott – wondered that too. it is curious especially because Grant knows the offense. One thing I heard people discussing was that there is a sense that Benson would be much better at running out the clock if we’re playing with a lead because he’s just a better rusher between the tackles (though as you note he has had some fumbling issues so not sure about that.) Ultimately I think TT just decided that Benson is a better overall back and frankly, at this stage in their respective careers, I agree with that. Keep in mind too that Benson’s 3.9 YPC average was often against defenses like Pitt and Balt and that he even managed a few huge games against them in the last few years.
DaveK – you could be right. I keep hearing that it’s definitely not a lock that Benson even makes the team. And that they just needed a veteran body in camp. I’ve also heard that he’s actually not great in pass protection (from Jason Wilde) though in an interview Rodgers said otherwise. Who knows – but my guess is he sticks…and ends up loving it in GB.
AZ – I do think that there is a possibility that TT sees Benson as a guy who would force defenses to respect the run a little bit more – perhaps helping to open up our passing game and of course, our passing game would also open up his running game. In Cincy, everyone pretty much knew Benson was going to get the ball a lot – so with a pass-first offense, he might see holes that he didn’t see there.
August 14, 2012 at 11:56 am |
The fact that Grant hasn’t drawn any attention from other teams suggests to me that there’s something more to his situation than is publicly known.
My first guess is that he’s got some kind of medical issue, either a new injury, or lingering problems from 2010.
D∈T
August 16, 2012 at 9:56 pm |
Wow. Preseason or not, this is the ugliest game I’ve seen the Packers play in a looooooooooooong time 😦
August 16, 2012 at 11:48 pm |
how is he at catching out of the backfield-ive never followed his carrier anyone know?
August 17, 2012 at 12:00 am |
As far as I know, he is not a receiving back. I think I saw somewhere that he caught just 15 balls last season.
I think the idea of it is, we do want to sort of balance our offense a bit. And I think Starks, Green and Benson may be able to do some good things in the running game together, due to the threat of our passing game. But, we’ve had a good passing game for a while, and it has never seemed to open up the running game, so who knows.
Regardless, I think the idea to be more balanced stems off that fact that if our passing game struggles in a game or hits a bump in the season, we’ll have other options. For example, NFC championship we were struggling to catch the ball, and when we can only rely on the passing game, were in a tough spot to do anything if we can’t make the catch.
But for as long as we have Rodgers and the great receiving corps, we will always be a pass heavy team. It would just be nice if we can also do some damage on the ground as well.
August 17, 2012 at 10:14 am |
Right — 15 catches for 82 yards last year. And one career touchdown receiving. So yeah, he doesn’t look like a huge threat in the passing game.
August 17, 2012 at 11:26 pm |
thanks- i guess i would have taken a longer look at some more defense if that was an option
August 18, 2012 at 8:38 am |
Browns moving ball with ease against first team defense and no sign of depth against second and third string of browns-not a good sign. Pass rush? Run blocking? May be better when first units play a half. Pick up colt mccoy and drop harrell.would like to have seen untested Coleman for a series or two. Recognizing the different intent of Mccarthy and shurmur/look at everyone versus establishing stability and continuity/ the pack absolutely stunk.
August 19, 2012 at 12:27 pm |
Yes they did stink but for a ppositive it appeared the starting O line did a decent job of protecting Rodgers. Hope they stay healthy because I didn’t see much depth.
August 21, 2012 at 8:13 am |
Did you start this rumor Andy? This has been your wish for years.
From Jason Cole at Yahoo Sports:
Assuming Flynn/Wilson are healthy after Fri game, expect Tarvaris Jackson to be traded Sat. Many teams interested, inc Miami, GB, Minn, SD.
August 21, 2012 at 2:17 pm |
Nice Trav – would be interesting. WHile of course I don’t want Rodgers to get injured, if he did, we could struggle some with our two options there right now. So pairing McCarthy with the potential-talent-loaded T-Jax could be a nice scenario. And of course if T-Jax helped us out in anyway, I would be obnoxious about it!
August 24, 2012 at 9:57 pm |
Well, Ced was very effective against the Bengals, even catching a pass for ten yards. The word was he wasn’t an effective receiver. He looked quite effective to me. It may help that AR was throwing him the ball. If opposing teams try and slow our passing game down with two deep safeties, I forsee lots of production from Cedric. 🙂