Is the Honeymoon over?

[Jet23]

Are the days of C. Benson saying and doing the right things about over? Did anyone catch Dave Lapham's interview, with Benson, immediately following the Vikings game? He was absolutely incensed that the Bengals chose not to give him carries, in garbage time, to pad his stats. I was incensed early in the SD game when he lollygagged a carry out of bounds, 2 feet from the 1st down marker. While it would have taken a minimal effort, by Benson, to secure a first down, the Bengals ended up punting when they could not convert the 3rd & 1.

Has anyone else noticed a 'body language' change in Ced? I hope I am wrong, but I'm afraid it is going in the wrong direction. This seems to be a post LJ problem....hmmmmmm.

[Pidge]

I dunno. As long as he keep being productive, I'm not fussed about it. If there is an issue we'll find out next off-season if he leaves for FA. (I don't think we should re-sign him to a bloated contract anyways and pick up a RB in the draft after next season).

[Jet23]

I dunno. As long as he keep being productive, I'm not fussed about it. If there is an issue we'll find out next off-season if he leaves for FA. (I don't think we should re-sign him to a bloated contract anyways and pick up a RB in the draft after next season).

I agree. I do not expect a 'hometown' discount either...

[Kazkal]

Well he Skipped out on Chris Henrys Funereal I just can't see him having a good reason not to go,Players from other teams went TJ Went yet Cedric a current member doesn't go?I don't know what to think about Cedric I like what he's done to help us but you thing he would be happy the team isn't Trying to ride his ass in to the ground...His next contract will be a big one if he get's 300 more yards that doesn't matter....because other teams will be like well he missed several games plus the team rested him...

[kingwilly]

I think he may be suffering from some strain of the season, and two losses in a row. I don't think he's a real problem, and I would prefer they renew him. He runs as hard as anyone in the league and his production has never been an issue.

I do recall the play in question, running towards the 1st down marker, and he pulled up and out of bounds. It was uncharacteristic. If he lowers his shoulder, he gets the 1st down, for sure. Not sure why, but it could have just been a misread on the marker or the angle of the defenders. Not trying to diminish the play but it could have easily been an error.

AAR, Cedric has been a helluva back and count me in as one who wants him here to stay until his tread is gone.

[cincyhokie]

Well he Skipped out on Chris Henrys Funereal I just can't see him having a good reason not to go,Players from other teams went TJ Went yet Cedric a current member doesn't go?I don't know what to think about Cedric I like what he's done to help us but you thing he would be happy the team isn't Trying to ride his ass in to the ground...His next contract will be a big one if he get's 300 more yards that doesn't matter....because other teams will be like well he missed several games plus the team rested him...

Not trying to "split hairs" or anything but some people just don't do funerals. Everyone has their own way of grieving someone's death.

[Kazkal]

Well he Skipped out on Chris Henrys Funereal I just can't see him having a good reason not to go,Players from other teams went TJ Went yet Cedric a current member doesn't go?I don't know what to think about Cedric I like what he's done to help us but you thing he would be happy the team isn't Trying to ride his ass in to the ground...His next contract will be a big one if he get's 300 more yards that doesn't matter....because other teams will be like well he missed several games plus the team rested him...

Not trying to "split hairs" or anything but some people just don't do funerals. Everyone has their own way of grieving someone's death.

Which if it's the case no biggy I just hope it's not like a problem starting with the team...

[Pidge]

If everyone else went to the funeral but Ced then maybe it might be an issue, even then there is probably a more than valid reason - like, he just didn't know him that well and wouldn't feel comfortable there.

I highly doubt every single player, coach, etc of the Bengals went either, but there's no story in that. I buried my uncle a couple of weeks ago and one of his brothers (my other uncle) didn't attend. Too upset and health issues meant it wiser he sat that particular note of stark finality out.

The important thing is those that cared and felt comfortable in giving him a proper send off were there and no doubt many others who weren't there in person said their own goodbyes. Whether that includes Ced is neither here nor there.

[Kazkal]

The Assistant Coaches were said to have stayed to work on the game plan.

[jjakq27]

The Assistant Coaches were said to have stayed to work on the game plan.

Yep, I heard that only Marvin and Mike Sheppard (WR coach) were going and the others were staying behind to work on the game plan.

Can't really speak for for Cedric's absence but maybe he felt he didn't really know him that well or something like that. Or perhaps he was getting treatment for the hip.

However, I have noticed that he isn't the friendliest interview sometimes. When they brought LJ in he was rather Dillon-esque when quizzed about it. But overall he seems to have been a good fit and a "happy camper". I don't have issues with guys speaking up or wanting the ball more when it's done in a positive way. After all that's their job and I want that type of desire in a player. But hopefully it doesn't fester and become an issue. He's had too good of a season to have it spoiled by something like that.

[HoosierCat]

Look. As they say, it is what it is. Did anyone expect CB to be happy that they signed LJ?

Duh.

Of course Ced is miffed. Too much of this sort of crap has already flowed under his bridge. I think it's unfair of him to equate the Bears and Bengals, but I understand his issues. He thinks he's a starter in this league, and has show it this year, and but still gets no (in his mind) credit. He gets hurt -- and Cincy runs out to sign LJ.

Yeah, to you and me it makes sense. If you're Ced, how does it look?

Me, I think Ced's nuts. You love Mikey, he loves you. He's da man. But he's been "once burnt, twice shy."

In short, Ced needs some love, that's all. Me, I give him the bulk of the carries against KC and dare him to out-effort what LJ would give. Then rest him and give LJ the carries against the Jets in (after we beat KC) what's a meaningless game.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Look. As they say, it is what it is. Did anyone expect CB to be happy that they signed LJ?

Duh.

Of course Ced is miffed. Too much of this sort of crap has already flowed under his bridge. I think it's unfair of him to equate the Bears and Bengals, but I understand his issues. He thinks he's a starter in this league, and has show it this year, and but still gets no (in his mind) credit. He gets hurt -- and Cincy runs out to sign LJ.

Yeah, to you and me it makes sense. If you're Ced, how does it look?

Me, I think Ced's nuts. You love Mikey, he loves you. He's da man. But he's been "once burnt, twice shy."

In short, Ced needs some love, that's all. Me, I give him the bulk of the carries against KC and dare him to out-effort what LJ would give. Then rest him and give LJ the carries against the Jets in (after we beat KC) what's a meaningless game.

Just for arguments sake, didn't Cedric Benson get his fair share of love when the Bengals (Mike Brown in particular) decide to give his bad mouthed/unemployed butt a job? Didn't he realize why they did it, and did he not also realize the Bengals/Mike Brown signed Larry Johnson for the same reason? In my humble opinion he needs to forget about his issues and focus on being the best running back he can be.

[Kazkal]

Look. As they say, it is what it is. Did anyone expect CB to be happy that they signed LJ?

Duh.

Of course Ced is miffed. Too much of this sort of crap has already flowed under his bridge. I think it's unfair of him to equate the Bears and Bengals, but I understand his issues. He thinks he's a starter in this league, and has show it this year, and but still gets no (in his mind) credit. He gets hurt -- and Cincy runs out to sign LJ.

Yeah, to you and me it makes sense. If you're Ced, how does it look?

Me, I think Ced's nuts. You love Mikey, he loves you. He's da man. But he's been "once burnt, twice shy."

In short, Ced needs some love, that's all. Me, I give him the bulk of the carries against KC and dare him to out-effort what LJ would give. Then rest him and give LJ the carries against the Jets in (after we beat KC) what's a meaningless game.

Just for arguments sake, didn't Cedric Benson get his fair share of love when the Bengals (Mike Brown in particular) decide to give his bad mouthed/unemployed butt a job? Didn't he realize why they did it, and did he not also realize the Bengals/Mike Brown signed Larry Johnson for the same reason? In my humble opinion he needs to forget about his issues and focus on being the best running back he can be.

I'd almost swear you were the recruiter on this forum and not army

[HoosierCat]

Just for arguments sake, didn't Cedric Benson get his fair share of love when the Bengals (Mike Brown in particular) decide to give his bad mouthed/unemployed butt a job? Didn't he realize why they did it, and did he not also realize the Bengals/Mike Brown signed Larry Johnson for the same reason? In my humble opinion he needs to forget about his issues and focus on being the best running back he can be.

Oh, I totally agree. Ced reminds me a bit of Levi. Just as Levi got all "grumpy" when injuries forced him out of the lineup and Whit did well in his place -- well enough that the coaches insisted Jones return on their schedule, not his -- I suspect that LJ has given Ced a case of the grumps, too. I don't think it's anything serious right now, but it does bear watching.

[walzav29]

It's only a 2 year deal. I didn't like his response when Larry was signed. Best guy plays. That it.

[Jet23]

I believe that LJ should get 30 lugs this Sunday against his former team. And it has NOTHING to do with the fact that the dude that I am playing in the ffb Super Bowl has Ced...

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Are the days of C. Benson saying and doing the right things about over? Did anyone catch Dave Lapham's interview, with Benson, immediately following the Vikings game? He was absolutely incensed that the Bengals chose not to give him carries, in garbage time, to pad his stats. I was incensed early in the SD game when he lollygagged a carry out of bounds, 2 feet from the 1st down marker. While it would have taken a minimal effort, by Benson, to secure a first down, the Bengals ended up punting when they could not convert the 3rd & 1.

Has anyone else noticed a 'body language' change in Ced? I hope I am wrong, but I'm afraid it is going in the wrong direction. This seems to be a post LJ problem....hmmmmmm.

He showed poor effort and enthusiasm/intensity last week. It was a problem in the 1st half when he failed to dive or put his shoulder down for a 1st down gain, or pass block. He contributed to a loss, and a few strong runs late in the 2nd half didn't make up for it.

This is what happens when you collect a group of cast-offs with high ceilings.

Sounds like Marv or someone needs to have the proverbial "come to baby Jesus" with Cedric, he's being a complete ass about it apparently.

[jjakq27]

LJ seems to be cool with things these days.

from Bengals.com

LJ ON WAY: Running back Larry Johnson is playing it right down the middle as the Bengals get ready to play his old team, saying the focus is on the Bengals' attempt to clinch the division: "I haven't had the opportunity (to wear) the caps and T-shirts since my rookie year (2003). It would be fun to do it at home, in front of the fans. Hopefully we can celebrate a win."

Johnson, 30, is very appreciative of how the Bengals have treated him, but he doesn't expect to be back here next year with Cedric Benson having one year left on his deal and the emergence of rookie Bernard Scott. Besides, he feels like he can still be a bell cow.

"They did well without me," said Johnson, who signed Nov. 16. "I wouldn't expect them to keep me. Because they've been doing their thing and kind of grinding it out even before I got here against a lot great teams . Cedric has done an excellent job against a lot of these big teams that we in the past being with the Chiefs have lost to. It's an opportunity to me to come back into that role I once was. I'm comfortable being here and helping Ced out.

[kingwilly]

Are the days of C. Benson saying and doing the right things about over? Did anyone catch Dave Lapham's interview, with Benson, immediately following the Vikings game? He was absolutely incensed that the Bengals chose not to give him carries, in garbage time, to pad his stats. I was incensed early in the SD game when he lollygagged a carry out of bounds, 2 feet from the 1st down marker. While it would have taken a minimal effort, by Benson, to secure a first down, the Bengals ended up punting when they could not convert the 3rd & 1.

Has anyone else noticed a 'body language' change in Ced? I hope I am wrong, but I'm afraid it is going in the wrong direction. This seems to be a post LJ problem....hmmmmmm.

He showed poor effort and enthusiasm/intensity last week. It was a problem in the 1st half when he failed to dive or put his shoulder down for a 1st down gain, or pass block. He contributed to a loss, and a few strong runs late in the 2nd half didn't make up for it.

This is what happens when you collect a group of cast-offs with high ceilings.

Sounds like Marv or someone needs to have the proverbial "come to baby Jesus" with Cedric, he's being a complete ass about it apparently.

I don't agree with your blanket generalized assertion for the "group". Being a cast-off makes you no more likely to convert into a malcontent. Plenty of non-cast offs go sour. Plenty of A grade r1'ers do as well. The conversion is non-discriminatory and affect equally.

If Ced's perceived sourness continues or is more pronounced, then it should be dealt with swiftly and sharply. I hope it does not come to that