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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > September > 30 > Entry
Bengals sign TB Cedric Benson
BENSON HAS TALENT;
HE ALSO HAS HISTORY OF
OFF-FIELD PROBLEMS
BENGALS GIVING
EX-CHICAGO BEAR
ANOTHER CHANCE
In a shocking move to help jump-start the offense, the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday signed free agent tailback Cedric Benson and placed tailback DeDe Dorsey on the Injured Reserve list with a right hamstring injury.
Benson, who has a history of off-the-field problems, was cut by the Chicago Bears on June 10 after two alcohol-related arrests in a month span.
But he was cleared of all charges stemming from the arrests for drunken driving and drunken boating in Texas. He’ll try to resurrect his NFL career in Cincinnati, where “Redeemers R Us.”
Benson, a 5-foot-11, 220-pounder, is a fourth-year NFL player from the University of Texas. He was Chicago’s first-round selection in the 2005 draft (No. 4 overall) after a career with the Longhorns that included 5,540 rushing yards and the third-most touchdowns (64) in NCAA history.
Benson played in 35 games with 12 starts for the Bears from 2005-07, rushing for 1,593 yards on 420 carries (3.8) with 10 TDs. He also had 26 receptions for 180 yards.
He had an additional 104 rushing yards with a TD and 24 receiving yards in the 2006 postseason, as Chicago advanced to Super Bowl XLI against Indianapolis.
Last season, though missing five games with an injury, he posted career highs for rushing yards (674), receptions (17) and receiving yards (123).
He started Games 1-11, but suffered a season-ending ankle injury on Nov. 25 against Denver and was placed on the Bears’ Injured Reserve list on Nov. 27.
“Cedric displayed a pattern of behavior we will not tolerate,” Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said in a statement when Benson was released in June. “As I said this past weekend, you have to protect your job. Everyone in this organization is held accountable for their actions.”
Permalink | Comments (49) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By THTYGR
September 30, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Anyone, anyone…….over/under on how many arrests the team of Benson and Henry has before the end of the season ???? Redeemers R Us……Chick, that’s great !!!!!!By Paul
September 30, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
This is not happening. Tell me this is not happening. How can anyone, Hobgoblin included, not conclude that this is the worse franchise in North American sports ? I’m glad I don’t live there. If a single cent of my taxes went to fund that sorry franchise I would burn the stadium down.By Paul
September 30, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
This is not happening. Tell me this is not happening. How can anyone, Hobgoblin included, not conclude that this is the worse franchise in North American sports ? I’m glad I don’t live there. If a single cent of my taxes went to fund that sorry franchise I would burn the stadium down.By SoCal Bengals Fan
September 30, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
He’s a better back than any currently in the fold.By SoCal Bengals Fan
September 30, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
He’s a better back than any currently in the fold.By Average Joe
September 30, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Well, they needed someone, and my guess is Mike Brown shopped around for something on the cheap. Let’s face it, they just needed a warm body out there… this team’s not going anywhere. Marvin and Brat both need to go, but really, who wants to coach under Mike Brown’s supervision?By Rusty Pate
September 30, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
The Bengals need a back. It is better than signing Shaun Alexander.By Wes
September 30, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Wow! Another troubled player brought into the fold. I would have rather taken my risks with Shaun Alexander for this “lame duck” season.By Wes
September 30, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry Paul, your taxpayer dollars will soon be spent on bailing out irresponsible Wall Street executives from the hubris and greed they have engaged in over the past several years. The stadium is the least of your concerns.By boxter
September 30, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Benson & Henry? Local beer sales will go up. Does Mikey boy own a drive thru? This team is a joke.By John
September 30, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
You’re right AJ…just a warm body to make it through the rest of the season. What is one more distraction?By Derrick
September 30, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Gee Whiz! Did you see the list of RBs the Bengals brought in? Benson is the best of the bunch. He’s better than all the RBs NOT playing on this team! Besides it isn’t going to make any difference and you all should know that by now.By ShockMonkey
September 30, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Troubled past or not, he’s better than anyone else we have running the rock. Maybe now the O-line will man-up and open some holes. Throw deep threat Henry in the mix and there’s actually a ray of bad-boy sunshine.By nullpreacher,franklin,ohio
September 30, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
who cares put faith and trust in god not bengals god bless you all love in chirst preacher.By nullpreacher,franklin,ohio
September 30, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
who cares put faith and trust in god not bengals god bless you all love in chirst preacher.By Sam in Clayton
September 30, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
OMFG, you have to be kidding me? I would take Shaun Alexander on one leg before I took another trouble maker in Cedrick Benson. Once again, the Bengals prove they are an absolute joke. Not only do they suck, but they have no class while doing it.By psychostats
September 30, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
And will the Bengals do anything special to keep Benson out of trouble? No real need to ask because we already know what the answer is. So let’s take bets on who will be arrested first. My money is on Henry.By scott
September 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
YEAH LETS GET RID OF RUDI JOHNSON AND SIGN BENSON…A BRILLIANT MOVE….NOT!!!!!!By michael
September 30, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Anybody notice that rudi johnson was just named starter in detroit averaging almost 5 yards per carry.By Buckeye Proud
September 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Put it in perspective,Henry knows one more strike and he is out of the NFL. He learned a true lesson about being poor, like the rest of us. I don’t see him screwing up anymore. Benson is a question mark, but then again our whole running game has been a question mark. At least give him a shot, and yes, Mike Brown is cheap.By Buckeye Proud
September 30, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Forgot… Rudi Johnson was a joke. I never liked his abilities. Yes, he was durable up until last year. Enough said. Chris Perry is not the answer for a strong running back. He has shown that. Benson or Alexander? Definitely Benson, because of the age difference.By John
October 1, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
Yea, but Benson doesn’t cost as much as Rudi. It’s only a game, so continue to fill the stadium seats and MB will be happy, and perhaps he’ll get the first pick next year. For now he just needs a warm body to get through the rest of the season.By joe
October 1, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
The Bengals sign another problem child? LOLBy sam
October 1, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
Chick called the signing a shocking move? The Bengals signed another thug and it is a shocking move? That’s right, Chick predicted this team would win ten games and make the playoffs. LOLBy jack
October 1, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
I heard that Marvin Lewis went to Mike Brown and asked him to sign Chris Henry and then again asked him to sign Benson!By Bo
October 1, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
Chick said the charges against Benson were dropped. We all know from past experience that means someone got paid off!By Dan
October 1, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Yes, Boxter, Mike Brown owns a drive thru. It’s called the defensive line.By Glenn
October 1, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
This proves that Al Davis is managing two NFL teams. I must say that after a long week this was the funniest thing I have read in a while. I used to get mad as a ticket holder (for now), but you can’t make this stuff up! lol lol lolBy BrownNeedstoSell
October 1, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Mike Brown is just as bad as Al Davis. Both have no football sense anymore and only care about the bucks that come in. Keep this up though and the money is going to stop flowing. It already has from me, and I was a fan since 68-69.By William
October 1, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Another running back is about to get stomped on by our oppenents Defense. ITS THE O-LINE, STUPID.By Brad
October 1, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Bengals Sign yet another convict. Yeah, They’re def. heading in the right direction.By Brad
October 1, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Bengals Sign yet another convict. Yeah, They’re def. heading in the right direction.By Brad
October 1, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Bengals Sign yet another convict. Yeah, They’re def. heading in the right direction.By Yippee
October 1, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Oh yes, they are certainly moving in the right direction… Sincerely, Steelers Fan Ravens Fan Browns FanBy NickM
October 1, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
In other news…Cincy police have announced they will be setting up a DUI checkpoint…. Great job Bungals! What class. Just another player to get nailed in the backfield because your oline sucks. Just ask Shaun Rodgers. You know…the guy you traded for…oh wait…By sec 312
October 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
bet the steelers were going to get him…after mondays game..they are out of backs.By Safeatfirst
October 1, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
“Yeah” for Jr. got out of the Natti, never liked the Bengals anyway, bring in Basketball.By FIRE MARVIN
October 1, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
This is a desperate move by the deperate bungles.By ezed
October 1, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
This move is “over the Top”in Stupid moves.If Marvin made the decision he should be FIRED.If M.Brown made it,Marvin should resign in embarassment for the Franchise.By Not Again
October 1, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Is Shawn Alexander still out there? Why sign another troubled player? Mike Brown PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE hire a GM, get rid of Bratkowski, and if Marvin wants out, just let him go. I’m a season ticket holder and I AM NOT going to another game this season. It’s over. Too bad the Bengals didn’t move to Baltimore instead of the Browns, maybe we would have a winner by now.By SD
October 1, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Chick, As for comments of Benson’s off field issues. You failed to note that the Texas Co. where he was arrested failed to indict him for either charge, and thus didn’t go the trial. The only evidence a grand jury needs to bring an indictment, or a prosecutor to win a conviction for that matter, in an alcohol case is the word of an honest police officer. If they even bring this evidence then Benson is not is not only not guilty, but he is innocent of all charges (there is a difference). If this is the case then I must consider this some of your worst reporting, and that’s really saying something. I feel sorry for people who think they are getting actual information from you column. Also, I am curious what you think the Bengals should do to fill an empty position of #2 RB? I’m sure if James Johnson was even close to being ready to be a 3rd stringer they would have brought him off the practice squad, but they didn’t. So what better back is out there? If you say Shaun Alexander I swear I they will have to take me to the hospital to get me to stop laughing. SDBy SD
October 1, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Chick, As for comments of Benson’s off field issues. You failed to note that the Texas Co. where he was arrested failed to indict him for either charge, and thus didn’t go the trial. The only evidence a grand jury needs to bring an indictment, or a prosecutor to win a conviction for that matter, in an alcohol case is the word of an honest police officer. If they even bring this evidence then Benson is not is not only not guilty, but he is innocent of all charges (there is a difference). If this is the case then I must consider this some of your worst reporting, and that’s really saying something. I feel sorry for people who think they are getting actual information from you column. Also, I am curious what you think the Bengals should do to fill an empty position of #2 RB? I’m sure if James Johnson was even close to being ready to be a 3rd stringer they would have brought him off the practice squad, but they didn’t. So what better back is out there? If you say Shaun Alexander I swear I they will have to take me to the hospital to get me to stop laughing. SDBy Chill Boy
October 1, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
I think Travis Henry would be a good fit for the Bungles!By Chill Boy
October 1, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Why stop with Benson, Travis Henry is out there sign him too.By Chill Boy
October 1, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Why stop with Benson, Travis Henry is out there sign him too.By rd
October 1, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
I have an idea that is about as far fetched as any other solution. MB buys a time machine and they go round up Boomer,Brooks,Woods,Munoz,Montoya,Walters,Blados,Remington,Krumrie,EdwardsFulcher,Thomas,Billups,Wilcots,Breech,and Sam Wyche. Then go lace em’ up and see what happens.By rd
October 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
I have an idea that is about as far fetched as any other solution. MB buys a time machine and they go round up Boomer,Brooks,Woods,Munoz,Montoya,Walters,Blados,Remington,Krumrie,EdwardsFulcher,Thomas,Billups,Wilcots,Breech,and Sam Wyche. Then go lace em’ up and see what happens.By whodeybrew
October 2, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Benson is a great signing because he is young and talented. This could be long term unless he uses us as Garrison Hearst did for one year then bolts to another team. Benson in Chicago didn’t have a passing offense to help open a running game. I think with him signing with the Bengals help both parties and I do hope it works out so we don’t use a high draft pick on a RB in 09. Here’s to you Chick.. Have a Who Dey Day !By rochieltb
December 1, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
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