John Grieshop - Getty Images
5 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 01: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs over Bernard Pollard #31 of the Baltimore Ravens during their game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 24-16. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson hasn't necessarily continued receiving support from Bengals fans following his exceptional 2009 season. Since posting a career-high 1,251 yards during Cincinnati's most recent AFC North championship, Benson has failed to reach a four-yard average in either of the previous two seasons, has been charged with multiple assaults and fumbled the football 12 times (losing seven). Benson failed to surpass the 100-yard milestone in ten of the final 11 games this year, generating only one game beyond 110 yards rushing.
But one has to wonder if that's not based on tendency. For all of the criticism hurled at former offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski for running on first down, Jay Gruden appears far more predictable this year. According to the NFL Game Statistics and Information System, the Cincinnati Bengals have called a running play on first and ten 56.83 percent of the time this year.
Additionally the Bengals have run the football on first and ten in the first quarter 62.64 percent of the time, in the red zone at 66.7 percent and when they're down by one score, they've run the football on first and ten at a 56.30 percent clip.
Based on the percentages of the situation, theory suggests that defenses would likely adjust simply based on Cincinnati's tendency to run the football on first and ten.
However the numbers do not necessarily promote that the tendency is having an adverse affect.
According to ESPN's split statistics, the Cincinnati Bengals are averaging 4.2 yards/rush on first and ten. Of the team's five 20-yard-plus runs, four came from first and ten situations. Additionally the Bengals are averaging 4.2 yards/rush on every first down this year, more than second or third downs.
0 recs | 62 comments
i wonder how much marvin has to do with this?
i would imagine Grueden wanting to pass the ball more, but maybe Marvin has provided a game plan in which the RB get so many carries during certain scenarios?
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
i wonder how much benson has to do with this...
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/05/cedric-benson-seems-frustrated-with-bengals-offense/
i can’t wait to get rid of this guy. he’s the last of the locker room cancers that we need to rid ourselves of.
GrooveLeg - January 4, 2012
I just hate seeing his demeanor on the sidelines each week when he's taken out......
you can tell he would like to be anywhere else but on this team. Just look at him next time, pouting on the sidelines. It’s one thing to want the ball, which is a good thing…..but another to not root for your teammates. He still gets most of the carries too, it’s not like he doesn’t get any touches. C-ya buddy, thanks for a couple good years.
The Van Buren Boys - January 4, 2012
exactly...
he was a huge part of our last playoff run in so I have nothing but appreciation for his contribution… this is a different team and his personality doesn’t jive. ability-wise he is no longer capable of being a feature back either.
crossing my fingers on a quality RB falling into our lap in the draft.
GrooveLeg - January 4, 2012
Monte ball anyone?
I really hope we get this guy he is going to be a stud
big_A_1982 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
You betcha......
after combine, guys stock will continue to skyrocket. Started out as possible 3-4th rounder, now probably solid 2nd.
The Van Buren Boys - January 4, 2012
I wouldn't be upset if we take him with our 2nd first round pick.
If his grade puts him there. Ideally I’d like to get Janoris Jenkins and Cordy Glenn in 1st and then Montee Ball in the 2nd… But if his stock rises too much I’d take him instead of Glenn and then grab Osemele in the 2nd.
Luke - January 4, 2012
Still prefer a bigger back
It was very frustrating to not be able to get the 1-2 yds when we needed it this year…and at times lining up in shotgun on 3rd and 1. Benson can get 2 yds on every carry except when we really need it. Would love to have a FB that we are willing to hand the ball to.
Of course, upgrading OG would help this also. Two notable tackles are entering the draft also.
Monte Ball dropped a lot of weight, became better…but at college level.
LookingDeep - January 5, 2012
Just noticed Montee Ball
may stay at Wisconsin, according to sources. But he is supposed to make an announcement today.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 4, 2012
He hasn't grown up at all
His attitude is wrong for this new era. There is a line between being competitive and whining. He crossed it a long time ago. Sometimes he has legit beef when he is running well but more often than not he just isn’t getting it done and they go in another direction for a series.
Jcon77 - January 4, 2012 via iPhone app
Shoudl be a non-issue
He’s at best an average back and he’ll be turning 30. No reason to sign a guy like that to any kind of contract. We signed him to a 1 year deal as a band aid this year, he hasn’t done anything to distinguish himself, so I can’t imagine there’s a chance in hell he comes back. Especially with all of the quality options in the draft. This was supposed to be a throw away year and Marvin needed a throw away guy to pound the ball during it. That’s what Cedric was. Next year we’ll have someone we want running the ball for a long time.
eric nyc - January 4, 2012
Can't Agree More
His comments about the game indicate his attitude. He’s quoted on Bengals.com saying that, basically, all the great playoff teams relied on their running game first. Really Ced? Comeon man… If the Bengals suddenly decide to air it out, you will see him pouting and whining instead of celebrating if their passing game does well.
MikePF - January 4, 2012
I think Benson can see the big picture
they don’t run him as much because they are trying to save his legs for the playoffs… Im sure he will get the load in the playoffs because he is our only power back..
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
where does this BS come from?!?!?!?
Benson is NOT a power back. Power backs break tackles. Benson doesn’t. Power backs convert 3rd and 1. Benson doesn’t.
Where does this myth come from and how did it get so prevalent?
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
.
1) I suspect he is messing with us (AMA)
2) prevalent? I don’t think I’ve heard people extol the greatness of Benson on short yardage (I do remember seeing people arguing that he isn’t the sole weakpoint and that the run blocking leaves much to be desired. also that Scott isn’t some great alternative and is often nailed in teh backfield)
[
now that I look, I do see that Scott is 4 for 4 on 3 rd and short (3 1downs and 1 TD)
and 5 for 5 on 2nd and short (4 1downs and 1 TD)
there is no line detail for 4th down, so I’m guessing he never has been asked to handle the ball on 4th down
]
supergrover - January 4, 2012
exactly
Scott doesn’t get a lot of carries, and his average isn’t good, but just watch him run. When Benson sees he is about to get hit, he slows down or even stops. Scott tries to evade the tackler or tries to push through him. I’m not saying he’s great, but he’s done a hell of a lot better job at avoiding & breaking tackles than Benson has.
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
I didn't realize these stats on Scott
admittedly the most I remembered was Scott being immediately hit in the backfield. That’s some nice info.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 4, 2012
I don't know how else you can define Benson....
but im pretty sure he is a power back and Im pretty sure he breaks more tackles than you what you might give him credit for.
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
tell that to any of the stat-centric sites that measure that, like PFF or FO
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
and I'd define him
as a speed back with only mediocre speed. He gets as much as the line allows, that’s it. Then once every few games he busts out a good run, like the 7 yard TD a couple weeks ago. He doesn’t convert on short yardage, gets very few TDs, and breaks very few tackles. That’s not a power back.
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
i think its more perseption
i think he has more strength than speed… but his speed helps him power through some tackles (not like blount or lynch). Not saying he is the best power back by any means but he is above average when it comes to power. To call him a speed back doesn’t make any sense because he is always getting caught from behind on longer runs… I think he has average speed for a RB
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
that's my point
his speed is all he has, and he doesn’t have much, which is why he’s always the RB with the lowest YPC and fewest TDs amongst those with full time starting jobs. In short, he shouldn’t be a starting RB.
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
we SHOULD air it out more.
The Texans have good corners, but they can’t match up against everyone. Think of how many weapons we have.
I don’t know if anyone pays attention to my comments, but I am a huge Hawkins fan. He catches everything, he can turn a short pass into a long gain, and he’s tough. I’d really like to see him featured more if AJ, Jerome, and Jermaine are the focus of the defense.
GrooveLeg - January 4, 2012
x
Wha?
Who said that?
supergrover - January 4, 2012
hawkins
also seems to have a good sense of balance. Some guys are small and you worry that they could be knocked down without really being tackled. I don’t get that sense from baby.
He isn’t a Sproles, however. I don’t think we could target him 25 times a game (runs and passes). I think 10 could be beneficial.
supergrover - January 4, 2012
I was surprised that Whalen got more snaps in Sundays
game than Hawkins did…
Unbeliever - January 4, 2012
I like that dude too
he and Hawkins seem to be smart players. I think there is something to be said to having a corps where the receivers are able to make the same reads and adjustments as the qb. They also need to be athletic enough to beat the defender, of course, but at east they will be where the QB expects them to be.
supergrover - January 4, 2012
this was posted october 5th, 2011
but i think the organization and benson have a mutaul agreement that they will got their seperate ways after this season
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
agreed.
shiatty attitude
supergrover - January 4, 2012
I don't mind Benson.
He is a good back but needs to carry the ball a lot to be effective. His first 15 carries aren’t going to do anything but pound on the defense. After 15 carries is when the defense should start breaking down allowing him to gain more tough yardage. The tough yardage is what Benson is good at. I just wish he wasn’t so one dimensional. He doesn’t catch the ball out of the backfield, he’s not explosive enough to break for big runs, and we simply can’t afford to give him 25+ carries a game to make him effective. Our games are close and we don’t score a lot. We simply just can’t pound away.
Why I would opt for a more explosive back to help Andy Dalton and AJ Green. Someone who is more effective throughout the game not only after so many touches. Plus having a RB that has the ability to break a big run would be very nice.
TCfromDubVee - January 4, 2012
sorry, man but
That is one item the Bengals have struggled with all year. Under 50% on 3rd and 1 (or right around it, depending how the last couple games went).
I think he is ofer on 4th and 1.
supergrover - January 4, 2012
tried looking up stats
hang tight..
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/players/7180/rushing_splits.html
4th and goal, 1 attempt for 0 yards (doesn’t say if was 9 or 1 yard needed)
3rd and goal, 2 attempts for -4 yards
2nd and goal, 9 attempts for 10 yards
1st and goal, 16 attempts for 45 yards
Any down, less than 2 yards : 8 attempts, -3 yards. 1 touchdown… so that means the other 7 were for at best -4 yards
ah, farther down:
4th down attempts: 0 first downs on 6 attempts
3rd down and 0-2 yards needed: 19 attempts, 10 first downs
3rd and 3-7 yards, 5 rushes, 2 first downs. (40 total yards, one for 39… leaving 1 yard for the remaing four. two first downs, so at least 3 yards for that one, meaning 3 rushes for negative yards)
I don’t lay the entirety of the blame at his feet (or his stuttering feet, as others may joke), but he certainly hasn’t been “good at” the tough yardage.
supergrover - January 4, 2012
Agreed...
He does not get it done in short yardsage…he is like 5 for 11 when he carries it on 3rd and 1 yd or less. At least, that is what I remember Dave Lapham saying…
Unbeliever - January 4, 2012
that's what drives me crazy
he is TERRIBLE in short yardage, hardly ever breaks a tackle, and on the rare occasions when he actually tries to break a tackle he fumbles the ball. How in the holy hell did he get the rep of being a power back?
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
+1
Wondering that myself…
Unbeliever - January 4, 2012
I mean we suck at blocking
for short yardage… He’s always hit in the back field
Trevor 85 - January 4, 2012
I should have probably explained better, but
your stats sum it up.
I will explain what I meant at first before looking at this post.
I meant he gets tough yardage when he gets to carry the rock over 15-20 times a game. Not necessarily whatever and goal, but the more he carries the ball the better he gets in a game. Well he used to anyways.
I’m not defending Benson, I want him replaced with a more explosive back.
TCfromDubVee - January 4, 2012
I imagine this is on Marvin
I can’t really imagine any OC would want to be so predictable on 1st down, let alone a young guy in his first year coming out of the Arena League. Marvin’s always been the guy who wanted an “AFC North football team.” I’m a little surprised by the 4.2 yard average on those 1st down runs. Sure looks to me like at least 25% of them get stuffed for a yard or two. But I guess at this point in the year you can’t argue with the numbers…it’s not like there have been a handful of huge runs that inflated them.
Still, I think since Bobbie went down those runs have become less successful. Next year, when we hopefully have Nicks or Yanda or DeCastro up front and Richardson or Ball or Pead in the backfield, then I won’t have nearly as much problem with trying to be a run-first team.
eric nyc - January 4, 2012
I'm surprised that less than 57 percent is the highest in the league.
I heard they were the highest and I assumed it would be 7 out of 10 or something not looking like “mixing it up”… so about half is too much? dunno.
I guess more teams throw on first than I noticed.
supergrover - January 4, 2012
He's the last me-first player IMO
I’m tired of seeing stories like the ones below…
Benson Showing Signs of Frustration
Cedric Benson Frustrated With Bengals Offense
Cedric Benson Doesn’t Buy Two-Back System To Save Wear On His Body
LeapingLeonard - January 4, 2012
im pretty sure all of this is about money!
i think you can make a case that he wants to be paid like a top 10 back because of the load he takes on. I can remember a few interviews last here and he kept referencing “big market money”… So i think in his mind, the more carries he gets, the more he will be gaureenteed… other than that, I don’t see why he wants the ball so much…
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
I agree....
Benson has been very average this past year. In fact, his only 2 100-rushing games came against the Browns…
Unbeliever - January 4, 2012
The first down run,doesnt bother me as much
The short yardage situations,seem to be the bigger problem
Anyone have the YPC on third down
keithp - January 4, 2012
i would would be one inch less the first down marker or goal line lol
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
24 for 87 yards, 3.6 per
and that included the 39 yarder versus Cleveland.
So, his effective rate is 23 for 48… just over 2 ypc
supergrover - January 4, 2012
thats the stat that matter's
Tough yards on 3rd and short
keithp - January 4, 2012
it seems like its been 1st and 10 then benson up the middle for 2 yards.
maybe if you could gain maybe 4-5 yards on first down then stop bitching benson.
bengalinflorida - January 4, 2012
IMO
5 20+ yard rushes all season, is poor. And 50 percent is a good number, having all your tendencies around a 50 percentage is very balanced.
WreckNTexan - January 4, 2012
would love to see
more play action on 1st down.
columbusbengalsfan - January 4, 2012
Mix it up......
we have such a huge tendency to run on 1st down, now in the playoffs, would be a great time to go away from our tendency a little bit. If I’m scheming for us as a D coordinator, I’m stacking the box on 1st and 2nd down more often than not based off what we do…..so throw more there and run a draw/screen on later downs occassionally.
The Van Buren Boys - January 4, 2012
Gresham!!!!
Unbeliever - January 4, 2012
exactly
Gresham is a player than nobody can cover. Fake the run and hit Gresham in the numbers with a few passes.
columbusbengalsfan - January 4, 2012
My point being...
get Gresham involved quick and early and watch the Texas scramble to cover him, freeing up Green/Simpson, even Hawkins/Whalen and the running game…we do not use Gresham often enough…IMO,
Unbeliever - January 4, 2012
just look what new england and the saints are doing with there t.e.
bengalinflorida - January 4, 2012
exactly
Gresham looks to be exactly what we hoped he was, but he doesn’t get used much. Between him & Green the defense should be pretty well occupied, leaving BabyHawk to cut into their exposed bellies. If they play close, that means either Green or Gresh is probably one on one, so go to them.
What are we missing that is preventing the Bengals from doing that?
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
A positive
is that they have been getting him more involved these last few games, or at least it seems that way.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 4, 2012
yea Gresham and AJ should be putting up bigger numbers for years to come
i think its obvoius… both teams basically are pass first offenses… meaning their T.E. and even RB get more touches than most other teams…. Both teams use RB by commitee and none of them complain about touches, they are their to do their job…
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
I'll go with the title for this article,
as well as the first poster’s comment.
I feel that Gruden has been given less of a free hand in calling the shots on offense than he should be given, by the HC. Marvin Lewis has been super conservative this year, not unlike the “close to the vest” regimen that he followed last season while trying too hard to protect leads during close games; and also focusing too much on avoiding costly errors. Besides those tendencies, Lewis also has too much of a bias, just naturally, towards a rushing offense, in spite of the weapons with which he has to operate.
When Gruden is allowed to open up the offense and be a little creative, maybe it’s just my imagination, it seems like the offense becomes much more productive.
Sure it’s somewhat critical to keep giveaways to a minimum, but when you play games not to lose them when you should be concentrating on being more proactive and emphasize playing to win, the results speak for themselves. Just look at what that philosophy left this franchise with in ’10.
If only because this team wasn’t expected to have a winning season this year, much less make it into the playoffs, i would love seeing ML give Jay free reign to go for the gusto and really let the offense go flat out for an entire 4 quarters; and game plan this contest with the Texans as if it were going to be a real shootout, in the “Lone Star” state. Go Bengals.
Fair weather fan - January 4, 2012
I have to defend the run first.
56% is close to 50%. With a run it makes 2nd and 3rd down more managable. However, I do disagree with the formations of choice. When we watch teams like New england and New Orleans they run out of a 3 to 4 WR set. Our team has the talent to run out of the 3 WR set with Gresham and I could careless what back there is. On first down break out the 3 WR set and show pass. Get the D’s nickel package out and safety’s deep and run the ball. If they want to come up go deep. I know it’s the first year for our young O. But watching teams and then watching the Bengals slow O till they are down is unbearable at times. Watchin that Rams game put me to sleep that first half… They come out with a 6 lineman set and the opppenents D basically goes to there goaline D. Got to start getting smarter. Don’t always have to run with out of I-formations is what I’m saying. The Good teams do it out of passing formations cus oppenents fear the deep ball and teams we play fear it too with Greene and crew!
Dwight Carter - January 4, 2012
also, when you see a team closer to 60% for runs on first down
that typically means the team has a lead and is managing the clock… so that could also be a reason for a lot of runs on first. But I have noticed lately, that they are checking it down to WR for quick bubble or slant of first if the corner is way off…
AMAS85 - January 4, 2012
that's something I've noticed too
and it’s nice to see. If the corner is playing deep so Green doesn’t burn him, do a quick strike to Green and pick up at least 7 or 8 yards. That’s smart football.
indesignkat - January 4, 2012
56% doesn't mean anything....DUMB stat.
Do your really think defensive coordinators are seeing that stat and saying…WOW they run the ball 6% more then 50/50 on first down…..I’ll load the box on every first down because they will only throw it 44%, so my team will get burned only about half the time!!!…Wow I’m a great Defensive coordinator… If any coach in the NFL has ever said that he lasted maybe a week at his job….That stat is meaningless and does not deserve a story about it.
Tim8194 - January 4, 2012
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