Spotlight squarely on Benson

There's only been one change to the Bears' offense since last season.

Cedric Benson for Thomas Jones. That's it.

The only question now is, did the Bears keep the right running back?

Benson has never carried more than 157 times in a season, his durability is a concern, and his preseason average per carry of 2.3 yards was disappointing. But Benson gets a chance to answer his critics beginning Sunday in San Diego, and he says Chicago hasn't seen his best yet.

"Not even close to it," he said. "I haven't even seen the best I have to offer."

The fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft has the stage to himself this season and the confidence of his teammates based on his performance in the final seven regular-season games of 2006, which offered a glimpse of his potential. Benson rushed for 432 yards on 88 carries down the homestretch, and his 4.9-yard average was seventh-best in the NFL.

"Cedric is a power running back, the strongest running back I have ever played with, that's for sure," center Olin Kreutz said. "When he hits people, you can hear it. Last year he broke (Junior) Seau's arm (against the Patriots). He hurts people. Cedric is a powerful, powerful back."

That kind of style can set the tone for an offense that wants to be known as a running unit.

"He runs the ball angry," Kreutz said. "That brings a little attitude to our offense."

According to Kreutz, the offensive line only needs to open a small seam to spring Benson.

"Olin's right on that," guard Ruben Brown said. "He's going to flow through anything in his way. The guy likes to run over people, and not many people are going to catch him when he gets in the open field. We're not changing anything, we're not doing anything special, we're just doing our job, and he'll pick up the slack."

As much scrutiny as Benson will get in his first game as the Bears' featured runner, he'll be greatly overshadowed by Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the 2006 NFL MVP and rushing leader whose 31 touchdowns established a league record. Benson said he'll be among those watching L.T.

"I'm excited to see him play," he said. "I'm hoping the defense can keep his numbers down, but I will be watching."

Benson's OK with the amount of attention lavished on Tomlinson, who has averaged 1,529 rushing yards, 66 receptions and 18.5 touchdowns in his first six NFL seasons.

"It's expected," Benson said. "He had a tremendous year last year, and I guess it's a good thing for me. Not spending too much time talking about me, maybe I can sneak in (under the radar)."

He won't stay there long if the season unfolds the way the Bears expect. Benson doesn't want to discuss specific goals or yardage totals, as he regrettably did as a rookie, but he's confident he'll have opportunities to succeed.

"I can't come out every week and put tremendous numbers up," he said. "The NFL is a tough business, but running behind the guys I'm running behind, I see no reason not to be optimistic."

After two years of waiting in the wings behind Jones, Benson is eager now that his time has arrived.

"The season's finally here, and it's a big moment for me," he said. "I've been waiting on it for a long time."