Benson says he's ready for any challenges
Cedric Benson appears to be on schedule for a complete recovery from the fractured ankle that ended his 2007 season in November and put his future as the Bears' featured runner in jeopardy.
It remains to be seen, however, if even a healthy Benson can withstand the challenge from second-round draft pick Matt Forte.
Despite last season's career-worst 3.4-yard average per carry, Benson recently received a vote of confidence from Bears coach Lovie Smith.
During Wednesday's third day of organized team activities at Halas Hall, Benson lined up with the first team and ran and cut without any trace of a limp. Even if he goes to training camp July 22 as the No. 1 running back, Benson's hold on the starting job is tenuous with Forte waiting in the wings.
"I think it's always been a challenge," Benson said. "Garrett Wolfe came in last year. The first two years (it was) with Thomas Jones. It's always been a challenge. I wouldn't expect anything less or any different."
Benson's future in Chicago appeared to be imperiled early this month when he was arrested on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas, and charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, charges he will challenge in court and which have been disputed by some observers.
His next court date is June 30, although he is not required to attend. Benson said he is not considering a lawsuit in the case, but he looks forward to having it resolved and being vindicated.
"It'll be nice to get it cleared up and over with, but I don't really spend too much time thinking about it," he said. "I'm sticking to my story, and the truth will come out sometime, whether it'll be now or a year from now or whenever."
At the time of the arrest, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, while referring to Benson as a victim, also questioned the player's judgment and said he allowed himself to become a victim. Benson disagrees with that characterization.
"He'd have to explain to me how I put myself in a situation to be a victim," said the four-year veteran. "I was enjoying myself, enjoying my off-season."
Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell, like Benson a former Texas Longhorn superstar, also questioned Benson's behavior and predicted he might be remembered more for the boating incident than his so-far disappointing NFL career. Again, Benson took exception.
"Earl must have forgot how young I am," Benson said with a smile. "I've still got some football to play."
How much more he will play with the Bears might be decided in training camp, and by how Forte performs. Just six months removed from the latest setback in an injury-marred career, Benson -- who is about 10 pounds lighter than last season, when he weighed 220 pounds -- said he's ready to compete.
"I feel great," he said. "Y'all didn't see? I hope y'all had the cameras on all practice. I feel faster, quicker, just smarter, smoother, freer. I feel everything on a positive note."
To keep Forte at bay, Benson probably will have to demonstrate all those attributes and play as he did in the second half of the 2006 season, when he averaged 5.0 yards per carry before suffering a sprained knee in Super Bowl XLI.
"I would hope I'd have to do something to keep (the job)," he said. "Nobody wants to be given anything. It makes it more fun and more exciting when you've got a challenge going. I'm just going to be me and make plays."