Cedric Benson Can't Hold Onto The Ball

Earlier this morning Michael David Smith called the Bears decision to enter the 2007 season with the same three quarterbacks as last year the worst of the NFL offseason. After Brian Griese's three interceptions in yesterday's 37-27 loss to the Lions it's hard to argue with that. But poor offensive decision making wasn't limited to the quarterback position.

While standing pat at signal caller the Bears chose to make a change at tailback. After splitting the workload in 2006, Thomas Jones was allowed to leave as a free agent and Cedric Benson ascended to the starting job. Jones hasn't worked out as expected for the Jets but Benson's been an out-and-out disaster for the Bears. He's averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and has scored one touchdown through four games.

Even worse he can't hold onto the ball. Benson has fumbled three times in 74 carries, including one in the second quarter yesterday that led to his benching for two series. The rookie Garrett Wolfe took his place in the lineup for two series but Benson returned in the second half. He won't keep getting that chance if he doesn't treat the ball with more respect. The Bears simply can't afford a quarterback and a running back who give the ball away as often as their current ones.

He played better in the second half, picking up 47 of his 50 yards after the break, but its clear that the Bears aren't running the ball with the same authority this year. The blame can be spread around to the offensive line and defenses that know they aren't going to get beat via the air but its clear that giving Benson the job all by himself isn't paying any dividends.