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With the draft now in the rear view mirror, the offseason moves of the Green Bay Packers provide a peek into the offices at 1265 Lombardi avenue. A bit of insight into how Ted Thompson views the needs of the team and the direction Coach Mike McCarthy is steering the Packers can be understood by looking at the moves made over the past few months.

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One thing that is certain, the run game is thought to be relevant for the Packers moving forward. Over the past few seasons the Packers have placed very little emphasis on rushing the ball. This is of course Aaron Rodgers’ team and because of that and the stable of receivers at his dispense; it was a pass-happy offense.

The Packers passed 56 percent of the time in 2012. With that, Aaron Rodgers was sacked 51 times. On one hand the common assumption would be that the Packers need to improve the offensive line play. They do, but the real problem here was opposing defensive coordinators scoffed at the Packers feeble attempt at a running game.

Over the course of the season the Packers accumulated 1,702 yards on the ground spread out amongst nine different ball carriers. Aaron Rodgers accounted for 259 of those yards and Randall Cobb 132. The leading rusher, Alex Green, rushed for just 464 yards with 3.4 yard average and no touchdowns. Having no regard for the Packers ability to rush the ball, defenses came after Rodgers fast and furious. The common analogy was defensive linemen were just pinning their ears back and coming for Rodgers.

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With the additions of running backs Eddie Lacy from Alabama and Johnathan Franklin from UCLA the Packers add young talent, but also an interesting mix of running styles. Lacy is a power back and has been compared to Frank Gore. Franklin has a little wiggle and speed and draws comparisons to Shane Vereen of New England, and others liken him to Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville.

With the addition of Lacy and Franklin at least two of the Packers six running backs from last year will not be returning for 2012. Ryan Grant is already a free-agent; therefore the favorite to be the odd man out is Cedric Benson.  However, Alex Green, DuJuan Harris, James Starks, and even the legendary John Kuhn are all equally sharing the hot seat, as it would be unusual for the Packers to carry six running backs on the active roster.

It is apparent with the addition of Lacy and Franklin that the Packers want to earn some respect on the ground rushing the ball. It will create what Thompson and McCarthy are always reciting, competition. And the competition should be fierce.

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All of the returning Packers running backs have at one point in time or another shined or shown promise. James Starks has been hampered by injury, but has demonstrated that when healthy he can be a threat.

DuJuan Harris in a small sample size was impressive in the latter portion of last season. Alex Green has potential and was probably called upon last year to do too much. Third down back might be the best role for him.

The running game opens up the passing game. Between the returning backs and the additions through the draft the Packers on paper look to be improving in the ground game.

A rotation of Lacy, Franklin, Harris and Starks offers a variety of different looks and will be interesting to see the 2013 backfield develop.

Cedric Benson started last season as the Packers running back before being injured. He has not yet been signed by the Packers and one wonders if he will given the team’s draft.
Dean Hall photograph

Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy didn’t send any mixed messages last weekend when they expended two of their draft picks on running backs – and not just on any old running backs who happened to be available – they went all in and selected two of the best backs on the board.

Their call was loud and clear: The Green Bay Packers are going to improve their running game and they are serious about it.

James Starks (44) is upended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson (21) while rushing with the football during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

By selecting Eddie Lacy with their lone second round pick and then turning around in the fourth round and selecting Johnathan Franklin, the Packers had one eye on their in-house running backs – James Starks, Alex Green, and DuJuan Harris. Without saying a word, the Packers put these three running backs on notice while upping the ante, increasing the competition and putting on full display their lack of confidence in that phase of the game.

As a team, the Packers ran the ball an average of 27.1 times per game in 2012, so it wasn’t like they got completely away from the attempt to show they could do it. However, they averaged just 3.9 yards per attempt and 106.4 per game, finishing twentieth overall in the league.

So, what’s wrong with that, you say? Nothing, if you’re satisfied with mediocrity.

Compare that with the Washington Redskins, who finished first overall in the league. Washington carried the ball 32.4 times per game, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 169.3 yards per game.

That’s a big difference.

The Packers longest run from scrimmage was 41 yards and the one bit of good news was that they fumbled just four times.

The mediocre statistics for the Packers was a focal point for Thompson in this year’s draft – and rightly so.

The Packers, who started their season with Cedric Benson as their starter, was just beginning to see some production from the veteran when he went down with the dreaded lisfranc foot injury against the Indianapolis Colts. Next up was Alex Green, who led the team with 464 yards. While he was a steady player for the most part, Green didn’t seem to have the acceleration and cutting ability because he was coming off a serious knee injury suffered the year before. He wasn’t himself. James Starks made an attempt at a comeback of his own, but went down with a knee injury not long after coming back and was lost for the remainder of the season.

Alex Green Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

While DuJuan Harris, the diminutive ball of energy, inserted some spunk and power into the Packers game at the end of the season, it’s clear that he isn’t a three-down back. He could be a productive change of pace back for the Packers this season and because of that, will most likely stick.

But with the new guys coming in, a whole new attitude and energy should come with them. One of the best competitions to watch as the Packers begin their early season workouts, OTAs and then get into Training Camp will be among the running backs.

We’re sure Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy will have an eye glued to that part of the field as well.

Stay tuned …

Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson will meet Wednesday with the Packers about his future.Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

It was announced today that Cedric Benson will meet on Wednesday with the Green Bay Packers about his potential future with the team.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Benson, who missed 11 games last season with the dreaded Lisfranc foot injury, is nearing 100 percent in his rehab and will meet with Packers officials to talk about the possibility of him staying on board.

While there has also been much talk about the Packers drafting a running back with less wear and tear, Benson remains a possibility because he knows the system and is a veteran who may be retained for a song. However, the Packers have to think long-term as well.

For weeks, the Packers have been linked in many mock drafts with a running back draft in the first round – the most notable and highly mentioned has been Eddie Lacy. Both Benson and Lacy would also fit into the Packers’ mode of toughening up its squad – a team that has been deemed as soft, not only by the media, but by people within the organization and across the NFL.

The Packers, if they are going to draft a running back, should meet with Benson to gauge his physical condition and ability to come back – and they need to do it before the draft. How they view Benson could impact how they go about drafting.

The answer to whether Benson comes back will be answered when the Packers finish their draft this weekend.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers neared what was a massive decision that would affect their cap space dramatically for next season. Ted Thompson knew this decision would impact what they do in this year’s NFL Draft and how they approach the rest of the offseason. Thompson also knew that the decision to keep or cut Jermichael Finley was huge and has been talked about a lot.

However, there is one obvious right decision that the Packers should have made – and they made it today …

The Packers kept Jermichael Finley.

There is no tight end on the free agent market right now better than Jermichael Finley. Tyler Eifert would be an upgrade but he will not fall to the Packers while Zack Ertz will probably not be an immediate upgrade.

Jermichael Finley played better near the end of the season and even though he struggled in the playoffs, Finley showed that he deserves a second chance for the Packers this upcoming season. The Packers also have plenty of cap room to improve the roster right now and Finley will be a free agent next offseason anyway.

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Packers will still have the cap space to make some moves which should include cutting Cedric Benson and replacing him with Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw is still not that old at age 27 while Benson is a risk to be injured again and no longer needed, especially if Bradshaw becomes a Packer. Brian Urlacher could be a possibility to provide some depth at inside linebacker. His leadership would also be a big boost to the locker room but it seems unlikely that Urlacher would come to Green Bay.

The Packers can now focus on a tight end later in the draft instead of the first round. So just what are the Packers draft options at tight end?

Dec 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar (88) runs for a first down after making a catch during the second quarter as Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Jordan Johnson (6) defends at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

In the second round, the Packers could look at drafting San Diego State TE Gavin Escobar. Escobar isn’t too far behind Zack Ertz on a lot of people’s draft boards and his ceiling is extremely high. Escobar has good speed and jumping ability for a tight end but I’m still not completely sold on Escobar.

Florida’s Jordan Reed is another potential fit in the second or third round and would be a good pick for Green Bay. Reed is fast for a tight end but he isn’t really much a blocker. If there is one player he reminds me of, it would be former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Clark and Reed are both not as big as an average tight end but have great speed and can work out of the slot. The Packers do already have D.J. Williams so Reed might not be much of a fit.

December 27, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Joseph Fauria (8) celebrates after scoring during the second quarter against the Baylor Bears in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

A late round possibility is UCLA tight end Joseph Fauria who has the best ceiling of any in this draft. Fauria is 6-7′ and has so much room to grow and become an elite tight end. Fauria isn’t the fastest tight end but he can get up and get the ball due to his impressive ball skills and great arm length. Fauria might not be the fastest, but his speed makes him a big play threat.

Fauria also has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft and could be a big time tight end by 2014. Remember, Jimmy Graham was not a starter from day 1 in New Orleans. Instead, Graham developed behind veteran Jeremy Shockey before starting in New Orleans and becoming arguably the best tight end in the NFL.

Jermichael Finley could play the Jeremy Shockey with Fauria being the next Jimmy Graham.

Are the Packers interested in signing St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson and do they have the wherewithal to do so?
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King got all of Packers Nation talking Friday when he was caught on video telling St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson that he’s gotta “go to Green Bay” and Jackson saying that it “makes sense.” But the talk today is that Jackson’s best bet will be the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking at replacing Michael Turner who was cut late last week. Chris Wessling, an Around the League writer for NFL.com posted today that according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jackson’s best move would be to go to the Falcons. However, he also doesn’t write off the Packers and also makes mention of the Denver Broncosas another team that might have an interest in Jackson.

Cedric Benson went down with injury early in the year. Will the Packers bring him back?
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The real question on this end is whether the Packers have an actual interest in Jackson. There have been no rumblings coming from anyone associated with the Packers on any type of interest or even any contact with the runner who is a perennial 1,000-yard rusher. The Packers running game was in a shambles last year after Cedric Benson went down with a foot injury a few weeks into the season. The Packers attempted to push second-year runner Alex Green into the position, but it was clear after a few weeks that he wasn’t going to be the guy. oft-injured James Starks made a brief comeback and showed some of his 2010 abilities, but he, too, went down with injury. The Packers then turned to DuJuan Harris late in the season and he showed some spunk and power – however, most agree he would be most effective as a change-of-pace back and not an every down back. And while the Packers brought back Ryan Grant late in the season, he was mostly ineffective and won’t be brought back in 2013. Jackson would fill that role as he not only runs with power, but catches the ball out of the backfield well. Whether Ted Thompson would want to commit – or whether he has the money to commit – to Jackson is a question only he can answer. The Packers are around $21 million under the salary cap, but when you start adding up the funds that will be needed to sign restricted free agents, draft choices and undrafted free agents, you’re looking at least $7 million. That still leaves the Packers with what might seem plenty of cash until you look at who they have yet to sign – quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews - for sure – and possibly defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

Will DuJuan Harris be a big part of the Packers running game in 2013?
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Just Rodgers alone is going to command more than $20 million per year and Matthews will most likely get at least half that, so the bank account will be quickly depleted. The only way Thompson frees up more money is if he cuts ties with tight end Jermichael Finley, who’s due a bunch of money at the end of March, or linebacker A.J. Hawk, who will be due more than $5 million this year. Those are intriguing situations which have Packers Nation divided at this time, but will be resolved sometime soon. So, in the end, Jackson may end up going to Atlanta or Denver because the Packers can’t afford it. Though Jackson is right – from a football standpoint, having him in the Green and Gold does make a lot of sense. Stay tuned.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) carries the football during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson didn’t do much running for the team this past fall, but from the sounds rumbling out of the county courthouse, it looks like his dogs have been doing plenty of running.

Not only has Benson been charged with allowing his dogs to run at-large, but the dogs are alleged to have bitten several calves on a farm near Benson’s home in Manitowoc County.

According to a report in the Green Bay Press Gazette, Benson’s rottweilers got away from Benson long enough to attack the calves on a farm and inflict enough bites on the animals to the point where the local veterinarian thinks some of them may not live.

He was charged twice. The first charges stems from an incident when his dogs were running loose Dec. 20. Another charge stems from an incident Jan. 13.

On top of that, Benson is also facing a speeding charge of driving 41 mph over the limit in Manitowoc County. The charge stems from a traffic stop Jan. 1.

Benson, who is a free agent, was signed by the Packers to a one-year contract at the beginning of the 2012 season. He rushed for 248 yards through five games last season before an injury to his foot ended his year.

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2nd half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 14-12. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers and Cedric Benson were just getting to know one another early last fall when a freak injury got in the way in Indianapolis in week five of the 2012 season.

Will that be it? Will the Packers part ways with the 30-year-old running back now that the team’s season has come to an end? Probably. Given past history and GM Ted Thompson’s propensity to eject elderly running backs from his roster, Benson will most likely be gone sometime soon.

It’s a shame that Benson didn’t have the chance to show what he had left in the tank this past season

After a slow start, Benson was just getting into a groove. The Packers signed Benson midway through training camp where he got a handful of carries before being thrust into the starting backfield when the Packers hosted the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener. In that game, he carried the ball 9 times for 18 yards. Not exactly a barn burning opener for the veteran.

Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) tries to break a tackle by Chicago Bears defensive end Corey Wootton (98) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

However, in week two, Benson showed flashes of his old self, gaining 81 yards on 20 carries against his former team, the Chicago Bears. He also caught four passes for 35 yards in the Packers first win of the season.

In week three, it was his strong running in the second half of the Packers “Fail Mary” loss in Seattle that gave the Packers brass and fans a glimpse of how he can carry a team. With Aaron Rodgers getting sacked eight times in the first half, the Packers went to Benson and his hard running style in the second half.

Though he carried the ball 17 times for only 45 yards, he picked up some tough yardage inside and kept the hard-charging Seattle defense off balance enough to help give the Packers the lead until the final play of the game.

In week four at home against the New Orleans Saints, Benson again picked up the pace, running 18 times for 84 yards. He also caught four passes for another 22 yards in the team’s exciting 28-27 win.

In the fifth game of the season at Indianapolis, Benson was again running hard in the first half when his leg was rolled up on and he suffered what was to become a season-ending Lisfranc fracture in his foot. The hope was that he would recover in time to help the Packers in their playoff run, but that didn’t happen. He was placed on injured reserve.

Though he wants to return to the Packers in 2013, the likelihood that will happen seems less with each passing day. That doesn’t mean that Benson isn’t optimistic.

Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

“Hopefully upstairs feels the same way,” Benson said when asked about his future with the team. “A contending team and a team that takes pride in being precise and executing and doing things correct; I’m all for it.”

What the Packers backfield will look like in 2013 is unclear, but it most likely will include Alex Green, DuJuan Harris, John Kuhn, and possibly James Starks and Brandon Saine, who both were also hampered by injuries.

It’s possible Benson could be re-signed for the minimum, but it’s most likely the Packers have seen the last of him.

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The injuries continue to get worse for the Packers as a season filled with injuries has once again gotten worse.

Running back Cedric Benson has had foot surgery to repair his lisfranc injury suffered in week five at Indianapolis, effectively ending his season. Benson was placed on IR shortly after the injury but thanks to new NFL rules would have been able to return eight weeks after the injury.

Benson was hopeful to return agains the Bears in Mid-December for the showdown that will likely decide the division. However, his injury hadn’t healed as he and doctors had planned, thus his only option was to have surgery.

Just as the injury situation was starting to look good for the Packers as they were getting Gregg Jennings and Clay Matthews back from injuries this week, and Charles Woodson, Sam Shields and Andrew Quarles in the upcoming weeks, the Packers learned Benson would be shut down for the rest of the season.

The loss of Benson for the remainder of the year, including the playoffs, puts the Packers all the way back at square one. We saw last season that James Starks couldn’t get the job done in the regular season, but the Packers’ pass offense masked many problems last season en route to a 15-1 record. This season is different for Green Bay. They haven’t been as effective through the air as they have been in the past, and the running game has been invisible.

The Packers will ride James Starks and Alex Green for the remainder of the season.

As for Benson’s future with Green Bay, he was signed to a one-year deal in August. It’s hard seeing the Packers bringing him back, especially if they take a running back early in the 2013 draft, which could be a strong possibility.  Benson finished the season with 248 yards on 71 carries and a touchdown.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (90) rushes as Chicago Bears guard Lance Louis (60) and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi (72) block during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers go into Sunday night’s showdown in Houston without the services of starting running back Cedric Benson – we all know that.

But the jury is still out on the availability of wide receiver Greg Jennings, defensive lineman B.J. Raji and tight end Jermichael Finley.

All of them went down to injury over the past couple of weeks and for a team that’s struggling on both sides of the ball, losing important starters like these guys isn’t going to help their cause at Houston.

Jennings has been a hit or miss over the last three games as he struggles to make it back from a groin injury. As the days wind down to their next game and without him practicing, one has to lean toward him not making it to the field in Texas.

Of all the three – Jennings, Raji and Finley – his loss affects the team the most. I say that because when he is out it hasn’t seemed that any of the other wide receivers, with the exception of James Jones, has really stepped up their play. Heading into the season, wide receiver was seen as the Packers’ greatest strength. Without Jennings it seems like one of its greatest liabilities.

The defensive line received a bolstering when Mike Neal returned, but losing Raji removes its strength in the middle. How Dom Capers adjusts to Raji’s loss will be a key in stopping the potent Houston run game.

Sep 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

As for Finley, Packers Nation is so disappointed in his comments today that were taken to diss Aaron Rodgers that most probably don’t care. However, he is a talent the Packers need to help make up for the loss of Jennings. His backups, D.J. Williams and Tom Crabtree, have also been dinged up in the early going, so if Finley can make it back onto the field in time for Sunday’s game that will be a plus.

The real question, however, on the injury front, is how the Packers will fill the void left by Benson. The newly-acquired running back is gone for the next two months and it sounds like the Packers running game will be managed via committee.

I guess we’ll see if Alex Green and James Starks will be able to carry the load. Throw in John Kuhn and hopefully the Packers will be able to throw some different looks at opponents. No doubt, the offense is going to miss the pounding up-the-middle running style that Benson brought so effectively. The bottom line is that Benson will be difficult to replace – as will Jennings, Raji and Finley.

Being a healthy team would go a long way in knocking off the 5-0 Texans, but that’s not what the Packers bring. How the staff schemes to adjust for those losses will be a huge key in how the Packers do against the Texans and down the road.

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Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Though his 2012 season statistics through four games only show him gaining 228 yards on 64 rushing attempts, Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson has been a key to the team’s offensive success during the early going and is showing signs that he could bring new life to the Packers attack as the season wears on.

Will he rush for 1,000 yards for the fourth straight season? Probably not. The Packers pass-happy offensive scheme won’t allow that to occur. But his production should give the Packers exactly what they were looking for when Ted Thompson brought him to Green Bay in August.

As he has shown the last two weeks, first against the Seahawks when he took over in the second half of that game, and again last week against the Saints when he nearly hit the century mark, Benson has brought a new attitude to the Packers run game.

His punishing runs between the tackles is slowing the defensive pass rush and allowing quarterback Aaron Rodgers more time in the passing game.

We are just beginning to see his impact. If Benson can continue to rush between 15 to 20 times per game for 75 to 90 yards, he will be exactly what the Packers want and need.

Flash back to the Packers 2010 Super Bowl run when James Starks came out of nowhere to revitalize the Packers run game – that is exactly what the Packers need at this point in the 2012 season.

If Benson can continue this type of production the rest of the season, he will give the Packers just what they are looking for – however, he has to do two things: he has to stay healthy and he can’t turn the ball over.

Not only will his production on the field give Alex Green more time to heal his surgically repaired knee, but it should also provide Starks more time to get healthy.

More than likely Benson will need a breather as the season wears on, so it’s important that both Green and Starks are healthy when called on.

Benson could be the key to many wins over the remaining three-quarters of this season and could indeed be the linchpin to another Super Bowl run.

Cedric Benson amped up his game last week against the Chicago Bears. Joe VanDeLaarschot photograph

He just dropped into their laps.

Cedric Benson, a 1,000-plus-yard runner for the last three seasons was a very late training camp gift for Mike McCarthy and the Packers’ offense. Facilitated mainly, we can assume, by the (inevitable) injury suffered by fellow running back James Starks, the Benson signing shocked everyone, and if the last two games are any indication, the Packers’ offensive architects.

Suddenly, all of the talk around the Packers offense has morphed from a high-tempo no-huddle offense directed by Aaron Rodgers to people asking things like “when was the last time a Packers running back lined up seven yards from scrimmage?”

The Packers want to take advantage of what Benson brings to their offense, but it is going to take a while to mesh two distinct philosophies of offense. Each side will be uncomfortable for at least the first half of the season – the offense has to adjust to the type of running that Benson does (more traditional, less one-back) while Benson needs to be more at ease being that lone back in the shotgun with Rodgers right next to him.

Against the Bears, the Packers did something they couldn’t do last season – run for four plays in a row. Benson did this regularly for the Bengals last season.

A big part of the Packers passing game last season was play-action. This year, the play-action, especially the huge play to usually Jordy Nelson, hasn’t been there yet, but with defensive coordinators looking at the threat of Benson, hopefully a safety or two will drop to the box to respect Benson.

Not the End All, Be All
Benson certainly is a plus to this offense – a dimension they didn’t have last year. But I think what the Packers really needed last year was big running back like LaGarrette Blount (remember what he did to the Packers?) who can grind out yards and move the pile at the end of games to pick up that crucial first down that keeps the defense on the sidelines.

The Ideal Situation
This week marks the first week of practice for James Starks since he went down at Green Bay’s second exhibition game.

Realistically he’ll be back for the New Orleans game at Lambeau Field. Last year he ran 12 times for 47 yards and a touchdown.

This time, if back, he’ll be paired with Benson and most likely will be made the third down back, because Benson has a tendency to put the ball on the ground (why ask him to catch the ball and hold on).

July 26, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) catches a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Looking ahead, The Green Bay Packers coaching staff is focusing on the Cincinnati Bengals, their next preseason opponent this coming Thursday.

While looking at the film of last Thursday’s hideous game against the Cleveland Browns, the Packers must now start looking at players on the bubble who will probably get one more week of practice and at least one more game to try to make the 53 man roster. Clearly, there are going to be some talented players moving on to other teams, but that’s the nature of the NFL Beast.

Going on this week, the Packers will be taking another look at Graham Harrell, the number two quarterback who hasn’t shown much so far this preseason. Deciding on the top defensive linemen, defensive backs and linebackers will also be a key development coming out of camp in the next week or so.

But there will be some good news this week, as well. It looks like receiver Greg Jennings and tight end Jermichael Finley will be practicing in hopes he’s ready to go this Thursday at Cincinnati. But even more intriguing will be the first look at running back Cedric Benson. With James Starks at least a week, maybe two, from getting back on the field, it looks like it’s Benson’s time to step up into the starting role. He will be backed up by Alex Green and Marc Tyler.

What makes the start by Benson, who practiced for the first time in pads Sunday, is that he will be going against his former team, the Bengals. Though he probably won’t get more than a couple of series of work, it will be interesting to see how he fits into the Packers system.

Could Ryan Grant be looking for holes to run through with the Lions? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With the news that Jahvid Best, the Detroit Lions’ best bet for starting back, will not be uniform for the start of the 2012 regular season – he’s been relegated to the physically unable to perform list – is there a former Packer in the team’s future?

Throw in the fact that behind Best for the Lions are perpetual underachiever Kevin Smith and bad boy Mikel Leshoure and one might think that Ryan Grant might be a possibility.

You might remember that Grant had a visit to Detroit embedded into his GPS in May, but that trip was cancelled for inexplicable reasons. At the time, many thought it was because they believed he was headed back to Green Bay.

That didn’t happen either.

Instead, the Packers decided to go with two backs returning from serious knee injuries – Alex Green and James Starks, as well as second-year man Brandon Saine and rookie undrafted free agent Marc Tyler.

That was all well and good until the wheels in Green Bay started falling off. Saine went down to injury, Green wasn’t quite 100 percent and Starks hasn’t been all the Packers want. In their first preseason game, Tyler looked pretty good, but his stock dropped when he fumbled on the Packers’ final possession as they were attempting to score as the clock was winding down.

Immediately, the thought turned to Grant – he’s the back who knows the system and would be the perfect fit.

But not for Ted Thompson. Instead he went out and got Cedric Benson for a song, clearly looking to move in an entirely new direct, left Grant without a team.

Enter the Lions who have as bad of a situation in their backfield as the Packers. A logical choice for Detroit would be Grant, but no move has been made in that direction.

Could it still happen? Sure. There’s plenty of time to get him into camp and acclimated to their system. Obviously, that wouldn’t be something Packers fans would like to see.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if it did.

Dec 24, 2011; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) runs during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

This was recorded this morning and is presented here courtesy of the Green Bay Press Gazette.

Cedric Benson worked out for the first time with the Packers this morning and this very short video clip shows him going through running back drills with coach Mike McCarthy giving directions.

No doubt, the team will be seeing more of this as Benson goes through the mandatory acclimation process that requires a new player to ease into a team’s routine over the course of the first three days. That means that it is highly unlikely that Benson will be a part of the Packers game plan when they host the Cleveland Browns Thursday, Aug. 16, at Lambeau.

Enjoy.

Packers rookie Jerel Worthy is just one of several rookies, especially on defense, being eyed as cogs to an improved 2012 Packers team. Dan Hogan photograph

It’s been a pretty eventful few days for The Green Bay Packers, the coaches, and their fans.

The Packers look bad in dropping their first exhibition game at San Diego, they lose one of their best defensive players probably for the season and another promising defender for at least a couple of weeks. The team is decimated by injuries, the offensive line is in a shambles and then Ted Thompson continues with his trend of consistent inconsistency by signing Cedric Benson – a talented running back with a tainted history.

And that’s just the past four days. Now the Packers have to get ready to play the Cleveland Browns Thursday night at Lambeau Field, try to get some players patched up and get Benson acclimated to the Packer way and Packers Nation.

It should be fun.

In that spirit, I thought I would bring you some of the more interesting posts I’ve come across the past couple of days as we head into a new week.

Enjoy and don’t forget to keep on coming back to Lombardiave.com for all the Packers news you might find somewhere else, but with its own blend and twist – also, our Facebook page is a hoot and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

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The summer of Opposite Ted continues as Ted Thompson has dipped into the free agent market to pluck running back Cedric Benson.

The official reports from various media outlets confirmed Friday that Benson was in Green Bay for a visit on Friday and that a contract signing was completed today.

Many in Packer Nation were up in arms with this decison, some saying that Benson is nothing but a headache and the Packers would be better off just striking a deal with former Packer Ryan Grant. While Benson is better known for his events off the field rather than on the field, I feel he is a better option than Grant at this point in both of their careers.

Grant, who made some great plays while with the Packers seemed to really tail off after his ankle injury in the ’09 opener against the Eagles.

Now you could say Grant didn’t have enough attempts to even be a great runner being in the Packers pass-happy offense. I believe Grant had plenty of attempts to flourish last year, but he seemed like he couldn’t find the holes when they were open.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Grant excelled at finding the hole and bursting through it. Another telling point about Grant is the fact that it’s not only the Packers who haven’t had interest – there are 31 other teams who see the same thing Ted Thompson does. I believe Benson brings a nice set of tools to this offense.

Packer fans will remember Benson as the former Chicago Bear who was lazy and really couldn’t run all that well. That Benson seemed long gone when he suited up for his second season with the the  Cincinatti Bengals in 2009, rushing for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns.

Benson has turned into a tough downhill runner as he has matured. That presence of a violent runner is what the Packers have been missing these last two years. There were times last year where the team couldn’t convert on third and 1 or fourth and 1. The Packers short yardage man was mainly John Kuhn, so when he came in everyone knew why he was in there and who was getting the ball.

With Benson the Packers could put both in and surprise the defense with the ball carrier, because Benson has the ability to get that 1 yard.

I feel Green Bay is the right place for Benson to be and stay out of trouble. He’s been in trouble with every team he’s been with, but those teams didn’t have strong veteran leaders in the locker room.

Guys like Woodson, Rodgers, and Driver among others should keep Benson in line.

Let’s relax before we condemn Benson coming here to Green Bay, Ted Thompson knows what he’s doing and I’m sure once again he’ll prove most of us wrong.

With news breaking Friday night that the Green Bay Packers had brought running back Cedric Benson in and that signing him was “probable,” it sounds like probable is now turning to reality.

According to a post by Paul Imig on the FOXSportsWisconsin.com website today, his sources, which include Packers running back Alex Green, indicate that Benson could be in camp and ready for practice Monday morning.

“I was informed today that Cedric Benson will be coming in, so that’s a great thing for us,” Green told Imig Sunday afternoon. “It’ll help the team out. He’s a great running back. That’ll be a great thing for us to learn from and get a better feel for the running back position.”

You might remember that Benson was originally selected by the Chicago Bears and stayed in the Windy City for three years before falling into disfavor. In his three years there, Benson never reached 700 yards rushing in a single season.

However, when he landed in Cincinnati, his fortunes turned. He ran for 1,000 yards three straight years and helped the improving Bengals to a Playoff berth last year.

Benson can only be an upgrade to the Packers’ pathetic running game. Though both James Starks and Ryan Grant combined for more than 1,000 yards in rotation last year, the Packers continually relied on its passing game to carry the team. When the Packers decided not to re-sign Grant and go with Starks and second-year runners Alex Green and Brandon Saine, they  thought they had enough horses in the stable. However, Starks had a horrible outing last Thursday night at San Diego, Green still isn’t back completely from his injured knee and Saine has been out of action for the past week.

Ted Thompson had to do something and with the availability of Benson, I believe he made another good move.

Bringing in Benson takes some pressure off the rest of the running backs. Like the defense which was addressed in the offseason, the need to add another body in the backfield was a no-brainer. With Benson there may be some downside, but it’s definitely worth the risk.

I like what Imig said in his post:

If Benson is able to do a good job in pass protection for Packers MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers and can help resurrect Green Bay’s struggling running game, this could turn out to be a significant signing for a team that hopes to win its second Super Bowl in three seasons.

October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) is grabbed from behind by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (99) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Cedric Benson – Green Bay Packers. Could they become synonymous?

Well, the news as originally reported early Friday evening by Chris Mortenson of ESPN that Benson was in Green Bay and was poised to be signed by Ted Thompson.

Though as of late last night the deal hadn’t been sealed, it looked impending and was described as “probable.”

The Packers’ running game is in disarray. James Starks, the rookie phenom who helped lead the Packers to their most recent Super Bowl, hasn’t been the answer, Brandon Saine is watching from the sidelines with an injury, Alex Green is being eased back into playing shape after last year’s knee injury and Marc Tyler looked decent in Thursday’s preseason opener until he fumbled on the final play of the game.

Though still unsigned, the Packers don't seem interested in bring Ryan Grant back. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers could have brought back Ryan Grant, the Packers’ main man the past four years, but don’t seem willing to go in that direction. He remains unsigned.

Enter Benson, who at 29 is coming off three straight 1,000 yard seasons at Cincinnati and may be considered a retread by many. This is the age at which most running backs hit the wall and show decline. Apparently the Packers are willing to take that chance. Maybe Ted Thompson knows something we don’t about the bruising between-the-tackles back. Maybe he just thinks it’s time the team bulk up its running game  and take some pressure off the league’s MVP.

Whatever the reason, it will be interesting to see what Benson can bring to balance the Packers already-vaunted passing attack. The hope is that it can make it an even better offense – and judging from the initial look at the Packers running game Thursday night, it just might need that boost.

It will be fun to watch.

Could Cedric Benson end up as a Green Bay Packer?

We all know the Green Bay Packers have one of the best, if not the best passing game in all of the National Football League.

On the flip side, we also understand that the Packers have been successful the past few years with a minimal rushing attack. Save for Ryan Grant, who the team has not brought back to date, the Packers have relied on inexperienced running backs and even a fullback (John Kuhn) as their featured backs the past couple of seasons.

Enter Cedric Benson, the former Chicago Bear and Cincinnati Bengal  who is now looking for a home. The Bengals have decided to go in a new direction, leaving Benson on the outside.

Rumor has it that in addition to the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders, it looks like the Packers may also have more than a passing interest in signing Benson.

Benson rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year and scored six touchdowns, but the Bengals still have no interest.

With the Packers looking to rely on two running backs (James Starks and Alex Green) who are both coming back to the team after having missed most of last year with serious knee injuries, depth is a concern, as is experience. Benson would provide both.

Though simply a rumor, this move would be a good one for the Packers. Given Packers GM Ted Thompson’s recent run through free agency and the draft, it would seem that he has let up on the reigns of building only through the draft. With his most recent history, Thompson may play the field and make an attempt at signing Benson, who could end his career with a team that has only a Super Bowl Championship in its sights.

Time will tell.

Stay tuned …

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With the third pick of the 2009 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select:

Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

Having addressed their quarterback need in the Matt Cassel trade, look for the Chiefs to address the other side of the ball with the third overall pick.  Todd Haley could be tempted to draft a wide receiver ([Michael] Crabtree) given his coaching history but linebacker remains their most pressing need on defense, besides defensive end.  This being a weak draft for defensive end, linebacker Aaron Curry is the most logical pick for the Chiefs. 

The Chiefs have declined to re-sign starting linebackers Rocky Boiman and Pat Thomas and have released veteran Donnie Edwards making them somewhat thin at the position.  They have traded for Mike Vrabel, which would obviously be a great mentor for the young Curry. 

The Wake Forest product is an absolute must if the Chiefs plan to move to a 3-4 defense, Curry on one side and Derrick Johnson on the other would provide the necessary pass rushing personnel for a team that set the record for the least amount of sacks in a season. 

The Seattle Seahawks are on the clock.

With the fourth pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select:

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

I don’t really like college football. Any sport that doesn’t have a
playoff system won’t easily win my attention or respect, so I don’t follow
the game that closely. Under normal circumstances, I’d tell you that blogs
like Field Gulls, Seahawk Addicts or Seahawks Draft Blog could give you a
better, more informed opinion than I could.

But these are not normal circumstances, and Michael Crabtree is not a
typical player. Even after addressing our desperate need at WR by signing
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle will select the best player available: The
game-breaking Crabtree.

As an NFC West fan, I get to watch Larry Fitzgerald torch my Seahawks
twice a year. In 2008, I got the added bonus of watching Fitz almost carry
Arizona to a World Championship. Housh isn’t Fitz. Neither is [Deion] Branch or
[Nate] Burleson… Hell, even Steve Largent wasn’t the dominant big-play threat
that Fitzgerald is right now.

Even with his foot surgery, and even after being revealed as 6’1″ instead
of 6’3″, drafting Crabtree is the best shot the Seahawks will have over
the next few years to get “their Fitzgerald.”

Selecting Crabtree isn’t just a “build for the future” move, either. With
Housh across from him, a (hopefully) healthy Branch in the slot, budding
Pro-Bowler John Carlson at TE, and Matt Hasselbeck throwing the ball,
Crabtree could make an immediate impact as Seattle’s “home run” threat.

The Seahawks aim to return to the top of the NFC West in 2009. Michael
Crabtree is the player most likely to help make that happen in this year’s
draft class.

Our hosts, the Cleveland Browns, are on the clock.

With the fifth pick in the draft, the Cleveland Browns select:

***Rey Maualuga, LB, USC*** 

A big reason behind why we decided to start this mock draft was because we were annoyed at the national media. Most mock drafts on the NFL Network and ESPN has the Browns selecting Malcolm Jenkins.

Sure, the Browns need help on defense and the secondary was inconsistent, but the cornerback position is the least of the team’s problems. In 2008, the Browns defense allowed an average of 151.9 yards rushing per game. The Browns lost to the Bengals 14-0 on Dec. 21 as Cedric Benson ran for 171 yards on 38 carries and back-up quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was 5-for-9 passing for 55 yards.

First and foremost, the Browns need to look to trade down and obtain some more draft picks. This will prove impossible since that’s the goal of most teams. The Browns also would be interested in Aaron Curry, but he is long gone.
 
With new coach Eric Mangini, the Browns will stick with the 3-4. So linebacker is the Browns’ biggest need in the draft.  The Browns need an edge pass rusher to fill Willie McGinest‘s position, but outside linebacker is one of the deepest positions in this draft.  That brings us to the void in the middle of the defense left by the departure of Andra Davis.

Maualuga is a nasty middle linebacker, the type of player that can bring attitude to a defense that sorely needs an identity. He is built perfectly to line up in the 3-4.  Peter King called him Ray Lewis, Jr. and Jon Gruden said Maualuga is the type of player to build a defense around.

Maualuga is known for his big hits and aggressive style of play. That should fit perfectly on the strong side of the Browns 3-4 defense next to D’Qwell Jackson. Pairing Jackson’s sideline-to-sideline speed with Maualuga’s power behind the mammoth Shaun Rogers, should make the Browns strong up the middle and help them slow down the opposition’s rushing attack.
 
Can you name a Pro Bowl defensive lineman or cornerback from the successful 3-4 defense in Pittsburgh? In Baltimore? No. But you can reel off a list of who’s who of linebackers.  It’s time the Browns start making the some names of their own.

Our AFC North rivals south on I-71, the Cincinnati Bengals, are on the clock.

Three more picks until the Packers are up on the clock.  Who is going to be there for us?