Thomas Jones was clearly a better runner last year

I think some people underestimate how much 1200 yds means in a season. People are predicting shit like 1600 yds and 18 TDs for Benson, and that is just ridiculous. Thomas Jones was clearly a better runner last year and the year before(understandably Benson needed to adjust to the NFL) and he only got 1300 and 1200 yds, respectively. If Benson gets 1300 yds, you guys should consider that a very good season for his first year as a full time starter. WestmontMike saying he needs to see 18 TDs this year to be a believer is just plain idiotic, no offense. If LT isnt in the league, 18 TDs could easily lead the league.

Taper your expectations for Benson, It is reasonable to expect 1200 yds, it is forseeable he gets 900-1100, and if he reaches his #4 pick potential this year, he could possible make his way up to 1600 yds, but that is a ridiculous goal considering its his first year as a full time starter, remember there is a reason he couldnt take TJ's job last season

Let me clarify....I'm not predicting that Benson will get 18 tds....I'm not predicting anything at all. I'm just saying that based on the attitude that Angelo had with Thomas Jones, basically sayin that Benson is, by far, a better back than Jones...then Benson better get 15 - 18 TDs to justify to me handing him the job over a proven player.... don't go all "Nas" on me and just assume my meaning and put words in my mouth. Let's discuss

If he plays the whole season and gets the majority of the snaps then he better have more tha 1200 yards or the Bears are not going anywhere. At 1200 yds that would make his game average be 75 yds. We need much more than that to end where we did last year, considering the passing attack we have. Unless the passing game can put up at least 260 a game we need or running game to at very least average 100 a game. We need to stop relying on the defense to bail us out all the time.

i didn't say 1200 was anything to scoff at but if he gets the majority of the plays 1200 ain't gonna do it. We are not going to have a magical season like we did last year with all the amazing defensive and special teams plays. I really think he needs to be amazing this year for us to have a chance.

How can you say they did not play up to their potential when they had a QB that was basically in his first year starting and a receiving core that does not have one recognizable name on the roster accept Muhsin. Lets not even start talking about the TE position. Their defense had mulitple injuries and had to plug in rookies in key positions. I agree that 2001 had crazier plays than last but we still should have had about 3 or 4 more losses. This year there are expectations but last year there were only long shot hopes and dreams that actually came 95% true.

It might be the system but I haven't seen enough evidence to agree with that statement. The system has only been in place for 3 years. Anthony Thomas did good before Jones got here too. Running back hasn't been a problem for the Bears in almost 10 years but they've had about 5 systems. Denver hasn't had a running back problem in almost 15 years and they have had the same system. That's why Denver can plug a RB in off the street and not miss a beat.