And so do you point a finger at the offensive line?

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Wow. Didn't realize the pass/run ratio was that close to last year. But it's a little scewed. We were just running the clock out in the 4th quarter of big leads for the first two games. So the pass has been called more when the game was in question. But so what. Like I said "two blow outs" I'll never compain about the play calling on big wins. I don't care if we score passing or throwing.

Plus last year we started 1-3. So we were down in the 4th and had to pass to chase the lead. See stats can lie sometimes.

Orton's 1st and 3rd games were against a decent WAS team and good CIN. He threw 5 picks in the CIN game so those stats don't give the full picture.

The pass run ratio may not be different but the play calling is. I don't remember using the TE or FB as they have done this year. Last year teams stacked 8 and 9 in the box almost every play and I don't recall us throwing the ball 40 yards. I think Rex allows us those opportunities but you may be comparing apples to oranges. I'm still puzzled by the unsuccessful running game this year.

As I watched the Vikings game, I noticed Thomas was either A.) not going to the hole that was created or B.) hesitating to go that hole and by the time he did it closed quickly. I feel like Jones hasn't been as decisive as he was last year when running. Maybe the holes aren't as big?

I don't know about you guys, but I was yelling for Lovie to use Cedric some in the second half. I realize he doesn't pick up the blitz well, but I think that I still would have utilized him on eight plays (maybe 5 runs, 3 pass just so putting Benson in didn't automatically mean run for the Vikings to pick up on). He was Ok right?

I remember that play too. The hole was there.

Minnesota was blitzing a lot the second half. I assume that's why Benson was kept out. I agree with that coaching decision.

Thomas Jones' supporters make it seem like the guy is a devastating blocker when that simply isn't the case. Last Sunday, he was clearly trying to protect his body on a few blitzes and consequently let defenders have an easier path to Grossman. Benson can't be much worse, can he?

Yes, he is much worse. If he wasn't then he probably would have gotten a few carries. Which means he sucks at reading defenses, hence that's why he wasn't in the game.

If Benson is as bad as you guys say, how could he be placed ahead of Adrian Peterson on the depth chart? Peterson obviously knows how to read defenses and can carry the ball pretty well.

Man, TM I respect whatcha bring to the board brotha, but you just don't get the hint do ya? Now you're reaching.

No one's saying Benson isn't going to mature as a person and a player (hell I hope so--to steal a Skip Bayless/Mel Kiper cliche, Benson does have more "upside" then Jones), but until he shows he has the ability to read defenses better and to stop beinga perennial asswipe, then TJ deserves the nod.

The reason Benson is second on the depth chart and not Peterson, is because A) Peterson is a servicable back and I'm glad we have them, but he's not that good and B) There's no way they could justify to the Chicago media and fanbase having the 4th pick of the draft third on the depth chart when he's not injured.

So you're saying that Lovie's decisions are actually more politically motivated than they are performance-based?

The majority of the time? No. Part of the time? Absolutely. Just like in any other professional franchise.

Well, if you're saying the coaches are denying Benson playing team in part because he's "an asswipe", then that's not representative of the way most coaches make decisions.

Jones has been really bad this season. If he continues to play poorly, Benson needs to see the field, asswipe or not.

THEY'VE BEEN STACKING THE BOX WITH 8 OR 9 GUYS....What do you want Jones do, bulldoze over them all??

As Nas will tell you, they stacked the box last year, too.

I largely agree with what you are saying, Nas. I was just playing devil's advocate with Crumbs.

I still think Benson needs more playing time, though. The Bears will need to run the ball sooner or later, and Jones isn't doing the job.

I'm not a TJ supporter nor do I think he is a devastating blocker. I think Benson is better between the tackles runner. Both missed most of training camp so I expect it to take a little time to develop the run game. I don't think Benson can pick up the blitz better than Jones. That is important especially with Rex at QB.

Until Benson changes his ways I'm anti Benson. This team could go deep into the playoffs and has a shot at the SB. Politics or not you need to field your best team. His pouting on Sunday showed his me first attitude reminiscent of his college days.

It's also important that a running back can actually, you know, run the ball. Jones has not done so this year--and he has had some holes to exploit.

So you really think, honestly, that Benson would have gone out there in Minnesota and picked up over 100 yards on the ground...

Don't know how he would've done. I just think he should get a chance sinces Jones has sucked thus far.

He got carries against a crummy Detroit defense and didn't do anything.

Agreed but I don't think Benson would have done that much better.

The Bears bet otherwise when they drafted him and gave him 17 million dollars. It's time to get him on the field.

what i don't understand is why didn't they put in benson and just run? i realize he's not a good blocker but before the interception for a touchdown in the second half we could of put benson in and just ran. if we got to third down just put in thomas jones.

Nas, my fault, I meant Jay Bilas not Windbag MVP Bayless.

It's time for Benson. If he's the punishing runner he was in college that is exactly what this team needs. The Bears have a good OL, they don't need a back that goes side to side.