Bengals rush offense showing signs of life

By Neal Coolong  |   Monday, October 20, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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In quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's first three starts for the Cincinnati Bengals, he was the team's leading rusher.

That streak was broken Sunday, when running back Cedric Benson -- who wasn't informed he would start against the Pittsburgh Steelers until right before the game -- rushed 14 times for 52 yards.

While the numbers don't look impressive, especially in a 38-10 loss, they show something the Bengals haven't had all season -- potential in their ground game.

Commentary: The Bengals offense managed five consecutive three-and-out possessions to start the game, but Benson converted a third-and-3 with 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter for their initial first down of the day. He provided a spark that led to an impressive 92-yard drive, the longest march the Bengals have had since 2006.

The Bengals played poorly in the first and fourth quarters, but they took it to the heavily favored Steelers in the second and third, pulling within 10-7 and 17-10 during that time. Benson ran powerfully and swiftly, making one of the NFL's best run defenses look vulnerable. He even added a 15-yard rush off right tackle, marking the longest run the Steelers defense has given up all year.

The fact the Bengals are 0-7 won't give fans much hope, but Benson's acquisition could pay big dividends as early as next week. Keep in mind that Sunday's game was only the second time Benson was activated this season.

Fan Pulse: The message boards at Bengalszone indicate fans were more happy with the fact RB Chris Perry won't be starting more than the fact Benson is now their featured back.

Fantasy Football Impact: Benson will be a hot commodity on the waiver wire this week, considering RBs Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden and Steven Jackson all went down with injuries in Week 7.

Injury Watch: QB Carson Palmer won't play in Week 8 at Houston.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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