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Bengals open to new contract for Benson

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By Carlos “Big C” Holmes, Staff Writer Updated 8:05 AM Monday, June 21, 2010

CINCINNATI —Running back Cedric Benson found himself a home with the Cincinnati Bengals two seasons ago after a disappointing start to his career in Chicago. His stay could be made permanent with a new contract, which appears to be on the horizon.

Representatives for Benson have approached Bengals management regarding a contract extension. Benson is in the final year of a two-year deal, making him a free agent at the end of the 2010 season.

The running back told the Dayton Daily News last week during minicamp that the Bengals are open to the idea of negotiating a new contract, but no timetable has been set.

Benson is coming off his most productive season. He started 13 regular-season games for Cincinnati and led the team in rushing with 1,251 yards and six touchdowns. He rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in a playoff loss to the New York Jets and was the eighth-leading rusher in the league.

With a full season in the offense under his belt, Benson worked on improving his overall game this offseason.

“Things are coming to me a lot easier this year,” Benson said. “Even if there is a play that I’m not 100 percent sure about, it’s easy to dissect it faster before the ball is snapped. I’ve made big improvements in that aspect and I’m a lot more comfortable in the offense. I think I’m more explosive making plays down the field and have improved on my overall speed, strength and endurance.”

Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson talked about Benson’s work ethic and commitment to excellence.

“Cedric is a guy who wants to work hard and push the other guys,” Anderson said. “He wants the other players to see that he’s a hard worker. I think that is indicative to how he plays the game.

“How you practice is how you play. If you want to play fast in the game you have to practice fast and play hard. Cedric is like a lot of runners and doesn’t want to leave yards out there on the field.”

That was evident in the game against the Bears, his former team, on Oct. 25. Benson left nothing on the field but charred turf after running wild on his former mates. He rushed for a career-high 189 yards on 37 carries, and a touchdown.

Benson knew all eyes would be on him coming into the season. He set out to silence his biggest critics.

“People were watching me last year to see what I was going to do,” Benson said. “I think I proved a lot of people wrong. I kind of got to shove it in some people’s face again. It was a season of relief for me and this season is going to be much more important. I still have something to prove because expectations are high.”

Benson said the non-believers fuel the fire inside him. The running back is taking a spiritual approach to the game this season and vows not to sweat things that don’t matter.

“Sometimes you get emotionally involved on the field in a negative way,” he said. “All that does is bring your game down. I’m going to focus on being positive all the time and not let negative thoughts enter my mind. I want to be all I can be.

“I want to get back to doing some of the things I did on the field in college. In fact, I have the opportunity to exceed those expectations and develop a new identity. I would like for that to be with the Bengals.”

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