Ahman Green Believes Green Bay Packers Signing Cedric Benson Is A Good Thing

Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green believes the organization’s decision to sign Cedric Benson is “a good thing”.

Green, the Packers all-time leading rusher in franchise history, is currently part owner of the Green Bay Blizzard, which is a member of the Indoor Football League. Green stated that if the opportunity ever presented itself he would not mind being a part of a NFL front office, perhaps even one day with the Packers.

When asked about his thoughts on the Benson signing, Green had this to say:

“I thought it was a good thing. You want to bring in someone who’s proven — three consecutive years of 1,000 (rushing) yards with the Bengals and had some good years with (the Bears).

And then veteran leadership. He’s been through the playoffs, been to the Super Bowl with the Bears, so he knows the mindset. I read some of his comments, and he’s like, ‘Man, it’s Super Bowl talk every day (in Green Bay).’… If he can just do what he did the last three years, that’s what Green Bay wants and needs.”

I could not agree with Green more. Benson was brought to Green Bay to do one thing, run the ball with effectiveness consistently. The Packers know exactly what he has done in the NFL the past three seasons and they expect that plus more when he puts on his pads for them in 2012. Not only is Benson expected to establish a much needed running game, but Green Bay needs him to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers by delivering big blocks in the backfield. Considering the Packers are a pass first team, this could possibly be even more important than running the ball.

I expect Benson to deliver for the Packers just as he did for the Cincinnati Bengals the last three years. The only difference could be the offensive line’s ability to run block. Benson is certainly capable of creating his own yardage but Cincinnati’s front five were able to open up holes for him to run through. Green Bay’s offensive line has struggled to do this the past two years, which could result in a big problem for the offense once again this season.

The good news is the Packers have two solid running backs behind Benson in Alex Green and James Starks. Green is proving why Green Bay selected him in the third round of last year’s draft as he is finally coming into his own as a versatile back. Also, every fan knows what Starks is capable of when healthy so as long as he can remain on the field the Packers should have three solid running backs to choose from on a consistent basis.