Before we get started I want to make it clear that the last thing the Bears need is more of the Adrian Peterson of the Vikings. 224 yards and three touchdowns are quite enough of that Adrian Peterson. What they need is more of the Adrian Peterson that's been a backup running back in the Windy City since 2002.Cedric Benson is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and seems to be regressing since the switch to Brian Griese. During Sunday's game-winning drive he was on the bench in favor of Peterson, a better receiver and pass blocker. He's caught 18 balls already this year, one less than his career total entering 2007. Peterson is the 11th most valuable running back as receiver according to Football Outsiders' running back rankings while Benson ranks 52nd and last of all backs with at least 35 carries as a rusher.
Since Griese has taken the reins of the offense the team has been averaging over 40 passes and 300 passing yards per contest. Bernard Berrian, Mushin Muhammed, Devin Hester and the talented tight end combo of Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen give the team several choice targets to shoot for via the air and they are paying dividends. They should keep it up with Peterson as a regular member of the band.
Incidentally, the Vikings also need more Adrian Peterson but that's another post for another time.
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