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CHICAGO – Bears running back Cedric Benson failed to elude initial law enforcement tacklers this week after he had promising workouts following a season-ending injury last year.

A power runner who in the past plowed over would-be tacklers, Benson did not show much progress of returning to a back able to gain yards after an initial hit following his performance this week. The former University of Texas star has done little to ease concerns about his ability to carry the load of carries in a professional offense, and critics point to this most recent poor performance as indication the 25-year-old first round pick will never evolve into a feature back.

Benson, who suffered a broken ankle last season, had shown positive signs in early workouts this spring, but Bears staff now wonders if his run-in with law enforcement is an indication of a bigger problem.

“This is very disappointing,” said Bears coach Lovie Smith of Benson’s recent run-in with police. “We certainly need him to be productive after first contact.”

Benson has been criticized for a lack of tenacity, and it is likely his inability to successfully resist arrest will only strengthen fans’ displeasure with the underachieving running back.

“Did he even try to break through the police or just accept the three yards they gave him,” questioned Bears fan Tom Whitemiller. “Bears fans are ready for a guy that can break through an entire riot team, not someone who gives up on the play after light pepper spraying.”