The Cincinnati Bengals run game has taken a big step forward this season after a solid one-two tandem emerged. Rookie Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis have developed into two strong backs that have the Bengals offense running full steam towards the end of the season. As Bernard continues to prove to be a real offensive threat, Cincinnati has no plans to increase his role in the offense.
Bernard is coming off his best game of the season. He put up 79 yards and two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins while also recording 25 yards receiving on four passes. He certainly has the momentum to get more attention in the upcoming games, but the Bengals are not ready to let him take the spotlight. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden says there will be no change to game plan as far as Bernard and Green-Ellis are concerned.
"So to say we're going to give the ball to Gio 25 times each week is kind of unrealistic. He needs spelling. He needs a bigger back in there like BenJarvus to take 10, 12, 15 carries and a game ... it keeps him fresh, too," Gruden said, via the team's website. "Some of these guys, it's important for them to be fresh, fast. That's the way he is. He needs to have full stamina and be fresh coming out of the backfield running fast because that's what he is. If he's tired after his 17th, 18th carry and all of a sudden he becomes a 4.8 guy and tired, he becomes an ordinary guy."
Green-Ellis and the rookie have two very different styles when it comes to rushing. Bernard loves to weave in and out of tackles all night while the veteran is more comfortable putting his head down and driving into the line of scrimmage. It is that sort of aggressiveness that the Bengals are going to stick with moving forward.
Gruden believes the best thing for the team is to keep the rotation moving between the two backs. If the Bengals want to be in the postseason, they need as many healthy players moving forward and Gruden believes the current game plan gives both backs a chance at staying fresh.
"Eighty-five or 90 percent of the teams in the league have two or three running backs that they use. So I think it's important to have two or three. These games are physical man, these 16 games. You play on a Sunday and a Thursday, then go to Baltimore and Cleveland, its non-stop," Gruden said.
Fantasy owners should stick with what they have and not buy into the rookie's recent momentum. Cincinnati does not win if Green-Ellis does not get his fair share of carries.