New Green Bay Packer running back Cedric Benson has something to prove to his new team, and expects to do so against his old team Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I don't hold anything personally against them, but naturally you're going to want to show up on a team that passed on you," Benson said.
"I'm looking forward to getting back there," Benson said. "I know I've got a lot of support from the fans out there and stuff, and it'll be good just to go against that defense. I've seen all those guys coming in, I've seen them work together, so it'll be fun to put a licking on them."
Benson spent several months waiting for the right opportunity in free agency before signing with the Packers earlier this month. After getting him acclimated to the system it's apparent that he'll be counted on as far more than a veteran insurance policy.
"He's been motivated," Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's taken my seat in the meeting room. He sits next to Aaron. I've been bumped back a row. I think that's a good thing. He's really into trying to learn this offense because I know I've said it a couple times already, he's trying to learn a different language. He's an accomplished football player. I'm glad he's here. He seems very motivated. And I know he's looking forward to playing Thursday."
Benson acknowledged he has something to prove.
"Having a chip on your shoulder is just like throwing kerosene on a fire," Benson said. "It ignites even more. You dig deep because it becomes a pride thing. You know what type of player you are, how hard you work, you know what you can do. And when you're in a situation where you don't get picked up until later in training camp, knowing you've proven some things in this league and done some great things, it's only natural for your reaction to be to want to shove it in people's face and have an awesome year."
Benson, the No. 4 overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2005 draft, struggled with injuries, inconsistency and off-the-field trouble with the Bears. But he revived his career over four seasons in Cincinnati, including three straight years over the 1,000-yard rushing mark.
