Trey Benson snapped off a 19-yard run in the first quarter of the preseason game in Indianapolis. In hindsight, it was not good enough.
"I've got to finish those runs," Benson said. "Show that speed that I have."
That will come (as will finishing the 20-yard run down near the goal line, a run that was ultimately negated by a holding penalty). Benson flashed what made him the second running back taken in the draft, moreso against the Colts than the opener against the Saints when he was "probably a little timid."
"I'm still learning, still maturing," Benson said.
Benson, on both the depth chart and what has been shown in the preseason, should be the top reserve running back behind James Conner. But the overall effort to build up the running back room has not only been successful, it leaves Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon with difficult choices when you throw in Emari Demercado, Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas.
Conner is not only the heart and soul of the running game but of the offense. The other three vets all bring important aspects. It's clear Gannon loves Demercado as a pass protector; Demercado earned his playing time as an undrafted rookie. Carter is the speed (aside from Benson) and the shifty, a guy who showed time and again in his few carries last season he can provide a deadly dimension. Dallas is excellent on special teams, and has shown that time and again in training camp.
Keeping five running backs isn't usual, but Dallas as a special teamer could help make this situation the exception. Can any of them clear waivers and make it to the practice squad if that is what Ossenfort wanted to try?
However it turns out, the Cardinals will have their best running back room in years. And why wouldn't they, after finishing top five in the NFL in rushing last season and trying to improve on that this season.
Benson is only going to help that, too.
The rookie was asked what his perfect run would be, and he noted he'd rather juke a defender than run one over, using his speed.
"I just want to see green grass, really," Benson said.
