Bentley's Return Brings Questions
Posted June 11th, 2008 by Luke Chandler
We can all remember where we were when it happened. It's a turning point for all diehard Browns fans, the day that LeCharles Bentley tore his patella on the first day of Training Camp on July 26th, 2006. Personally, I was making fun of a Bengals fan at work who then in turn broke the news to me. For nearly two years we have been waiting for Bentley's return, which occurred yesterday. And now there is nothing but questions.
During Bentley's first practice yesterday, he was mostly talked about playing right guard, writes Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository. It's a position he's familiar with, Bentley came into the league and played right guard for a season in New Orleans before moving to center, replacing Jerry Fontenot. It's clear that Bentley intends on remaining a center, as he said that "I came here as a center. I would like to stay there, but whatever happens as far as getting the best five guys on the field … it doesn't really matter to me." Given the tone of the conversation, it seems clear that Bentley in his mind is still a center, and there is a tone of dissent. At least it's going to be in Cleveland, right? Well…
"Absolutely, I will be playing somewhere, starting, in '09."
Oh boy…here we go.
What's clear is that while Bentley's return is a plus, especially given Ryan Tucker's hip injury and Seth McKinney's injury history, why does it feel like Bentley is already a foot out of the door? Bentley's latent dissatisfaction with the Browns can be felt in his comments, dating back to last summer. He then goes on to say, per Tony Grossi, "So whatever happens, I want to see the team do well."
In the article, Bentley talks about how he could have played in October 2007, and was even in full pads and contact, but the team shut him down because of his mechanics and his running. Bentley also makes a point of saying how he physically was ready for the Browns test, as he did the same thing several times over in Arizona while recovering. Feel the heat?
It sounds to me like the fan inside, the kid who earned his nasty reputation at St. Ignatius High School and then Ohio State, and the player who understands the business side of the NFL, are at war. Bentley knows he doesn't have a clear path back to a starting job in Cleveland, but he sounds confident about his health.
After two years of waiting, are we the fans just setting ourselves up for a heartbreak with Bentley? Only time will tell.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I'd like to hear Bentley say '09 instead of '08. In Marla Ridenour's story today, it was basically attributed as a slip of the tongue. It's just kind of hard to judge his inflection in the printed word, though.
I think the biggest question with Bentley is now that he may be back, whose roster spot does he take? Surely they're not going to give up on Isaac Sowells because he's versatile. They can't cut a cornerback or safety, I don't think. All the linebackers seem to be too good to cut.
That kind of leaves wide receiver. Travis Wilson, no matter how good you've looked this offseason, come on down!
June 11th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Travis Wilson has to have dirt on RAC. There is no way that he deserves a roster spot.
I think the best thing for the Browns would be if Tucker starts the year on the PUP (I think he's eligible since he got hurt during OTA's), and the team gets a month to figure it all out.
As long as the team keeps Ken Dorsey, I think we're safe.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Ha, nevermind all this. Bentleys gone.