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Bennett Running Ahead Of The Curve

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 19, 2008

Updated:

TAMPA - Michael Bennett always had athletic ability. What he lacked recently was opportunity.

Before Bennett was begging for playing time in Tampa Bay last season, he was a former Pro Bowler. Bennett rushed for 1,296 yards and five touchdowns for Minnesota in 2002, resulting in his Pro Bowl selection. He seemed destined to become an NFL standout, but injuries and lack of productivity caused Minnesota and Kansas City to give up on him.

Bennett was traded to Tampa Bay last October and showed glimpses of his one good season, but finished with only 41 carries for 189 yards and one touchdown last year.

"Last year, I was really on pins and needles. I really wasn't confident," Bennett said. "Now I'm starting to get a little confidence. Maybe getting a little swagger about myself."

Bennett's confidence stems from his performance in Tampa Bay's two preseason games.

Against Miami, Bennett rushed 19 times for 74 yards and one touchdown. Sunday night, Bennett rushed eight times for 57 yards, plus had one reception for 13 yards, in Tampa Bay's 27-10 victory against New England.

Bennett has not only become a preseason standout, but he also is playing well enough to become a part of Tampa Bay's running back rotation this season.

"It's been a while since he's been featured," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He had a Pro Bowl season four or five seasons ago in Minnesota, so he has that kind of talent. But when you're standing behind Larry Johnson in Kansas City and you come in here late in midseason, it's hard to get an opportunity.

"I think he's established himself, once again, as a very fine football player. He's picking up the passing game. He's just become a better, well-rounded football player and we're excited about him, obviously."

The reasons for Bennett's sudden emergence also may be clear.

When Bennett was traded from Kansas City to Tampa on Oct. 16, 2007, he received limited playing time and became frustrated. Bennett began airing his frustrations about a lack of participation, especially when his reps did not increase dramatically when backup running back Michael Pittman was injured.

Gruden's reason for not using Bennett was because he did not know the playbook. Bennett tried to eliminate that excuse by attending every (voluntary) organized team activity this offseason.

"I'm coming from a totally different offense that I've been in for the last seven years and to come into the big mighty West Coast offense, it was a big challenge," Bennett said. "By me being here during the offseason, week in and week out, being with my coach, doing some off the field work and learning what I needed to learn to bring into training camp, that helped."

Bennett admits he is still learning Gruden's playbook, but he knows enough to be productive. It might be all the Bucs need for a successful ground attack.

Graham rushed for 898 yards and 10 TDs last season, while Warrick Dunn is still a versatile runner who has rushed for more than 10,000 career yards. Add in Bennett with Tampa Bay's strong offensive line and the Bucs potentially could have one of the strongest backfields in the NFC.

"Michael Bennett is a Pro Bowl running back. That isn't lost on anybody," Earnest Graham said. "He's one of the most talented backs we have. He has talent, speed and power. He does everything well and he's really come along with the offense. Nothing he's doing is a surprise.

"How do you not play a guy like Michael Bennett? We're all very different. He's the type of guy that if you give a crease, he can take it to the house. I'm happy with what our backfield looks like. We can pose a lot of problems for a lot of people."

Bennett's problems seem to be behind him.

It appears Bennett finally will receive a chance to contribute again. He might end up with the majority of carries after Graham and could push him for playing time depending on Tampa Bay's need for speed against its opponent.

This is the opportunity Bennett has been waiting for.

"My thing is, I'm still learning," Bennett said. "Each and every week, I want to come out and put on a little performance and give the coaches something to evaluate me on. For the most part, it's going well."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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