Michael Bennett saw it coming

It might surprise you to learn that Michael Bennett, of all people, is signing the praises of Cadillac Williams, but that's exactly what he did in a phone conversation with me earlier this evening.

Bennett -- who was claimed off waivers by the Chargers after his release today and will leave for San Diego on Sunday -- said he pretty much knew where things were going based on Williams' recent practices and Bennett's own inactivity.

"I saw the handwriting on the wall," he said. "I knew from watching Cadillac in practices because of how good he looked. He's their franchise back and they wanted him out there. On Monday, I didn't even get a rep in practice and I knew what was coming."

Bennett's not angry, even though he had little chance this season to prove his worth with seven carries for 12 yards. But his past year in Tampa Bay was, at best, frustrating.

"I understand," he said. "I just wish they wish they had told me what was going on instead of kind of getting strung along like a puppet. To re-sign here (in March) with expectations, it's disappointing. It just didn't pan out."

Comments

[shane]

Micheal here's what your expectations were when you re-signed here, give the Bucs depth at the RB position and become a scat back. To be fair you only filled one of those roles. Good luck in San Diego, even though you'll be nothing more than what you were here.

[Valrico Rick]

Lets see how long this goes before somebody rips him! San Diego coming up, wouldn't that be funny if he ran for a hundred on the Bucs! 'Nuff Said!!!

[Talnicho Lick]

Hey Rick, it would be funny if he ran for a hundred yards on the Bucs, and the Bucs win. Not 'nuff said.

[BEENABUC]

I think that Bennett is at best a servicable back. He did run hard but there has to be more to it than what we see as fans. The HC job is to field the 22 best players and obviously he wasn't one of them. Simple as that! Best wishes, this is still a business and we must remember that. Just like letting Sapp and company go...Hey if Hall of Famers can be ousted then a mediocre back can surely get the ACNE anvil on his head...

[Itch]

What happens if Caddy hurts his knee in his first game? He has really had a limited amount of contact since his return. I would love to see caddy come back with something to prove and remain healthy, but I am skeptical of his readiness. If he is only half speed at best, hurt at worst, and Graham is an unknown, and Dunn is an unknown, it will be all Clifton. I like his promise, but it seems like a hopeful and nearsighted move to get rid of Bennett before the Caddy is more road tested. I do not like the odds. And I do not like that we got NOTHING for Bennett.

[LarryS]

Beenabuc, How is it obvious that Bennett wasn't one of the best 22 players? He certainly showed something during the preseason, but hasn't been given a real chance during the regular season. Same thing that Graham went through for years. And it IS obvious that Graham is one of the most valuble players on the roster when healthy.

[LarryS]

Itch,
Completely agree with what you said 100%! If Graham, Dunn, Caddy are all healthy and in playing shape, we Bennett is expendable now, but Caddy is not ready as yet to come back as a feature back. Seems like a risky move at this point to get rid of bennett.

[david kilmer]

Enough about Bennett for what ever reasons , he just did not fit in Grudens plans. let's quickly move on. How about this week's game. what worries me the most, we will be facing perhaps the league's best back , without our starting safety, Jermine Phillips. In my opinion he is one of the main reasons our defense has been so potent against the run. Did anybody notice we gave up our first 100 yard game when he was not playing. I guess we will see Sunday, but I believe it is odd no one has noticed how the defense has been hurt by his absence. Check the tape , with and without and you will see. I am hoping for a quick return and manage to get by this Sunday. Any thoughts

[soc79]

How does anybody know what Caddy feels like or if hes ready or not r u there with the coaches listening in on their meetings and stuff...give me a break people...and besides the Bucs r not desperate right now to risk that much...as to hurry Caddy back they had plenty of other options but they saw something that we the "fans" cant see...plus I would love to see Caddy come back and bust some heads and just...SHUT UP ALL THE NAYSAYERS!!!!

[vince]

Bennett seemed like he had potential. I guess we'll never know?

[Brett]

Its just a shame for Bennett that the Chargers got him on a waiver claim before the Broncos, where he would have had more of a chance to get reps.

[DR]

It doesn't seem that Bennett knew he was an insurance policy. He didn't appear to play bad enough in training camp to be treated the way he was. Unfortunately for him, San Diego is playing keep away with the RB depleted first place Broncos.

[Dark Side]

The point about us giving up our first hundred yd. game against the chiefs w/o phillips is a good one. I didnt get to watch, what was going on? Was sabby playing badly? If so, we are trouble against AP.

[Tony]

Clifton Smith made Michael Bennett expendable and now that the Chargers picked him up the Bucs are free of his contract.

[Steve]

I like Michale Bennett as a backup and he has all the speed in the world. However I am sick of people acting like he is the next Michael Turner and will tear it up with a new team. he has averaged a little over 400 yards per season and under 1.5 touchdowns since he has been in the league. Those are not starter numbers. If you don't count his first two seasons your looking at 226 yards per year and under 1 touchdown per year. He had two good seasons running against defenses that were overwhelmed by the Moss/Culpepper duo.

[oar]

I hope Caddy does great and with a new/improved o-line who knows, could be special. You Caddy/Gruden haters are all retardoes. DR as for Gruden(not the "miget", that's as old as 'nuff said!) idolizing Andy Reid, maybe you should ask Andy, "what he thought about that Conference Game we won".

[Itch]

What is the word on Phillips?

[Itch]

David,

Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett, Bennett,
I MISS BENNETT ALREADY!

[oar]

Hey Itch go watch the Chargers.

[conradbuff]

only facts i know are that cady was tested in extra physical contact drills with full pads at full speed and passed with flying colors so now hes activated and the lowest rb on the depth chart has been released. where is the harm?

[conradbuff]

yes these are confirmed facts not speculation or reports

[Vince]

AH WOW, Brilliant comment DR! I never thought about that! "THe Chargers signed Bennett to keep him off of the Broncos roster!!!!!"

[oar]

Vince and DR what makes you so sure the Donco's(not a typo for you Denver fans) even offered Bennett a contract. Besides, WHO CARES! Go Bucs!

[DR]

Vince, That's a given about what I said. I'm just saying it sucks for him because he would have had a great opportunity to play in Denver. He was naive to think that Gruden and Allen were honest about their intentions with him when he signed in the off season.

[DR]

oar, you obviously don't understand how waivers work. San Diego picked up the Bucs deal which means the Broncos never had the chance to. Get some knowledge before you speak.

[oar]

DR, You are missing my point, how do you even know they wanted him? Is what I should have said. He doesn't seem like a good fit for west coast offense anyways.

[PRC]

Doesn't Anyone get the point. Its not about Cadillac Williams its about the rookie, Smith. Cadillac didn't make Bennett expendable, Smith did.

[Oldcrank]

David, I agree Phillips has been a real impact player but I think "the Pistol" can handle the role. Sabby is quite a bit bigger than Jermaine. His style may not bring the lumber on the run-stop but he is a big hitter and his quickness is going to pay dividends in the turnover department. If he can stay healthy, he is going to be a substantial contributor.

[JK]

DR- I'm still waiting for Bennett to tell us how Gruden and Allen tortured him while he rode the bench in Tampa. You said he would tell all after he was released. Still waiting.

[DR]

Oar, you don't think the Broncos would go after a RB when they have a rookie back up up FB starting at RB for them? San Diego doesn't need him. It's quite obvious they picked him up to keep him away from their division rival.

[DR]

JK, I hope Bennett takes the high road in this situation. If you read the paragraph, Bennett was disappointed with what happened to him. He thought when he signed he would have a bigger role on the team. He had a good preseason. He was inactive against the 'Boys while a RB with a pinched nerve was activated and did nothing and eventually missed the next week's game for the same injury. Only a moron would make a decision like that. Oh yeah, we're talking about the same immature egotistical clown who kicked a FG at the end of a blow out game to save face. Go figure.

[oar]

DR The Broncos just signed 2 rbs a few days ago Tatum Bell and Alex Haynes, but hey maybe you are the football god you imagine and everything goes through you. All hail DR.

[DR]

oar, let's see, who would you rather have, a guy who has been practicing and working out with a team all season or a guy who has been sitting at his house for most of the season? Do the Chargers really need a RB? If so, why did't they pick up Tatum Bell? Tatum Bell was released and didn't even make waivers. Bennett was released and made waivers almost in an instant. I do think the Broncos were going to claim Bennett. That would be a no brainer.

[OAR]

All hail DR has spoken! Oh just a small thought, Tatum played for them before(familar with their book) something Bennett struggles with, but whatever. I just think you like to read your stuff, kinda like; love to hear yourself speak.

[Yoshi]

I really never even cared for bennett. I think slowly but surely cadillac will start ballin. To me he was just there as a fill in. I wish the best to him even though hes gonna get just as much playing time in san diego as he did here. I must agree with DR on this though. The chargers have three running backs on their depth chart, picking up bennett was clearly a strategic move on their part. The broncos would have picked him up if san diego didnt. With the way they're struggling they need all the help they can get. It was a very smart move by the chargers. It will be more evident that this is true when he gets cut by them in the offseason. Also i completely agree with what was said about J-Phil. He was a force on defense. Not to take away anything from Sabby but Phillips absence is noticeable. I hope we get him back soon.

Bennett was third on the depth charts so give me a break he wasn't a starting back for us. This is a business he was expendable. Sometimes players look real good in preseason but suck in the regular season. If we had an extra roster spot we could of kept him but we don't and can't keep him. Good luck to him sorry it didn't work. But hes not like the last back let get away that we should of kept you know the dude Thomas Jones now that was a mistake to let him go or even the mistake of not taking A Peterson instead of Gaines!