Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (foot) started against division rival Pittsburgh today.

With Benson near full strength, the Bengals were hoping for the same output and effort he displayed last week against Cleveland. The running back carried the ball 21 times for 106 yards and one touchdown. However, when asked after the game Sunday about the importance of the team establishing the run, Benson had this to say:

“I don’t know how important it was,” he said. “We got it established but then we kind of went away from it.”

That won’t jive today against a 60-minute defense.

If the Bengals are to have any success on offense against Pittsburgh’s defense they can’t give up on the run. Benson was due for a breakout game against the Steelers. He’s rushed the ball 94 times for 315 yards and two touchdowns in seven meetings. Aside from that, Benson hasn’t had consecutive 100-yard rushing games this season. The time is now.

The Steelers are ranked sixth against the run and has allowed two 100-yard rushers this season. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew hit the defense up for 96 yards on 22 carries.

Benson indeed is being given early carries. This could help take some pressure off rookie quarterback Andy Dalton, who threw two fourth quarter interceptions in the teams’ last meeting in Week 10.

“I’m determined to make big plays and always looking to create opportunities. At this point, it’s whatever I can do,” Benson said during the week.

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