The NFL preseason isn't exactly rich with tales of revenge, but Cedric Benson's return to Cincinnati came close enough for August football.
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In Benson's debut for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, the veteran running back showed some of the power-style of rushing that led to three straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Bengals from 2009 to 2011.
After Cincinnati decided not bring him back, Benson said this week "it'll be fun to put a licking on them."
By halftime, Benson plowed for 38 yards on six attempts. He found rhythm on a first-quarter scoring drive, blasting for an eight-yard rush trailed two plays later by a nine-yard burst that helped push the ball deep into Bengals territory.
Benson's most noticeable gaffe came on a failed screen pass from Aaron Rodgers late in the half. The pass was tipped but Benson, all alone in the flat, had a chance for it.
Considering the state of Green Bay's backfield, Benson is going to see time. He played with a dose of fire Thursday night, but he wasn't the Packers' leading rusher at halftime. That honor went to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who amassed 52 yards and a pair of touchdowns on six carries -- looking like something out of 1937.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
