Carrying the burden; Controversial running back Cedric Benson holds the Bears' hopes of returning to the Super Bowl in his capable but untested hands

HOUSTON -- There are ways, Cedric Benson should know, to shed hisidentity as a perplexing psychological study and perpetual HalasHall controversy. First, he must smash through man piles like hellthrough bedrock. Then, he should hold onto the football like hisfirstborn and remain on his feet for about five yards a carry.Finally, he needs to avoid getting hurt again and gain 1,500 yards.

Then, everyone will love him. Redemption is negotiable inChicago, a town that takes unique joy from a sizable gain throughthe intestines of a defense.

All anybody wants from Benson, whether it's media and fanscognizant of the Payton/Sayers lineage or teammates who never haveembraced …