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Bengals' Benson ready for run-first strategy vs. Broncos on Astini News

CINCINNATI — Cedric Benson loves the way the Cincinnati Bengals' new offense is unfolding.

The running back has been the focus of a return to the grind-it-out style that helped the Bengals make the playoffs in 2009, one they got away from last year.

Benson has a chance to open this season with back-to-back 100-yard games, something he hasn't done in a couple of years.

"It would be a great step in the right direction," Benson said.

They've already taken the first step.

Benson ran for 121 yards and a clinching touchdown during a 27-17 victory in Cleveland last Sunday, an indication of what the Bengals will try to do under new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. Benson is likely to get a lot more chances when the Bengals visit Denver on Sunday, with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton recovering from a wrist injury.

Dalton bruised his right wrist and forearm when he was hit after throwing a pass on the final play of the first half in Cleveland. He didn't play the second half because he had trouble gripping the ball. The Bengals limited him in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but listed him as probable after his workout Friday.

The Broncos (0-1) allowed Oakland to run for 190 yards in the Raiders' 23-20 opening victory, and their defense is sapped by injuries, so it's likely the sore-wristed Dalton is going to do a lot of handing off.

That's just fine with an offense that likes the straight-ahead approach.

"I think we all are excited," said left tackle Andrew Whitworth, also listed as probable with a sore knee and foot. "We've got a young, young football team. I laugh every time I sit there in the offensive room and I am the old guy sitting there.

"I am thinking, 'Goodness gracious, it's hilarious. The old guy in the room is 29 years old.' "

The Bengals have one of the youngest and least experienced teams in the league after getting rid of receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens and a few other veterans. Their opening-game roster was the AFC's youngest. Their players have an average of 3.6 years in the league, fourth overall behind Tampa Bay (3.3), Seattle (3.4) and Cleveland (3.6).

The Bengals have never opened a season with consecutive road wins, and they haven't won in Denver since 1975, dropping eight in a row.

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