Third Time’s a Charm: Will Matt Forte Return To His Rookie Form in 2010?
Published by Dustin Brown on June 29, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
In 2008, nobody knew a single detail about this workhorse out of Tulane University that was tearing up the running back and receiver rankings, but they knew one thing—they wanted to find out more.
The 6’2″, 222 pound tailback out of Lake Charles, LA showed up every single game in 2008 with authority.
Analysts expected Matt Forte, the rookie, to merely help a struggling Bears team with touches every now and then.
He proved them all wrong, leading the Bears to a near-playoff appearance with over half of Chicago’s touches on offense.
Then it all spiraled out of control.
With a new franchise quarterback in Jay Cutler, everyone expected Forte to be more successful given the fact defenses wouldn’t be able to stack so many in the box.
Well, needless to say, Forte was bitten by his past.
Forte sprained his MCL and supposedly his ankles weren’t fully healthy. Anyone knows that the lower body is the most important part of a running back’s body.
You can’t take a rookie running back, who did everything for a small Tulane school, and slam him in your system with more than half of your touches.
It just can’t happen.
Forte only had 258 carries last season compared to 316 in 2008, but still rallied 57 receptions opposed to 63 two seasons ago.
In 2008, the Tulane product rushed for 1,238 yards with an extra 477 in receiving. That’s 1,715 yards overal—pretty harsh for a rookie.
The following season, Forte ran for 929 yards and caught 57 passes for 471 yards. So, only 1,400 yards combined.
3,115.
What does this number symbolize?
That’s how many yards the two-year pro has collected in his entire NFL career.
What can we say? The man is a monstrous workhorse wherever he goes. Can’t blame him for that.
How can we keep him healthy and increase his production for years to come?
Well, that’s when the Bears made a couple of smart moves.
Mike Martz
Martz has been labeled an offensive genius. There are mixed feelings on whether or not he’ll bring a stable offense to Chicago, but the majority agree signing him was a good move.
Marshall Faulk has been known as one of the greatest of all-time, and he played under Mike Martz.
Why was he so successful?
He could catch and run.
While it’s known the Martz doesn’t rush much, we all knew Lovie Smith’s “we come off the bus running” theory was thrown out the door after 2009.
It’s safe to say that Matt Forte has potential to thrive in Martz’s offense, given he redeems his health and continues his outstanding receiving production.
Chester Taylor
Ever since the Adrian Peterson backup was acquired by the Chicago Bears during their check-filled offseason, Taylor has done nothing but impress.
With his leadership and class, Chester came into Chi-Town displaying them to full ability while stating his profound love for the city of Chicago, the Bears, Cutler, and most importantly; Matt Forte.
He knew he’d be considered a backup to Forte, and he even enjoys it.
Why does he help?
You can never have too many leaders on a team. That’s a number one priority.
Brian Urlacher is the leader on defense, Taylor could help bring a bit of leadership to a young Bears offense.
In Martz’s scheme, Forte and Taylor will split time. The creator of the “Greatest Show on Turf” has a knack for taking player’s strengths and using them to exploit opposing defenses.
This works in Forte’s favor, as Taylor is considered to have receiving skills up-to-par with Forte, as well rushing.
Given the fact Chester sticks around for awhile, Forte could be given breaks every now and then that would prevent the nagging injuries and decrease in production he suffered in 2009.
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