Chicago Bears 2010 Running Back Preview
Matt Forte
Forte was basically a fantasy-bust in 2009 rushing below 1,000 yards,
averaging just 3.6 yards a carry and scoring a mere four touchdowns.
This followed his rookie debut of 1,238 yards and eight touchdowns.
The thought was by adding a big-time quarterback like Jay Cutler
the offense would improve and thus Forte would see more touchdowns
and get some easier yards. None of this happened.
The one thing that remained consistent and saved Forte from being
a complete bust was his receptions. He caught 57 passes for 471
yards in 2009 after catching 63 passes for 477 yards in 2008.
Coming into 2010 the Bears have done nothing to improve their below
average offensive line and they will have to hope that Johnny Knox
develops into a star receiver and team up with receivers Earl Bennett
and Devin Hester to help keep the defenses of the line.
The big change for the Bears will be the new Mike Martz offense.
It could be a blessing for Forte (see Marshall Faulk), but it is
clear that the Bears want to have a two-back-attack with the only
significant addition the Bears made to their offense in the off
season, the acquisition of veteran running back Chester Taylor.
Taylor still has a couple of good years left and the fact that he
can catch the ball and play on the goal line does not bode well
for Forte.
The hope for future Forte owners is that Forte turns his own game
up a notch because of Taylor rather than letting Taylor steal valuable
playing time from him. Forte remains a potential great fantasy back,
but he should be drafted more on his face value.
2009 Statistics:
929 Yds - 4 TD's - 57 Rec - 471 Yds - 0 TD
2010 Projection: 1,027
Yds - 7 TD's - 65 Rec - 569 Yds - 2 TD's
