Position Battles: Running Backs
by wiltfongjr on Aug 20, 2009 11:00 AM CDT
46 comments
I found it odd the Bears didn't bother bringing in an undrafted free agent tailback to compete in camp and to play the fourth quarters of the preseason games. Last year they kept four on the opening day roster, so is it a given they will do the same thing this year?
Matt Forte could reach Pro Bowl status and Kevin Jones is healthy and in great shape. These two are obvious locks for the final roster and should be a formidable tandem if used correctly. I'd love to see Forte & Jones at about 60% / 40% on touches, a point I addressed right here last month.
Are Garrett Wolfe and Adrian Peterson comfortably on the final 53? What about the fullbacks? Last year the Bears kept only one, Jason McKie, but brought in Jason Davis when McKie was banged up and liked what they saw. And then what about rookie, and already fan favorite, Will Ta'ufo'ou? How many backs will be there on opening day?
Take the jump and see what I think...
I thought last year was going to be Garrett Wolfe's last chance to prove his worth. Even though he saw very limited action on offense, he really became a standout special teams player before he was injured. This year the Bears continue to preach getting Wolfe more involved in the offense, so does that mean their minds are already made up about him?
Adrian Peterson is a pro's pro. He does his job on special teams, he runs hard when he gets opportunities, he'll block, he can catch out of the backfield, it just seems like the Bears take him for granted. He has a solid year in 2005 with over 80 touches then rarely saw the field in 2006. In 2007 he has 51 receptions and over 500 yards rushing, not spectacular I know, but another solid year for a back-up. Last year with Kevin Jones ineffective, the Bears would rather drive Forte into the ground than get Peterson some carries (he only had 20).
Offensively these two bring different skills to the table, but at the end of the day neither will supplant Forte or Jones for many touches this year. It'll come down to special team play, and both thrive in the third phase. I can see the Bears bringing both these guys for the ride again this year, but if they decide to go an extra wide receiver, tight end, or even full back, I believe Peterson will be the odd man out. I think the Bears still view the upside of Garrett Wolfe as better than Peterson, even though we still have yet to see it.
I really can't see Jason McKie not making the final roster. For as many FB Dive jokes that float around WCG, McKie is a solid player. It's not his fault every person in the stadium knows when that dive is coming. He has better than average hands out of the backfield, he's a solid lead blocker, he's a good special teams player, and when used properly he'll pick up a tough yard for you. With as many double TE sets the Bears incorporate there really isn't a need to carry more than one FB. I think Davis will be the one left unemployed, with the Bears tyring to get Ta'ufo'ou on the practice squad. I wonder if after his one preseason game, has Will Ta'ufo'ou reached the legendary status of Mike Hass yet?
If the Bears do only go with three tailbacks and one fullback, then you can bet either an extra tight end (Michael Gaines), or an extra wideout (Devin Aromashodu) will be the beneficiary. Then again if the Bears keep only 2 quarterbacks... decisions, decisions, decisions...
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Regarding Wolfe, I don’t see where he brings anything to the table more than Peterson does. Perhaps if Forte weren’t such an effective receiver out of the backfield then you could make a case for keeping Wolfe. I recall seeing him swatted down more than once last year as he tried to run between the tackles – granted he isn’t a power back. I’ve never been sold on Wolfe and thought he was a wasted pick, to be honest. Peterson isn’t flashy or sexy in that Wolfe is seen as the second coming of Sproles, but I would keep him instead of Wolfe.
"Chance favors the prepared mind." - Pasteur
by Maelvampyre on Aug 20, 2009 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wolfe is just not big enough...
He has all the toughness of any 2 other players combined, but he simply cannot be called upon to block or grit out tough yards. Thus he is a “change of pace” back, which to me translates to “too small to be effective in the NFL”. There will not be enough spots after all is said and done, so I see AP on the outs. I just do not see where Wolfe adds much more than a few ST plays anyway, so what does it matter. I just worry that injuries might make the Bears regret letting AP go, but we will not know until it’s too late.
"There's a fine line between stupid, and clever"-D St Hubbins Spinal Tap
by LostInSTL on Aug 20, 2009 12:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The comparison was always made that Wolfe was the next Sproles
But, they never seemed to either figure out how to make that happen, or give him the opportunity to try.
I don’t think it is a complete lack of originality(fullback dive), but why hasn’t there been more two back sets featuring Forte and Wolfe for some “lakeshore thunder and lightning”?
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Aug 20, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think AP is a fantastic part of this team, and would be a very good #2 on most teams.
On the other hand, he just turned 30, the year NFL quarterback supposedly turn into pumpkins. On the other hand (running out of hands here), he has low mileage and had a couple of very nice near 100 yard games at the end of 07-08. I am completely flummoxed that they didn’t use him more last year to give Forte a break, and really feel like the bears have completely disrespected and underappreciated this guy.
The bleeding heart in me things the bears owe it to AP to trade him (whatever they can get out of him) to a team where he can play more before he has to hang it up, while the bears fan in me hopes they hold on to him as a very high value insurance policy to injury. It does suck, however, to see so much potential wasted – and I hope we get some big leads this year so we can rest our #1 and #2 guys and get him in there.
by DisCUBbobulated on Aug 20, 2009 12:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I sincerely think the reason AP wasn't employed more last season
Was his inability to break an arm-tackle. There were so many carries the season before where he got through a good hole, only to get brought down by an arm tackle. In the situations we faced last year, more often than not Forte was employed because he could break those arm tackles, a few leg tackles, a Sherman tank and a state trooper throwin’ the berries and cherries at him. And those were the situations where we needed that. But the times AP WAS in last season I did see some improved running against easy tackle attempts. So he does indeed have an upside, if he can just get around the knocks on his technique, which for as much as I could tell, was improving last year from the year before. Not exactly an apples to oranges comparison due to the disparity in the number of touches, but he looked better at least.
I like Wolfe, too. I’ve seen him slip into spots that few guys would even dare try and come out on the other side scootin’ … the only problem is, those holes opened up by a halfback effort last season, and not entirely because of the line. Given the improvements in the line, the increased emphasis on technique overall, and the Bears may just be able to employ Wolfe as effectively as his comparisons warrant. He’s tough against the hit, runs well, is speedy, and is surprisingly hard to bring down for someone his size in open field. Ala “The Replacements” I’d call him, “wiry.”
Jes’ say’n.
by artroland on Aug 20, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we could add FB Lorenzo Neal
who was just cut by the raiders. He has blocked for LT in the past and even though he’s 38, he probably still has a few seasons left in the tank
by Puppet on Aug 20, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Screw that
remember how he jacked Mike Brown up with that closeline the first game a couple years ago?
by CubsFan87 on Aug 20, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I will never forgive Neal for that horsecollar take down of Brown
"Chance favors the prepared mind." - Pasteur
by Maelvampyre on Aug 20, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
They most likely will keep both Wolfe and Peterson. As far as Turner giving Wolfe more touches this season I believe it when I see it. If he follows through on his idea it will benefit Forte and Jones in the long run.
by NiqueBears on Aug 20, 2009 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Do not understand the love for Wolfe
And I say that as a graduate from NIU many years ago – I thought Angelo was finally going with the best players, rather than hanging on to every one of his draft choices. Jeez, time to fish or cut bait on the guy. And as for special teams play, how can anyone say that Wolfe’s been a bigger contributor than AP?
by Waylon on Aug 20, 2009 2:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Final 53
First of all:
Bring in a QB3 cut from another squad, maybe TJack, Josh McCown is supposed to be on the block, etc.
Bring in a WR, I’m warming to the idea of Matt Jones, or a salary cap casualty
And absolutely bring in a safety, maybe one you can trade for
One more thing: Bring in Neal, a stud FB if ever there was one — get over his hit on Brown, if he can help the team … and he can.
Trade bait: Dez Clark (I’m a big Kellen Davis fan and I don’t want to see Gaines cut, either, for blocking purposes) and Hunter Hillenmeyer
Ok, final 53:
QB: Cutler, Hanie, and a QB3 TBN
RB: Forte, Jones, Wolfe
FB: Neal
C: Kreutz
LG: Beekman, Omiyale
LT: Pace, Louis
RG: Garza, Buenning
RT: Williams, Shaffer
TE: Olsen, Davis, Gaines
WR: Hester, WR2 TBN, Rash Davis, Bennett, Rideau, Aromashadu
DE: Ogun, Anderson, Brown, Melton
LB: Urlacher, Briggs, Pisa, Jamar, Roach (only 5, keep Freeman on the practice squad)
NT: Adamas, Dvoracek, Harrison
DT: harris, Idonije, Gilbert
CB: Tillman, Bowman, Graham, Vasher, Moore
SS: Payne, Afalava, Steltz
FS: Manning, S2 TBN
ST: Manynard, Gould, Mannelly
"We can do it any way you want to. We can go right out back and get it on or you can shape your ass up."
by FullbackDive on Aug 20, 2009 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think we’ll carry 2 qb’s and keep an extra WR (one of the rookies). 38 is too old for me at FB—plus if we convince ourselves we have a stud at FB, we might be inclined to run the FB dive. If we keep running that play, I’m going to punch someone’s puppy.
by EvilKaramazov on Aug 20, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Punching puppies is bad.
"We can do it any way you want to. We can go right out back and get it on or you can shape your ass up."
by FullbackDive on Aug 20, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm...
If we keep running that play, I’m going to punch someone’s puppy.
Vick, is that you?
by Homer-ism101 on Aug 20, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha!
Am I the only one that gets that?
by PoopieDeLoopie on Aug 20, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and I'm Jean Pierre Israel...
That’s my name when I’m incognito per the Ron Mexico Name Generator.
Do you occasionally want to be as incognito as Ron Mexico is? It has now been made extremely easy. You are just a few seconds away from creating your own Ron Mexico name!
Full of win.
by Homer-ism101 on Aug 20, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Note:
I understand the fact that Vick used the name while being tested/treated for his STD/Herpes… girl’s in Philly should be ware!
by Homer-ism101 on Aug 20, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hilarious
You may now refer to me as DEREK SAMOA.
I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T
by Ditkavsworld on Aug 20, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mine is
Krystal New Mexico. Nice… lol.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by HoneyBear on Aug 21, 2009 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weird
Anastasia Uruguay
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Aug 21, 2009 1:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn Funny....
I’ve got an itch…and his (my) name is Jean-Claude Gambia!!
"There's a fine line between stupid, and clever"-D St Hubbins Spinal Tap
by LostInSTL on Aug 21, 2009 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So in your "prediction",
you have Iglesias, Knox, McBride, Hillenmeyer, Dez Clark (nobody will trade for a 32 yr old backup TE), Freeman, McKie, and AP all getting the axe. That’s bold and not happening.
With nagging injuries to Tillman, Bowman, and Manning, you won’t see McBride cut.
The Bears are not bringing in a WR or a S at this point, we have what we have.
Getting guys on the practice squad, and keeping them there, is not easy. If there’s any talent there, someone will swoop in and get ‘em: Iglesias makes the team. Knox probably does too.
Lovie and gang LOVE Jason McKie…he’s not going anywhere.
by MuleTrain on Aug 21, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's more like what I wish they would do
rather than a prediction of what they should do.
You’re probably right about trading Dez Clark.
.
You’re probably right that McBride needs to make the team for depth.
And I’m just personally beyond unimpressed with Iglesias and Knox, though I think Knox on the practice squad makes sense.
by smithie love on Aug 21, 2009 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love them both.
They are both awesome for their own reasons. And both contribute fairly well to ST.
AP has been on our team for so long, always playing second….erm….third fiddle and he comes in and does all the scrappy work and doesn’t complain or anything. Hes been so loyal to the team. He’s a great pass blocker as well, so when Forte needs a rest, we will have another good blocking RB to fill his shoes. There’s no way the Bears will get rid of AP.
Garret Wolfe, though I’m not confident in his viability as a traditional RB, is also a scrappy little guy we should keep around. He will try 110% at every opportunity he gets. If we can train him right, we can use him similar to Kevin Faulk or Reggie Bush, a quick swing pass guy. He’s really fast, can run between peoples legs, and can drag people twice his size for extra yards. A huge ST contributor.
by PoopieDeLoopie on Aug 20, 2009 3:56 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Yes, my sentiments exactly on Wolfe and Peterson.
I do think Wolfe brings more to special teams even for his size. I have definitely been a Peterson fan from jump but I think he would compliment another team better at this time. I would like to see more of Will T. at full-back this pre-season. Mckie is solid although I think we can do better. Where’s Matt Suey when you need him?
Hear about the blind hooker, you gotta hand it to her.
Rex Grossman has to be a test-tube baby, cause he's not worth a f---!!!
by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on Aug 20, 2009 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where’s Matt Suhey when you need him?
There was an article about Walter Payton’s son which I think was posted here on WCG a few months ago… it said that Suhey and some of his father’s other old teammates continue to look out for him after his old man passed away. I liked that a lot.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
by Spongie on Aug 20, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
suhey is a great guy
met him a couple of times, he works w/the walter payton co. that does business w/the company i work for. not a very big guy but he is funny. high character guy too from what little i have seen up close
by reefermadness3 on Aug 21, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s really fast, can run between peoples legs
I’ll admit it, that made me laugh. A well-earned rec, PDL :-D
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
by Spongie on Aug 20, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe is a very rare talent in this league! Ron Turner continues to “TALK” about getting Wolfe more involved, but the past two years prove that has not happened. I had a glimmer of hope in the first preseason game on three different plays including Cutler’s Interception where Wolfe was Wide open in the flats just a couple yards from a first down? Cutler was not looking for him. Swing passes this season will help Garrett open eyes amongst his detractors! A couple “Shake&Bakes” followed by a Long Run will have every Bears Fan asking for more! Keep the faith!
by JM434343 on Aug 21, 2009 7:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Faith is all we have so far
because in his limited opportunities on offense (reg season and pre season) he hasn’t done too much…
I hope he can turn into a playmaker, he’d be a nice change of pace back, but we still need to see something from him.
by wiltfongjr on Aug 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"...where Wolfe was Wide open in the flats just a couple yards from a first down? Cutler was not looking for him"
perhaps he couldn’t see him? that’s the problem with wolfe.
by genetic on Aug 21, 2009 9:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
liaf
I would debate you, but that would only lead to me being dragged away in handcuffs...
by BearNecessities on Aug 21, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wolfe's critics
Aren’t watching him. He ran with authority against the Bills, which is no small thing for a guy his size.
Ultimately, I think they both make it because of special teams. The club should carry one fewer LB, two Fullbacks, and four RBs.
by Orval Overall on Aug 21, 2009 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wolfe
I agree with JM434343, keep the faith and you will see the results. Remember scat back Denis Gentry? Same type of player but I think Wolf is quicker. Yes Wolfe was open on a number of occasions coming out of the backfield. I also think the bears mentioned after the game the wanted to go downfield more that game. I think this was done because they know what they have in the backs but receiver could still be an issue. With only a few pre-season games they need to find out who they have at receiver. The comment about not seeing Wolfe out of the backfield is not accurate. Most QB’s know where their receivers and backs are on a passing play, I am sure Cutler knew where Wolf was, his size will not matter coming out of the back field.
by JL898989 on Aug 21, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Gentry eventually ended up at WR
But he’d still line up in the backfield in the shotgun from time to time, and get the call for the draw play enough times a year to keep the other team just a little off balance.
In addition to special teams, can Wolfe run good enough patterns to be a 4th WR in the slot when not in the shotgun, run the occasional reverse, and block acceptably as the occasional shotgun RB? If so, then I’d take him instead of Peterson, mostly due to the age factor.
It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??
by Invalid User on Aug 21, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think a lot of people on here
Know what a big fan of Wolfe I am. I think he should stay. I really like Jason Davis and I’d love for him to get a chance but I too think the staff is stuck on McKie. I do hope Ta’fu’ou gets a spot on the practice squad. The guy needs work because when HB and I were at camp over two days I saw him catch only 1 pass, he drops a lot!
by GallopingGhost on Aug 21, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
McKie
is an underrated lead blocker, he’s not a bad FB, and I do hope Ta’fu’ou can make the practice squad
by wiltfongjr on Aug 21, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wolfe
I forgot one thing, they will keep all four backs this year but next year they will go with only three. I think AP will be the guy out. Given a chance Wolfe will show the team his value and AP will be 31 and too expensive.
by JL898989 on Aug 21, 2009 11:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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