The 10 Most Important Bears in 2010 - #9 Matt Forte
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 1, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
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PrintIn this biweekly series, I'll detail my thoughts on who I think will need to contribute the most in 2010 for the Chicago Bears to have a successful season. Putting Robbie Gould at #10 was a surprise to some, so I'm sure putting their starting tailback at #9 (down from #5 last year) will prompt some interesting comments.
#9 - Matt Forte - Running Back
The first time I brainstormed this list, I left off Matt Forte. Not because I don't think he'll be a big part of what they do in 2010, but because I caught myself buying the hype that the Bears will be a pass first, pass second type offense. I still think they'll pass more than run, but I don't think it'll be as heavy a ratio as some think.
When Mike Singletary inherited the 49ers and offensive coordinator Mike Martz, one of the first things he did was instruct Martz to be more balanced in his game-plan. Something he did. And even though Singletary parted ways with Martz after that year, it wasn't because Martz rocked the boat in San Fran, it was because Singletary wanted a coordinator that was more in tune with his offensive philosophy. After all, he officially got the gig and was entitled to put his stamp on the team.
Which brings me to the 2010 Bears... Lovie Smith has a run first mentality, something I'm sure he and Martz have discussed at length. The Bears will be involved in a few sloppy games at some point, which will make running the ball even more a priority. While I can't see them getting off the bus running, even though I'm sure we'll hear that from Lovie, I can't see them simply abandoning the run. Matt Forte will get his carries.
Even with new running back Chester Taylor slated to get his fair share of touches, I'm betting Forte will still be the starter. Last season Kevin Jones was in the plans to spell Forte, and yet most experts still predicted good things from him (a Pro Bowl appearance / #1 Fantasy draft pick status). There has been no official word from the Bears as far as what the split will be, but I'm guessing somewhere around 60-70% of the touches will fall to Forte. With Taylor seeing some 3rd down reps and getting in on a couple offensive series each half. I'd even love to see the two of them sharing the same backfield in passing situations, both are good receivers and both are good in blitz pick up.
Had the Bears not signed Taylor I might have had Forte higher on this list, but with a capable and proven guy in place, #9 seemed about right. If Matt Forte can live up to the hype that had built up after his rookie year (by staying healthy) I think he can be an explosive part of the Bears offense. I'm guessing over a thousand yards rushing (with a career best yards per carry), and 40-50 receptions.
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Well I can't really say anything until i see the complete list...
But even in a Mike Martz Offense where they use short passes as an extension to the run game i can easily seeing Forte shining with this because he is so good with space. Even when he was injured all of last year he managed to have some very good long runs and screen passes where he actually had space and blockers.
So I think it will be more critical for Forte to have a big year to cut down on Jay throwing 48-50 passes a game which i hope doesn’t happen. Not to mention Matt Forte is still my guy, so until I see the complete body of work i won’t raise hell that Forte is so low on the list Les.
by Chitownproduct on Jul 1, 2010 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
He is low...
But he’s on there! I think he may have the type of year so many people thought he’d have last season. If Taylor wasn’t on the Bears (providing good depth at RB) I’d have had him higher.
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 1, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I cant wait
To see Matt rebound from last seasons struggles. You couldn’t ask for a harder working and dedicated guy in the backfield, and with the two headed offensive monster that is the two Mikes, things are definitely looking up for him. With a new coordinator who can play to his skillset and an o-line that will actually create some holes I’m looking forward to a career year for our RB.
by Gnice1 on Jul 1, 2010 11:53 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
two Mikes
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jul 1, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
So Far so good.
I agree so far.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Jul 1, 2010 12:01 PM CDT reply actions
Accurate........
Analogy #9 is just where I had Forte.
by Dozjah on Jul 1, 2010 12:47 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
That's about right for Forte, but Gould can't be more important than these guys:
My quick top 10:
1. J. Cutler (Offense is almost completely dependent on his performance)
2. J. Peppers (Pro Bowl form and this defense is elite, lazy and this defense may be in trouble)
3. B. Urlacher (Will one year of rest bring him into his old form, or is he getting too old)
4. C. Williams (If he blocks Cutler’s blindside effectively, the offense moves, if not – ouch)
5. L. Briggs (We need his consistency every down)
6. T. Harris (Needs to find his old form for that push in the middle, feeding off of Peppers is critical)
7. Z. Bowman (A lot of pressure as the new #1 CB, can he do it, or do we get burned on the outside)
8. C. Harris (Safety has been a weak spot since he left, can solidify the outfield)
9. D. Aromashodu/ D. Hester/ J. Knox (All the WRs must be crisp on routes and make blocks downfield on runs cough Hester cough
10. Forte (His importance is somewhat lessened by Taylor, but as the starting RB in this type of offense, you are automatically important – and will he rebound from last year)
Interesting enough, if you did it by unit, I would say the offensive line is the most important, followed by the defensive line.
You have 3 guys listed at #9
If they are all equal, then the loss of one or the other can be fairly easy to make up for… I’d even throw Earl Bennett in with those 3… I expect some good numbers from all 4 of the Bears receivers.
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 1, 2010 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
At this point it is hard to say which specific one, but there needs to be a go-to WR. In this offense, that go-to guy is going to be critical. Again, too early to say who that is.
I've heard it been said ( by whom I can't recall)
That the go-to guy would be the guy who is open…
Adrian Pedestrian!! Now that's funny Mr. Bayless...
by Syndor on Jul 1, 2010 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Here's one NO ONE is considering...
… Olin Kruetz!
Anyone else completely comfortable with Josh Beekman at Center? :-/
I think there are some very important positions that can certainly be valid “top ten” considerations.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 2, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Kruetz you say...
I have a feeling the old fella may make an appearance next week… then again I’d have to bump Brad Maynard or Rashied Davis…
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 2, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
If you put another kicker on the list
you’re banished to the World Cup blog.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I wrote.....
a comment the other day about the perception that Martz offenses don’t run the ball. In fact, Martz led offenses have run the ball, on average, about the same number of carries as the Bears ran last season.
I think Forte is just about right on here, though I might have actually placed him a bit higher. But I also think he’s one that is more of a good bet to succeed. This is the first season that he will have a legitimate backup pushing Forte to improve, which he must do in the running game. I think he will, And if you consider his receiving ability, I think he might end up being the surest bet on the list.
And no, I’m not suddenly singing Forte’s praises. I’m saying the same things that I’ve said all along. The guy is one of the best receiving and blocking RBs in the league (and I now wonder why I keep seeing some posters suggest here that Taylor is a better blocker or receiver…….not accoring to PFF’s rankings. Forte’s blocking rankings dropped last year, but come on, blocking with leg injuries has to be about the most difficult thing you can attempt….Ask Olin) His running needs work, but I think that being pushed by an established and respected back with starting experience will make Forte better. If the offensive line shows even marginal improvement, Forte will benefit, as well.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 1, 2010 1:43 PM CDT reply actions
I tried to make a similar point on here a long time ago.
It was met with a response of (and I’m paraphrasing) “You’re stupid and no nothing and lalalalala I can’t hear you lalallalala.” I don’t believe he’s still around here anymore. This is the conlusion of my amusing anecdote.
And you are right, Martz’s offense is more balanced than it gets credit for being.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
at least they knew the difference
between your and you’re.
Oh, and the rest of the world…
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jul 3, 2010 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I can't say for sure,
but it might have been the always pleasant and reasonable geomak.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
by JerBear50 on Jul 4, 2010 2:17 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m from Britain and we like understatement :-D
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Yes, but you also like Doctor Who.
I’m not sure where I’m going with this, but it’s probably not good. :)
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
I can't see the image
but I’m guessing it’s a Dr Who pic. Either that, or maybe a picture of a guy making sweeping generalizations about an entire nations viewing habits based only on his limited experience with BBC America. Either way. Oh, and since I assume you’re in their neighborhood, could you let the fine people at Top Gear know I’ve seen all the re-runs about ten times each, and some new episodes would be greatly appreciated.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Top Gear is awesome.
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Stupid babies need the most attention!
by David Taylor on Jul 9, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
You might appreciate this, then.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
GG and I love Top Gear too.
They always crack me up. The generalizations are a little old sometimes though.
"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
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
Theirs or mine?
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
Forte
Forte will be very valuable this year, I agree. The addition of Chester Taylor will really help us close games out when we have the lead in the 2nd half.
Forte is certainly a top ten player in importance.
I think once you go through your entire list, you will see that maybe Gould isn’t so important to the Bears success.
Great post on Forte!
Semper Fi
I've been through a few lists prepping for this series
and each time weighing the pros and cons of each player, the impact they might have, the depth at position, and other criteria… Gould was my #10…
Like last year, when the series is done I’ll address the players I left off.
I might have second thoughts on Robbie… but I doubt it! Go Gould!!!
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 1, 2010 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
People always overlook the kickers.....
Until they have one that misses a few big kicks, then suddenly, the kicker is of great importance. I’d say the kicker can be the difference between winning and losing a couple of games a year. Scott Norwood is a great example. Nate Kaeding is another.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 1, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
clearly some here do
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 2, 2010 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
If the game comes down to a kicker's FG...
… Your team didn’t do enough to decisively win the game.
A win is a win, but one should never leave the game to a FG attempt. I don’t know coach or offensive philosophy that “prepares” for that one.
Again, I think it’s good that we have the always consistent Robbie Gould, but if he is injured or unable to kick in 2010, just as we pulled him from the waiver wire 5 years ago…
… We will find another person to do the same thing.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 2, 2010 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions
And yet.....
teams generally have 3-4 games a year that are decided by 3 points or less. That’s a lot of games to hang on a player you don’t consider important. Expecting a team to win all of their games “decisively” is just unrealistic (unless you are talking about the ‘85 Bears, who’s closest game was a 16-10 win over the Packers. In fact, the Bears only played in 3 games decided by less then 10 points in ‘85. But then, I would call that team unrealistic. And to be fair, The Offense, while pretty good, wasn’t exactly breaking records. It was the defense that kept the games so lopsided. The team scored 42 offensive TDs and 31 FGs, while only allowing 22 TDs and 12 FGs!) and even the best offenses in the modern era played 3-5 close games a year.
Here are some examples. These are IMHO (arguably) the 5 best offenses fielded in the 16 game era in chronological order.
1983 Redskins (all links pop): The ’83 Skins set NFL scoring records. They were an extremely well balanced team with John Riggins pounding the rock and Joe Theisman throwing. Did I mention they possessed on of the best offensive lines in history, the famed Hogs. This team also possessed a sound and even dominant defense. They also has the worst kicker of the five teams listed. Mark Moseley was a crap shoot from beyoond 29 yards (only 22 for 34). Yet Washington played in 4 regular season games (including both of their losses) and 1 playoff game decided by 3 points or less.
1998 Vikings: The Vikings broke the scoring record set by the previous team in 1998. Teams had fits with this offense as, if they cheated out of the box to try and contain Randy Moss and Chris Carter, Robert Smith would then dominate them on the ground. Then Gary Anderson had to go and be perfect on the year, turning in 39 FGs and 59 extra points for 164 points. But the Queens still played in 2 regular season games and one post season contest that were decided by 3 points or less.
2000 Rams: Some will say that, because they won a Super Bowl, the ‘99 Rams were better. But I’d make the case that while that team was great, the 2000 offense was better. First off, Marshall Faulk scored 26 combined TDs and ran for 5.4 yards a carry. Then you have 13 players who caught at least one pass, 8 who caught TDs, and 2 that went over 1400 yards. Maybe the most telling stat, though, was that Kurt Warner threw for 9.9 yard per……….attempt! And the 2000 Rams offense scored more TDs then the 1998 Vikings offense. Yet the ’00 version of the Rams played 2 regular season games and one playoff game that was decided by less then 3 points.
2004 Colts: This offense scored more TDs then the ’98 Vikings, as well. Peyton Manning threw 49 TDs. Edgerrin James ran for over 1500 Yards and 4.6 yards per carry. And 3 receivers recorded over 1000 yards. But the best offense pPeyton captained played in 4 regular season games that were decided by 3 points or less.
2007 Patriots: Maybe the most dominant offense of all time. 16-0. This offense broke most of the scoring records and while only allowing 274 points (4th in the league) the Patriots scored an amazing 589 points for a point differential of 315! Tom Brady threw for over 4800 yards and for 50 TDs, completing passes to 14 receivers, TD passes to 8 receiver (23 of which went to Randy Moss) and to two 1000 yard receivers. The team had no thousand yard rusher, due to injuries, but no halfback rushed for less than 4.3 yards a carry and the starters combined for almost 1500 yards on the ground. Yet even this devastating offense that more than doubled the opponents point total over the course of the season and had the highest season point differential in NFL history played in 3 regular season games and one Super Bowl that was decided by less 3 points or less.
My point is that, regardless of how fgood a team is, they are very likely going to play three or four games a year that could be decided by the kicker. That makes the Robbie Goulds of the world pretty important.
And I think the Cowboys would beg to differ on the number of quality kickers waiting to be plucked out of the air. Sure, there are a lot of kickers out there. But a lot of dependable kickers? There are a few kickers in the league right now who wouldn’t have jobs if that were true. Like Jason Elam, Josh Scobee, Nick Folk, Chris Brown, Mike Nugent and Steven Hauschka All of whom made fewer than 70% of their kicks. If Kickers were just pouring out of the NFLs ears, can someone please explain to me how Mike Nugent gets let go of by the Bucs for going 2 of 6 just to be picked up by the Cards when Neil Rackers gets injured? If the league is overflowing with unsigned Robbie Goulds, why jump on Nugent? Just asking……
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 2, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Whoops......
Sorry, forgot to link the Colts and Pats……..
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 2, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Superb research. Same thing in rugby where, even though you aren’t able to switch in a kicking specialist when the occasion demands, you still need a reliable goal-kicker. Teams that have fielded a great runner / distributor who can’t kick goals at the outhalf position have come to regret it.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
I love that the kicker argument
was continued over here!
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 6, 2010 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Again, good people...
… Its still JUST a kicker. Haha!?
They play very few snaps. They don’t score touchdowns or get quarterback sacks. They are a dime a dozen on the free agent market (ask Robbie Gould), are worthless for anything else on the field (limited to what they can do for a football team), and by-and-large, there isn’t much difference between a great kicker and an average one.
Here’s a stat for you…
For kickers with 20 or more attempts last year, the average FG percentage was a little over 85%. Kickers with less than 20 attempts were even better.
Again, you can ALWAYS find another kicker in the NFL. You can’t always find a solid QB or a pass rushing DE. Heck!? You sometimes can’t find a safety to play a C2 in the NFL (See 2007-2009 Chicago Bears).
Kickers are always available to kick the 18 yd Xp and the 40 or less FG attempt at 80%.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 6, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Even though those teams might have lost a few close games...
… If the kicker went down in week 1, no one would say that those teams SEASONS were over.
Now, if Tom Brady or Peyton Manning went down— those would be possible “season-enders”.
If Robbie Gould was to go down this season, do you think the Bears season is over?
Do you think they have “no shot at the playoffs?”
Do you think they are out at the start of ANY game on this upcoming 16-game season?
Is there a possibility they can lose? Sure!
But, there would be PLENTY of offense and defense in between all of that and there are players on both sides of that equation that can make or break the game.
I believe there are AT LEAST 10 that are MORE valuable than Gould on the "projected 2010 Chicago Bears roster.
Just my opinion…
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 6, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
And yet how many teams have exited the playoffs.......
because a kicker missed? How many have moved on because a kicker made it? Just some food for thought…..
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 6, 2010 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions
We're talking about the season though, T-train.
… Can’t get to the playoffs without winning in the season. ANd if Gould was to go down in week 1, NO ONE would think that the season is over.
He’s an asset to the team, but he is not a top ten season impacter.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 12, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I disagree.....
If Gould misses field goals in 2 of the 4 games that, by the law of averages the Bears will play in, that are decided by a field goal or less, then the Bears could go from 10-6 to 8-8. They would then miss the playoffs based on two games they could have won if the kicker had made the kicks. That sounds a lot like those kicks were extremely important to the season, if you ask me. And those scenarios happen every year to every team. It’s not like I’m giving a “what if” scenario here. It’s a “when” scenario.
And anyone who can take us out of playoff contention with one or two bad plays is pretty important to the season, in my book.
Think about this…………Robbie Gould is the league’s highest paid placekicker. He signed a 5 year $15.5M contact in ‘08. Now, Gould made $2.5M last season. Not the huge amounts than Harris or Cutler made. But………if you break it down to the amount Gould was paid per play, he was the highest paid player per play in the league last year, discounting injured players. I’m betting there is a reason for that……..
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 18, 2010 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Final note...
Again, look back at my comments. I’m not saying Gould sucks or that he is not a great player. I’m just saying that there are far more important players for this 2010 season.
Some are well-regarded and have tremendous talent and skill (Jay Cutler, Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers) and some will probably not be your “first thought” as being an intricate part to this seasons success/failure (Olin Kruetz, whoever mans the FS in the Bears C2, the LG).
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 6, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that the reason you don't see why Gould is of Top Ten importance.....
Is because he is just that good. In other words, I didn’t take your criticism of his placement as a criticism of Gould. You don’t expect him to miss. For me, when he missed the kick in overtime last season against the Vikings, I was stunned. I just couldn’t believe he missed. I just disagree with you on how important a kicker is. Again, if 85% kickers were a dime a dozen, than guys like Josh Scobee, Nick Folk and Mike Nugent wouldn’t find work, and guys like Jason Elam, who is only about 10 years past being a great kicker, and 5 years past being a good one, would have been long since forced to retire.
As to your last sentence, You have me pegged wrong, sir. IMHO, Olin Kruetz, Whoever plays free safety and whoever mans Chris Williams right shoulder are all definitely “first thoughts” for my top 5 most important, along with Jay Cutler and Brian Urlacher. (The other five would be Julius Peppers, Tommie Harris, Matt Forte, Devin Hester and……..wait for it…….Robbie Gould!!!!!
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 6, 2010 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Nahhh..
… I just don’t see the kicker position being that critical to a football game.
If so, they would be drafted and highly sought after in FA. The overlying themes in the NFL with kickers has been that you can find one in FA and invite one to camp after a 7-round draft.
If yours wants a pay increase that is on par with one of your “skill position” players, you can always find another kicker who will convert 80% of his kicks on waiver wires. That’s how the Bears found Gould and that’s how other well-regarded kickers made their debut in the NFL.
Again, if a game came down to a FG kick to win it all, then one of your two units (offense or defense) was NOT doing their part throughout the course of a game. WIth critical positions on BOTH sides, it’s hard to see a K getting more love than areas where we all know the Bears need to see some improvement on from previous years.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 12, 2010 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
RE: top ten
Your top ten does not include:
- Zack Bowman (no. 1 corner with limited experience?) The LG (Who is this going to be out???)
-
- Frank Omiyale (will he perform as he should at RT?) Devin Aromashodu (who is the two receivers for the Bears)
-
- A backup QB (Lord forbid something happens to Cutler) Tillman and his health (Moving him to no. 2 is an obvious sign of “caution”)
-
I just don’t see how a Kicker going down throws the Bears 2010 season out the window.
Help me understand that!?
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on Jul 12, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
This makes little sense to me
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I still think CT should be starting.
Forte is very important for us as well though.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
I disagree.....
Though if he is still the leagues last ranked back in the rushing category by mid season, then I say a change may be in order. But the Bears invested a high pick for Matt, and while his rushing ranking is bottom dwelling, his blocking and receiving rankings are top 5, when he’s been healthy. Those attributes are just as important to the Martz offense as running the rock.
Besides, he hasn’t exactly been helped by the line, or by injuries. The Bears know what they have in Taylor without doubt. But I think they also know that Forte has more overall potential than Taylor, so it’s definitely worth giving Forte a chance to run in an offense that won’t allow 8 men in the box much, and behind an improved line to boot.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 1, 2010 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions
No
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 2, 2010 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Forte starts.
Taylor is used to the reliever role… And his skill set is good for that role.
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 2, 2010 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Taylor came to us because we stated he'd get a chance to compete for a starting role.
While I don’t think he’ll be named starter I could see the split being much closer to 60/40. Something most NFL teams are trending toward (at the cost of my FFL strategy for drafting no less!). I think this should have (of) read Forte/Taylor. Both could prove to be equally important.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
Forte is the #1, Taylor is #1A
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I think they will be, not least because the Bears saw what happened to Forte after his heavy workload in his rookie season.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - overheard at Giants' '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
exactly why Taylor was brought in
sharing the load will make both of them more productive
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 4, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
+1....
And having a legitimate backup that has started in the league and could start again will push Forte, which is never bad. Both of these guys will be better this year for it.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jul 4, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep I agree
Forte will get around 60-70% of the touches leaving 30-40% for Taylor… Game situation will dictate a lot of the time.
And the reason I didn’t name two players at #9 is I don’t think that’s fair to the integrity of a list.
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 6, 2010 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
This seems about the right place for Forte...
he obviously needs to be better than last season. He could be just marginally better and I think the Taylor signing mitigates against that possibility. This is the offense that Forte (and Taylor) can flourish in, so I tend to agree with others here that Forte has a lot to prove. The o-line was simply awful last season, so I am less worried about Forte’s ability. I see Forte is more of a slasher/pass catcher and Turner used him as poorly as I have ever seen an OC use a RB last season. Forte can run inside, but not as a straight ahead, grind it out back. He’s too upright for that. This season he should do well in the Martzfense, but he’s got to be a significant part of the short yardage/red zone/move-the-chains part of this offense. Good post Lester!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Forte was hurt last year
but you’re right, Turner didn’t utilize him very good…
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 2, 2010 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah from start of week 1, Turner set Cutler and Forte up to fail.
I remember a lot of games last year where Forte had small amount of carries where he couldn’t get into a rhythm. I agree that Turner used Forte poorly last season by trying to make him a power runner where he’s more of a cutback RB like LT.
by Dominique Blanton on Jul 2, 2010 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Martz better not take too much of Lovie's advice
Lovie isn’t exactly an offensive genius as Martz is.
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