NFL Fantasy Football Profile: Matt Forte of Chicago Bears
By Erik Lambert
Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not exactly fair to say that the Chicago Bears didn’t use Matt Forte enough in 2014. After all, the guy did set a record for running backs with 102 receptions. However, the general feeling among experts and a lot of NFL fantasy football owners was he had more to give on the ground. For whatever reason Marc Trestman and his coaching staff never bothered to use him much that way. That could explain why for the first time in five seasons he averaged under 4.0 yards per carry.
2014 Production:
- 1,038 yards rushing
- 808 yards receivers
- 10 touchdowns
- 2 fumbles
- 244.60 fantasy points
Matt Forte carried ball less http://t.co/AqIfcKpdV9 #MattForte #FantasyFootball
— NFL News (@PlayerlineNFL) July 9, 2015
At age 29, many are fearful that Forte is approaching the dreaded 30-year old wall, which history shows is often a point for running backs where their production falls off a cliff due to injuries and the constant pounding their bodies have taken over the years. In the midst of his last season under contract, Forte understands that is something he cannot afford if he wants to remain in Chicago beyond 2015.
The good news is he’s under a new coaching staff headlined by veteran John Fox. Few have been a greater proponent of balanced offense over the past decade than him. Fox believes in running the ball and playing defense, which may explain why the Bears have added three more running backs to their depth chart this off-season. It’s a clear indication he plans to do better than the 64-36 run-pass ration the team finished with last season. Better still Forte will have Adam Gase at offensive coordinator, a man known for his creative play calling. That should lead to more big play opportunities.
It’s worth noting Gates is a Mike Martz disciple, and Forte was on pace for 2,000 yards rushing when he worked with Martz in 2011 before he suffered an unfortunate injury. As good a sign as any.