Since entering the NFL in 2008, Matt Forte has been the most consistent part of the Chicago Bears offense. In his six-year career, Forte has played under two head coaches and four offensive coordinators. Despite the offensive instability, Forte has managed to become of the league’s premiere backs.
One could make the argument that until Marc Trestman took over play-calling duties last season, Forte didn’t have an OC who actually knew how to run a balanced offense. And the proof was in the pudding, as Forte recorded his best season as a pro in 2013, carrying the ball 289 times for 1,339 yards with nine touchdowns. He also caught 74 passes for 594 yards with three touchdowns.
As a runner, Forte accounted for 71 percent of the Bears’ total carries in 2013, and 73 percent of the team’s total yards on the ground. His numbers went up when the Bears found themselves in the red zone, as Forte received almost 77 percent of the carries and was targeted 11 times in the passing game. Trestman, who is entering his second season as an NFL head coach, absolutely loves the versatility Forte provides. So it’s hard to envision Forte playing a lesser role in the offense this season.
Forte showed up for training camp in the best shape of his career, and he’s arguably been one of the most consistent camp performers through the first few weeks. Given the high expectations this Bears team has entering the season, Forte’s importance to the offense never has been greater, as the team finally has a passing attack to balance things out.
If Forte can stay healthy, which he has managed to do for the majority of his career, aside from five games in 2011 and one in 2012, this Bears offense knows no bounds. Though, if Forte somehow gets injured during the course of the season, the Bears’ ground game -- not necessarily the offense as a whole -- could be in trouble. So let’s play a little game of What if?
BUY
Shaun Draughn, RB -- Let’s just get something out of the way here: Barring injury, the Bears No. 2 running back isn’t going to see very many touches, so storing a back on your roster like Draughn could be costly if you’re hurting for roster spots.
There are four rushers vying for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart -- Draughn, rookies Ka’Deem Carey and Jordan Lynch, and Michael Ford. Basically, it’s a bunch of No. 3s going for the No. 2.
Entering camp, many thought Carey would step in and lock it down from Day 1. But Carey has been slow to adjust to NFL speed and has lacked consistency. Ford is a holdover from last season, while Lynch, a 2013 Hesiman Trophy finalist as a quarterback, is trying to do whatever he can to find a role in the NFL. Which gets us back to Draughn.
“He’s been consistent throughout the course of camp,” Trestman said of Draughn, via CBS Chicago. “He’s a veteran. He understands the game. He’s played in systems similar to ours. I think that’s helped him.
Trestman wants players who offer more than one talent. Draughn can run, block and catch the ball. In 2012, as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Draughn was on the active roster for all 16 games, carrying the ball just 59 times for 233 yards and two touchdowns. What Trestman must love, though, is the fact that Draughn caught 24 passes out of the backfield, as the Chiefs’ No. 3 back, behind Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis.
So if you want insurance for Forte, Draughn is your man -- for now, at least. It’s only a matter of time before Carey, a fourth-round pick, figures it all out.
HOLD
The Bears’ offense is deep enough that you don’t really need to worry about dropping anyone if Forte were to be lost. Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett all should be weekly starters if you happen to find them on your roster. Even if the opposing defense were to drop an extra guy into the secondary, Cutler has the arm and enough weapons -- and Trestman has the smarts -- to move the offense down the field.
SELL
No one.
ADD
Ka’Deem Carey, RB -- If your league features extended rosters or is of the dynasty format, then Carey would make for a solid addition. He’s pretty much at the “all or nothing” stage with Trestman right now. Forte will turn 29-years-old in December and, if history has told us anything, it’s that the 29-31 age range is when running backs start to decline. So look at Carey as an investment in the future, just like the Bears have been doing.
DROP
No one.
Questions, suggestions and comments always are welcome. You can reach me here: heiser@footballguys.com.