Patriots Free Agency Outlook – Running Backs
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Matt Forte:
The Chicago Bears workhorse will not be retained this season and the talented back instantly became the fan favorite of every Patriots fan clamoring for his services. Forte has been extremely durable and productive over the course of his career both running and catching the football.
He can run the football between the tackles or outside and is a very good pass catching threat with outstanding hands out of the backfield. In the Patriots offense with Brady and Josh McDaniels, Forte could be a dynamic weapon, a true dual threat running or receiving.
Forte made it clear that he values Super Bowls over money at this point, stating on Twitter his desire to win now, something that would resonate well with Bill Belichick.
Speaking of Belichick, he praised Forte heavily before the Patriots played the Bears in 2014 stating, “He’s a threat every time he steps on to the field in a number of different ways: passing game, running game,” Belichick said.
“Any time he gets the ball in his hands he’s a good solid player. He’s tough, great vision, great balance. He definitely has the ability to turn nothing into something in a hurry and he can turn something into a lot in a hurry too. Hard guy to tackle, does a good job of creating space for himself and finding openings, getting to places where there are fewer defenders and then taking advantage of it. But even when he’s boxed in or guys get a shot of him, he still makes yards. He’s a terrific player. Couldn’t say enough good things about him. He’s very good. He gets tough yards, gets yards in space. Catches short passes, runs downfield routes. He’s a very, very complete player.”
So if the money is right this is a no-brainer right? Not so fast.
First there is the question of age, Forte is 30, and will be 31 by the end of the 2016 season. That is at the age where running backs begin to break down and do so quickly. Remember the difference between the 2004 and 2005 seasons for Corey Dillon?
Last season Forte rushed 218 times for 898 yards, a 4.1 average and 4 touchdowns. He also caught 44 passes for 389 yards for another 3 touchdowns. His 1287 combined yards, while still quite good were also his career low.
Forte wouldn’t be my first choice if I were Belichick, and while age is a big factor, the money he’ll likely command, despite what he said publicly will be another.
But his biggest contribution would be in the passing game. That’s where Forte is so effective and the Patriots already have two talented pass receivers out of the backfield in Dion Lewis and James White. They could opt for a much more cost effective back who can handle the running duties and still lean on their other two in the passing game.
Next up… a talented back whose numbers keep going down.
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