Chicago Bears will use RB-by-committee to replace Matt Forte

Four Bears running backs could all see time this season as the team tries to replace Matt Forte who left the team in free agency.

For the first time since the 2007 season, the Chicago Bears will not have Matt Forte to depend on in the backfield. Forte, 30, was a stalwart during his eight seasons with the Bears, racking up more rushing yards (8,602) and receiving yards (4,116) than any other RB in Chicago history not named Walter Payton. So how does Bears head coach John Fox and company replace such production from one player? How about using four.

By letting the 30-year-old Forte walk away and sign with the New York Jets, the Bears will be able to showcase the three running backs they have drafted the past three seasons, Jeremy Langford out of Michigan State in 2015, Ka’Deem Carey, a 2014 fourth rounder from Arizona, and rookie Jordan Howard, a fifth rounder from Indiana. Also in the mix is Jacquizz Rodgers, his second season with the Bears after spending his first four with the Atlanta Falcons.

Last season Langford rushed for 537 yards and a team-high six touchdowns on 148 carries, and will enter the season as the projected starter. But all four backs could see playing time at different points of each game. “We like where Jeremy’s at,”

“We like where Jeremy’s at,” first year offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. “He needs to continue to develop. There are things he can do a better job of in the passing game. We still like our other backs. Ka’Deem Carey finished strong for us last year. We obviously drafted a back (Jordan). We’re excited about getting Jacquizz Rodgers back as well.”

The big question in Chicago is how the new running back committee will affect QB Jay Cutler, who enjoyed his highest passer rating last season at 92.3. Forte was a reliable outlet for Cutler; in eight seasons, Forte only missed eight games, and caught an NFL running back  record 102 balls in 2014.

Fox has had a good history employing the running back committee approach, using it primarily in both Carolina and Denver. Loggains is looking forward to utilizing his many weapons this season.

“We’re going to do what each player does well. Sometimes, maybe the hot hand gets the carries. Sometimes it’s 30, sometimes it’s 10. It depends. Each game plays out differently. Coach Fox has had a lot of success through his career of having different backs and playing a lot of different guys, Loggains added. “He had some really talented guys. It’s kind of a feel thing. Stan Drayton, our running backs coach, has a great feel for what his guys can and can’t do and he does a great job with the rotation.”

Who do you think will end up leading the Bears in rushing?

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