What's the verdict on Forte and Taylor?

Remote Controller

Remote Controller

Well-Known Member
Bears | Matt Forte not worried about Chester Taylor Thu Jul 8, 01:25 PM
Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is not threatened by the addition of RB Chester Taylor to the offense, according to The Chicago Sun-Times' Sean Jensen during an interview on SIRIUS/XM Fantasy Sports Radio. Forte is focused on improving this year after having a poor second season.
Our view: Forte has to be considered the lead back at this time, but that could change quickly if he fails to bounce back or stay healthy. Taylor was hand selected by the Bears new staff on offense, and many considered him the offensive gem of the free agent class this year. Both backs are versatile (very important in a Mike Martz offense), but we'll have to see who gets the most reps as the first-team back in training camp.
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I don't see the leash being very long on this one at all.
 
IF the Bears will remember that Forte can catch the ball and do great things with it in the open field then I expect a hail of a bounce back year for the young man. I'd feel better about it though if Taylor wasn't so darned able to do the exact same things with the ball.
 
I hate to say it, but I think Taylor was brought in to push the young Rb. Yes, he was hurt last year, and he played through most of it, which is good for him.

But, keep in mind that Chicago does not have the best line in the world, and Martz doesn't really help out by protecting the line.

If Forte can't do a better job of finding the hole fast and bursting through.....i think Taylor will start to take over.

I also agree with Mud though, if they can't beat it into Cutler's head that the Rb can catch the damn ball to.....neither will be much help this year.
 
Bears: Forte/Taylor

Bears | Matt Forte became stronger during offseason Sun Jul 11, 12:51 PM Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte worked hard during the offseason, improving on his lower body and upper body strength, according to running backs coach Tim Spencer on ChicagoBears.com. 'He made a point to get back and get his body in better shape,' Spencer said. Forte was healthy enough to play last year, but was rarely full speed due to injuries. Spencer said the team was looking for Forte to improve on his yards per carry and yards per catch last year, and they feel those will improve this season because Forte will be fresh. 'He won't have to take the entire load. He can share it,' Spencer said of Forte's role sharing touches with RB Chester Taylor. 'Chester will do well, and they can kind of feed off each other,' he added.
Our view: Forte is still overvalued despite a very disappointing 2009. He may be on the field for the first play of the game, but this is an RBBC all the way, and in an offense that doesn't feature the running back. He may do more with his touches this year with improved strength and health, but the number of touches will be limited and keep Forte's production down.

Link to story
Chester Taylor player page
Matt Forte player page


Bears | Comfortable with Chester Taylor Sun Jul 11, 12:49 PM Chicago Bears running backs coach Tim Spencer said he feels good about the team's acquisition of RB Chester Taylor during the offseason, reports ChicagoBears.com. 'Chester is a smart football player. He's been around a long time, so he knows a lot about the little ins and outs. You don't have to teach him that. He studies the game. So from that aspect, you feel real comfortable about putting him in there. He is a veteran who has taken care of his body and doesn't have a lot of mileage on his body,' Spencer said.
Our view: This is crucial in a Mike Martz offense because the running back is often the only thing between the QB and a blitzing linebacker. The Bears gave Taylor seven million guaranteed dollars even though he turns 31 during the season, so they'll make use of him.
 
cbssports.com spin on the story,
According to the Bears' official web site, RB Matt Forte, who dealt with injury problems in 2009, worked on his strength this offseason. "He’s gotten stronger in his lower body and his upper body," said running backs coach Tim Spencer. "He’s changed his body in terms of the way he looks. His work ethic is second to none. So along with that, I look forward to some nice things from him now."

Analysis: Forte's Fantasy value took a hit last year with his down season, and now Chester Taylor is in Chicago to likely take carries away from him. If Forte comes out of the gate and does a Chris Johnson by running so well that Taylor becomes Chicago's LenDale White, then Forte will be a great pick in rounds 5-7, but there is certainly massive risk with this guy.
 
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