My first reaction to the Jets signing veteran Matt Forte was positive. New York had lost Chris Ivory, and seemed set to lose Bilal Powell, too. After an injury-marred final season with the Bears, Forte should be fresh and ready to have a strong season as a three-down back in New York. But then the Jets re-signed Powell and added Khiry Robinson, and suddenly I had my doubts.
But I have come back around.
Let's dismiss Robinson first. He basically got a minimum type of deal; he won't have a big role unless Forte gets hurt. Maybe he gets some short-yardage carries or something, but it's going to be Forte getting most of the carries and Powell getting most of the passing down work. Robinson is a last-round handcuff type who will have a larger role if somebody gets injured, and that's it.
The question is if there's enough work for the running backs for both Forte and Powell to be productive. I think there is.
Last year Chris Ivory rushed for 1,000 yards and caught 30 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown. Powell, meanwhile, rushed for just over 300 yards, but caught 47 balls for 388 yards and 2 TDs. (Zac Stacy and Stevan Ridley combined for an additional 13 receptions for 63 yards, if you want to factor that in.)
So collectively you've got 90 receptions for nearly 700 yards by Jets running backs last year. Powell will get most of that, but Forte (a much better receiver than Ivory) should account for a third or more.
New York is still stonewalling Ryan Fitzpatrick, an overall negative for the offense. But it's conceivable running backs will catch just as many passes, if not more, with a different quarterback in the lineup. When Geno Smith played almost all of the team's loss at Oakland (a game Powell missed) Ivory and Zac Stacy combined to catch 4 balls for 31 yards.
Forte is a player I will be interested in this season. Powell too, in PPR formats.
--Andy Richardson
