There is a new buzz amid Chicago after the release of the incredibly lame Cedric Benson: the Bears should look to Shaun Alexander in free agency to upgrade their running game.
Wait, did you say "upgrade" or "set back"? How many of you have watched Alexander the last two years? I can't sit here and expect people to believe that Shaun Alexander would help Chicago. Maybe I'm the only one who realizes that Alexander is over 30-years old, and has about as much versatility as Keith Traylor has speed: very little.
He ran very similar to Cedric last year, in terms of running into the offensive line and falling over. He has been a one-dimensional running back his whole career, and now, at this stage, he is below average as a runner. There's no doubt that he has excellent patience and a feel for the game, but he's not physical nor can he break away from any defense.
Also, he can't catch the ball effectively out of the backfield, unless he has a ton of room in front of him, and he is a poor pass blocker. We also can't forget the fact that he's been dinged up lately the past few years.
Sounds like Cedric? I'd say so. There definitely isn't a character concern, but let's not kid ourselves and say that he should play for the Bears. He isn't going to help them offensively, and it will not revamp his career.
Let the Matt Forte era begin!
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3 months ago
I agree with you Adam. His running style doesn't fit our system. I wouldn't mind at least letting Kevin Jones display what he has to offer. Whatever happens, theres no way we can go into the season with Garrett Wolfe as our number 2 back...
3 months ago
Hey, don't forget that Alexander was an MVP a couple of years back. He may not be the most physical runner in the world, but he has some talent. He can't get it done as a feature back anymore, but I think a platoon between him and Forte, along with some help from Garett Wolfe would form a decent running game. Well, that all depends on how the Bears offensive line performs, because no running back can succeed without a line anyway.
3 months ago
Even as a Colts fan, I cringe for the Bears, thinking that Matt Forte is their answer at RB. He was a pretty big stretch in the 2nd round, especially with a lot of players still on the board. It should not be set in stone that Forte is the new RB!
3 months ago
All that matters is this:
We as Bears fans must except our season to be over from Day 1 of Training Camp.
Once again the coaching staff is constantly talking about the "Battle at QB". Once again, Rex Grossman will win and then fail. Nothing new happens.
We now have no running back. The WR position is up in arms. The D will probably be unhappy because of such depth that many former starters will be benched. Urlacher is unhappy about his contract. The team supports him on this. Either the coaching staff shapes up this team or the team revolts and we get taught by Raiders fans how to suffer with wacko players, owners, coaches, and a horrific team.
3 months ago
Shaun Alexander is shot. And overpriced. Forte, who was a fumbler in college, will not be able to handle the blitz pickup which will further wreck Rex. How much blitz pickup does the Tulane star back do anyway? How much does Tulane get blitzed?
Garrett Wolfe is too small for a every down back. So that leaves Adrian Peterson the lesser. Maybe find a hungry, rookie free agent trying to survive. Those desperate guys play better then spoiled boys, like Bensen and Enis, cuddled since High School...
What ever happened to Tom Jones?
It will be nightmare on Lucas Oil Dome Street in Indy that first week...incredibly loud
Rookie left tackle from Vandy vs Freeney....
Rookie Running Back from Tulane forced to play...
Another confused rookie from Vandy in the 3 wr set...
No Berrian to strech the field...
A creaky Tait...
An old Olin
A frustrated Hester...
Terrified Rex folding again under distress and stress on national TV Lovie becoming depressed...
Did I say LOUD? Loud in the Lucas Oil Slick....
Bet the Colts minus 11 bet early, bet often...
It might be 17 by game team
It will by 42-13 at closing time
3 months ago
Setttle down. Matt Forte has equal, if not superior physical traits when compared to Cedric Benson. Plus, he has what Benson never had...a chip on his shoulder to prove himself and make it on an NFL team. Ala Mike Anderson, Joseph Addai, every Green Bay back for the last 20 years. Almost complete unknowns, unheralded football players with an unyeilding desire to go out and play smash mouth ball for their team. The antithesis of Benson.
Benson was spoiled rotten since HS and at UT, and he expected NFL defenses to open up and part for his glorious path. Forte is going to pound, cut slice and make those holes like TJ did in 2006 and 2007 for us. He is going to come out of nowhere just like so many of the other unheralded backs of the NFL.
IF the Bears have a legitimate running game, Garrett Wolfe cannot be stopped as a change of pace back. He is as dangerous as Devin Hester in the open field if not more so, he has more moves.
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