Bears position preview: Running backs

Bears position preview: Running backs – Chicago Tribune

Biggest offseason developments: The Bears made no effort to re-sign Matt Forte, allowing the decorated and reliable eight-year veteran to sign with the Jets on a three-year, $12 million contract that includes $9 million guaranteed. They drafted Jordan Howard in the fifth round out of Indiana. They decided to incorporate a fullback into the offense under new coordinator Dowell Loggains.

What to like: The Bears’ decision to let the 30-year-old Forte walk had everything to do with general manager Ryan Pace’s long-term vision. While there are major doubts about how the move might help the offense this season, it opens the developmental door to second-year man Jeremy Langford, Ka’Deem Carey and Howard. Pace and coach John Fox are counting on running backs coach Stan Drayton to get the most out of Langford and Carey (fourth-round picks in 2015 and 2014, respectively). For Langford, that means running with a wider base and gaining more yards after contact. For Carey, that means building on his toughness and energy to become a more complete back. Expect both to be part of the committee approach Fox has favored throughout his career. It promises to be hell for fantasy football owners, but Fox wants to limit backs’ workload and play the so-called hot hand. Howard adds a bruiser’s skill set to the rotation, and Jacquizz Rodgers provides veteran leadership to a group of runners who must earn each snap.

Biggest question: Can any of these backs command the third-down role? Bears backs are capable of rushing for the yards the offensive line creates, but third down will be when Forte’s absence is most noticed. Quarterback Jay Cutler for years relied on Forte as a pass blocker and check-down option. Now? That security blanket is gone. It puts the onus on Cutler to be a steadying presence, which is far from a sure thing. Meanwhile, Langford and Carey will push to master the different aspects of third down. Langford practiced catching the ball during offseason workouts more than he did last season. Carey also is working on his hands and his blocking techniques. The Bears probably can’t split either of them wide to create a mismatch against a linebacker like they could with Forte, but they need them at least to contribute in conventional backfield roles. Rodgers, with his experience, could hold on to the third-down role for a while.

Fresh face: The Bears like how Howard’s skill set compliments the other backs in the rotation. At Indiana and before that at Alabama-Birmingham, he was known as a punishing runner who would square up defenders and gain yards after contact. That should benefit the Bears in short-yardage situations, near the goal line and when protecting a lead. But such a physical style can wear out a running back at the NFL level, where tacklers are bigger and stronger than they faced in college. That’s another reason why the Bears want to rotate backs. A minor hamstring injury during spring practices limited Howard’s involvement in team drills, so it’s worth monitoring how quickly he works in during training camp.

You should know: Incorporating a fullback appeals to the coaching staff because it could help clear running lanes for the young ballcarriers while establishing a power element to the offense. Paul Lasicke is a candidate, but the Bears could also seek a veteran free agent at any time.

Quote of note: “The first thing you’ve got to acknowledge is that’s going to be really, really hard to do. One thing I can say is we have a good committee of backs. Maybe not one can do all that Matt brought to the table, but they all bring a strength that can probably add up to what he brought.” — Drayton on the challenge of replacing Forte

Big number: 3.6 — Yards-per-carry average on attempts by Langford, Carey and Rodgers last season. They combined for 737 yards and eight touchdowns on 205 carries.