Since his rookie season in 2008, Matt Forte leads all running backs in total yards from scrimmage (12,718), receptions (487) and receiving yards (4,116). In fact, Forte had 2,522 total touches (rushing and receiving) during his eight-year run with the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN Stats and Information, putting him ahead of Chris Johnson (2,396), Adrian Peterson (2,363) and Frank Gore (2,250).
Forte is the true definition of versatility at the position, a running back who can make plays in the passing game and find daylight on the ground with his smooth gait and cutback ability. But as the veteran prepares for free agency, how much juice does he have left in his 30-year-old body after all those touches? And what type of value does he have on the market at this stage of his career?
Yes, there is some wear on the tires with Forte, but this guy can still play (and extend his career) if he finds the right role in 2016. Here's why.
Zone schemes and nickel runs
Forte can give a team production on the ground in the power run schemes. Show some patience with the ball, allow the blocks to develop and then get up the field with a quick burst. But when I watch the tape, and study his vision, the zone running schemes truly cater to his skill set out of both base and nickel personnel (three wide receivers on the field).
That's where we see the lateral movement in his footwork, the upright glide in his gait and the ability to set up defenders at the second level. He can embarrasses some defensive backs in the open field. And while Forte has never been a true burner, he still has that initial acceleration to get through the hole when he finds a crease. That's key when running the stretch schemes or the inside zone out of the shotgun alignment.