New York Jets: Early Trouble in the Backfield

New York Jets running back Matt Forte tweaked his hamstring before training camp started at the end of July. Should the team worry about the backfield?

Already there’s trouble in the New York Jets backfield. Running back Matt Forte tweaked his hamstring before training camp started last week, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

At 30 years old, Forte signed a three-year, $12 million contract with $9 million guaranteed during the offseason, per spotrac.com. The front office doesn’t seem totally comfortable with the back end of the running back stable.

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The team released Zac Stacy and signed Bernard Pierce in a corresponding transaction. The latter will serve a two-game suspension to start the season. Bilal Powell should play a huge role in the upcoming season with uncertainties behind him on the depth chart and an older starter in front.

The Jets acquired Forte at a good value considering his ability to find holes in opposing pass defenses as a receiver. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t throw many deep balls. Without a strong arm, the short passing attack will continue to play an integral part in moving the ball downfield. As a result, it’s important to preserve Forte for the long haul.

Through eight seasons with the Chicago Bears, Forte recorded 4,116 receiving yards. In 2014, he led the team in receptions with102 in total. Beyond the numbers, the veteran running back shows savvy in his blocking assignments and brings an even-keeled attitude to the locker room.

In the latter stages of his career, Forte should average 12-15 carries per game and serve as a tertiary receiver behind wideouts Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.

Once running back Khiry Robinson recovers from a broken leg, he’ll take on the goal-line and short-yardage carries. As a New Orleans Saints castoff, the Jets hope to see a little Chris Ivory in his play style, but it’s a lofty expectation, especially coming off a significant injury.

Powell will handle most of the carries as training camp progresses through the summer. At the moment, without Forte on the field, the sixth-year running back has looked sharp during practices:

The Jets re-signed Powell to fill in the gaps behind the starter, but he could be in line for a workload increase for the 2016 campaign. Of course, there’s optimism for Forte due to his durability. He’s only missed eight games in eight seasons.

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After signing defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and Fitzpatrick, the Jets can certainly explore cheap running back options if there’s concern about Forte heading into his ninth season.

Expect the Jets to become a pass-first team with approximately 25 carries per contest sprinkled in between throws to Marshall, Decker and Forte.