New York Jets: Realistic Expectations for Matt Forte

What can the New York Jets expect from running back Matt Forte in the backfield? Will father time hurt the 30-year-old’s production?

Earlier in the offseason, New York Jets running back Matt Forte envisioned himself as an every-down back with his second team, per USA Today reporter Kimberly Jones:

Matt Forte on his role with NYJ: "They see me as an every-down back."
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) March 14, 2016

ESPN’s Rich Cimini hinted at a “time-share system” with running back Bilal Powell in the Jets’ backfield:

"[Powell] was the ideal complement to the bruising Ivory, but the dynamics have changed. Powell and Forte have similar skill sets, so it’ll be interesting to how it plays out in terms of role definition."

Throughout Powell’s five-year tenure with the Jets, he logged his most productive season during the 2013 campaign. In that year, he started 11 games, registering 697 rushing yards and 272 receiving yards.

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Forte and Powell provide dual-threat capabilities out of the backfield. As a result, the Jets may opt to mix and match the two ball-carriers to preserve the senior between the two.

In the previous year, Forte fell short of 1,000 rushing yards for the first time since 2011. He also missed three games due to a knee injury.

With Forte and Powell leading the charge in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s system, the former should eclipse 1,000 all-purpose yards. Cimini referenced Gailey’s decision to use running back C.J. Spiller as a receiver in the slot, during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, in connection with Forte’s prospective role with the Jets.

At 30, Forte still ranks as one of the best receiving backs in the game. Gailey could utilize his reliable hands to exploit matchups in the short passing game. The design would benefit Ryan Fitzpatrick, who isn’t a deep-ball thrower or Geno Smith as a high-percentage target in the passing attack.

It’s also worth noting, slot wideout Devin Smith doesn’t have a set timeframe to return from a torn ACL.

Nonetheless, the Jets may use Forte judicially. Over the past eight seasons, he’s logged 2,035 carries, which ranks as the most among all ball-carriers in that span. The veteran back will lead the backfield, but it’s a good time to feed Powell more rush attempts.

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The front office opted to re-sign the 27-year-old back to a three-year, $11.2 million deal, per spotrac.com, now it’s time to increase his role within the offense. With running backs Zac Stacy and Khiry Robinson rehabbing ankle and leg injuries, New York needs a reliable complement to its starter.

Expect Forte to log approximately 200-210 carries and match the previous season’s rushing yards total at around 900 yards. If healthy, Robinson would steal short-yardage conversions and goal-line carries.