Matt Forte Comments on Jeremy Langford’s Emergence, Injury and More
Published by Joe Pantorno on November 19, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have been enjoying the emergence of backup running back Jeremy Langford over the past two weeks. With the absence of starter Matt Forte in Weeks 9 and 10 as he recovers from an MCL sprain, Langford has recorded more than 300 yards of total offense in two games, both wins for the now 4-5 Bears.
But Forte wants everyone to know he is still around. On Thursday, the 29-year-old spoke with the media about Langford’s success and the notion that fans have forgotten about him, per the Chicago Tribune‘s Rich Campbell:
I don’t know man. The fans are the fans. The NFL is ‘What have you done for me lately?’ So it’s whatever is done next. I’ve obviously been out for a few games, and he’s done his job, done well stepping in for me. So everybody is always looking for the next-best thing. And so obviously with the situation being I’m in my contract year, last year, it’s obvious that that’s the storyline that will come up. Chicago is kind of like that: ‘Well, see ya later Matt.’ I’m like, ‘Man, I’ve been here going on eight years, ya’ll just going to throw me to the side like that?’ But that’s the nature of the NFL. And I don’t mind. I will play wherever I end up after that.
With that kind of talk, it seems like Forte is fed up with the Bears and the city of Chicago. Per Spotrac.com, the veteran will see his four-year, $30.4 million contract expire at the end of the 2015 season, when he can field as many offers from other teams as he wants.
Analysts such as ESPN’s Matthew Berry and NFL.com’s Michael Fabiano seem confident he won’t be returning to Chicago next season:
For now, though, Forte has to come back to the field of play and show the league he is worth another big contract. He has rushed for 548 yards while adding 219 yards receiving this season.
But he’s not rushing his way back to the field, even with Langford putting up big numbers in his absence.
I’m going to take my time to be healthy, obviously. It’s good that he’s obviously getting this experience. I actually like it because now going forward I’m not going to have to play every single play or every down out there. So we can at least be healthy and be at full speed out there during the game and have a role to play.
Despite Chicago’s 0-3 start, it is three games out of the NFC North division lead with games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings remaining. The season isn’t lost yet.
Forte, though, seems more focused on not shouldering a majority of the offensive load upon his return and just staying healthy, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But Bears fans and management would probably like to hear about how his return, along with Langford’s emergence, will further help the team.
Whether Forte is giving a vote of confidence for Langford or just finding a way to start to cutting ties with Chicago, he isn’t going to make any friends in the Windy City by not mentioning his desire to win games or do what’s best for the team.
Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.
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