We at Bear Goggles On have decided to count down the days until the Chicago Bears’ regular season opener on September 13th against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As of today, there are 35 days until the big day, giving us a reason to give you a profile on #35, Jacquizz Rodgers
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As the Chicago Bears get closer to the start of the 2015 season, the coaching staff must start making decisions on who will be a part of the final 53 players on the roster. One of the key backup roles will be at the running back position. The Bears need someone who will be a reliable player that can step up when needed and make plays when asked. Rodgers is a player who is in a good position to win the spot.
Rodgers played college football at Oregon State where he became a standout player at the running back position. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round as the 145th pick overall in the 2011 NFL draft. During his tenure for the Falcons, Rodgers was able to stay healthy only missing one game.
Despite having played 63 games his production was low. Rodgers averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, rushed for a total of 1,116 yards, five touchdowns and two fumbles. Rodgers was a fairly reliable player for the Falcons, and he did receive a couple of big opportunities, but he is clearly not a back capable of handling a full-load.
The Falcons decided to cut bait from Rodgers for the 2015 season making him available for general manager Ryan Pace to add another veteran to the Bears roster.
Dec 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) warms up before the final regular season game at Candlestick Park against the San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Outlook
Now a member of the Chicago Bears Rodgers is looking forward to competing in the hopes of becoming the second option behind starting running back Matt Forte. Although, he stands at just 5’6 and weighs just 180 pounds, Rodgers lacks the burst of speed that most running backs his size have.
However, his can catch the ball out of the backfield and to help as a blocker and return punts all of which will benefit him as he competes for a role on the Bears roster. Rodgers is taking the necessary steps to help his chances of winning the number two running back position by reducing his weight to increase speed.
Rookie Jeremy Langford and second-year back Ka’Deem Carey are much more exciting names who will be the favorites to be Forte’s primary back-up. That being said, Rodgers’ NFL experience and ability to contribute in many different ways makes him a rock-solid option for the Bears to carry on the roster.
Rodgers is a likely bet to make the roster based on his offensive versatility and ability to be a major special teams contributor. I would not expect him to even play a major role if Forte were to go down with an injury, but Rodgers will be a great guy to have around.
Next: 2015 Fantasy Football: Rookie Wide Recievers