Bears at Vikings: Top Storylines for Week 15
By Grizz.
Carey, Forte, Langford
Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Forte is on an expiring contract, and has publicly come out stating that the Bears have not offered him a contract extension.
Jeremy Langford is the rookie tailback that lit the world on fire a few weeks ago, but has since cooled off.
Ka’Deem Carey is the former fourth round draft pick that has become a change of pace running back in this Bears offense.
What do you do with all three? That is the question.
Not only is Adam Gase’ play calling being magnified, but he is also under the microscope for how he is divvying up carries among the three-headed beast that is the Chicago backfield.
This past Sunday, Jeremy Langford played 31 total snaps (57%), while veteran running back, Matt Forte received 28 snaps (47%).
Ka’Deem Carey failed to receive a carry, and only played a total of 5 snaps (19%) on special teams – including a kick return for 22 yards.
So, do we scrap the whole “three-headed monster” name or will it return after a one week hiatus?
Forte had 1 catch for 8 yards, and 45 yards on 10 carries while scoring a touchdown this past Sunday.
Langford led the way with 11 carries for 37 yards. In addition, Langford had 3 catches for 27 yards.
The question must be asked, will Langford out touch Forte throughout the remainder of the season?
My answer: yes.
Take the name plates off of both the players and watch the tape. Though Forte played above his season average on Sunday, Langford looks stronger, more elusive, and is the bigger threat to take the ball to the end zone on any given carry.
As for Carey, I am worried that he did not see an offensive snap. Ka’Deem is not on the same playing field as Forte or Langford, but he really carved out his niche as the spark plug back.
In addition, Carey is starting to earn himself a roster spot for next year. On special teams, Carey had a 22 yard kick return and has become a much better coverage man.
Bears Special Teams Coach Jeff Rodgers had this to say about Carey, “Ka’Deem’s made a lot of strides. [Special teams are] foreign to him. The things that aren’t foreign to him are contact and want-to and desire to be really good at stuff.”
So, my plan for the future is simple. I would offer Matt Forte a contract extension of $3.7 million (annually) for two years. This would allow Forte to not only finish his career as a Bear, but it would also have Forte as the 13th highest paid back in the league (nestled in right between Mark Ingram and Ryan Mathews).
Going forward, I would use Forte sparingly to keep his legs fresh. Langford would be receiving majority of the snaps while you use Carey as the change of pace back.
We shall see what Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase has in-store for the Viking this coming Sunday.
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