The Chicago Bears are beginning a new era as Marc Trestman takes over as head coach for team where several players are entering crucial seasons. Trestman is expected to elevate a team known for their defense into a much more offensively sound unit. After earning a reputation as the quarterback whisperer, it is the run game that ha Trestman excited for 2013. The new head coach is predicting some big things for current back Matt Forte.
Last July, Forte signed a four-year contract extension worth $30.4 million with the team. It secures the former second-round pick through 2015, keeping a consistent presence in the offense. As a result, Forte rushed for 1,094 yards and five touchdowns last season. While the Bears would have liked a few more scores, having a rusher like that on the team for the long haul is welcomed. While Forte succeeded in the ground game, his pass-catching skills needed some work. Insert Trestman.
"I just got done looking at all his catches from 2010. He was on the line scrimmage, he was running out of the backfield and he is great in space," Trestman said. "He has a skill set that goes full spectrum of what you want out of a running back."
In 2010, Forte recorded 547 receiving yards for three touchdowns. However, in 2012 he only had 340 yards receiving and one touchdown. It was that lack of versatility in the offense that hurt the Bears. Trestman plans on getting back to a more dynamic offense that utilizes Forte's hands more, something the running back is excited for.
"We were kind of one-dimensional last year, I would say. It's going to be an emphasis for us this year to spread the ball around so it's balanced and the defense can't just focus on one guy or one position," Forte said.
Trestman is certainly the coach that can bring back that success multi-dimensional running back. In his 10 seasons in the NFL, his lead running back average 65 receptions a year. It is easy to think that Forte could record more than his career-high 63 catches which happened his rookie year.
Forte will be splitting the work load with Michael Bush. Last season, Bush spent most of the year playing injured, but is healthy again for 2013. Forte is excited for the diversity that Trestman brings and he thinks it will really pay off in the long run.