Chicago Bears Embrace the Fullback Position

The fullback position was a common staple for the Chicago Bears when the NFL first started. But with the rise of the high-octane, all-around running backs, the position soon disappeared.

I have always been a huge fan of the fullback position. They were the true workhorse and other- half of the running game, a necessity that has been long forgotten. There have been a few teams that have kept the fullback position in the past, but in recent years, it has emerged as the missing piece to an effective run game. Just look at Cory Harkey of the Los Angeles Rams. Even though he is listed as a tight end, he played mostly fullback in 2015, giving way to an amazing season for running back rookie Todd Gurley.

Related Story: Can Jay Cutler Lead the Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears rivals, the Green Bay Packers have had a fullback on their roster for years. There is no question running back Eddie Lacy is a monster back, but fullback John Kuhn’s ability to take on defenders and keep them tied up is what allowed the Packers to average 4.2 yards per carry on the ground. That’s the job of a fullback, to block and push defenders out of the way while he leads the path for the running back to run through.

Or how about Zach Line of the Minnesota Vikings who has opened holes for the return of Adrian Peterson. His point of attack pushes linebackers back and can shock defenders where they stand.

During Walter Payton’s tenure in Chicago, he always had his lead blocker and fullback Matt Suhey in front of him paving the way.  The beauty of a fullback is that the position is made to be a dual role, that of a blocker and a running back. To be the lead blocker the fullback has to be the “spouse” of the pair. In other words, one has to know what the other is thinking and making communication easier on the field. The more time they spend together, the easier it is for the running back to rely on his fullback to open up lanes, and visa-versa.

Suhey loved that position as it allowed him to lead the way for one of the greatest running backs of all-time and giving him an opportunity to make plays when it counts. He said it was the best time of his life during the eighties and an honor to be a team player. He didn’t gripe about the yards he was or wasn’t getting, but the fact that they were winning and made it to the Super Bowl. But what does that mean for the current Bears roster of backs?

Since the Chicago Bears utilize different running backs for different schemes, it will be interesting to see how this works out and who among the running backs will take advantage of the lead blocker at the fullback position. With Payton and Suhey, they both led the Bears backfield in NFL rushing yards for four straight years from 1983-1986. When Payton was double covered, they used Suhey to get the job done and that is what you will see with this Bears offense.

Currently, there is only one player on the Bears roster listed as a fullback, Paul Lasike. He was an undrafted free agent last season with the Arizona Cardinals out of BYU. But don’t be surprised if the Bears utilize Senorise Perry  and rookie Jordan Howard for the same position. This will give Perry and Howard the much-needed experience to be an all-around back for the Bears. Perry spent most of his time on special teams for the Bears racking up 17 tackles and two forced fumbles but did manage four kickoff returns for a total of 88 yards.

I firmly believe if Matt Forte had a “Suhey” in front of him, he would have had as many yards or more than Adrian Peterson.  If there is any question as to why there are so many running backs on the roster, it’s because they are being trained for the dual role of fullback/running back. Lanes have to be open to move the chains. It would be poor coaching to depend on quarterback Jay Cutler to try and make up yards by throwing long bombs down the field, in hopes that an interception won’t happen.

must read: 30 Greatest Chicago Bears of All-Time

Cutler was pretty successful last season with some beautiful catches by tight-end Zach Miller and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. But if the Bears are going to be a formative team on all sides of the ball, let’s hope they save the long pass for third downs, use the run game to gain yards and push the line to the end zone and rely on each other to make it happen.

Reviving the Chicago Bears offense requires them to embrace the fullback position and give all their opponents the element of surprise while having fun doing it.