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Countdown to Kickoff: New York Jets No. 22 Matt Forte

By Brendan Pignataro

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’re counting down the days until the NFL season kicks off, and with 22 days remaining, we’re looking at running back Matt Forte of the New York Jets.

There aren’t too many teams in the NFL that have a running back as the face of the franchise. Adrian Peterson is an exception to that rule, and Todd Gurley is becoming one in Los Angeles. For the better part of the last decade, Matt Forte was arguably the face of the storied franchise in Chicago.

Related Story: The Emergence of Jace Amaro in 2016

This is one of the reasons why it is still strange to see him in the Jets hunter green and white uniforms. Forte will leave the NFC North for the first time in his career and attempt to help the Jets take down Bill Belichick in AFC East. The Jets are one of the older teams in the league, and hopes that Forte will be another savy and talented veteran that can finally push them past the Patriots.

The Jets acquiring the 30-year-old veteran Forte was a good move, and an affordable one. To get the best receiving running back in the league since 2008 is something to be excited about. It just so happens that Chan Gailey and his spread offense is a perfect fit for him. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker will help enough on the outside to create holes in the defense that a veteran with Forte’s experience and skills will salivate over.

Last season for New York, running back Chris Ivory benefited from Ryan Fitzpatrick and Gailey with 30 receptions. What makes this stat amazing is Ivory only had 5 receptions from 2010-13. Forte will thrive in this offense if they don’t overuse him. Even though Forte has missed most of training camp, his health is on the upswing.

The Jets have been overly cautious about Forte’s hamstring injury. He is still in line to be ready for the season opener but Jets fans and fantasy players continue to worry. As you can see above, Forte is making small strides to get back. He has been in the NFL long enough that he doesn’t need to play in any preseason games to be ready, but it would be good to see him get in some full practices soon.

Over the course of Forte’s career he has only missed seven games. He has been a statistical monster with 8,602 career rushing yards and 4,116 receiving yards. For fantasy purposes, he may not put up the type of season most are accustomed to from him. Bilal Powell will spilt touches with Forte, and Khiry Robinson will vulture some touchdowns. However, Jets fans have a lot of reasons to be happy that Forte will be playing at MetLife Stadium this season.

More nfl spin zone: New York Jets Defense: Better or Worse in 2016?

We’re almost there ladies and gentleman, just 22 days until the real fun begins!

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