Since 2008, running back Matt Forte leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (12,718). In his eight-year career with the Chicago Bears, he ranks second all time in franchise history in rushing yards (8,602), fourth in rushing touchdowns (45) and third in total touchdowns (64). To make a long story short, Forte was a very rare and unique player for the Bears, and Chicago fans shouldn't expect to see anyone like him for a good long while.
But should they expect second-year rusher Jeremy Langford to play well as his replacement? Or will there be competition for the starting running back job this offseason? Chicago did invest a fifth-round pick in Indiana ball-carrier Jordan Howard, and Ka'Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers are still on the roster.
Langford is arguably the most talented back of the bunch, but he's no Forte. There's nothing wrong with that; Langford has plenty of time to continue to develop as a player. But he's not ready to produce Forte numbers in Year 2.
Forte touched the ball at least 300 times in four of his eight seasons. In two others he came just shy of the 300 mark. Langford has all of 170 touches to his name right now. Let's see what the guy can do with a heavier workload and more responsibility before anyone says the Bears are set at running back.
Will more touches lead to injuries or a dip in efficiency? Langford only averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season, and that was as the No. 2 guy for most of the season. With just two starts under his belt, it's impossible to say whether or not he can handle the duties of a starting rusher.
Right now, Langford is the favorite to claim the No. 1 running back spot on Chicago's roster. But expect the Bears to mix in Howard, Carey and Rodgers a bit from Day 1. Competition breeds success, and Langford has some big shoes to fill.
Langford finished his rookie season with 537 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 279 yards and one additional score.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
