The kind words keep coming from Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Marshall told NJ.com that new Jets running back Matt Forte is the “best all-around back” in the NFL.
He has a point.
Forte’s 12,718 yards from scrimmage is the most by any player since Forte entered the NFL in 2008. Marshall was Forte’s teammate with the Bears from 2012 to 2014, and Forte ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of those seasons. In 2014 Forte was fourth in the NFL and led all running backs with 102 receptions.
Marshall also cited Forte’s leadership and his ability to pick up the blitz. The Jets signed Forte to a three-year, $12 million contract in March. The only possible drawback to that move is the fact that Forte turns 31 in December and running backs have a tendency to hit a career wall after turning 30. Forte did miss three games last season and his numbers dropped to 898 rushing yards and 44 catches.
All cautions aside, Marshall is trying to foster an upbeat attitude on a team that was a win away from the playoffs in 2015. He’s also been supportive of teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick during his contract stalemate.
We’ll see how long the back-patting lasts.
[NFL.com]
