New York Jets

Matt Forte makes NFL history in debut with Jets

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Despite the New York Jets losing their season opener to the Cincinnati Bengals, running back Matt Forte was a bright spot for the team while also making NFL history.

Even though the New York Jets lost a game that was completely winnable, they fell short due to woes on offense and special teams. They lost a nailbiter of a game to the Cincinnati Bengals with the final score being 23-22 leaving much to wonder if this team is ready to truly be a contender in 2016.

Running back Matt Forte, however, was one of the few bright spots in this Week 1 loss. Forte totaled 155 total offensive yards with 96 on the ground and a team-leading 59 as a receiving option.

Forte actually made NFL history with everything he brought to the table in his debut with the Jets. He officially has 1,256 yards from scrimmage in the nine Week 1 games of his prolific career. It’s the most ever in the NFL and quite impressive considering how many felt he could no longer be an effective running back.

With his Week 1 performance, he passed running back Tony Galbreath (490) and Walter Payton (492) for most receptions by a running back all-time. If the Jets didn’t miss that point after touchdown attempt or that ever important field goal, this would have easily been a win with Forte easily earning MVP of the game.

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Unfortunately, that’s not how the cookie crumbled.

The Jets lost and now face a short week with a trip to Thursday Night Football on the road against their AFC East rival Buffalo Bills.

One thing is for sure, they should continue to incorporate Forte into their offense as he’s easily going to be a difference-maker all season long.

Provided he stays healthy, Forte is exactly what the Jets’ offense has needed as it’s easy to see he’s an upgrade over Chris Ivory in the grand scheme of things.

Overall, it’s great seeing Forte on the Jets already off to a good start and silencing his critics. Not only did he make NFL history but at least gives the Jets hope that it’s just one loss with plenty of football left to play. He’ll continue being a true “workhorse” on offense and put the Jets in a position to not only beat the Bills but put the team back in the right direction.

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