New York Jets

The focus and determination of Matt Forte

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

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The New York Jets took a risk in acquiring running back Matt Forte after the Chicago Bears opted to part ways with him in the offseason. His focus and determination in 2016 are beyond comprehension.

It’s not easy when a team you called home for eight years suddenly doesn’t want you around anymore. Such was the case with running back Matt Forte and his tenure with the Chicago Bears. After being their main running back for all those years, injuries nagged him for a bit in 2015 and they wanted to head in a different direction this year. The New York Jets, on the other hand, had a different plan for Forte the moment he hit free agency.

The Jets have a good history of acquiring running backs that might not seem great at first but end up making a huge impact almost immediately upon arrival. Names like Curtis Martin and LaDainian Tomlinson come to mind. Forte, depending on how he does in his first season with the Jets, could very well be in the same group of elite company thanks to everything he brings to the table.

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Once Forte signed his new contract with the Jets, it was not only a chance to continue his career, but to also prove his doubters wrong. Many felt that at the age of 30-years-old, he wouldn’t be able to go back to his old efficient self.

With his new team, Forte proved the critics wrong as right off the bat he exceeded expectations just two weeks into the regular season. In Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, Forte not only scored his first touchdown for the Jets but rushed for three in total.

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It was the second time in his prolific career that he rushed for three touchdowns in a game.

Against the Bills, Forte totaled 100 rushing yards, 30 attempts, 4.36 yards per attempt, and three game-changing touchdowns.

The Jets knew if they were to once again be a competing team this season, they needed to have a potent ground attack.

Led by Forte, the Jets envision their offense to be a juggernaut capable of keeping those chains moving whether through the air or ground with ease and precision.

Not only does this tremendously boost the Jets at a time they needed it, but it proved the focus and determination Forte has to continue his high-performance style of play.

As a receiving threat, Forte totaled 59 yards on five receptions and also made NFL history in the process.

His Week 2 efforts moved him ninth ahead of Pro Football Hall of Fame member Walter Payton for most receptions by a running back.

Overall, this is his time to shine and it couldn’t have happened on a better team. The Jets are without a doubt built to win now. They have an amazing cast of veterans and youth ready to push the envelope this season. Forte will be a big piece of the puzzle as the season progresses since he’s nowhere near done in his mission to put this team in the spotlight week in, week out.

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