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Top Bears Running Backs Of The Past Decade: A Deep Dive Into The Team's Leading Rushers

Trends January 11, 2025

Who are the best running backs to play for the Chicago Bears in the last 10 years?

The Chicago Bears have had a number of great running backs over the last 10 years, including Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen. Forte is the Bears' all-time leading rusher, and he was named to the Pro Bowl four times during his time in Chicago. Howard led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2016, and Cohen was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017.

The Bears have had a lot of success with their running game over the last 10 years, and these three players have been a big part of that success. They are all talented runners who can make big plays, and they have helped the Bears to be one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Chicago Bears Running Backs
Name	Years Played	Rushing Yards	Rushing Touchdowns
Matt Forte	2008-2015	8,602	49
Jordan Howard	2016-2018	3,304	25
Tarik Cohen	2017-2020	1,909	11

Chicago Bears Running Backs

The Chicago Bears have had a number of standout running backs over the last 10 years, including Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen. These players have helped the Bears to achieve success on the ground, and they have been a key part of the team's offensive attack.

Matt Forte: All-time leading rusher for the Bears, 4x Pro Bowler
Jordan Howard: Led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2016
Tarik Cohen: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017
Rushing Yards: 8,602 (Forte), 3,304 (Howard), 1,909 (Cohen)
Rushing Touchdowns: 49 (Forte), 25 (Howard), 11 (Cohen)
Yards per Carry: 4.3 (Forte), 4.4 (Howard), 4.6 (Cohen)
Receiving Yards: 4,120 (Forte), 691 (Howard), 1,324 (Cohen)

These seven key aspects highlight the importance of running backs to the Chicago Bears' success over the last 10 years. These players have been able to produce on the ground and through the air, and they have helped the Bears to be one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

1. Matt Forte

Matt Forte is the Chicago Bears' all-time leading rusher and a four-time Pro Bowler. He played for the Bears from 2008 to 2015 and was a key part of the team's success during that time. Forte is a versatile running back who can both run and catch the ball well. He is also a durable player who has missed only one game in his career due to injury.

Rushing Yards: Forte is the Bears' all-time leading rusher with 8,602 yards. He is also the franchise's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 49.
Receiving Yards: Forte is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. He has 4,120 receiving yards in his career, which is second all-time for the Bears.
Pro Bowls: Forte was named to the Pro Bowl four times in his career, in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Durability: Forte is a very durable player who has missed only one game in his career due to injury.

Forte is one of the best running backs in Bears history. He is a versatile player who can make big plays in both the running and passing game. He is also a durable player who has been a key part of the Bears' success over the last 10 years.

2. Jordan Howard

Jordan Howard's success as a running back for the Chicago Bears in 2016 was a significant component of the team's overall performance during that season. His ability to consistently find the end zone helped the Bears to achieve a 10-6 record and earn a playoff berth.

Howard's 13 rushing touchdowns in 2016 were the most by any player in the NFL that season. He also led the league in yards per carry, with an average of 5.2 yards per attempt. Howard's success on the ground helped to open up the passing game for quarterback Jay Cutler, and it also helped to keep the Bears' defense fresh by controlling the clock.

Howard's performance in 2016 was a breakout season for the young running back. He had shown flashes of his potential in his rookie season in 2015, but he took his game to another level in 2016. Howard's success was a major factor in the Bears' success that season, and it helped to establish him as one of the best young running backs in the NFL.

3. Tarik Cohen

The Chicago Bears have had a number of great running backs over the last 10 years, including Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen. Cohen was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, and he has been a key part of the Bears' success ever since.

Versatility: Cohen is a very versatile player who can line up at running back, wide receiver, or slot receiver. This versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Playmaking ability: Cohen is a very dangerous playmaker with the ball in his hands. He is a shifty runner who can make defenders miss in the open field, and he is also a dangerous receiver who can take short passes and turn them into big gains.
Impact on the Bears' offense: Cohen has had a major impact on the Bears' offense since he was drafted. He is a key part of the team's passing game, and he is also a dangerous runner who can take the pressure off of the quarterback.

Cohen is a rising star in the NFL, and he is one of the most exciting players to watch. He is a key part of the Bears' offense, and he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.

4. Rushing Yards

The rushing yards accumulated by Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen over the last 10 years are a testament to their individual talents and the overall success of the Chicago Bears' running game. These three players have been key contributors to the team's offensive production, helping the Bears to consistently rank among the NFL's top rushing teams.

Forte's Longevity and Consistency: Forte's 8,602 rushing yards are a testament to his longevity and consistency as a top-tier running back. He led the Bears in rushing for seven consecutive seasons, from 2008 to 2014, and his 49 rushing touchdowns rank him as the franchise's all-time leader.
Howard's Impact as a Rookie: Howard made an immediate impact on the Bears' offense as a rookie in 2016, leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 13. His 3,304 rushing yards over three seasons with the Bears demonstrate his ability to produce at a high level as a feature back.
Cohen's Versatility and Playmaking Ability: Cohen has been a versatile and dynamic playmaker for the Bears since being drafted in 2017. While his rushing totals (1,909 yards) may be lower than Forte and Howard, his impact on the offense extends beyond his rushing ability. Cohen is a dangerous receiver out of the backfield and has also contributed as a punt and kick returner.

The combined rushing yards of Forte, Howard, and Cohen have played a significant role in the success of the Bears' running game over the last 10 years. These three players have helped the Bears to control the clock, keep the defense fresh, and open up the passing game. They are all talented running backs who have made their mark on the franchise and helped to establish the Bears as a competitive team.

5. Rushing Touchdowns

The rushing touchdowns scored by Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen over the last 10 years are a crucial component of the Chicago Bears' success in that period. Rushing touchdowns are a key indicator of a running back's ability to find the end zone and contribute to the team's offensive production. Forte, Howard, and Cohen have all demonstrated their prowess in this area, helping the Bears to consistently rank among the NFL's top rushing teams.

Forte's 49 rushing touchdowns are a testament to his longevity and consistency as a top-tier running back. He led the Bears in rushing for seven consecutive seasons, from 2008 to 2014, and his touchdown total ranks him as the franchise's all-time leader. Howard's 25 rushing touchdowns in three seasons with the Bears showcase his ability to produce at a high level as a feature back, while Cohen's 11 rushing touchdowns in four seasons highlight his versatility and playmaking ability.

The combined rushing touchdowns of Forte, Howard, and Cohen have played a significant role in the Bears' offensive success over the last 10 years. These players have helped the Bears to control the clock, keep the defense fresh, and open up the passing game. Their ability to find the end zone has been a key factor in the Bears' ability to win games and compete for playoff berths.

In conclusion, the rushing touchdowns scored by Forte, Howard, and Cohen are an essential part of the story of the Chicago Bears' running backs over the last 10 years. These players have been key contributors to the team's offensive success, and their ability to find the end zone has helped the Bears to be a competitive team.

6. Yards per Carry

The yards per carry statistic is a key indicator of a running back's efficiency and productivity. It measures the average number of yards gained per attempt, providing insights into a runner's ability to consistently move the chains and contribute to the team's offensive success. In the context of the Chicago Bears running backs over the last 10 years, the yards per carry of Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen provide valuable insights into their individual strengths and the overall performance of the Bears' running game.

Matt Forte's 4.3 yards per carry over seven seasons with the Bears showcase his consistent production and ability to move the chains. His ability to gain positive yardage on a regular basis helped the Bears to control the clock, keep the defense fresh, and set up scoring opportunities. Jordan Howard's 4.4 yards per carry in three seasons with the Bears demonstrate his power and effectiveness as a feature back. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yards was a key factor in the Bears' success in 2016, when he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns.

Tarik Cohen's 4.6 yards per carry in four seasons with the Bears highlight his exceptional playmaking ability and versatility. While his rushing totals may be lower than Forte and Howard, his ability to gain yards in chunks and make defenders miss in the open field has been a valuable asset to the Bears' offense. Cohen's yards per carry average reflects his quickness, agility, and ability to create big plays.

In conclusion, the yards per carry statistic of Forte, Howard, and Cohen provide a quantitative measure of their individual talents and contributions to the Chicago Bears' running game over the last 10 years. These players have helped the Bears to establish a strong rushing attack, control the tempo of games, and keep the offense moving forward. Their yards per carry averages are a reflection of their skill, determination, and impact on the team's success.

7. Receiving Yards

The receiving yards accumulated by Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen over the last 10 years are a testament to their versatility and the adaptability of the Chicago Bears' offense. These three players have been key contributors to the team's passing game, providing the Bears with a diverse and dynamic attack that keeps defenses guessing.

Forte's 4,120 receiving yards are a reflection of his exceptional hands and route-running ability. He was a reliable target for quarterbacks throughout his career, and his ability to gain yards after the catch was a valuable asset to the Bears' offense. Howard's 691 receiving yards may be lower than Forte's, but his contributions in the passing game were no less important. His ability to pick up blitzes and provide an outlet for the quarterback was crucial to the Bears' success, especially during their 2016 season when they led the NFL in rushing touchdowns.

Cohen's 1,324 receiving yards are a testament to his playmaking ability and versatility. He is a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, and his quickness and agility make him a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers and defensive backs. Cohen's ability to create yards after the catch and his knack for finding the end zone have made him a valuable weapon for the Bears' offense.

In conclusion, the receiving yards accumulated by Forte, Howard, and Cohen are an essential part of the story of the Chicago Bears' running backs over the last 10 years. These players have helped the Bears to establish a balanced and dynamic offense, and their ability to contribute in both the running and passing game has been a key factor in the team's success.

FAQs on Chicago Bears Running Backs

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the Chicago Bears running backs who have played in the last 10 years. These questions and answers provide insightful information about their performance, contributions, and impact on the team's success.

Question 1: Who are the most notable running backs to play for the Chicago Bears in the last 10 years?

Answer: Over the last decade, the Chicago Bears have had several standout running backs, including Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen. These players have consistently produced on the ground and have been key contributors to the team's offensive success.

Question 2: What are the statistical highlights of these running backs' performances?

Answer: Matt Forte is the Bears' all-time leading rusher with 8,602 yards and 49 rushing touchdowns. Jordan Howard led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2016, while Tarik Cohen was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. Forte also holds the franchise record for receiving yards by a running back, with 4,120 yards.

Question 3: How have these running backs contributed to the Bears' overall offensive strategy?

Answer: The versatility of these running backs has been a major asset to the Bears' offense. Forte was known for his ability to both run and catch the ball effectively, while Howard was a powerful runner who could consistently gain tough yards. Cohen's quickness and agility made him a dangerous playmaker, both as a runner and a receiver.

Question 4: What impact have these running backs had on the team's success?

Answer: The contributions of Forte, Howard, and Cohen have been instrumental in the Bears' success over the last 10 years. Their ability to control the clock, keep the defense honest, and score touchdowns has helped the Bears remain competitive and challenge for playoff berths.

Question 5: What are the key takeaways from the performances of these running backs?

Answer: The success of the Chicago Bears running backs in the last 10 years highlights the importance of versatility, consistency, and playmaking ability at the position. These players have demonstrated their value in both the running and passing game, and their contributions have been a driving force behind the team's offensive achievements.

This concludes our FAQ section on the notable running backs who have played for the Chicago Bears in the last 10 years. These players have left a significant mark on the franchise and have helped shape the team's identity and success.

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Conclusion

The Chicago Bears have had a number of standout running backs over the last 10 years, including Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and Tarik Cohen. These players have all made significant contributions to the team's success, both on and off the field.

Forte is the Bears' all-time leading rusher, and he was named to the Pro Bowl four times during his time in Chicago. Howard led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2016, and Cohen was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017. These three players have helped the Bears to establish a strong running game, which has been a key part of the team's success in recent years.

The Bears are fortunate to have had such talented running backs over the last 10 years. These players have helped the team to achieve success on the field, and they have also been great ambassadors for the franchise off the field. The Bears are hopeful that they can continue to find success at the running back position in the years to come.