Matt Forte's production dwindled during the New York Jets' four-game losing streak.
After opening the year with more than 100 scrimmage yards and 29.5 touches per game in the first two contests, Forte earned fewer than 65 scrimmage yards and 14.3 touches per game in Weeks 3-6.
The 30-year-old running back told the New York Daily News the stat reduction has nothing to do with age.
"I would expect that from people who just look at stats but don't look at the game," Forte said. "If you are a real fan, and actually a fan of football, you would probably watch the film and see that as the total offense, we're not playing very well."
Coach Todd Bowles pointed to blocking as the main culprit for Forte's struggles.
"We've got to open up some holes for him," Bowles said. "It's real simple, we've got to block better, we've got to call better plays, we've got to execute better."
Bowles also noted game script as a reason he's used Forte less the past few weeks. With the Jets getting behind, Bilal Powell's reps increased.
One group that Forte isn't willing to listen to is Fantasy Footballers, who have loudly lamented his swoon.
"Yeah, I mean, I couldn't care less. Fantasy football is the last thing on my mind when it comes to playing football," he said. "All they care about is stats anyway. Like I said, if they watched film, you would see what really goes on in the game. All they care about, 'Oh man I'm trying to win 400 bucks in my fantasy league.' Who cares about that except them?"
You got that, Fantasy Bro? Only you care about you.
As a card-carrying member of the Matt Forte Fan Club, this is hard for me to admit: Powell has looked like the better back the past several weeks and deserves more snaps. Forte's age might not be the reason for the struggles, but he's been outplayed by his younger teammate.
