Written by Brett Solesky | 13 September 2009

Garrett Wolfe a 2007 third round draft pick, a player brought in for his speed, versatility and ability to catch the football.  A third down back option who is a change of pace over Matt Forte and has the speed and agility to make yards against worn down defenses in the fourth quarter.  Wolfe has that same size and ability you see from other scat back success stories in the NFL, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Darren Sproles. 

The question is though can Wolfe now take his career to the next level? 

The need has never been more evident than it is now.  With Kevin Jones lost for the season with the torn ankle ligaments, the time is now for Wolfe to be the back up the Bears drafted him to be.  Wolfe needs to be productive on a consistent basis hopefully chiming in around 50 to 60 yards per game.  To be clear the Bears don't need Wolfe to come out and be a part of a two-headed monster, he just needs to be productive with the carries he receives. 

In 2006 the Bears finished 14th in the league in rushing with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson setting the pace.  But it's important to be noted that Benson only averaged 43.1 yards per game.  Benson however was successful enough with his carries, and his production on the season that he finished with 647 yards and an average yards per carry of 4.1.  Not dynamic numbers like other back up backs in the league attain, but solid production to balance out Thomas Jones.

This is what we need to expect from fans, Wolfe needs to show he can be the change of pace he was drafted to be.  He needs to s how a level of comfort in the offense, and be productive on any down or in any situation.  The best thing he can do is use his speed to spread defenses out and make them work hard from side line to side line.  One thing that Kevin Jones didn't do was change the pace between him and Forte.  Jones like Forte was a between the tackles work horse type of back.  Wolfe brings speed and agility that no one else on the team possesses and that adds another dimension to the offense. 

Yes we know there is the wide receivers that need to produce, a rebuilt offensive line that has to come together and protect Jay Cutler, but as it has been shown the best way for the Bears to have success now and in the future is to protect Matt Forte.  Forte is the catalyst that will make this offense better, and to protect him you need a solid back up. 

So there is no doubt without question that getting production to lessen Forte's touches is essential to success now and in the future.  Forte will already have more collisions than most NFL running backs through his blocking ability and through receiving ability out of the backfield.  So already you see what is the most glaring need for Wolfe to step up and be productive, and Wolfe has already shown he can be counted on in the passing game because he can make catches and make plays in the open field with his shiftiness. 

What level of confidence should Bears fans have in Wolfe?  Based on his first two seasons there is no way to tell precisely what to expect from Wolfe.  His rookie year he averaged a solid 4.6 yards per carry, last year he totally disappeared with an average of 2.7 yards per carry.  The question is was that a result of the offensive line or Wolfe having a sophomore slump? 

Hopefully Wolfe can live up to his third round draft pick status, show that he can be counted on, and can be a solid back up.  He is the unknown aspect of this offense that just may help to be the difference between long term Matt Forte success and a flash in the pan level of success due to injury and wear and tear. 

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