Ravens and Bears ink their star runners

The Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte have agreed to a 4 yr deal worth $32 million while the Baltimore Ravens signed Ray Rice to 5 yrs at $35 million. Easily the leagues top two all around backs; not only being superb runners but also being very effective in the receiving game as well as pass blocking. Both Rice and Forte were selected in the second round of the 2008 draft by their respective teams and, I believe, have exceeded expectations. As both enter their fifth season in the league, their first four totaled up some pretty impressive numbers. In the 51 games Ray Rice has played in he's rushed for 4,377 yards and 24 touchdowns averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and to go with that he's caught 250 passes for 2,235 yards and 5 touchdowns. As for Forte, in the 50 games played he's ran for 4,233 yards and 21 touchdowns averaging 4.2 yards per carry to go along with his 225 receptions for 1,985 yards and 8 touchdowns. But, what really impressed me about Forte is not his play, but his character; being a professional and classy guy playing last year without getting any offers from his team as far as a long-term contract goes. He knew that playing was the best thing for the team and holding out would hurt them. Good to see him get the money and respect he deserves from the guys in the Bears' front office.