Could it be that the Bears running back Matt Forte is having a sophomore slump?
Maybe… Maybe not.
It could be the offensive line’s fault or Matt Forte’s fault. Maybe Forte is just not running hard enough. I think it is a mixture of both.
The Bears have three new starters on the offensive line, left tackle Orlando Pace, left guard Frank Omiyale and right tackle Chris Williams. Right guard Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz are returning starters from last year. Pace, Williams and Kreutz have played very well so far this season. To me Roberto Garza and Frank Omiyale have not played good enough. Personally I think Omiyale won the the starting gig over Josh Beekman because of his big free agent contract. Josh Beekman did a solid job last season blocking for Matt Forte. Roberto Garza has not been as good as he used to be so far this year. The guards on the offensive line seem to be the problem. Their not really creating running lanes for Matt Forte.
Matt Forte was so good last year even with an average offensive line. Last week Forte sort of broke out of his shell, when he averaged 3.1 yards per carry with 60 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe, who have been used sparingly have done a solid job running the ball. Maybe, the Bears just are not a run first offense anymore. They seem to be doing just fine without have big running days. Jay Cutler has done very well throwing the ball this season. Even though I love the way were playing with Jay Cutler leading the way, I would still like to see the Bears step up on the ground. Maybe will see that this Sunday against the Lions. Hopefully Matt Forte busts out for a big run against the hot streaking Lions.
No one can know who or what is the problem with the Bears running game this season, but it is easy to point fingers. I expect the Bears to have a big running day against the Lions.
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 am
FIRERONTURNER.COM….He is to blame. It is 2009, be creative and have a blocking scheme.
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 am
Forte didn't finish the 2008 season well. He struggled in his last few games, but he did manage to at least find the endzone. The line is bad this year, that's for sure. However, Forte doesn't seem to have the same burst he had last season. Even when he has some daylight on the outside, Forte is struggling to accelerate and gain yards.
October 3rd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Thanks for the comment Joe. I know he struggled at the end of last season, but last week he looked like himself, but he's still not breaking out for big runs and that what most Bears fans are waiting for. I don't know if you can blame the offensive line, I don't know who to blame I think it's to early to tell.