Matt Forte

3 January 2010

ense should have no trouble tearing apart the second-worst defense (worst pass defense) in the NFL. Matt Forte should get a ton of carries and a rare 100-yard game to end the regular season. Jo

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

21 December 2009

Earl Bennett and Matt Forte did what they could, but they couldn't overcome the giveaways. 

Before the the blowout, Bears GM Jerry Angelo came out and denied a Comcast report that said Lovie Smith's job was safe. He even went as far as to say money would not be an issue when it came to deciding what was best for the team. That was possibly the best Bears news I've heard in a while. Still, I'm not convinced Lovie is going anywhere. The Bears will lose to Minnesota on Monday night, but a lackluster outing against Detroit could seal Smith's fate if it isn't already.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 31-7 ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

7 December 2009

Ron Turner put an obvious emphasis on running the ball, force-feeding the ball to Matt Forte and Kahlil Bell 38 times for 120 yards. Cutler only threw 18 times, a sure side effect of an injured hand. Still, the Bears went downfield early, attacking a porous St. Louis secondary. Devin Hester made his best catch of the season and Earl Bennett caught his first career touchdown.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 17-9 ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

20 November 2009

Against all those blitzes, it would be critical to establish Matt Forte and the running game to ease the pressure off Cutler, but I have no faith in that line right now. They haven't earned it. Devin Hester and Greg Olsen must continue to be reliable pass-catchers and move the chains consistently for Chicago to have a shot.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Eagles at Bears"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

12 November 2009

Cutler wasn’t sacked all night, but he was constantly running for his life and hit six times. Matt Forte saw no rushing lanes whatsoever, racking up 41 yards on 20 carries. His lack of production caused Ron Turner to call 52 pass plays. Most of the Bears’ ten penalties could be attributed to the offensive line. Orlando Pace was on the sideline towards the end of the game and honestly, I never noticed when he went out. It didn’t matter. It was that bad. 

Continue reading "Penalties and Cutler's five interceptions ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | 1 comment

11 November 2009

Welcome to a newly streamlined and revamped Gameday Preview! I figured the prior incarnation was just too filled with stats and useless analysis. From now on the preview will be more akin to extended Opening or Final Drive commentary. This week sees the Bears heading to San Francisco to take on the 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Let’s get to it!

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at 49ers"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

2 November 2009

interception and a fumble on the two following Browns possessions lead to another field goal and a Matt Forte touchdown, putting the Bears up 16. A Browns score made it 16-6 early in the third, which was too close, even though I never felt like they were going to get the upper hand.

Continue reading "Cutler gets "Jay-Roughed" in Bears' ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

31 October 2009

O-Coordinator Ron Turner can’t reach 30 points, it should be considered a bad offensive day. Matt Forte will have no better chance for a break-out game than against Cleveland’s front seven. As much as Turner may love throwing the ball with his new favorite,

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Browns at Bears"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

27 October 2009

It simply isn’t working. 

-Jay Cutler and Matt Forte aren’t the problem, the offensive line is. Sure, Jay will throw a ball or two into triple coverage, but that’s his style. He’s single-handedly kept the Bears in games they had no business winning, even while working with a receiver corps no one gave any credit. Speaking of which, Devin Hester was one of the lone bright spots against the Bengals, showing true wide receiver ability.

Continue reading "What I learned from Chicago’s blowout ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

24 October 2009

hemselves as dangerous downfield threats so they can take coverage away from Greg Olsen and free up Matt Forte and the running game. Without pass-rusher Antwan Odom, who was lost for the season with an Achilles tear, the Bengals are going to struggle to get to the quarterback. If Jay Cutler gets enough protection from his O-line, he can put up points in a hurry.

Continue reading "Joe’s Gameday Preview: Bears at Bengals"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

19 October 2009

A Jay Cutler interception on the first drive and a Matt Forte lost fumble in the third quarter (after a Forte recovered fumble the play before) took at least six points off the board. Cutler also overthrew Greg Olsen early in the second quarter in the middle of the field to end another Chicago drive. Cutler needs to keep his red zone mistakes down and Forte MUST curb this fumbling problem he’s discovered. 

Continue reading "Missed Opportunities Lead to Bears' ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

18 October 2009

 

However, Jay can’t do that without an effective running game. Matt Forte should be able to find enough holes in the 15th ranked rush defense to set up the play-action pass. If Chicago can’t force Atlanta to respect the run or bring an eighth man in the box, the downfield attack won’t be as easy to manage. Protecting Cutler from sack-specialist John Abraham will be a difficult task, prompting some tight end or running back help for most of the afternoon.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at Falcons"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

6 October 2009

A 61-yard Matt Forte run set up an Elway-like helicopter dive from Jay Cuter into the endzone. Despite that inspirational score, Detroit struck right back with a 72-yard drive for their second TD. 

Continue reading "Bears Demolish Lions in Second Half of Blowout Win"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

3 October 2009

 

For the offensive line, an emphasis should be placed on opening up holes for Matt Forte and the running game. Their lack of cohesiveness has shown through three games, as the Bears are only averaging 71 yards on the ground per contest. With Cutler under center, there should be plenty of room to run if their blocks are executed properly. (That goes for you too Olsen.) Fortunately, Detroit’s big defensive tackle Grady Jackson is listed as questionable with a knee injury. At 345 pounds, he’s not an easy man to move around.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Lions at Bears"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

28 September 2009

left in the first half.  

Pushing the attack, the Bears were closing in on a score when Matt Forte fumbled the ball reaching for the goal line. Not to be a buzz-kill, but I have NO idea what replay the refs got when they reversed the call. Whatever the case, Lovie Smith tossed the challenge flag and won, giving Cutler a chance to hit Greg Olsen in the endzone to put the Bears on the scoreboard at the end of the half.  

Continue reading "Cutler leads Bears to 25-19 win in Seattle"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

25 September 2009

If Tatupu is not at 100% (or out, even better) and Hill is on the sidelines, then Matt Forte should see plenty of carries coming his way. Seattle end Patrick Kerney may excel at rushing the passer, but he’s average against the run. Expect runs his way and up the middle.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at Seahawks"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

21 September 2009

ight ends dropped far too many passes, and the running game was stymied for a second straight week. Matt Forte only racked up 29 yards on 13 carries, a paltry and nearly inexcusable sum. We thought having Jay Cutler would free up the running game, not stifle it! That being said, they were playing against two 3-4 defenses that are built to stop the run. Hopefully a trip to Seattle will solve the problem.

Continue reading "Bears Shock Steelers with Late Field Goal"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

19 September 2009

Matt Forte is sure to have another slow day against another 3-4 defense, so the pressure is on Cutler to stretch the field and pull men away from the line of scrimmage. He’ll need to make infinitely better decisions with his throws, and avoid throwing off his back foot, a mechanical issue that got him into trouble against the Packers. With tight end Desmond Clark out with a rib injury, Greg Olsen will be the focal point of the defense for the second straight week. He’ll see plenty of double coverage unless a wide receiver can alter their thinking. Kellen Davis will be sliding into that second tight end spot, giving a bigger and younger alternative to Clark.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Steelers at Bears"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

14 September 2009

Ron Turner’s play-calling did nothing to stop the bleeding, as he completely abandoned Matt Forte and the running game in the first half. Maybe Turner didn’t realize that you should take the ball out of your QB’s hands when he’s throwing interceptions? You let him settle back down with some hand-offs and then ease him back into throwing. Cutler is not Tom Brady; he gets emotional and needs to be reigned in every now and again. Deal with it.

Continue reading "Cutler tosses 4 INT's as Bears fall to Packers"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

11 September 2009

Chicago’s Matt Forte may be in for a rough afternoon. With the loss of back-up Kevin Jones for the season, he’ll get the bulk of the carries yet again. Adrian Peterson needs to step and instill more confidence in his abilities.  

Continue reading "Joe’s Gameday Preview: Chicago ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

31 August 2009

Devin Hester returned a punt fifty-four yards to Denver’s four-yard line, where Matt Forte punched it in to go up 10-3.

After halting the Denver offense yet again (thanks to Adewale Ogunleye’s inadvertent laceration of Kyle Orton’s index finger on his throwing hand), the Bears were pinned on their two yard-line with five minutes left in the half, backed up once more. Jay Cutler was about to leave Broncos fans restless.

Continue reading "Cutler Embarasses Broncos in Denver"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

28 August 2009

n.

Running Back:

This is going to be an important back-up slot for the Bears this season, as Matt Forte needs to see a drop in carries from last year’s campaign. Kevin Jones and Garrett Wolfe are supposedly in the mix for the back-up role, but we haven’t seen Ron Turner try to establish the run this preseason. He needs a plan for these two that works, because I don’t need to see Wolfe’s small frame run up the middle again.

Continue reading "What to Watch for: Bears at Broncos"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

24 August 2009

In Buffalo, he was missing his two best weapons, Matt Forte and Greg Olsen. For Chicago’s home preseason opener, both players were available and anxious to make plays for their new franchise QB.

Continue reading "Cutler and Bears Dominate Giants"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

16 August 2009

Star running back Matt Forte was held out of the game on a coach’s decision and starting tight end Greg Olsen was kept in street clothes due to a minor hip injury. No sense in risking our key cogs in a meaningless preseason game.

Continue reading "Cutler Doesn't Meet Hype Against the Bills"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

2 January 2009

wever, like he has all season, he routinely missed on his deep throws, unable to stretch the field. Matt Forte was continually found on the sidelines, only running the ball 13 times for 50 yards. When the post-season was on the line, I expected to see my team’s best player with the ball in his hands. Forte has been the reason for Chicago’s offensive success, as his production has caused defenses to tighten up at the line of scrimmage. This shift allowed mediocre Bear receivers to make more plays downfield, since there are fewer defenders in coverage. Chicago couldn’t keep the pressure on the Texans, punting on six of their eight drives following their first two scores. They sputtered as the pressure mounted, going three-and-out three times and two for ten on third downs, never giving the defense times to rest. Danieal Manning did his best to help Houston, fumbling the kickoff following the Texans’ first score. Manning has been doing his best Devin Hester impersonation this season, providing a spark on special teams mixed in with awfully-timed mistakes. 

Continue reading "Bears' Season Ends in Houston"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

22 December 2008

lose four fumbles to Atlanta yesterday, the Bears are playing with a purpose. 

Running back Matt Forte is listed as questionable with that toe injury he suffered last week against New Orleans, so the running game could be in a spot of trouble. If Kevin Jones doesn’t see action tonight, he must be truly abysmal in the eyes of the coaching staff. Attacking the Green Bay defensive front by establishing the run will keep Aaron Rodgers and the offense on the sidelines where they belong. Controlling the time of possession will be important in the frigid weather, and an effective rushing attack will speed the game up, of which I’m sure all the players would be in favor. Kyle Orton’s bothersome ankle should be completely healed by now, giving him the power and velocity back in his throwing motion. He’ll need it to get passes past this aggressive Packer secondary that plays mainly in man-coverage. Hopefully Ron Turner will take it out of Orton’s hands by rotating running backs in an attempt to maintain healthy production handing the ball off. The offensive line will play an integral role in dominating the Packers’ front seven if Forte is to have any success. Whatever strategy they employ, they certainly need to score more than the three points they mustered in week eleven. 

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Green Bay ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

15 December 2008

Greg Olsen made plenty of key grabs, catching eight of Orton’s 24 completions. Matt Forte left the field after his very first carry with a toe injury, but returned to score a touchdown in the second quarter. Chicago only rushed for 55 yards total, choosing to abandon the run as the game progressed. Devin Hester was the real threat for Chicago, despite catching only four passes for 46 yards. He drew two significant pass interference calls on Saint defenders downfield, the last of which put Gould in perfect position the kick another game-winner. The Bears only scored six points in the final half plus overtime, continuing their trend of letting up on beaten squads. Ron Turner needs to get creative in these final weeks. 

Continue reading "Bears Rebound in OT to Beat Saints"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

11 December 2008

se enough possessions to match the Saints’ point output. 

Breakout rookie running back Matt Forte figures to factor heavily into the Bears offensive game plan on Thursday. If he has a successful night carrying the football, Chicago can keep Brees on the sideline by controlling the time of possession. However, that plan would require converting a high percentage of their third downs, which has been a glaring short-coming of the Bears offense as of late. Kyle Orton shouldn’t feel too much pressure, as not only will Forte shoulder the bulk of the offensive production, but the Saints’ pass defense ranks 26th in the NFL. That fact will make it easier for Orton to avoid throwing an interception in his third straight game. Watch for Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark to exploit a weak line-backing corps while Devin Hester abuses the secondary on deep routes. As Marty Booker is listed as doubtful with injured ribs, it seems Brandon Lloyd has a shot to make it out of Lovie’s doghouse. Don’t ask me why our once number once wide-out has lost favor with the coaching staff, because I couldn’t fathom a reason. Lloyd missed a long stretch of time with a knee injury, but that’s no reason to leave him buried on the bench. Hester can’t be the only threat at the position, and Rashied Davis is not sure-handed enough to be a dependable receiver. With such an average list of talent, any legitimate option must be explored to the fullest degree, and Lloyd is that option. Unfortunately, I’m confident he isn’t a factor in Chicago’s future plans, which is normal for incoming veterans wide-outs. It’s just the latest in a long list of confusing personnel decisions by Lovie Smith.  

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: New Orleans ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

9 December 2008

ion early in the third quarter, but the Jags couldn’t capitalize, keeping the victory intact. Matt Forte only rushed for 69 yards on 21 carries, but he also caught five passes for 37 yards as he passed Gale Sayers for most scrimmage yards by a rookie in Bears history. So even on a quiet day, Forte made a loud statement. Still, even amidst a solid outing, the Bears had their troubles. They only converted on 5 of 15 third downs, a growing concern for Ron Turner and the offensive staff. The second half was an offensive dry spell, as the Bears had one interception, one field goal, and four punts. They won’t defeat playoff opponents if they can’t keep drives alive late in games.  

Continue reading "Bears Avoid Drama by Handily Defeating Jaguars"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

6 December 2008

That plays into the hands of Matt Forte and the offensive line, who rush for the same 115-yard average, which ranks 17th in the NFL. Pro Bowl caliber cornerback Rashean Mathis is out for the Jaguars, which will make throws into the secondary safer for Kyle Orton after unleashing his inner Grossman last week. Now it’s on the wide receivers and tight ends to get separation so Orton can find them downfield. Otherwise it won’t matter who is playing across the line of scrimmage. There’s only one offensive injury of note for the Bears: Fullback Jason McKie has missed every practice so far this week, making it more likely that undrafted rookie Jason Davis will start his second NFL game.  

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Jacksonville ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

2 December 2008

Following an incompletion over the middle to Greg Olsen, a Matt Forte run off left tackle, a Jason Davis run up the middle, and a Forte run up the middle, the Bears turned the ball over on downs. On the very next play, Gus Frerotte found ex-Bear Bernard Berrian on the sideline behind broken Charles Tillman coverage for a 99-yard touchdown pass. Minnesota went up 10-7 and proceeded to humiliate the “Mediocre of the Midway” for the rest of the night. 

Continue reading "Bears get Roasted in Minnesota"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

28 November 2008

Orton has to come out firing against the Vikings’ suspect secondary in order to free up Matt Forte and the ground attack. In order to fully utilize Forte, Lovie Smith and Ron Turner must place an emphasis on running sweeps and tosses to the outside to avoid the Williams boys. I don’t believe they’ll really commit to that strategy, but it’d be nice if they tried once or twice. Expect a lot of running for the sake of running, probably off the center or the guard right into one of the hefty defensive tackles. That’s the norm for Lovie Smith, so why deviate? Can you tell how frustrated I am with this coaching staff’s ineptitude at making adjustments? I hope so; otherwise I’m considering branding the sentiment on my forehead. 

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

25 November 2008

Don’t jump off the Super Bowl cliff though, this was only the Rams.  

Matt Forte could do no wrong on Sunday. Even after a fumble early in the second quarter, it was still his time to shine. Forte broke through on the Bears’ opening possession for 13 yards and a touchdown on what was a four play, 49-yard drive to the end zone set up by a 50-yard Danieal Manning kick return. Forte racked up 136 yards and two touchdowns on the day, giving him new personal highs for his short career. He added an impressive 47-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He was the center point of a Bear offense that put up 24 points in the first half on Sunday, putting the Rams away early. The surprise out of the running game was Lovie Smith’s choice to spell Forte during the game. Adrian Peterson, known for his special teams work, filled in on multiple plays and carried the ball 5 times for a solid 35 yards. Garrett Wolfe even found carries during garbage time in the fourth quarter. Heck, even Devin Hester and Rashied Davis ran the ball off of reverses. With everyone getting in on the ground, it was a shock to never see running back Kevin Jones on the field. Jones has apparently not impressed his coaches enough to get playing time over the forgotten Peterson or the small, shifty Wolfe. It’s a safe bet to think that Jones won’t be in Chicago after this season.  

Continue reading "Bears Defense Shines in Win Over Rams"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

21 November 2008

was shelved early as the Bears found themselves falling further behind on the scoreboard, limiting Matt Forte’s carries. Wide receivers were missed or couldn’t make the catch, so tight end Greg Olsen and Forte were the only Bears with more than two receptions. The performance was a definite reminder of the anemic Bear offenses of the past, where scoring twelve points on their own was a cause for celebration. Against the Rams’ 30th ranked defense however, fans should not be surprised if the Bears explode early. Number two overall pick Chris Long has played well at the defensive end position, but his presence can only help so much. The Rams give up a staggering 158.4 yards rushing per game, so if the Bears can’t run the ball effectively, they can only blame themselves. Orton dropping back should be a rare sight on Sunday since Lovie Smith has three viable options at tailback with Forte, Kevin Jones (who has fallen off the planet apparently), and Garrett Wolfe (great on special teams). Honestly though, it will be a shocker if Jones and Wolfe get more than three carries between them. Lovie wants to run Forte into the ground before he can even make it to the post-season. 

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

17 November 2008

That makes for one extremely boring drive chart. Matt Forte produced when he was called on, averaging 4.0 yards on his 16 carries. By halftime however, the running game was abandoned because the Bears trailed by two touchdowns and needed to make up the difference through the air. Green Bay was in a position to tee off on the quarterback and protect against the big play. It was over after two quarters. 

Continue reading "Bears Get Blown Out in Green Bay"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

14 November 2008

Between Matt Forte, Kevin Jones, and Garrett Wolfe the Bears have an opportunity for a huge day on the ground. The Packers own the NFL’s third ranked pass defense, so going through the air too often won’t end well. They also lead the league in interceptions with sixteen. This would appear to be the perfect game for Kyle to try and play through an injury, since the Packers (like the Bears) have struggled to pressure the quarterback, totaling only sixteen sacks through 9 games. (For all those wondering, the Bears have 17 sacks. Take that Packer fans.)

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

11 November 2008

e running game was decent if nothing else, but I have yet to see Kevin Jones or Garrett Wolfe spell Matt Forte for any significant stretch of time. That’s inexcusable to me, as tailback combinations are the key to longevity and consistency of a successful running game. 

Continue reading "Bears Latest to Fall to Superior Titans"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

7 November 2008

Add that to a running game that found itself behind Matt Forte’s 126 yard performance last week, and you’ve got the recipe for a solid offensive attack, with or without Kyle Orton. 

Continue reading "Joe’s Gameday Preview: Tennessee ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

4 November 2008

t a more important juncture. 

The Bears offense found its former identity thanks to a rested Matt Forte. The rookie tailback carried 22 times for 126 yards, his best numbers all season. His production took the pressure off the incoming Grossman, allowing him to ease into the flow of the game and not force anything early. To be successful, coordinator Ron Turner must continue that strategy and put Rex in the best position to win. He and Orton are almost polar opposite at quarterback, and each requires a vastly different offensive game plan. Look for the field to be stretched further with Grossman, but less of the tight sideline routes will be called. It will be interesting to see how this unit responds to losing one of its captains and most dependable contributor. 

Continue reading "Rex Returns to Lead Bears Over Still-Winless Lions"

Posted by Joe Anello | 1 comment

1 November 2008

me needs to make its return to the Bears offensive game plan, as it has been missing for some time. Matt Forte is tenth in the league in rushing, but his production has been hampered by stingy defenses trying to make the Bears one-dimensional. The Bears have won in spite of those successful attempts, but will need Forte and the ground game in this stretch of the season.  

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

21 October 2008

better than it has in the past.

The only real issue on Sunday was the inability to run the ball. Matt Forte had another brutal outing, only rushing for 56 yards on 20 carries. Though in his defense, teams have been trying to take Forte out of the game since his first appearance, when he went for 100 yards. Now that Kyle has been making teams pay for trying to stop the run by passing all over them, Forte should begin to find breathing room. For the Bears to remain atop the NFC North, their running game must break through the proverbial wall as well as the wall of defenders. They have showed signs of creativity (as least for the Bears anyway) by using toss plays to get to the outside. Normally so devoted to running up the middle, it’s nice to see them try something different, even if they only do it three times a game.

Continue reading "Bears Give up 41 Points to the Vikings ..."

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

16 October 2008

Nothing makes Bears fans forget about a tough loss better than a win against a division opponent. The Bears will get the chance this Sunday when they host the Minnesota Vikings in the first of their two meetings this season. Both teams, along with the Green Bay Packers, are tied atop the NFC North with matching records of 3-3. One team must make a move to get ahead of the pack now (no pun intended), or they will still be trapped in a three-team dogfight for one playoff spot. If the Bears intend to claim that spot, beating the Vikings at Soldier Field is they way to start.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Vikings at Bears"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

13 October 2008

They had a sad showing in the first half, only netting three points off the boot of Robbie Gould. Matt Forte and the running game were ineffective early, leading to a load of short drives that never included more than one first down. The Bears came back late with four impressive drives, three of which went for scores.  

Continue reading "Bears and Falcons get Crazy in Atlanta"

Posted by Joe Anello | 1 comment

10 October 2008

The Falcons run defense is solid, so Matt Forte looks to have another rough outing. If he can break through early, then Kyle can expose the pass defense late. While the pass rush of Abraham is excellent, the pass defense is average after the trade of DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders. The short, quick routes that the passing game is known for should be a focus of Ron Tuner and the offensive staff this Sunday. Brandon Lloyd is still questionable, so Devin Hester needs to make plays at the wide-out spot for the second straight week. Rashied Davis must build off of his 6 catch-97 yard performance last week to solidify himself in the Bears receiver rotation. Against a stingy defense, points will be at a premium, so don’t expect another 34 point day from the Bears offense.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at Falcons"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

6 October 2008

rushing attack wasn’t much more effective, it did set up the play-action with great success. Matt Forte had 61 yards from scrimmage, including a touchdown reception that saw him stretch out barely past the goal line. Kevin Jones had a decent performance against his former team, rushing for 36 yards on ten carries. The real key to the Bears’ offensive success was Kyle Orton and the passing game. I’ll let that sink in for a moment. Kyle Orton broke my prediction of less than two 200 yard passing games with an astounding 334 yards and two touchdowns. With another contest against the Lions in week nine, Orton probably has another 200 yarder on the schedule. Even more shocking was the emergence of the wide receivers in the passing attack. Rashied Davis and Devin Hester stepped up big time in the absence of Brandon Lloyd. Making his first real start at wide receiver, Hester took advantage of the opportunity to stay out on the field for five catches for sixty-six yards and a touchdown. We all knew about his talent, but Sunday Hester showed us the reason the coaching staff has so much confidence in his ability to be a number one wide-out. Tight end Greg Olsen broke free of coverage for 52 yards on the first play on the Bears’ second drive of the game, the first one of many downfield plays by Kyle Orton.

Continue reading "Bears Maul the Defenseless Lions"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

8 September 2008

the chance that Kyle Orton would play mistake free football behind a solid running game provided by Matt Forte and Kevin Jones. And in a league in which upsets are common place, there was always the chance that the Chicago Bears would beat the Indianapolis Colts in their brand new stadium.

Continue reading "Bears dominate in regular season opener"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet

12 August 2008

Last year’s rookie draft pick Garret Wolfe and this year’s second round draft pick Matt Forte. Forte is slated to be the starter of this team already in his rookie season. The other Adrian Peterson is also another option at running back, but again he is not a starter. He is a good backup.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #26: The Chicago Bears"

Posted by Manny "Shock" Saez | No comments yet

3 July 2008

The Bears signed their running back of the future earlier today. Matt Forte, now the starter by default, was given a 4 year contract. With no Cedric Benson in his way, expect Forte to make the most of this opportunity when training camp opens on July 23. He'll have all of the opportunities Cedric was given, but with no Thomas Jones entrenched in the locker room causing a rift and competing for the starting job. There can be no better situation for a rookie running back to flourish. He has Adrian Peterson as his primary back-up and Garrett Wolfe as the change-of-pace reliever if no one other free agent is signed. Forte will have the overwhelming bulk of the carries, as he should be far and away more talented and suited for the role.

Continue reading "Bears are Fast-Movers with Their Rookies"

Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet