On Monday night against the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has shown a national audience how much the Bears rely on him. Of the 14 plays the Bears ran in the first quarter Monday night against the Lions, Forte had 9 rushes, and was targeted 12 times.
Forte has averaged 158 total yards per game in 2011. He's usually the Bears first and last option on offense. If it's not a run or a designed screen pass thrown his way, he's Jay Cutler's check down option when nobody else is open.
Forte, whose contract expires at the end of 2011, has been in negotiations with the Bears organization, and the two sides seem to be at opposite ends of a successful extension. Forte, who only makes $550,000 this year, is seemingly costing the Bears millions every week he steps on to the field. While Matt Forte may not have the natural talent that Tennessee running back Chris Johnson has, he may be looking for Chris Johnson money at the end of the year. Johnson signed a $53 million 4-year contract during training camp this year, and one has to wonder how much Forte will cost the Bears, or another potential suitor in the off-season.
Through four games in 2011, Forte has 634 total yards, while Johnson has 366 total yards through five games. Imagine if the Bears had an established offensive line and a balanced offense. The Bears have played Forte's hand and want to make sure he has what it takes to make millions. Forte has once again proven he's worthy of a big pay day after 2011.
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