Continuing our list of…well…read the title, buddy.
# 2. Matt Forte
For a team that insists it gets “off the bus running,” the Bears could potentially find themselves this year struggling to get off the bus without tripping over their $1,800 Berluti’s.
To start, the team removes itself from the Sun Chips-lovin’ cancer himself, Cedric Benson. Then, they draft Chris Williams, a pass-blocking specialist, to start at left tackle when there are serious concerns over his toughness and run-blocking prowess. Lastly, the offensive line, while not entirely in shambles, remains a shadow of the one that paved the way to Super Bowl XLI.
If the running game is the key to the Bears’ success in ‘08, consider rookie Matt Forte the keymaster. The Tulane product is touted as having the speed of Thomas Jones and the power of Cedric Benson. (Yes, believe it or not, Ced did have some power. How do you think he withstood all that cop’s pepper spray?)
Forte will need to step up his game quicker than most rookies are asked to, simply because the Bears will rely on him to move the chains. If he turns out to be a total bust, the Bears offense will sputter, along with any hopes of making the playoffs.* (more…)