Matt Forte (22) only ran for 50 yards in the season opener against the Bengals.
This Sunday, the Bears welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Solider Field. The same Minnesota Vikings who are led by MVP running back Adrian Peterson. We all know what Minnesota’s running game is capable of, but it’s the Bears’ rushing attack (or lack there of) that concerns me more. Between three ball carriers last week (Forte, Michael Bush and Jay Cutler), the Bears ran for a total of just 81 yards. Granted, Forte did have that fourth quarter touchdown run, but the Bears could have done much better on the ground.
They could have especially done better with the flawless game that the rebuilt offensive line had against Cincinnati. This week, the Bears have an excellent opportunity to do some damage in the trenches. The Minnesota Vikings defense gave up 34 points and allowed over 100 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions. Minnesota didn’t look too strong on defense in Week 1. And with the Bears offensive line playing at a very high level, this week is the perfect time to let Forte and Bush run wild on their division rivals.
Jay Cutler threw 33 passes last week, while the Bears only ran the ball 28 times. If the Bears can balance things out, get more production with the run and take pressure off of Jay Cutler, it will be easier to take advantage of the Vikings defense. If the Bears can’t get the running game moving, it would put more pressure on Cutler.
Too much pressure on no. 6 has the potential to create problems for the offensive line if the Bears rely too much on the forward pass. That is why the Bears need to re-focus their energy on running the ball. Aside from slowing down Adrian Peterson on defense, the Bears need to run the ball early and often if they are beat Minnesota on Sunday.
Follow me on Twitter @GabeSalgado82
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
No Comments
I gotta disagree with you on this one, Gabe. The running game was lackluster against the Bengals but that’s almost to be expected from one of the best defensive lines in the game. I don’t think it’s cause for concern until we go at least three games with similar performances.
In the NFC North, a strong run game will help you win the division. The Bears need to establish the run game early in the season so that teams will be on notice.