Chicago Bears Offense Boasts Three 1000 Yard Performers for First Time Since 1995
Matt Forte
Last week, Forte achieved an impressive milestone in Chicago Bears history, passing Neal Anderson to become the second all time in yards from scrimmage behind on Walter Payton. Forte has hit the 1000 yard mark in four of his six seasons, and went for over 900 the other two years for a total of 6400 yards. He’s also added another 2843 receiving yards. He’s got 1073 rushing yards (good for fourth overall in rushing behind McCoy, Peterson and Jamal Charles) and 518 receiving yards so far in 2013 with three games to go. He’s the total package and will only continue to flourish in Marc Trestman’s West Coast offense.
Brandon Marshall
Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) looks for running room after making a catch during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Marshall came to Chicago with a checkered past to say the least. There was no questioning his talent, but it was the off the field stuff that scared you. He had a rap sheet a mile long, but sought help and was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and with treatment, he’s become a model citizen. Marshall and Jay Cutler came into the league together in Denver and immediately had a connection. Starting in his second season, he’s been over 1000 yards every season. He’s only had less than 100 catches twice in that span.
Marshall and Cutler were separated from 2009 until 2012, when the Bears traded a pair of third round picks to the Dolphins to reunite Cutler and his favorite target. In his first season with the Bears, Marshall shattered Bears receiving records with 118 catches for 1508 yards.
In 2013, Marshall has 84 catches for 1090 yards. That’s good for 8th overall in the league with three games to go.
It’s not just Marshall’s receiving that’s been noteworthy. When you have a 100o yard rusher like Matt Forte, it’s often because of good downfield blocking. Here’s Marshall springing Josh McCown on a scramble on Monday night, de-cleating Sean Lee:
