Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) answers questions from the media after the game with the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no dispute that Matt Forte is the MVP for the Bears this year. Despite the downfall of the team, Forte continued to be a bright spot all year long. He was a constant producer and always reliable. Although, the Bears dropped the season finale against division rivals the Minnesota Vikings, Forte had an excellent game. He made NFL history by catching his 102nd reception, which is the most by a running back in a single season.
.@MattForte22 catches 102nd pass of the year, a record for most receptions by a RB in 1 season. #Bears #CHIvsMIN pic.twitter.com/DCfMlqPOqj
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 28, 2014
Forte is only the second running back to finish the season with 1,000 rushing yards and 100 or more catches. The only other player to do this was LaDainian Tomlinson.
Matt Forte becomes 2nd player in NFL history with 1,000 Rush yds & 100 receptions in a season (LaDainian Tomlinson). pic.twitter.com/I4yAdppFeE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 28, 2014
With all the chaos in Chicago over the last few weeks and the firing of general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman on Black Monday, Forte’s 2014 performance has been overlooked. Also, there is no denying he was snubbed for the 2015 Pro Bowl. He deserves more credit for what he does for the Bears and should be in the conversation when the league’s top running backs are mentioned.
Highest Pct of Team Yds- This Season
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 29, 2014
DeMarco Murray 35.5%
Matt Forte, 33.7%
Le’Veon Bell 33.0% (entering today)
The numbers don’t lie, Forte is one of the best running backs in the game and has been for years.