The Detroit Lions schemed to neutralize Matt Forte and succeeded generally, becoming the first opponent in six to hold the franchise back to less than 3.6 yards per carry. Forte carried 24 times for 69 yards as the Bears stayed with a commitment to running the football.
Forte bulled into the end zone behind the right side of his line midway through the fourth quarter for the Bears’ first lead since the second quarter, then managed to reach the ball inside the pylon with a dive for a two-point conversion to give the Bears a seven-point lead at the 7:50 mark.
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But the overall left Forte angry and frustrated with his and the offense’s general performance. “I don’t know, man,” Forte said. “I mean, the offense works when we execute. Whether it’s two-minute or regular offense, if you don’t execute, it’s not going to work. We had some breakdowns in a lot of areas across the board so it’s frustrating and I’m pissed off about it.”
Jeremy Langford, pressed into extra duty after the season-ending arm injury to Jacquizz Rodgers, scored his second career rushing touchdown in the second quarter. But Langford fared little better than Forte, totaling just 10 yards on his five carries, and one of those accounting for six yards.
Moon's Grade: C-