Bears Grades: RBs show off their own three-headed monster

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The Bears running-back triad was the offensive story of the Bears’ 26-21 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“We definitely showed that three backs is definitely better than one,” said Ka’Deem Carey. “Everybody did their job and we got the win.”

And the combo play of Carey and Jeremy Langford may have been something of a preview, or at least a snapshot, of what the Bears may be doing in their offensive future. More on that shortly.

Langford carried 19 times, his second-highest total for the year, for 83 yards. The Bears are now 3-0 when Langford carries 18 or more times in a game. Matt Forte carried 11 times for 54 yards and added three receptions for another 23. Carey caught one pass for one yard and one touchdown.

Carey, who scored on a one-yard plunge in the first half, lined up in front of Langford in an I-formation on a goal-to-go from the Tampa Bay one in the fourth quarter. Carey sprinted outside linebacker coverage to the Chicago left while Langford was over quickly to cut-block the closest rusher to Cutler, getting the rusher’s hands down and away from possibly interfering with a well-designed play.

“[Offensive coordinator] Adam Gase has a great mind, putting it all together,” Carey said. “We just go out there and run it for him. It was a great call.”

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Running backs kept the Bears in the game during the first half when the Buccaneers took away any passing game down the field. Jeremy Langford (10 carries, 49 yards) and Matt Forte (8-45) kept chains moving. Carey powered into the end zone behind right guard Vladimir Ducasse and tackle Kyle Long for a much-needed first half touchdown from a yard out.

“It was a huge hole,” Carey said. “I knew my boys had my back so I just got on their backs and they took me for a ride.”

Moon's Grade: A

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