WADDLES' WORLD: Running game needs to emerge
By TOM WADDLE -- Shaw Suburban Media
Just another ho-hum Sunday afternoon in the great Northwest last weekend.
With a heavy dose of sarcasm, I must ask my media brethren: What are Jay Cutler’s facial expressions and body language saying to you now? Are you still concerned about his leadership skills? I think leading the team on a fourth-quarter, go-ahead drive on consecutive Sundays should answer any lingering questions.
I must remind myself, though, that Week 4 is not the time to say “I told you so.” In fact, I’m still trying to handle the growing anxiety over the lack of a running game. And after last Sunday, I’m afraid panic is about to set in.
I can explain running in place against the Green Bay Packers' 3-4 defense. And nobody runs on the Steelers.
But Matt Forte should have had a big day against a Seattle defense that was at half strength and was gutted for 256 rushing yards the week before by the San Francisco 49ers. Through three weeks, Forte has rushed for 150 yards, an average of 2.5 yards a carry.
I see two issues here. First, we must recognize that there are three new faces on this offensive line and it will take time for these large men to learn how to play alongside each another.
On the surface, it seems that this group is an upgrade over last year's unit. Orlando Pace is a better option than John St. Clair at left tackle, a healthy Chris Williams is an upgrade over an injured John Tait at right tackle, and Frank Omiyale should be every bit as good as Josh Beekman at left guard.
So far, that assumption has not proven true as the gelling process continues. It might never come to be. Sometimes that old comfy beater runs better than the slick new sedan.
I’m also risking my valuable relationship with Bear nation by suggesting that Forte isn’t good enough to do it all by himself.
As I ask every week, please don’t hurl the rotten fruit in my direction, yet. Look, he had a very good rookie season. He’s a shifty runner and a good receiver.
But Forte is not a special back in the elite class. He cannot make something out of nothing like the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson. He doesn’t have the explosiveness of Atlanta’s Michael Turner. He doesn’t have the world-class speed of Tennessee’s Chris Johnson.
Forte is an above-average, versatile back who needs a lane to run through. Right now, those lanes aren’t present. Will they appear soon? I certainly hope so, because this team won’t get to the postseason solely on the golden arm of Jay Cutler.
I know what you're thinking. The Arizona Cardinals were dead last in the league running the ball last year and they made it to the Super Bowl. You’re right, but please show me the three 1,000-yard receivers on this Bears roster.
If Earl Bennett wants to become Larry Fitzgerald, now would be the time for that transformation. The Colts were 31st in running the ball and made the playoffs, thanks in large part to receivers Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark.
Do you see either of those guys in a Bears uniform? Winning the competitive NFC North will take a balanced attack. Something we have yet to see.
As for this weekend, I would advise the Bears to NOT overlook these Lions. They aren't a good team, but they are an improving team with several weapons on offense and a renewed hunger on defense.
Heading into the bye 2-2 is unacceptable. No worries. Lovie’s crew will take care of business.
Waddle's prediction: Bears 27, Lions 17
• Tom Waddle appears from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday on the “Waddle & Silvy Show” on WMVP AM-1000. He writes a weekly column on the Bears for the Daily Chronicle.
