Chicago Bears mid-season report card

Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Running backs — B

Matt Forte was having his usual stellar season. That was, of course, until he sprained his MCL.

Before he injured his knee, Forte averaged about 19 rushes per game. He was leading the league in rushes. Add another four receptions per game and Forte was responsible for a third of the Bears’ offensive plays (he was involved in 172 of the 515 offensive plays run).

Now Forte is down and we get a glimpse of life without him.

Jeremy Langford got a chance to show his skills in Forte’s absence. The Bears rookie had 18 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown last week against the San Diego Chargers. He also had three catches for 70 yards, so he showed some of the similar skills that Forte has.

Of course, Langford has a long way to go before he could be compared to Forte, so we need to see more of him. It seems, though, that the Bears may be convinced that Langford is the man to replace Forte, who is in the final year of his contract.

Forte returned to practice in a limited fashion, so perhaps he is feeling some pressure. Whatever the case, I think the Bears will go with Langford for at least one more week to get more looks.

After Forte and Langford there has not been much. In fact, Cutler is the third leading rusher on the team with 91 yards. Ka’Deem Carey actually started the game against the Chargers, but Langford quickly took over, and Carey got hurt as well.

Jacquizz Rodgers looked like he could be an asset for the Bears’ running attack, but he broke an arm and is out for the season.

Let’s see how the running backs play in the second half. If Forte’s injury is an extended one, we can get a better look at Langford, and see what Carey has. Perhaps a Langford-Carey backfield could be the future.

Next: Is the defense stopping people?