Top 50 NFL Backups of 2012

NFL training camps are right around the corner and important backup positions will be defined for the upcoming 2012 NFL season. 

Behind every star player is a hungry backup nipping at their heels for their spot in the limelight. Whether these players are up-and-coming or have been recently edged out by their understudies, they're out to prove that they belong.

Having reliable backups on your favorite squad is of the utmost importance because they're the ones who shoulder the load when fatigue sets in, or the starter is lost to injury. After all, depth is priceless in the NFL.

With NFL fans clamoring for the latest edition of the NFL to begin, pay attention to these players as they'll play a vital role in their team's scheme this season. 

The Extra Point: FA Cedric Benson Is Ready and Willing to Be a Productive Backup

It's hard to imagine that running back Cedric Benson remains a free agent this offseason, but it's true. 

After three straight seasons with 1,000-plus rushing yards, including 1,067 yards and six touchdowns in 2011, Benson is still looking for a job. 

With that type of production, there's no reason not to believe Benson still has gas left in the tank. The 29-year-old running back will play with a vigor for the team that decides to roll the dice on him this season. 

There's talk of the Oakland Raiders having interest, but after being part of a playoff team last year with the Cincinnati Bengals, Benson will want to play for a proven winner. 

He'll have a job before the season begins—just where remains to be seen. 

Bold Prediction on a Landing Spot: Detroit Lions

Nos. 50-46: These Guys Will Play a Pivotal Role If Called Upon

No. 50: Colt McCoy May Have Unwillingly Surrendered His Starting Role, but That Doesn't Mean He Won't Play in 2012

The Cleveland Browns drafted quarterback Brandon Weeden to be their signal-caller of the immediate future, leaving Colt McCoy as the backup in 2012.

He's 6-15 in 21 games over two seasons as the starter in Cleveland, which wasn't good enough to convince the front office that he deserved another shot, Nonetheless, he'll be the man once again if Weeden underachieves or is unable to go. 

No. 49: James Brown Has an Outside Shot to Protect Jay Cutler in Chicago

Offensive lineman James Brown was highly touted in this year's NFL draft before character issues caused him to go undrafted.

Regardless, the Bears took a chance on him and are a team that desperately needs to protect quarterback Jay Cutler this season. Brown would instantly become a steal if he sees the field. He's not slated to start, but he'll be waiting for a chance to prove himself if needed. 

No. 48: C.J. Spillman May Have to Cover for Dashon Goldson in San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson had a career year in 2011 with six interceptions, and now, he wants to be handsomly rewarded.

There is a chance that Goldson sits on the sidelines if the Niners don't pay, leaving backup C.J. Spillman to take his place. Coaches have taken a liking to Spillman, and he will be a pleasant surprise this season.

No. 47: Rookie Dwight Bentley May be Forced to Start Week 1 for the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions struggled against defending the pass in 2011. With cornerback Aaron Berry potentially facing a suspension to begin the season for an offseason DUI, rookie Dwight Bentley may start Week 1.

He was a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft and may have a trial by fire in the NFL. Expect him to be picked on early and often by opposing offensive coordinators. If Bentley swims, he'll quickly become a fan favorite. 

No. 46: Brian Hoyer is Fully Capable if Needed in New England

The New England Patriots already have a star quarterback in Tom Brady, but backup Brian Hoyer can get the job done. Not to say that he'll play in 2012, but the Patriots have confidence in his abilities if needed. Remember, Brady will be 35 years old when the season starts, and time isn't necessarily on his side. 

Nos. 45-41: These Players Could Really Make a Name for Themselves in 2012

No. 45: Veteran Todd McClure Will Lose His Starting Role in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons have had center Todd McClure snap the ball since the year 2000. Now 35 years old, McClure will lose his starting job to 23-year-old Joe Hawley in training camp. It's really Hawley's job to lose at this point, and McClure will serve as a valuable mentor to the Falcons' young offensive line. 

No. 44: Albert McClellan's Role Will Become Enhanced in 2012 for the Baltimore Ravens

With Jarret Johnson departing the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, Albert McClellan will see more playing time in his second NFL season. He'll most likely be the backup to Paul Kruger but will undoubtedly get his chance to standout. 

No. 43: Leonard Hankerson Could Become the X-factor in the Redskins Offense

The Washington Redskins enter the 2012 NFL season with high expectations due to rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. RG3 will need second-year receiver Leonard Hankerson to step up and become a threat in 2012.

He's got all the attributes one looks for in a go-to NFL receiver and needs a strong training camp to prove his worth. With a strong camp, Hankerson would get the opportunity to become a star this season.  

No. 42: Ryan Williams is Ready to Make a Good First Impression His Second Time Around

After missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, Arizona Cardinals running back Ryan Williams is ready for his shot in the NFL. Considering that fellow back Beanie Wells is also coming off knee surgery, Williams will get his fair share of touches.

He could make a serious impact in the Cardinals backfield if he's truly 100 percent and give their offense an added weapon. 

No. 41: Russell Wilson Has Already Made Noise This Offseason but Will Be the No. 3 in Seattle When the Season Begins

The Seattle Seahawks have a three-way duel coming up in training camp at the starting quarterback position. Rookie Russell Wilson has impressed all to this point, but the odds are against him because of incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn.

Wilson will eventually get his chance in the NFL, but unless something drastic happens in Seahawks' camp, he'll be holding a clipboard in 2012. 

Nos. 40-36: These Guys Have to Make the Most of Their Opportunity

No. 40: Gosder Cherilus is a Former First-Round Pick Who Now Has to Fight for Playing Time

Detroit Lions right tackle Gosder Cherilus may be on the outside looking in when the 2012 season begins. The former first-round pick hasn't necessarily met expectations in his career and will likely lose his starting role to rookie Riley Reiff. Cherilus won't be forgotten about but has to state his case for playing time in training camp. 

No. 39: Jerel Worthy Could Boom This Season in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers drafted Jerel Worthy with the intention of him beefing up their porous 2011 defense. Worthy fell to the second round of the 2012 draft because of his lack of effort on every down in college.

According to Shannon Shelton Miller of the Detroit Free Press, Worthy said the coaches stated that they had plans to put him in as a starter, but expect him to start the season as a backup. Regardless, by the end of the season he'll be known by all. 

No. 38: Mike Goodson is Ready for a Fresh Start in Oakland

Running back Mike Goodson signed with the Oakland Raiders this offseason and will be the backup to Darren McFadden. Goodson is coming off a season-ending hamstring injury for the Carolina Panthers in 2011 but is only 25 years old and is ready to for a fresh start in 2012.

Given the fact that McFadden has yet to play a complete season in his four-year career, odds are Goodson will see the field more often than not. 

No. 37: Vince Young Will Get to Play if Ryan Fitzpatrick Can't Get it Done in Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills had to go out and sign a notable backup quarterback this offseason because starter Ryan Fitzpatrick threw an NFL-worst 23 interceptions in 2011.

Vince Young was their chosen one, and despite the negativity surrounding Young, he's 31-19 as a starter in the NFL. If Fitzpatrick can't produce desired results in Buffalo, Bills fans should be confident in Young as he's out to prove that he can still play. 

No. 36: Shane Vereen Will be Solid for New England in 2012 and Beyond

The New England Patriots could be even more dangerous this season because of a bolstered running game. Second-year running back Shane Vereen will be the backup in 2012 and will have the chance to shine.

The last thing opponents want to worry about is the Pats having a viable running game. Combined with Stevan Ridley, Vereen will be part of a rushing formula that causes opposing defenses headaches this season. 

Nos. 35-31: These Players Will Make a Difference for Their Squads

No. 35: Joe Adams Will be a Productive Rookie for the Panthers This Year

The Carolina Panthers may have a spark plug on their hands in rookie receiver Joe Adams. He'll take over the punt-returning responsibilities, and because of his electricity, he'll be an important member of their wide receiver corps by season's end. 

No. 34: Rashad Jennings Will Start if Things Don't Go Right in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a serious problem on their hands. Star running back Maurice Jones-Drew is holding out, leaving the No. 1 duties to Rashad Jennings, who missed 2011 with a knee injury.

This will be Jennings' fourth NFL season, and he's only accumulated 123 carries thus far. Whether the Jags like it or not, Jennings will be the man this year if they can't satisfy MJD's needs.

No. 33:  Nate Burleson Will be a Definite Steal in Many Fantasy Drafts

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson will be beat out in training camp by Titus Young as the No. 2, but that doesn't mean that he'll disappear from the Lions offense. Burleson tallied 73 catches for 757 receiving yards in 2011, which is too many for quarterback Matthew Stafford to forget about.

He may have a diminished role, but the Lions are pass-heavy and will need Burleson to become the wily veteran on the underneath routes.

No. 32: Kendall Wright Will Eventually Be the No. 1 in Tennessee but Not This Season

The Tennessee Titans drafted wide receiver Kendall Wright with the intention of him becoming a stud. While he's well on his way, he's not quite there yet. He'll begin the season as the No. 3 receiver behind Kenny Britt and Nate Washington, but that's not to say that he won't make lasting impressions throughout.  

No. 31: David Wilson Will Serve as the Primary Backup for the Giants

The New York Giants did themselves a favor when they drafted running back David Wilson with the last pick in the first round of the draft this year. Having lost Brandon Jacobs to free agency, Wilson will now have an extensive role in the G-Men's offense in 2012 and won't disappoint. 

Nos. 30-26: Don't Sleep on These Guys

No. 30: Is Rueben Randle the 2012 Version of Victor Cruz for the Giants?

The New York Giants may have won the Super Bowl last season, but their receiving corps looks drastically different. Lost is Mario Manningham to free agency and Hakeem Nicks to injury. Victor Cruz will have plenty of attention his way, and rookie Rueben Randle will need to stand out if the Giants are to repeat.

No. 29: David Nelson Needs to Continue to Build on His Strong 2011 Campaign

The Buffalo Bills have a lot riding on the 2012 season, and they'll need guys like wide receiver David Nelson to pose a threat to the opposition if they're to make the playoffs.

Nelson compiled 61 catches for 658 yards in 2011 and needs to improve on those numbers this season. At 6'5", 217 lbs. he's got the size and strength to be dominant—expect big things from Nelson this season. 

No. 28: Ahmad Black Will Be Very Valuable for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers This Year

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to rebound from their disappointing 2011 season and safety Ahmad Black will prove invaluable. With 37-year-old Ronde Barber and rookie Mark Barron starting at the position, Black will get plenty of playing time this season. 

No. 27: Juron Criner Looks Like He's Ready to Light-Up the AFC West

The Oakland Raiders didn't have a 1,000-yard receiver in 2011, and rookie Juron Criner looks like he could be their man in 2012. The fifth-round pick in this year's draft is turning heads this offseason and will definitely be a factor in the Raiders' game plan. With a strong training camp, Criner could become quarterback Carson Palmer's favorite target. 

No. 26: Nick Toon is His Name—Don't Forget it. 

The New Orleans Saints have had an offseason to forget, but rookie receiver Nick Toon is something to look forward to in 2012. It's hard to believe that the team won't reach a deal with quarterback Drew Brees by the time the season begins, and he's very good at making receivers better.

Brees will quickly take a liking to Toon as the two will look like they've played together for years. 

Nos. 25-21: Reputations Are on the Line for These Players

No. 25: The Oakland Raiders Need Demarcus Van Dyke to Step Up in His Second Season

The Oakland Raiders are weak at cornerback to say the least. Their top two corners, Ronald Bartell and Shawtae Spencer are new to the team, leaving second-year corner Demarcus Van Dyke as the elder statesman of the group. He started four games as a rookie and had one interception. He'll have to use his ridiculous speed to make a difference in 2012. 

No. 24: Willie Young is Someone to Watch for the Detroit Lions on the Defensive Line

The Detroit Lions have one of the deepest defensive lines in all of football,and Willie Young is one of reasons why. With defensive end Cliff Avril potentially holding out, Young is ready to do what Avril did last year—explode. He's been impressive this offseason and will cause havoc for Lions' opponents in the near future. 

No. 23: Byron Bell Better Be Ready and on His Toes for the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have one of the most exhilarating offenses in the NFL, and they'll need their offensive line to stand strong this season if they're to earn more than six wins in 2012.

With the organization becoming tired of the oft-injured Jeff Otah, right tackle Byron Bell is one backup who may earn a starting role out of camp per a tweet by Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. If not, he should be ready to go at the drop of a hat. 

No. 22: Ronnie Hillman Will Be Put to the Test in Denver

There's plenty of reason to be excited in Denver this season, and rookie running back Ronnie Hillman is a big reason why. He'll have his work cut out for him, but considering the fact that Willis McGahee is now 30 years old, Hillman will see some action. He will turn out to be a steal when given the opportunity. 

No. 21: It's Make-or-Break Time for C.J. Spiller

C.J. Spiller was drafted by the Buffalo Bills at No. 9 overall in 2010 in hopes of him becoming a do-it-all star. He hasn't quite lived up to the hype, but let's not give up on him yet.

He ran for 561 yards on just 107 carries and caught 39 passes for another 269 yards last year. Those numbers should improve this season as the Bills will be better overall. 

Nos. 20-16: These Guys Can't Afford to Disappoint

No. 20: Vincent Brown Will Burst Onto the Scene in San Diego

The San Diego Chargers disappointed last season, and some changes have been made to the receiving corps in 2012. Vincent Jackson is out, Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal are in and Vincent Brown will become a star in San Diego.

The second-year receiver will benefit from training camp this season, and the extra work with quarterback Philip Rivers will show on the field. 

No. 19: Doug Baldwin Strives to be Great for the Seattle Seahawks 

With all the attention going to the quarterback battle in Seattle this offseason, keep an eye on receiver Doug Baldwin. He has a strong rookie season with 788 reception yards and looks to improve in 2012.

The best thing about Baldwin is that he's not satisfied being the No. 3 receiver and wants to be the best. His attempted rise to fame could become one of the more interesting stories of the season. 

No. 18: Brandon Stokley Already Has a Working Relationship with Peyton Manning

The Denver Broncos won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes this offseason. Now, all they need is to surround him with reliable receivers.

It's no secret that the Broncos have a young core of unproven wideouts, but veteran Brandon Stokley will be their savior. He played with Manning in Indianapolis from 2003-06 and even had a 1,000-yard season in 2004.

Now 36 years old, he won't put up those numbers again, but he'll pay dividends for the Broncos. 

No. 17: The Baltimore Ravens No. 2 Running Back Must Be Effective

The Baltimore Ravens could begin the season without star running back Ray Rice because of a holdout situation, making the battle for No. 2 running back uber important.

Veteran Ricky Williams is now retired, and the team drafted Bernard Pierce in the third round of this year's draft, but he hasn't been handed the job just yet. He'll compete with Anthony Allen and Damien Berry for the honor in training camp.

With the Ravens being so close to the Super Bowl last year, a reliable backup running back who's ready to hit the ground running is a must. 

No. 16: Felix Jones Has to Answer the Bell in Big D

It's imperative that running back Felix Jones has the best year of his career in 2012. Jones has yet to have a breakout season, and this could be his last with the Dallas Cowboys.

He had shoulder surgery in the offseason and needs to play 16 solid games this upcoming go-round. He won't start but must have a knockout season for the 'Boys to silence his critics.  

Nos. 15-11: If These Players Succeed, They'll Be the Unsung Heroes of Their Teams

No. 15: Steve McLendon Has a Large Hole to Fill in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be without veteran nose tackle Casey Hampton to begin the season due to a knee injury, meaning Steve McLendon will fill the gaping hole that Hampton leaves.

The Steelers have always been known for their top-notch defense, and Hampton has been the man in the middle for better than a decade now. McLendon is nearly 50 lbs lighter than his predecessor but will have to play just as big.

Without Hampton stuffing the gut, Steelers' opponents may sense a weak spot—it will be McLendon's job to prove their hypothesis false. 

No. 14: The Minnesota Vikings Need Toby Gerhart to Right the Ship Early and Often 

Things are certainly interesting in Minnesota Vikings country when it comes to star running back Adrian Peterson these days. The focal point of the Vikes' offense is recovering from a knee injury and has recently made news for being arrested, according to USA Today. While the charges don't seem serious, the severity of his knee injury is.

Peterson wants to be back at the beginning of the season but don't bet on the Vikings risking their franchise player before he's 100 percent. Backup running back Toby Gerhart will become the main back and the durability he displayed in college will be put to the test. 

No. 13: The Emergence of a No. 2 Receiver is Absolutely Necessary for the Bengals

There's no doubt that the Cincinnati Bengals have a budding superstar in wide receiver A.J. Green, and now, all he needs is a trusty sidekick. Heading into training camp, the competition for the No. 2 receiver is wide open as Armon Binns, Mohamed Sanu, Brandon Tate and Marvin Jones all have a shot to take the cake.

This upcoming battle is one of the most important in the entire AFC North this offseason. The Bengals look to legitimize themselves as true contenders for years to come and will need their No. 2 receiver to be a real threat to opposing defenses.

No. 12: M.D. Jennings Could Be the Missing Piece in the Packers' Defensive Backfield

As good as the Green Bay Packers were in 2011, their pass defense was the worst in the NFL. Look for second-year safety M.D. Jennings to gain the trust of his coaches throughout training camp and see plenty of action in 2012.

With starter Charlie Peprah recovering from a knee operation, Jennings has his opportunity to make the Packers' defensive backfield better.

No. 11: LeGarrette Blount Won't Start but Will Be the Key to the Buccaneers Offense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sent a message to running back LeGarrette Blount when they drafted Doug Martin in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

Blount will get plenty of touches but won't be the main back. That means that Blount will be one of the most feared No. 2 running backs in the entire league. Drafting Martin to wake up Blount will turn out to be a genius move from the organization. 

No. 10: The Pittsburgh Steelers Will Rely on the Duo of Redman and Sanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a disappointing end to their 2011 season and will rely on running back Isaac Redman and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders this time around. 

With Rashard Mendenhall hobbled with a knee injury and Mike Wallace threatening a holdout, the time is now for Redman and Sanders. 

The two men have the chance to become overnight stars this season while their teammates aren't on the field. For an organization with such a rich history, these guys won't want to let their fans down. 

Redman averaged 4.4 yards on 110 carries in 2011 while Sanders needs to show that he can be a dynamic receiver in Wallace's place. If the two can find the end zone, the Steelers will be just fine. 

No. 9: Demario Davis Is the Future of the New York Jets Defense

From what is being said about Demario Davis, it sounds like he's headed for a Hall of Fame career with the New York Jets. 

When a rookie who's been in the NFL less than six weeks is being compared to Ray Lewis, he must be something special. 

The Jets selected Davis in the third round this year, and he could go down in history as a legendary swipe in the NFL draft. 

Davis is now expected to be an immediate contributor at inside linebacker for the team and may even oust Bart Scott of his starting role by the end of 2012. 

Scott, a 10-year NFL veteran is no slouch, which means Davis has wowed everyone in the Jets organization. 

Don't blink when Davis is on the field this season, you could miss something spectacular.  

No. 8: Matt Flynn May Have Gotten Paid, but He Won't Play Immediately

The Seattle Seahawks will enter training camp with a highly publicized quarterback battle between incumbent Tarvaris Jackson, newcomer Matt Flynn and rookie Russell Wilson. 

While the organization paid Flynn to come in and win, he won't win the job out of camp. 

In the end, Jackson will take the prize, at least for the first couple of games. He was 7-7 in his only year in Seattle and deserves another shot. 

If Jackson slips one bit, Flynn will be handed the ball with the opportunity to revive the faith in career backups becoming franchise quarterbacks. 

No. 7: Kevin Kolb Will Once Again Be a Backup

The Arizona Cardinals will have an intense duel for the starting quarterback position when training camp begins in just a few weeks. 

The battle between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton and will go down to the final days. Kolb may be the man with the $65 million contract, but Skelton finished 5-2 as the starter in 2011. 

Skelton certainly has the momentum in the media at the moment and Kolb will need to have pinpoint precision throughout training camp in order to remain the starter. His inconsistency throughout his 16 NFL games leads one to believe that he won't be perfect in camp, which will cost him.  

Although Kolb won't start the season under center, don't be surprised when he gets one last chance at some point during 2012. 

No. 6: Matt Hasselbeck Is a Proven Winner and Will Serve as a Fine Backup

Matt Hasselbeck turned out to be a great pickup for the Tennessee Titans in 2011 when he led them to a 9-7 record. 

This season, he'll serve as a great insurance policy if things don't go right with second-year quarterback Jake Locker.

The Titans drafted Locker with the intention of him becoming their franchise quarterback and it just doesn't make sense having him sit another year. 

The fact that Hasselbeck is so solid may actually help Locker's chances because the organization knows what they'll get from the veteran should things go awry. 

No. 5: Tim Tebow Couldn't Be Avoided Any Longer

The New York Jets brought in Tim Tebow this offseason to make an impact on their offense. 

He'll do just that this season as the once questionable deal will start to make sense for the Jets' faithful. 

No, Tebow will not start at quarterback but will get 20-25 touches a game. He'll most certainly be utilized on nearly every short-yardage and goal-line situation the Jets encounter this season. 

With the Jets' offense now being run by Tony Sparano, the Wildcat offense will be present in their game plan. 

By season's end, Tebow may be considered nothing more than a running back who throws on occasion, which is a conclusion that many NFL fans may have made already. 

He may not be the best thrower the NFL has ever seen, but his athleticism shouldn't be questioned. Don't be shocked when Tebow scores 15-18 touchdowns as a backup in 2012. 

No. 4: Mike Jenkins May Not Like It, but He's the Best No. 3 Corner in the NFL

The Dallas Cowboys made a statement to the rest of the league that they need to pass with extreme caution in 2012. 

The Cowboys signed free agent Brandon Carr and drafted Morris Claiborne, leaving Mike Jenkins out in the cold but not out of the equation. 

Jenkins is a man who wants to be traded, but Jerry Jones knows the league is in love with the passing game and just wants Jenkins to be content with being one of the 'Boys. 

The 27-year-old cornerback had shoulder surgery this offseason but should be ready for Week 1. 

Whether or not he's still a member of the Cowboys come that time remains to be seen. For now, he's the best No. 3 cornerback in the entire NFL.  

No. 3: Ben Tate Is a Big Reason Why Arian Foster Is so Good

The Houston Texans have one of the best running back tandems in all of football.

Because of backup Ben Tate, the Texans twosome combined for 2,166 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2011. 

Fans should expect nothing less this season as Tate will look to avoid a sophomore slump and eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau. 

The Texans made the playoffs last season and look to build on their success. With a healthy Matt Schaub at quarterback, there's little reason not to believe that the Texans won't return for a shot at glory. 

Opposing defenses have to hate the fact that Tate will relentlessly pound the rock when Foster gets a break in the action.

Look for Tate to show the world that his rookie season wasn't a farce this year.  

No. 2: Jonathan Stewart Is a Starting Running Back in a Backup Role

What's not to like about Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart? 

The guy does what is needed by his team and keeps his mouth shut. He wants to stay in Carolina despite the team already having a No. 1 running back in DeAngelo Williams. 

Stewart gained 761 yards last season on only 142 carries. He only scored four touchdowns, primarily due to quarterback Cam Newton being such a goal-line threat, but Stewart doesn't care because the team tasted some success. 

This is the year where Stewart will become appreciated by all across the NFL. He's a team-first player in a me-first kind of world. 

A true class act, Stewart is nearly the best backup in the NFL. 

No. 1: The Bears Knew What They Were Doing When They Signed Michael Bush

The Chicago Bears have the best two-way running back in the NFL in Matt Forte, but he may choose not to play in 2012, according to analysis by Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

The organization picked up a great free agent in Michael Bush this offseason and his skill set is similar to Forte's. 

Bush totaled 977 rushing yards and 418 receiving yards in 2012, proving his value as a backup. 

It seemed like Forte was the Bears entire offense last year but 2012 will be much different. The addition of Bush will turn out to be the best in the NFL this season. His versatility is something every team desires. 

If and when Forte signs on the dotted line, the Bears run game could become unstoppable.

Bears' fans should be thinking nothing less than a trip to Super Bowl XLVII is in their future. 

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