Bears vs Eagles: Why Chicago's Fate Rests on Legs of Matt Forte

Hey, Chris Johnson, take a look at what the Chicago Bears' Matt Forte is doing this season. 

Heading into this Week 9 Monday Night showdown with the Eagles, he's second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage. (1,091) 

That's 46 percent of the Bears total offense. 

He's doing it while making a mere $600,000 this season on the last year of his contract. 

A true fighter, this Forte. 

Sure, he's not happy with his current financial situation, and he shouldn't be. 

But instead of griping on the sideline, he's played himself into MVP conversation. 

OK, it looks like Aaron Rodgers will win that award, but Forte's tremendous season should at least garner some votes. 

Against the Eagles on Monday night, Forte will once again be the difference in a Bears win and loss. 

Forget the fact that Chicago's offensive line has done a much better job protecting Jay Cutler of late. 

He's a capable quarterback, but he forces too many throws, and there aren't enough big-play receivers on the roster to consistently torch secondaries. 

Even if the Bears get behind, they'll need to lean on their franchise running back. Whether they do that by loading up his carries or utilizing him in the screen game is totally up to them.

He's a far better option than letting Cutler sling the ball all over the field. 

If Forte can keep pace with the Eagles' LeSean McCoy, who's equally as explosive, the Bears have a real chance. 

He received 25 carries and caught two passes last week against the Buccaneers.

Forte must get a similar amount of carries tonight. 

Mike Martz wants to throw it and throw it often, but against a Philly defense that's allowing 5.0 yards per carry, it is in Chicago's best interest to move the ball methodically down the field with Forte.  

Don't let Cutler's recent successes fool you; the Bears' fate rests on the legs of Matt Forte tonight.