Congratulations to Matt Forte for being named the NFC offensive player of the week. His 201 total yards and game-winning touchdown solidified his spot as Week 1’s top performer in the NFC.
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Bears running back Matt Forte has been named NFC offensive player of the week for his performance in last Sunday’s 19-14 season-opening win over the Detroit Lions. The third-year pro compiled 201 yards from scrimmage while scoring both of his team’s touchdowns on receptions of 89 and 28 yards.
The second TD turned a 14-13 deficit into a 19-14 lead with 1:32 left in the fourth quarter. The 89-yard catch was the longest play from scrimmage by a running back in Bears history and the longest reception by an NFL running back since 2001. It also tied for the Bears’ longest play from scrimmage in Soldier Field history, equaling Vince Evans’ 89-yard TD pass to Rickey Watts on Sept. 21, 1980 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Forte’s 201 yards from scrimmage (50 rushing and 151 receiving) were the most by a Bears player since Neal Anderson had 209 (119 rushing and 90 receiving) on Dec. 17, 1989 versus the Green Bay Packers. Forte’s 151 receiving yards were the most by a running back in NFL history on the opening weekend of the season and the second most by a Bears running back, topped only by Hall of Famer George McAfee’s 157 against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 7, 1947.
It was Forte’s second 100-yard receiving game of his career; he compiled 120 yards last season versus the San Francisco 49ers. Forte also became the first Bears running back with two receiving TDs in a game since Anderson accomplished the feat in 1989 against the Packers.
This is the first NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award in Forte’s career. He is the first Bears running back to win the award since Anthony Thomas in Week 14 of the 2001 season. Forte is also the first Bears player to be named NFC offensive player of the week since Cutler in Week 16 of last season.
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