The latest word out of Halas Hall is that Kyle Orton will likely start today against the Packers in Lambeau Field. That's good news for the Bears receivers, as they will likely appreciate having a quarterback who doesn't tragically underthrow or overthrow every pass. Marty Booker, after having a game with no receptions against the Titans, probably danced in the streets at the news of Orton's start. But the person who should be really excited is running back Matt Forte.
Forte, who has 713 yards on the season, has had just two 100-plus yard games. In his debut against Indianapolis, he rushed for 123 and 126 against Detroit. He has a shot at another 100-yarder today. Orton's mobility is likely to be limited due to his ankle injury, and the Packers have the third best passing defense in the league. This won't be the day for long passes; more likely, Orton will be using hand-offs and short, dump passes to move the ball, so Forte will likely get many touches. Add in that Green Bay's rushing defense is one of the worst in the league, with opponents racking up 1,391 yards against the Pack, and Forte seems to have the perfect storm for another 100-yard game.
Does that mean a win for the Bears? That's harder to say. The Bears have won both the games that Forte broke the 100 yard mark, However, in the two games where he came close, Carolina with 92 and Tampa Bay with 89, they lost. But with Orton and Forte both on the field, it seems more likely that the Bears will win and gain control of the NFC North than if it was Forte and Rex Grossman on the field.
