Making sense of Matt Forte

The Eagles’ linebackers haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in two games.

Enter Matt Forte.

The Bears’ starter has racked up 1,091 total yards (rushing and receiving) to lead all NFL running backs. He’s easily become one of Jay Cutler’s favorite targets and the Bears’ most dangerous weapon. Adding more intrigue, Forte is now playing with an edge as he seeks a long-term deal.

“To continue to give me the touches I’ve had since my rookie year but not award me a long-term contract sends the message that you’re OK grinding me into a pulp,” Forte told the Chicago Sun-Times earlier this week. “If they think by just slapping the franchise tag on me that’s going to silence anything, they’re sadly mistaken.”

Meanwhile, the Eagles linebackers — much criticized through the first five weeks of the season — face their biggest task to date.

“This guy is playing with an edge on his shoulder, with a chip on his shoulder,” Eagles linebacker Moise Fokou said. “He has something to prove and I think it’s his contract, you think they would have done something about it already. I mean, he’s a football player, he’s a good back, he’s playing even harder this year … and he’s a dangerous guy when he sets his mind to it.”