Can the Pats stop Matt Forte?

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

The Patriots have quite a challenge on their hands with Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears on Sunday. You could make a case that Matt Forte is the best running back talent-wise that the Patriots have faced so far next to Jamaal Charles and possibly Knowshon Moreno. And with the struggling Patriots run defense (ranked 24th in the league at 126.3 YPG - ESPN), that is a distinct advantage for the Chicago Bears.

Matt Forte has 448 rush yards on 111 carries this year and 3 touchdowns, but he's especially tough because he's a threat out of the backfield as well, with 436 receiving yards on 52 catches and 2 touchdowns. The defense will definitely have to be wary of him in both the run game and the pass game. So, how do they stop him? I think it'll be about taking him away in the passing game, because I'm not sure they can stop him from running with Jerod Mayo and Chandler Jones both missing. The good news for Patriots fans is that they have the #1 ranked pass defense in the league at 208.0 YPG against, so that's very possible, but that will prove tricky as the Patriots secondary will also have to focus on Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery as well.

The Patriots will have their hands full, and it may end up as a shootout in the end if Matt Forte and the Bears offense really gets going, but I'd still give the edge to the Patriots in that scenario.

Thoughts? Let me know on Twitter (@C_Frederick1016) or leave a comment. Stats from ESPN.