Beekman-for-Omiyale Not Much Difference by John M. Crist of BearReport.com, November 1, 2009 at 7:05pm ET
Josh Beekman Profile
The Bears finally admitted their mistake in starting newcomer Frank Omiyale at left guard over incumbent Josh Beekman, but shaking up the offensive line after six games didn't produce much better results in a 30-6 rocking of Cleveland.
Struggling ball carrier Matt Forte certainly made his fantasy owners happy with 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus he also chipped in two receptions for 31 more yards. That being said, the second-year pro out of Tulane only averaged 3.5 yards per carry and never busted a run longer than 12 yards. Just like when Omiyale was in there, Forte was getting banged in the backfield shortly after taking the handoff and rarely had room to run despite facing a Browns run defense that came to Soldier Field ranked 31st in the NFL.
As far as pass protection is concerned, Jay Cutler was sacked a season-high four times and took as big a beating as he ever has quarterbacking the Bears. The Pro Bowler got blasted late – the play resulted in a 15-yard personal foul – right on his jaw by linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood, and then he was the recipient of an old-fashioned planting by conservatively-listed-at-350-pounds tackle Shaun Rogers. Cutler said after the game that being driven into the turf by a guy like Rogers counts for two hits.
It remains to be seen if the coaching staff will continue to tinker with the offensive line, although that would probably mean having to bench a future Hall of Famer (left tackle Orlando Pace) or a former first-round draft pick (right tackle Chris Williams).
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