LAKE FOREST, Ill. — D’Onta Foreman patiently waited for his moment.
The experienced running back joined the Bears in the offseason with ambitions of becoming the team’s “lead back,” filling the void left by David Montgomery. However, the Bears opted to go with Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson in the backfield, leaving Foreman inactive starting in Week 2.
But instead of dwelling on his situation, Foreman kept track of his doubters and stayed prepared for when his opportunity would arise.
That opportunity finally came in Week 5 when both Herbert and Johnson got injured during the Bears’ win over the Washington Commanders. Foreman took full advantage of the chance, showcasing his skills and proving his detractors wrong.
In the past two games, Foreman has rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns, displaying vision, agility, explosiveness, and physicality.
“I’ve been in this position a lot in my life,” Foreman said when asked about his quick success after a month of inactivity. “If you go back through the last three years, this has been my life. So I’ve just always kept the mindset that when you get your opportunity you got to go out there and capitalize on it. When you get it, try not to give it back. That’s my main focus, honestly.”
Foreman has certainly proven that he deserves to keep the lead-back role, even if Johnson returns from a concussion. It’s not just his production, but also his physical running style that gives the Bears’ offense an identity.
“He goes downhill. He ran somebody over when he was out of bounds, so I mean, he made a statement with that. He always makes the first guy miss, so he’s just trolling and trucks people with the ball. It’s fun to watch and see. That’s what you want to go out there and block for,” wide receiver DJ Moore said about Foreman’s playing style.
So far this season, Foreman has gained 122 yards after contact, averaging 3.39 yards after contact per attempt and forcing eight missed tackles in the past two games.
The Bears were the NFL’s best rushing team in 2022, but struggled to replicate that success early in the 2023 season. However, with Foreman leading the charge, they seem to have found their ground-and-pound formula again.
Just ask the Las Vegas Raiders, whom Foreman dominated for 120 total yards and three touchdowns in the Bears’ 30-12 victory.
“We just kicked their ass upfront,” tight end Cole Kmet said after the game.
Foreman’s physicality not only creates an offensive identity, but also brings energy to the team. He has shown why the Bears pursued him in free agency and with Tyson Bagent set to make his second career start on Sunday, it’s the perfect time to maintain the good chemistry.
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