Q&A: Bears running back Matt Forte

Bears running back Matt Forte hit the interview circuit this week as part of the “Tide Color Captains” initiative. Here are some interview highlights.

On his role in coordinator Adam Gase’s offense:

“It’s been great working with him. I’ve had many conversations with him, not even on the field, but off the field, just talking about concepts, route concepts and how this offense is going to be called this year.

“I’m excited about this Sunday and getting started, especially it being a rivalry and divisional game [against the Packers]. Coach Adam Gase, he’s a great coach.”

http://cdn.tribtv.com/wgnam/podcasts/intentionalgrounding/IntentionalGroundingEpisode6MP.mp3On the open-mindedness of Gase’s offense:

“Sometimes you get a coordinator and you may suggest something on like a play or maybe try this, and their pride will make them not want to do it because it’s their offense and they don’t want to take suggestions.

“In this case, it’s not like that. Coach Gase listens to the players. He’s got a very good offense already, but he’s not close-minded to suggestions.”

On if anything is different for him in Gase’s offense:

“It’s a lot different. Obviously, it’s the same where I can be versatile and be used in the passing game and in the run game. But it’s different in ways that I’ll be lining up in different positions all over the place, and being able to affect the game in that area and not just be like a decoy. I’m excited about the entire playbook.”

On playing the Packers in Week 1:

“It’s a big game for us just to start off with this rivalry and divisional game. … It’s a home game, and I think our fans will be excited about it. Our fans want a winning a team, and they deserve it.”

On how coach John Fox has been in preparations for the Packers:

“He’s been the same guy. What you see is what you get. He’s not going to be the guy that sugarcoats anything. He’s straightforward and that’s what I like as a player … because that’s the type of player I am.”

On the promise to the run the ball:

“Just based off how game flow was going in the preseason games and also through practices in training camp and at Halas Hall, I know we’re going to be able to run the ball, and we’re going to have a heavy emphasis on doing that and being balanced.”

On joining Tide’s initiative:

“There are 32 Tide color captains around the NFL. This season, we’ll be capturing the passion of the fans and how they rep their team colors. They’ll be able to share it via [Twitter] @TideNFL, #ourcolors. Everybody will be able to see how they demonstrate their pride.”

On making sure to look good on the field:

“I don’t think it’s a mistake that Tide is navy and orange. We’ve got the fans and the best colors that we can have.”

On the legendary look of the Bears uniform:

“It’s a rich history. When everybody thinks about Chicago and the Bears, that navy and orange comes to mind.”

(From Tide)

Adam L. Jahns