Matt Forte expects fewer catches

Bears RB Matt Forte expects to catch fewer passes in OC Mike Tice's offense than he did under OC Mike Martz.  "The first thing we're going to do is try to protect the quarterback instead of looking for hot routes," Forte said. "So we're going to seal it up front so Jay can find the open guy. There are free release routes and things like that, and then there are times I am going to be in there blocking."  Besides the new scheme, the arrival of WR Brandon Marshall also figures to put a dent in Forte's receiving numbers.  Don't expect him to match the whopping 4.3 catches per game he averaged in 2011, but Forte will remain one of the top pass-catching backs in the league.  He's never finished with fewer than 51 receptions across his 4 pro seasons.  We have him projected to catch 43 balls in 2012.