"To Matt Forte, it's not a matter of proving his value to the Bears.

''If they don't know that by now, I don't know what else I gotta do,'' Forte said.

Disappointed more than frustrated or angry that the Bears broke off negotiations on a new contract last week, Forte vowed to go about his business and do the only negotiating he really knows anything about — making plays, scoring touchdowns and contributing to victories.

By that standard, the fourth-year running back has to feel he closed the gap that separates the two sides with an impressive performance in the Bears' 30-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Forte contributed 158 total yards — 68 yards rushing on 16 carries (4.3 per carry) and 90 yards receiving on five catches — including a 56-yard touchdown on a screen pass in the second quarter. It was the ninth time in his last 10 games that Forte has combined for 98 yards or more — he's averaging 127 yards a game in that span. ''I just thank God I had a good game today,'' Forte said. ''I'll continue to do it throughout the season, and if the Bears don't see my value, hopefully some other team will.''"