"Instead of continuing to beat their helmets against eight-man fronts, the Bears are coming to a realization: They don't have to run the ball.

At least not so much.

They can throw short passes instead.

Using the short passing game as a run substitute has been productive in their last two games, and the Bears are sure to continue down this road as long as they continue to get the same looks from defensive fronts.

"When the run is struggling like that, there are some things you can do with screens, some quick passes, some long handoffs," quarterback Jay Cutler said. "Just get the ball out of your hands quickly to help the offensive linemen."

Using the short passing game also has been a way to derive value from Matt Forte. While the running back has averaged a disappointing 3.4 yards per rush, he has averaged a respectable 10 yards per reception. He also has six catches of 20 yards or more -- best in the NFL among running backs.

Even though only 20 percent of Forte's touches have been catches, 44 percent of his yards have come on completions. The only running back with more receiving yards is the Ravens' Ray Rice. Because of Forte's contributions in the passing game, he ranks ninth in the league among running backs in total yards from scrimmage.

"I will contribute wherever I have to, whether it's blocking, catching or running," Forte said. "With the receiving game, you have to catch it, then run it, so it's still running. I take pride in being able to do both."

The Bears have had particular success with Forte on screen passes recently.

"When you get the ball in the hands of the wide receivers and the backs (on screens), it's kind of like a running play," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said."