As expected, the Chicago Bears will be without Matt Forte, their top running back, this week against the St. Louis Rams. Chicago still has a very powerful, effective Michael Bush, but the loss of a playmaker of Forte's ability is certainly not help for the Bears.

After Thursday's practice, head coach Jeff Fisher said that his team was preparing as though the Bears would have Forte, but they were also keenly aware of what Bush could do on his own. It's clear after watching the Rams' first two games that preparation for each opponent is intense.

This will be the stiffest test so far for the Rams' run defense, a unit allowing more yards per carry than any other team in the league so far this season. You can imagine that does not sit well with Fisher's belief in sound fundamentals. It also might have something to do with the two teams they played so far this season.

Steven Jackson is questionable for the Rams, though it sounds as if he will play.