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Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte had a historically productive year as a pass-catcher in 2014, when he recorded 102 receptions -- an NFL record for a running back. He finished the year with a career-high 808 receiving yards and four touchdown catches.

Despite his success releasing out of the backfield as a receiving option, Forte wants the ball tucked into his gut more often this year.

"Catching 100 balls is not my goal as a running back," Forte said, via Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.

Although he didn't explicitly say it, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards probably is one of Forte's goals. He has reached that milestone five times in his seven-year career, including each of the past three seasons. Last year, however, Forte averaged less than four yards per carry for the first time since 2009.

For the Bears to take control and bounce back from a five-win season, Forte believes they must reestablish the ground game.

"If you're running the ball and you can run it effectively you get to control the clock and keep other offenses off the field," Forte said, per the Tribune. "Which is what we want to do. If we can control the game, control the pace of the game, and grind out tough yards and score, then that's what we're going to do."

Forte, 29, is heading into a contract year and was denied a request for an extension by the new Bears regime earlier this offseason. His performance in 2015 will go a long way toward deciding his future with the team.

(h/t Chicago Tribune)