• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Taking Bears Inventory: Running Backs

Taking Bears Inventory: Running Backs

June 8, 2019
Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy

March 7, 2021
D'Wayne Eskridge

2021 Packers Prospect Profile: D’Wayne Eskridge

March 7, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress

March 7, 2021
Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

Mets Lineup Is Improved, Braves and Nationals Still Dangerous

March 6, 2021
Travis Etienne

RB Draft Profile: Travis Etienne

March 6, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dylan Moses

March 6, 2021
Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam

Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam

March 6, 2021
Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins

Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins

March 6, 2021
Adams: Sabres Performance “Unacceptable”, Says He Has Authority to Make Changes

Adams: Sabres Performance “Unacceptable”, Says He Has Authority to Make Changes

March 5, 2021
NHL ProteauType: Dryden Is Right – Make The Nets Bigger

NHL ProteauType: Dryden Is Right – Make The Nets Bigger

March 5, 2021
Packers 2021 Free Agent Targets

Packers 2021 Free Agent Targets

March 6, 2021
Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Emerges as Calder Trophy Front-Runner

Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Emerges as Calder Trophy Front-Runner

March 5, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, March 7, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC North Chicago Bears

Taking Bears Inventory: Running Backs

Eduardo Monk Jr. by Eduardo Monk Jr.
June 8, 2019
in Chicago Bears, NFC, NFC North, NFL Featured
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Taking Bears Inventory: Running Backs

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 14: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

For the next two weeks, Full Press Bears will be exploring every positional group on the Chicago Bears with the annual Taking Inventory series, evaluating their previous season and determining their projections, along with some requirements for success. Today, we continue with the runningbacks.

Historically speaking, the Bears’ offensive foundations root themselves in the run game. And in spite of the increasingly more common gunslinging offenses and their steady revolution of playbooks, the Bears continued to stay faithful to the hearty run for the past few seasons. Drafting the powerful downhill runner Jordan Howard kept the hard-nosed culture alive but after imminently moving on from the stalwart workhorse, the Bears enter 2019 without a true and clear number one backfield starter, all but certifying the new regime.

More FromFPC

D'Wayne Eskridge

2021 Packers Prospect Profile: D’Wayne Eskridge

March 7, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dylan Moses

March 6, 2021

Packers 2021 Free Agent Targets

March 6, 2021

Anthony Sherman: “On To The Next Chapter”

March 5, 2021

This, however, may play well into where the brilliant Matt Nagy seems to want to take the Bears offense.

Quite plainly, then rookie head coach Nagy had diverging visions for the Bears’ offensive mentality. As an openly Andy Reid disciple, ingenuity and creativity take precedence over fundamentals and tradition. While not entirely abandoning the smashmouth style of Howard, he clearly had no intention of building around him like Bears teams of old would. Seeing fewer carries and a steep dropoff in yards than previous years, Nagy often opted to utilize him more as a decoy or a failsafe rather than a legitimate weapon.

Because of this, sometimes plays drawn up for Howard seemed curiously out of place, as he was significant just by merit of being the only sturdy backfield option for the Bears. Going without other downhill runners forced Nagy to incorporate Howard and even when Nagy did, it was purely situational. Instead, Nagy, an avid modern spread offensive coach, primarily focused on either budding sophomore Mitchell Trubisky’s arm or the electrifying Tarik Cohen (more on his value later).

And when analyzing the two runningback selections in this past April’s draft, their archetypes clearly support this. Firstly, trading up for Iowa State superstar David Montgomery in the third round not only addresses the downhill workhorse role that Howard left open but also adds an extra dynamic to that role that Howard never could.

Widely regarded as the number one runningback prospect in this draft, Montgomery’s fearless and slippery running style combined with instinct and patience creates a dangerous playmaker right off the bat. Flaunting the vision to find holes and then the smooth moves to make defenders miss, he ranks as a trendy Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Also, having carried the ball well over twenty times in thirteen of his last nineteen games with a compact toughness, he comes into the league well-equipped for the rigors of the pros.

Already does Montgomery mesh perfectly with Nagy’s beliefs, sharing many similarities and comparisons to the former Chief and Nagy weapon Kareem Hunt. A hefty playmaker, the vivacious Montgomery will be able to spice up the routine downhill rushes while beefing up the spread arsenal and hopefully some spritzes to the passing game as well. Simply put, Montgomery will be able to do just as much and then some more than Howard could.

Also in the draft along Montgomery, the easily forgotten seventh rounder Kerrith Whyte Jr. could possibly land some touches with his fiery speed and an added layer of explosiveness. Trapped behind the Bills third rounder Devin Singletary at Florida Atlantic, Whyte still found a role in both the passing game and in kick returns, earning a second-team All-Conference USA nod for the latter and, despite the signing of kick return legend Cordarelle Patterson, probably will serve a similar role in the pros.

However, Montgomery will probably be met with some friendly competition from the freshly signed Mike Davis. The former 49er and Seahawk has been a reliable presence in the backfield for his career and will be coming to Chicago off the heels of a career year, with personal bests in total yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry. Though not a surefire workhorse as Howard was or Montgomery could be, he will be a steady runner whenever the Bears call his number.

Now the final Infinity Stone in the aforementioned Cohen honestly leaves very little to discuss. The spark plug’s excellence and rank on the offense really go without saying. Last season, dropping a meager fifteen points and sixty-five rushing yards in the disreputable playoff game against the Eagles had plenty of factors to blame but the bombastic Cohen seeing three touches all game contributed mightily to that stinging stinker.

As somewhat frowny face as it is to say, without Howard getting in the way, Cohen’s role will increase mightily going forward and this will only mean good things for the offense. Whenever Cohen touches the ball, he could score, averaging a robust 10.2 yards per reception last season.

For the outlook on this upcoming season, it seems pretty likely Nagy intends to use all three, Cohen, Davis, and Montgomery, intermittently. And really, he should. All three can serve multiple roles and all three compliment each other very well. So under this pretense, the Bears might just have the most dynamic rushing attack in the league. Depending on the situation, the Bears can run smashmouth or spread. The combined versatility of the three will allow Nagy to fully realize his offensive fantasies like Tony Stark discovering the arc reactor.

It’s no secret the Bears offense could and probably will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the offensive titans of the league. The runningback crew and their absurd ambidexterity create a three-headed monster in the backfield and that doesn’t even factor in the talent in the receiving corps or quarterback. Considering the overwhelming wealth of vitality and poppy athleticism in nearly every offensive set, Nagy will be a mad offensive scientist, finally capable of the ridiculous system he dreams of.

Share596Tweet373
Previous Post

No More Excuses; The Bruins Must Deliver

Next Post

Morning Face Off: Can the Blues Clinch or Will the Bruins Force Game 7?

Eduardo Monk Jr.

Eduardo Monk Jr.

Next Post
Morning Face Off: Can the Blues Clinch or Will the Bruins Force Game 7?

Morning Face Off: Can the Blues Clinch or Will the Bruins Force Game 7?

WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler

Opinion: The Wasting of Dolph Ziggler

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 66: NBA 1st Half Recap/Look Ahead To Championship Week
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8477261670.mp3?updated=1615056349
  • Ep 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Full Press Coverage on March 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1124025915.mp3?updated=1614915539
  • Ep. 189 - AEW Revolution Predictions
    by Talkamania on March 5, 2021 at 10:37 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43759334/talkamania_episode_189.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 13 - The NBA All Star Spectacular!
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43758121/pick_and_roll_3_5.mp3
  • Ep #96: Anthony Sherman Retires, Alex Smith Return?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 5, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7101463072.mp3?updated=1614967778
  • Ep 66: Pending Packers Free Agents
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 11:04 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9985321098.mp3?updated=1614898723
  • Ep. 198: Filtering Through ****ery
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 6:36 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7194950521.mp3?updated=1614883039
  • Ep. 72: Gators/Dynasty Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7537135813.mp3?updated=1614874411
  • 3/4 - Remembering John Candy; Montana/Brady; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3392716899.mp3?updated=1614873314
  • JJ Watt to Cards, Tiger Woods impact, Ice Fishing
    by Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43734037/ep_18_fpr.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 53: Rob Van Dam
    by Evan Gomes on March 6, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 4, 2021 at 4:29 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: March 3, 2021 A.K.A. The One With Shaq Going Through A […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Memories Of The Basement Where Trent Frederic Became Bruins’ Future Tough Guy
    by Matt Kalman on March 7, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    After NBCSN Boston’s The Camera Guys got the skinny on Trent Frederic learning how to fight in […]

  • Ottawa Senators’ Prospect Lassi Thomson a Work-In-Progress
    by Murray Pam on March 7, 2021 at 5:43 am

    One player who hasn't garnered much attention in terms of chatter to be considered part of the […]

  • Henderson Boasts Top Defense Against Colorado
    by C.C. Hawkley on March 7, 2021 at 5:35 am

    The Henderson Silver Knights and Colorado Eagles played for the second time in two days on Saturday […]

  • One Third of the Way Through, Moose Now Begin 17-Game Homestand
    by Carter Brooks on March 7, 2021 at 1:33 am

    The Manitoba Moose are one third of the way through the team's 36-game 2020-21 season schedule. […]

  • Bergeron’s Chat With Wilson Again Showed He’s Right Leader For Bruins
    by Matt Kalman on March 6, 2021 at 5:28 am

    With his perfectly groomed coif and his soft-spoken demeanor, no one would ever mistake Patrice […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage