Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: The Running Backs

We continue to preview the Chicago Bears before the start of training camp. We look at the running backs. Will they do enough to help the passing game?

We continue to preview the Chicago Bears as they head into the start of training camp. After looking at the secondary and the wide receivers, we stay on offense and look at the running backs.

On paper, many experts believe the running backs unit will be solid, if not overwhelming. The unit had an up-and-down season in 2021. They had moments in which they shined and looked good. However, there were times when the previous coaching regime just forgot about including the rushing attack in the offense.

That should change this season. With new head coach Matt Eberflus and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, the running backs should see a lot more snaps. They will be a much bigger part of the offense than they were with Matt Nagy and company.

It is critical that the running game does well. The running backs can take some pressure off of second-year quarterback Justin Fields. If the Bears’ rushing attack can pick up good chunks of yards consistently, then opposing defenses have to try to respect the run and load the box. That gives the receivers more space to operate and Fields could find the best one-on-one target. If the running backs cannot do that, then Fields will have long days trying to find open receivers.

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The players on the unit

The running backs unit returns two of their best players — David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert. Montgomery was on his way to having perhaps his best season early in the season when he suffered a knee injury. That injury cost him a month of games. He did come back and played well, however. He ended up with 1,150 all-purpose yards and 7 touchdowns.

Herbert ended up making a name for himself filling in for Montgomery (and backup Damien Williams). In the four games that Montgomery missed, he rushed for 344 yards. He averaged 4.41 yards per run. In that span, he started two games, rushing for 197 yards and averaged 5.32 yards per run on 78 carries. In all the other games combined, he rushed for 89 yards on 25 carries.

After an absence, the Bears have a full-time fullback now in Khari Blasingame. He’ll be the lead blocker for whoever plays at tailback. He’ll help open some holes so the Bears can get good chunks of yards. Having him there also helps the offensive line, which has struggled for years.

In addition, the Bears signed Darrynton Evans and drafted Trestan Ebner to help out.

Unless someone big becomes available, this is likely the running backs unit we’ll see in Week 1. Maybe someone ends up on the practice squad.

Montgomery’s last hurrah?

With Herbert’s success as he had more touches, there are whispers about Montgomery’s fate. He is in the final season of his rookie deal. Do the Bears pay up to keep him, or do they let him go?

As of now, Montgomery is the Bears’ best runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield. He is a hard worker and wants to stay in Chicago. He’s done everything the team asked of him. In his career, he’s been about a quarter of the team’s offense. That ranks seventh in the league.

There were plenty of times when Montgomery got hit behind the line of scrimmage yet gained yards. He’s been among the league leaders in broken tackles in his three seasons in the NFL.

A lot of fans are enamored with what Herbert did last season. However, he only had 14 catches for 96 yards. He needs to improve his pass-catching to be considered a real starter.

Many experts feel Montgomery is poised to have a breakout season. He’s already improved his receiving skills. It’ll be interesting to see how having a fullback in front of him helps. It’s one thing to break tackles behind the line of scrimmage and gain three or four yards. If he gets to a hole and then breaks a tackle then you’re talking about big plays. If Montgomery ends up making those big plays, expect the Bears to reward him.

How do the players fit?

When we look at the running backs, there is a good variety of styles. Montgomery is the bruiser who breaks free after you hit him. Herbert is the one who uses speed to elude would-be tacklers.

Of course, Blasingame is the battering ram who knocks open holes. He could be the key to help the running game succeed.

Evans and Ebner are interesting cases. Ebner is a speedster who is similar to Tarik Cohen. If he could play the position that Cohen did so well then that is good news for the offense.

Evans is another slasher who is elusive and finds creative ways to break free. He was the Tennessee Titans’ third-round pick in 2020 but only played in 6 games, mostly due to injury. He wants to show that the Titans were wrong to give up on him so soon.

Projection for 2022

For his part, Montgomery feels that the Chicago Bears will “shock a lot of people” in 2022. I’m not sure about the overall team shocking people but the running game will more than handle its own.

I had the chance to break bread w/ my brother @MontgomerDavid today. We talked about the new offense, his expectations for the season & how much better Justin Fields will be in year 2. Check out my full interview w/ Monty tonight @ 10:30pm on @GNSportsTV. @KRoseSharkey #Bears pic.twitter.com/KDsmzOYDcI

— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) June 28, 2022

Montgomery will play as hard as he always has. There just isn’t a player on any team who works harder. There may be more talented players but no one outworks him. Add in the contract situation (though he says he isn’t thinking about it) and he could have an incredible breakout season. He could reach the 1,800 all-around yards mark and 13 total touchdowns.

Herbert will be an excellent backup. He’ll give Montgomery the support he needs.

Blasingame is the key. If he is able to play the role Matt Suhey did for Walter Payton then we’ll see a lot of happy fans watching the return of a dominating Chicago Bears running game.