Chicago Bears: Expect A Tough Three-way Battle At Running Back

The Chicago Bears‘ backfield is set to witness a captivating three-way competition for the coveted top running back position in the upcoming 2023 NFL season.

With the combination of two veterans and a rookie, the battle for the starting role left vacant by David Montgomery‘s departure to the Detroit Lions promises to be intense. We will examine the contenders and the factors contributing to the fierce competition for the Chicago Bears’ top running back spot in 2023.

Having three talented running backs battle for a starting job means the Bears will have another strong rushing attack in 2023. The difference between 2022 and 2023, however, is that now quarterback Justin Fields, who led the team in rushing in 2022, doesn’t have to do as much of it this season. He can concentrate on improving as a passer. He can still break off those electric running plays, but he doesn’t have to do it as many times as he did in 2022. That means his runs will be more impactful and his health will be protected.

Here are the players vying to be RB1 for the Chicago Bears, a valuable spot in NFL history.

Khalil Herbert — The Heir Apparent

When the Chicago Bears lost David Montgomery to the Detroit Lions via free agency, the prevailing thought was that Khalil Herbert was the heir apparent to his job.

Herbert did a pretty good job in his two seasons since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He gained 433 rushing yards and averaged 4.2 yards per carry in his rookie season. Also, he had 2 touchdowns.

Last season, he saw more action and stepped up. He had 731 rushing yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry despite missing four games due to injury. He would have had a 1,000-yard campaign if not for the injury. His touchdown total doubled to 4. Considering how the Bears struggled to make it into the end zone he did a good job of scoring.

Herbert showcased his explosiveness and vision as a runner. He quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff and fans with his ability to break tackles and generate big plays. He showed that the coaches could depend on him to move the ball down the field.

Herbert’s flaws are that he isn’t the receiver that Montgomery was. He needs to improve in that area if he wants to be a consistent number one. Additionally, his blocking leaves a lot to be desired. In today’s NFL, the running backs cannot just get the ball and run. There are other things he needs to do to be effective. Instead of knowing he will take the reins of the running game, he finds himself in a dogfight for the position.

D’Onta Foreman — The Veteran Challenger

D’Onta Foreman brings valuable NFL experience and a physical running style to the competition. After his resurgence with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 in which he had a career-high 203 carries, Foreman displayed his ability to handle a heavy workload and make an impact between the tackles. He gained 914 yards, averaged 4.5 yards per carry, and had 5 touchdowns.

Foreman’s powerful running style, coupled with his reliable hands in the passing game, presents a formidable challenge to his fellow contenders. Foreman’s experience and proven track record could give him an edge in the race for the starting role.

Roschon Johnson — The Dark Horse

As an intriguing prospect, Roschon Johnson enters the competition as the dark horse candidate for the top running back role. In spite of playing behind one of the best running back prospects in recent years, Bijan Robinson, Johnson still made a name for himself. He had 2,190 rushing yards, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, and recorded 23 touchdowns at Texas. He added 420 receiving yards, 7.5 yards per catch, and 3 receiving touchdowns. Not bad for an unknown backup.

The fact that he played behind Robinson might have given the Chicago Bears a steal in the draft.

Johnson possesses a well-rounded skill set that includes impressive vision, agility, and receiving ability. While he may be less known to Bears fans, Johnson’s potential and versatility make him a wildcard in the competition. If he can translate his college success to the professional level, he could emerge as a surprise frontrunner. Even if he doesn’t win the job early in the season, he could be the starter before the season’s end. He appears to be the future of the Chicago Bears.

Factors Influencing the Decision

The coaching staff’s evaluation of various factors will play a crucial role in determining the top running back for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Elements such as pass protection skills, ability to contribute in the passing game, ball security, and consistency will be key considerations.

Additionally, the running backs’ performance and chemistry with the offensive line during training camp and preseason games will heavily impact the decision-making process.

The battle for the top running back spot in the Chicago Bears’ backfield promises to be an exciting three-way competition that the fans will look forward to.

With Herbert, Foreman, and the rookie Johnson vying for the role, the Bears have an abundance of talent to choose from. As the competition unfolds, fans can anticipate an intense battle that will not only elevate the running game but also contribute to the overall success of the team in the upcoming season.