After officially moving on from the Jordan Howard era, the Chicago Bears tabbed David Montgomery as the running back of the future in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Montgomery was paired with free agent Mike Davis, as well as the versatile Tarik Cohen.
And while the offensive line had its issues last season, there was a key stat that proved Montgomery will be vital in the upcoming season. That stat is simply to give the ball more to him.
The Bears were a perfect 8-0 when Montgomery carried the ball at least 17 times per game, and 0-8 when he had less than 13 attempts. In victories, the Iowa State product averaged nearly four years-per-carry, compared to 3.5 yards-per-carry in losing efforts. It truly goes to show it is a game of inches.
Montgomery’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield had no bearing on the outcome of games. He had nearly as many catches in both outcomes, but, obviously, it helps when he can turn those plays into big gains.
The Bears also need stability at the quarterback position this year, but having a guy like Nick Foles under center will benefit Montgomery. During his time in Philadelphia and Jacksonville, Foles frequently targeted guys like Corey Clement, Jay Ajayi, Wendell Smallwood, Darren Sproles and Leonard Fournette.
If the Bears offensive line can rebound to their 2018 version, look for Montgomery to enter the conversation as being a top-10 running back who’s capable of eclipsing 1,200 yards every year.
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