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Bears running back David Montgomery is primed for a breakout season in 2021. And it’s not just because of his dominant second-half in 2020. It’s the fact that he continues to be disrespected among running back rankings, where he’s determined to prove his doubters wrong.
ESPN released their list of top 10 running backs in the NFL entering 2021, and Montgomery didn’t make the cut. Montgomery wasn’t even among the five honorable mentions, including Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor, Cleveland’s Kareem Hunt and Philadelphia’s Miles Sanders.
When you look at what Montgomery accomplished last season, it’s crazy to believe that he wasn’t even listed among those right outside the top 10. Especially given the Bears didn’t commit to the run until halfway through the season and Chicago’s offensive line took some time to pull together.
Montgomery was easily the most dominant running back in the final six weeks of the 2020 season, where he eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards in six straight games, including three games with 100-plus rushing yards.
Montgomery finished the season with 247 carries for 1,070 yards, and he even missed a game due to a concussion. He tied for the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL, as well as eight touchdowns. He became the Bears’ first 1,000 yard rusher since Jordan Howard in 2016 and 2017.
The future is bright for Montgomery, who’s entering his third season with Chicago. And for those that continue to doubt him, Montgomery is determined to make them remember his name.
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