Among the many issues that plagued the Chicago Bears offense in 2019 was the run game, which felt like an absolute non-factor last season.
That wasn’t due in most part to rookie running back David Montgomery, who the Bears took as their top draft pick in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While Montgomery’s season didn’t go as planned, he ultimately had a solid rookie season that he can build on.
Although he certainly wasn’t helped by his offensive line or Matt Nagy’s playcalling. Montgomery had more than 20 rushing attempts in just four games, and there were seven games where he had less than 15 carries.
Fixing the run game has been an emphasis this offseason for the Bears, who have brought in some new offensive coaches with proven success in the run game with offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and offensive line coach Juan Castillo. Nagy doesn’t love to run the ball, but you’ve got to believe that’s going to change.
Montgomery believes that Chicago’s run game is going to take a step forward in 2020.
“It’s going to be better this year,” Montgomery told reporters via video conference. “I’m going to be better this year for this team and this organization. I’m going to come as prepared as ever to lead that running back room the way I need to — and be who I need to be for this offense and this team.”
While Montgomery didn’t have a breakout rookie season, his performance was encouraging for the future. Montgomery had 889 rushing yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and six touchdowns. He also added 25 receptions for 185 yards and a score. Montgomery surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards as a rookie.
It’s that experience that gives Montgomery the confidence that he’s going to have more success in 2020.
“An entire year of me being in an offense,” Montgomery said. “Me not being solely a complete rookie and me going in with the unknown that, ‘I don’t know any of the offense,’ or me going in with the unknown that I don’t know if I’ll play or not. [Or] me going with the unknown of not knowing if I will get carries or not, or worrying about all the small stuff that doesn’t even matter anymore.
“I can really get to playing football now because I’m a year in and I’m a lot more confident. I’m ready to go have fun now.”
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