Tag: David Montgomery

49ers RB Raheem Mostert has requested a trade. Could the Bears be interested?

Raheem Mostert is looking for a long-term deal, but the 49ers don’t seem willing to give it to him. Perhaps the Bears should consider him.

After leading the NFL in yards after contact with 5.6, rushing for 772 yards with eight touchdowns and a historic performance in the NFC Title Game against the Green Bay Packers, where he rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns, Raheem Mostert has requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers.

The 28-year old is looking for a long-term contract, and it seems like the 49ers aren’t willing to give Mostert that. The 49ers running backs room consists of Jerick McKinnon, Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson Jr.

This offseason the Bears haven’t really that much focus on their running backs as they still have David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen and Ryan Nall. The Bears have also signed two undrafted rookie running backs in Artavis Pierce and Napoleon Maxwell.

With Cohen playing mostly as a receiver, Nall with two carries last season and the inexperience from the undrafted free agents, it makes sense for the Bears to bring in someone to complement Montgomery.

In 2016, Mostert was signed to the Bears practice squad. A week after Mostert signed onto the practice squad, he appeared in two games. The Bears would demote Mostert back to the practice squad, but he would later be released on November 24 before signing with the 49ers.

There’s still some quality running backs in free agency, but the price might be too high, like with Devonta Freeman. The Bears would be looking to give up a mid-round pick, but how much is Mostert looking for in a long-term deal? 

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mostert was looking to be in line with the highest-paid running backs on the 49ers, which would be in the $4.55 million range.

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Should we expect big second-year leap from RB David Montgomery in 2020?

The Bears’ biggest fantasy football question hinges on the production of second-year RB David Montgomery in 2020.

ESPN NFL Nation reporters answered the biggest fantasy questions for every team. For the Chicago Bears, it hinges on the production of running back David Montgomery in 2020.

One of Bears coach Matt Nagy’s stated goals is to have a more efficient and consistent running attack. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect Montgomery’s rushing attempts and yardage will increase from his rookie season. I’m not sure whether Montgomery will take a giant leap, but Nagy knows that Montgomery wasn’t properly utilized in 2019 when he rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns. Nagy is determined to fix that.

Montgomery had a solid rookie year, where he had 889 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He also added 25 receptions for 185 yards and a score. Montgomery surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards as a rookie.

Still, it wasn’t what many expected from Montgomery. And it’s not all on him. He struggled behind an ineffective offensive line — averaging 3.7 yards per carry — and he wasn’t helped by Matt Nagy’s aversion to running the football. Montgomery had more than 20 rushing attempts in just four games, and there were seven games where he had less than 15 carries.

Obviously, fixing the run game has been a focal point this offseason for Chicago. While the Bears seem content with the running back room led by Montgomery, Tarik Cohen and Ryan Nall, they did bring in some new offensive coaches that specialize in the run game or offensive line. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone are working to get the run game on track.

Montgomery believes that the run game is going to be much better than it was last season.

“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.”

Montgomery, who will be the Bears’ featured back, should get a lot more carries than last season, and he should see a bigger role in the passing game. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen. But with the increased focus on the run game this offseason, Montgomery should get more opportunities in 2020.

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Bears’ new offensive coaches are looking to get the run game going

There were several issues with the Bears offense last season, including the run game, which was a detriment to a balanced offensive attack.

When it comes to dissecting what exactly went wrong with the Chicago Bears offense last season, you can’t pinpoint just one thing. Erratic quarterback play, an ineffective offensive line and inconsistent play calling were all contributing factors. But another was the struggles of the run game, which was a detriment to achieving a balanced offensive attack.

Rookie running back David Montgomery struggled to establish a rhythm behind a struggling offensive line and with a play-caller with no affinity for the run game. Montgomery had more than 20 rushing attempts in just four games, and there were seven games where he had less than 15 carries.

But in three of those games where he had more than 20 rushing attempts, the Bears won. The other game — against the Los Angeles Chargers — should’ve been a victory if Eddy Pineiro had connected on a 41-yard field goal in the closing seconds. Simply put, when the Bears had a heavy dose of the run game, they were able to turn those games into wins. Which made it even more puzzling as to why Nagy tended to abandon the run game early in games.

Fast forward this offseason, where head coach Matt Nagy brought in four new offensive coaches, including those with experience with the run game or offensive line — offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone.

Lazor and Castillo have already been working on figuring out ways to open the run game up for Montgomery this season.

“Juan and I have had conversations already about the formations we would like to use in the run game for our opening game of the season,” Lazor said, via SI.com. “It’s our job, when your title is coordinator, you have to make sure it all fits.

“You have to make sure the run game, the pass game, the play-action, the drop-backs, the screens, they all fit.”

Someone else that knows something about blocking is tight ends coach Clancy Barone, who has also served as an offensive line coach during his coaching career.

“Here, we have a tight ends coach who’s not only been―in Clancy Barone, a very accomplished tight ends coach―who’s also been an offensive line coach,” Lazor said. “So, as you look at the whole picture of staff, how if your line coach takes the lead in the run game, how can you support them? The more you have guys like Clancy who have done the job and understand the job, to be able to support them, well that affects the role I have to take.”

Running backs coach Charles London described it as a committee approach, where everyone’s collaborating and looking to improve the run game as a whole.

“We’ll collaborate as we do in every phase of our game plan, whether it’s the run game, the pass game, protections,” London said. “It’s a collaboration there and I think that regardless of what the scheme is, it’s all about us.

“As an offense we didn’t really pull our weight last year and I know the guys are itching to get there and want to put a better foot forward.”

While Montgomery had a solid rookie season — 889 rushing yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and six touchdowns — we still haven’t seen everything that he can do. But Montgomery is confident that will change this season, and the run game as a whole will be better in 2020.

“It’s going to be better this year,” Montgomery said. “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.”

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These 4 Bears players are poised for a breakout season in 2020

Our Bears Wire staff shares their thoughts on which Bears players are poised to have a breakout year in 2020.

The Chicago Bears are coming off a disappointing 2019 season, which included a 8-8 record and third-place finish in the NFC North. There were a number of factors that contributed to the decline, namely on offense.

But Chicago is looking to rebound in 2020, and they’ll need several players to really step it up in order to do that. Not only veterans but some of the young talent that appeared poised to make their mark on the NFL.

Our Bears Wire staff shares their thoughts on which Bears players are poised to have a breakout year in 2020.

Alyssa: WR Anthony Miller

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

There’s no better time for Anthony Miller to make a statement than in his third season. With the release of veteran wideout Taylor Gabriel, Miller instantly fills that No. 2 role opposite Allen Robinson. While Miller has had his share of injury struggles – he’s coming off a second straight shoulder surgery – there’s every reason to believe that Miller is poised for a breakout year.

After a slow start to his sophomore season — which included a sluggish outing by the offense — when the Bears offense started to heat up, that’s when Miller shined. Case in point, a five-game stretch where he totaled 33 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns in Weeks 11-15. Miller finished the year with 52 receptions for 656 yards and two scores. With an additional year of experience in Matt Nagy’s offense and what’s sure to be better quarterback play — be it from Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles — Miller is in a good place to establish himself as Chicago’s clear-cut No. 2 wideout.

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6 Bears that should take a major step forward in 2020

Despite having a relatively down year, these six Bears players are poised to step it up in 2020.

Heading into the 2020 season, the Chicago Bears are looking to rebound following a disappointing outing that concluded with a 8-8 record last year. If they’re going to make a run back to the playoffs, they’re going to need several players to step it up this season.

There are a slew of Bears players that are poised to have rebound or breakout seasons after down years, whether it’s experienced veterans or young players on the rise. And if they’re able to rise to the challenge, that will only mean good things for Chicago.

Here are six Bears players that should take a major step forward in the 2020 season.

1. RB David Montgomery

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

While David Montgomery had a solid year in 2019, his rookie season certainly didn’t go as expected. Montgomery had 889 rushing yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and six touchdowns. He surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards as a rookie, also adding 25 receptions for 185 yards and a score. But Montgomery certainly wasn’t helped by a struggling offensive line and Matt Nagy’s aversion to the run game.

Montgomery had more than 20 rushing attempts in just four games, and there were seven games where he had less than 15 carries. With a bigger emphasis on the run game this offseason and a full season in Nagy’s offense, expect Montgomery to improve on his rookie year.

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Bears TE Cole Kmet ready to show everyone what he can do as a rookie

Cole Kmet has been praised by Matt Nagy for how quickly he’s grasped the playbook as a rookie, and Kmet feels confident heading into camp.

This offseason has been unlike any other in NFL history, where players and coaches have had to work from home through virtual meetings and independent workouts.

For rookies like Chicago’s top draft pick tight end Cole Kmet, it’s been difficult not to get that time during minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs) at Halas Hall to learn the offense.

And while this offseason has been completely virtual, Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has been organizing workouts with teammates in the Chicago area, where they’ve been working on routes, continuing to build that chemistry and staying in shape.

Kmet has been among a handful of players at these workouts, which have also included receiver Allen Robinson, running backs David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen, as well as fellow tight end Demetrius Harris.

Kmet appeared on a Facebook Live with former Bear Chris Zorich, where they discussed his journey navigating football and baseball from the high school level to his time at Notre Dame to being the Bears’ top draft pick this year.

The Bears’ second-round pick has been trying to keep in shape and learn the playbook as quickly as he can without the benefit of on-field practices at Halas Hall. He’s been praised by Matt Nagy for how quickly he’s grasped the playbook as a rookie, and Kmet feels confident heading into camp.

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“Just kind of working out with some of the guys in the area right now,” Kmet said. “Running routes and that type of stuff and kind of staying in shape that way. We’ve been putting in the work. I’m excited to get getting going on the field with these guys and show them what I can do as a rookie coming in. I’m just going to continue to study up on that playbook, and when camp rolls around, I’m going to be ready to go.”

They also discussed training camp, which is coming up next month. Kmet said the current report date is July 21, which figures to be for rookies. Rookies typically report a few days earlier than veterans, but with the lack of an on-field offseason, perhaps veterans will be allowed back, as well.

Obviously, all of this depends on what the NFL chooses to do. It’s a tentative schedule, but Kmet feels confident that it’s going to happen.

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David Montgomery confident Bears run game will be better in 2020

Fixing the run game has been an emphasis this offseason for the Bears, and David Montgomery believes the run game will improve this season.

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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WATCH: Mitchell Trubisky works with Bears skill position players in on-field workout

This offseason, QB Mitchell Trubisky has been leading on-field workouts with Bears skill position players in the area. See highlights here.

This offseason, NFL players have had to find unique ways to stay in shape and get some work in due to an entirely virtual offseason amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Bears head coach Matt Nagy ended the team’s offseason program a week and a half early so that players could take the time to train between now and the start of training camp next month.

This offseason, we’ve heard about Mitchell Trubisky leading on-field workouts with Bears skill position players that are in the Chicago area, including receiver Allen Robinson, running backs David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen and tight ends Demetrius Harris and Cole Kmet.

Following a disappointing outing on offense, these sessions have been focusing on perfecting routes and fine-tuning things before they can hit the field and practice against their defense in camp.

One of Montgomery’s friends George Gaza shared a video of one of those workout sessions, which featured Trubisky, Robinson, Montgomery, Kmet, center Cody Whitehair and tight end Eric Saubert.

Take a look at what Trubisky, Robinson, Montgomery, Kmet, Saubert and more have been up to during this offseason.

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Where do Bears RBs David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen rank in ESPN’s fantasy projections?

See where Bears running backs David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen rank among ESPN’s 2020 fantasy football projections.

The Chicago Bears offense was one of the worst in the NFL last season, and unless you had receiver Allen Robinson on your roster, they weren’t to be counted on in your fantasy football lineup.

In ESPN’s 2020 fantasy football projections, Bears running backs Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery ranked 100th and 102nd, respectively, overall. By position, Cohen ranks 25th and Montgomery 26th among running backs.

After a solid 2018 season, Cohen’s production took a dip last year as Matt Nagy didn’t find a way to utilize him to the fullest. Cohen’s contributions in the passing game were most valuable, as he 79 receptions for 456 yards and three touchdowns. But his production on the ground really took a hit, as he had 64 carries for 213 yards.

Cohen returns as Chicago’s change-of-pace and extremely-busy receiving back. Believe it or not, Cohen ranks fourth among backs in both targets (261) and receptions (203) since entering the NFL in 2017. Cohen’s 190-pound frame has limited him to no more than 99 carries in a single season and a grand total of four carries inside the 5-yard line. However, 70-plus catches each of the past two seasons has helped him to fantasy finishes of 11th in 2018 and 27th in 2019. Cohen’s efficiency was extremely poor last season (3.3 YPC, 4.4 YPT), and he’ll remain limited as a rusher and at the goal line, but his role isn’t expected to change in 2020, which locks him into the PPR flex discussion.

ESPN projects Cohen will have a better year in 2020, and they even have him ranked higher than starting running back David Montgomery. They have Cohen tallying 69 carries for 291 yards with 4.2 yards per carry (up from 3.3 last season) and a score. They expect Cohen to have a big year in the passing game, where they project 72 receptions for 508 yards and two touchdowns.

Montgomery had a solid rookie season, but it wasn’t exactly what the Bears were hoping for. Then again, Montgomery didn’t get help from a struggling offensive line and some questionable play calling by Nagy. Montgomery had more than 20 rushing attempts in just four games, and there were seven games where he had less than 15 carries.

Montgomery’s rookie season didn’t go as planned, but the 2019 third-round pick remains atop the Chicago depth chart. The Iowa State product wasn’t short on volume in his first season, ranking 12th among backs in touches and sixth in carries inside the 5 (14). The problem was a combination of poor rushing efficiency (3.7 YPC, 1.6 YAC) and a lack of volume and effectiveness as a pass-catcher (185 yards on 37 targets). The end result was two top-15 fantasy weeks and a 24th-place finish by season’s end. Montgomery will continue to defer passing-down work to Tarik Cohen but is certainly a breakout candidate in his second season. Montgomery is a flex option with RB2 upside.

ESPN projects Montgomery to have a higher fantasy value in 2020, although it’ll be more because of his versatility out of the backfield. They have Montgomery getting 212 carries (down from his 242 in 2019) for 849 yards (down from 889 last year) for six touchdowns (same as in 2019). But they have Montgomery getting more production in the passing game with 26 receptions for 215 yards and a score, although you figure Montgomery will be more involved with the passing game in 2020.

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Bears name David Montgomery and Nick Williams recipients of Brian Piccolo Award

On the 50th anniversary of Brian Piccolo’s death, the Bears named David Montgomery and Nick Williams the recipients of the award.

It’s been 50 years since Brian Piccolo passed away and on Tuesday, the Chicago Bears announced running back David Montgomery and defensive tackle Nick Williams as the winners for the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award.

Since the death of Piccolo on June 26, 1970, the Bears have given the honor to a Bears rookie, then in 1992, the Bears expanded the award to include a veteran. The award is voted upon by teammates and is given to the players that “best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication, and sense of humor of Brian Piccolo.”

The award is usually presented before the NFL Draft, but the coronavirus pandemic led the Bears to postpone the announcement until today. Both Montgomery and Williams issues statements on receiving the award.

“It’s a blessing to receive the Piccolo Award,” Montgomery said, via ChicagoBears.com. “I’d like to thank the Bears organization, the Piccolo family, and my teammates for making this possible. Being linked to Brian Piccolo and his legacy with the Bears is very humbling. Anytime your teammates or peers vote for you for anything, it’s a huge honor. Being a running back for the Bears with the rich history at that position makes this especially unique and I’m just very grateful.”

Montgomery had a productive rookie season where he had 242 carries, rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns then caught 25 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown. Williams, who signed with the Detroit Lions to a two-year, $10 million deal, stepped up for the Bears in 2019 when Akiem Hicks battled injures. Williams would lead the Bears defensive linemen with 42 tackles, six sacks and five tackles-for-loss.

“When I found out I was receiving the Brian Piccolo Award, it was a huge honor,” Williams said. “It exemplifies teamwork, courage, loyalty, dedication, and just a sense of humor. Having a sense of humor is something that stuck with me throughout the locker room. I’ve always cracked jokes with guys and tried to look on the bright side of things. When things may not have been going our way, I tried to lift them up, especially the defensive line room. I think being a locker room guy exemplifies the award and it’s a huge honor for me to even join this list of guys. Even one of the most recent winners, Akiem Hicks, one of my good friends. I know what type of player and teammate he was. It’s just a huge honor.”

Part of today’s announcement with the award winners was that the Bears would be launching the “All Four One” campaign to benefit the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Since 1970, the research fund “has committed more than $8.3 million to the development of improved diagnostic tools and more effective treatments.”

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