Chicago Bears fans love underdogs like anybody else. They’re dying for that day when their beloved team unearths a hidden gem nobody else spotted. The most recent example was Bryce Callahan, an undrafted free agent in 2015 who emerged to become one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league in 2018. Sadly his injury issues have derailed his career. Thus the wait has resumed for that next unexpected gold strike to arrive.
Some may finally get their wish on Sunday. Running back David Montgomery is dealing with an ankle injury. Head coach Matt Nagy has since declared him a game-time decision, which means it’s 50/50 on whether he’ll play. This could put the Bears running game squarely in the hands of second-year back Ryan Nall. A possibility that seemed totally farfetched as little as a month ago.
Yet through a series of circumstances, this is how things have come to be. Former backup Mike Davis was cut in order to secure a possible compensatory draft pick in 2020. That left Montgomery and Tarik Cohen as basically a 1-2 punch of sorts. Nall was elevated to the main roster as depth and extra special teams help. Now just one week after making his NFL debut, he could be in line for actual carries on the road against the defending NFC champion Los Angeles Rams.
What a whirlwind.
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Chicago Bears will have to play a certain style with Nall
Nall was a successful runner during his time at Oregon State. He managed over 2,200 yards from scrimmage in his final two seasons there with 25 touchdowns. He is a big 6’2 back at 235 lbs. So it’s no doubt that power is a big part of his game. Still, what he isn’t known for is quickness and change-of-direction ability. He’s very much a north-south guy. So if the Bears do have to turn to him as their primary back, they’ll need to run more of a power scheme. That means I-formation with a fullback.
Nall performed well in the preseason back in August. He ran for 135 yards on 24 carries while also catching 10 passes for 55 yards. So he has some versatility to his game. The big question is can he deliver any sort of help to the offense in what will be a hostile stadium against a pretty good defense in a game that is must-win? It’s a lot to ask. Hopefully Montgomery can go so the Bears won’t be forced to thrust him into such a spot.
