When discussing the Chicago Bears offense and who may or may not be the breakout star this year, the list of names is almost always the same. Quarterback Justin Fields, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Cole Kmet are the three most popular choices. All three have looked good in training camp thus far. It would be great news for fans to see it happen. That said, there is an under-the-radar choice worth monitoring.
Greg Cosell has covered the NFL for decades as a film producer, author, TV host, and radio host. The guy is among the most respected analysts in the business. He knows new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and the new scheme he’s looking to install. Cosell believes it will mirror the outside zone systems run by Kyle Shanahan and Matt Lafleur. That running game will be the foundation, which is why his eyes are squarely fixed on one key name in the Bears’ lineup, as he explained on the Ross Tucker podcast.
Chicago Bears have every reason to feed Khalil Herbert.
He was excellent for them as a rookie in 2021, rushing for 433 yards and two touchdowns on 103 carries. His vision, burst, and contact balance made him a menace whenever the Bears experimented with outside zone concepts. True to form, Matt Nagy never bothered to exploit it fully. That figures to change under Luke Getsy. While David Montgomery may still be Chicago’s lead back, Herbert will get lots of action.
Cosell believes he could end up supplanting Montgomery at some point. It isn’t crazy to think about either. Remember Montgomery is in the final year of his rookie contract. He is seeking an extension and needs a big year to do it. Conversely, Herbert has three years left on his deal. The Chicago Bears could look to start a changing of the guard in anticipation of Montgomery leaving as a free agent next year.
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It sounds harsh to put it that way, but this is the business of the NFL. Teams are reluctant to pay running backs. If it looks like Herbert is functioning better in the offense early this season, don’t be shocked if the Bears lean into that.
