When looking at the Chicago Bears offense, if any position looked like it might be settled, for the most part, it’s running back. They have a proven 1,000-yard rusher in David Montgomery, who is squarely in his prime. Not only that, but Khalil Herbert proved he is a capable player last season as well when given opportunities. They have the look of a strong 1-2 punch moving forward. However, head coach Matt Eberflus may disagree.
At least not entirely. His recent interview with longtime columnist, Peter King of NBC Sports, was an endless treasure trove of interest info. Eberflus reached out to dozens of Bears alumni, even inviting Charles Tillman to spring practices. He believes Justin Fields has the makings of a great quarterback and knew he’d be the head coach when he met GM Ryan Poles. Perhaps one comment that went overlooked during the 20-minute conversation was what he thinks is necessary to make Fields a success.
Specifically about the running back position.
“Putting pieces around him that are helping him be successful. So what I mean by that is we have to have an offensive line that can protect. We have to have an offensive line that can block the running game the appropriate way. Then we need to have runners, different pace runners, we have a good runner now but we’re going to add some other pieces in there potentially, and having pieces around him.”
Interesting. Eberflus seems to suggest the current makeup of Montgomery and Herbert is missing something. The mention of a different pace might have something to do with a general lack of speed. Montgomery is a tough and strong runner. Herbert has excellent vision and acceleration. Yet neither can be called explosive. Considering how much this new regime mentions speed, that is a problem.
The Bears used to have such a threat in Tarike Cohen. Sadly, that knee injury in 2020 ruined his career. He hasn’t played since. That is why the team cut him. Without that added dimension he brought, teams don’t fear the big play as they used to from Chicago’s backfield. Eberflus seems intent on changing that. The good news is this upcoming draft class seems ready to oblige his wishes.
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Matt Eberflus could have options galore later in the draft
The scouting combine proved that there is some speed in this running back class. Six players ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds. One that should get attention right away is Pierre Strong. He was a nightmare for defenses in 2021, rushing for 1,686 yards on just 240 carries. That works out to 7.02 per carry. Every time he touched the ball, it was a big play waiting to happen. Snagging him early on Day 3 might be exactly what the Bears want.
Or maybe they could look at D’vonte Price. At 6’2, 215 lbs, it is easy to assume that he is another classic big back known for his power. When defenses make that assumption, they pay the penalty. Price averaged 6.0 yards per carry for his college career, adding 45 catches for 307 yards. He’s somebody defenders don’t want to see in the open field. There will be other options too. It comes down to what Matt Eberflus and his staff prefer.
Something should not be overlooked here.
Montgomery is entering the final season of his rookie contract with the Bears. Paying running backs is always a tricky proposition for NFL teams, given how quickly the position breaks down health-wise. Not to mention how easy it can be to replenish on the cheap.
