Few people have watched and evaluated more running backs with the Chicago Bears than Tom Thayer. The former guard played with Walter Payton and Neal Anderson. Then he spent years as an analyst watching Anthony Thomas, Thomas Jones, Matt Forte, Jordan Howard, and David Montgomery. Thayer has watched several great runners. However, he’s often had a critical eye beyond their ability to carry the ball. Much more goes into the position than that. Roschon Johnson seems to understand this.
Thayer hasn’t watched the 4th round rookie for long, but the former guard is already enamored with him. He explained why to Jeff Joniak on the Bears, Etc. Podcast.
It is probably the most underrated facet of a running back’s game. Plenty of guys can run or catch the ball. Far fewer can read where pressure is coming from and pick it up before reaching the quarterback. This was a persistent issue for the Bears last season. David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert both struggled in protection, contributing to Justin Fields’ inability to see a clean pocket. Johnson’s pass-blocking ability was a huge selling point to the Bears on draft day.
Thayer knows how valuable Roschon Johnson could end up being.
He has first-hand experience seeing the value of a running back that can pass protect. Payton was terrific at it during the later stages of his career. His blitz pick-up in 1985 against the Vikings, leading to Jim McMahon’s touchdown pass that sparked a comeback win, remains among the franchise’s all-time great moments. Howard was another one. People always talk about Mitch Trubisky’s breakout year in 2018. They often forget the running back allowing only two pressures in 95 blocks played a huge part in that.
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This ability will be what gets Roschon Johnson on the field quickly. He’s already showing flashes of his physical running style. However, the Bears want to help Fields open up the passing game. That means giving him the best protection possible. That doesn’t just mean the offensive line. It also involves the tight ends and the running backs. Marcedes Lewis was signed to help the former. Johnson could be the key to the latter. One should never underestimate the value of an extra split second in football. Good blocking backs are often responsible for that. Hearing Thayer speak so glowingly of the rookie is a great sign.
