Ty Montgomery didn’t do much in the Green Bay Packers preseason, but he’s in a position to succeed entering Week 1.
Ty Montgomery emerged as a legitimate running back option for the Green Bay Packers last season. Due to his lack of experience, it seemed as if the Packers weren’t completely sold though. Montgomery headed into camp this year without the keys to the running backs. He seems to have them now though, and it’s hard to think of a better situation for the 24-year old.
There’s one thing I think everyone can agree on when it comes to Ty Montgomery. Hearing the whole “he was a wide receiver to start his career” commentary got old really fast. The bad news is, that’s probably something that will be discussed a lot when Montgomery is on the field. There’s two reasons for that.
First, he actually looked gifted as a running back last season. Montgomery wasn’t bad at finding the holes, and had solid field vision. Fumbles weren’t a problem for him either.
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Then there’s the much more obvious reason: he’s a great receiving running back. Montgomery has no problems running routes and getting open. He can make tough catches, and can handle his own in open space after the catch. So why is Green Bay the perfect fit for Montgomery? Simply because of their offense.
Aaron Rodgers isn’t afraid to toss the football around, and he does so with pinpoint accuracy. He also doesn’t have the best offensive line in front of him though. This could lead to a number of dump-offs to Montgomery.
It won’t just be dump-offs though. A running back with the skillset of Montgomery is an absolute weapon for offenses. It’s hard for a defense to find the right man to cover a running back with such good pass catching abilities. It would be wise for the Packers to draw up plenty of plays designed around Montgomery.
Finally, there’s the depth. All three running backs behind Montgomery on the depth chart are rookies. In most situations, his 80 career carries would be a disadvantage. In Green Bay it’s experience.
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Ty Montgomery is a gifted athlete with a dangerous skill set. The Packers haven’t had a running back like him in a long time. Expect Aaron Rodgers and company to utilize him — and do so often.