Chicago Bears: David Montgomery getting crash course in NFL life
When the Chicago Bears drafted running back David Montgomery, the franchise and the fans were excited. Early on in training camp, he’s learning about the NFL and expectations.
One of the biggest questions for the Chicago Bears going into training camp was how the revamped running game would perform. The team traded away its top running back of the past three seasons, Jordan Howard for a late-round draft pick. Many consider that move to be one of the riskiest this offseason.
The Bears signed Mike Davis, a backup running back formerly of the Seattle Seahawks. He was a nice signing but he wasn’t going to replace a running back who rushed for more than 3,300 yards in three seasons.
The Bears felt that as well so they attacked the running game in the draft. They drafted David Montgomery out of Iowa State with their first pick (in the third round). General manager Ryan Pace and the scouting department got excited watching Montgomery twist and turn to avoid would-be tacklers and turn short to no gains into big plays.
Montgomery’s running style and his ability to be an asset in the passing game impressed and excited head coach Matt Nagy, who called him the total package, via the Chicago Tribune:
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"“The amount of times that he makes defenders miss inside the tackle box (is impressive). He extends runs with his sheer power. He has a tremendous ability to feel when that next guy is coming, that peripheral vision.”"
As the offseason progressed, Montgomery received more accolades. Some even picked him to be the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He already had a lot of expectations laid upon his shoulders, and let’s not forget he’s playing for a franchise that boasts some of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Could he live up to all the hype? Well, early on in training camp he’s showing that he just might be able to do so.
It isn’t his success that makes Montgomery so different. It’s how he reacted to a tough first day of practice. He was chomping at the bit to hit the field with pads so he could show what he had. He struggled on his first day, but instead of sulking, he took responsibility, per Bears Wire:
"“I hold myself accountable for the bads I made at practice as opposed to the goods. The good I’m supposed to do. The expectations that I have for myself — when I don’t do what I need to do and what needs to be done, that’s where it really comes for me.”"
That mental strength that Montgomery has is something that will help him in the NFL. He expects to do great things, but if he makes a few mistakes he’ll take them to heart but knows they’re just bumps on the road to his greatness.
Montgomery’s running ability is clear. He’s flashing the balance and athleticism that excited the team. However, he had a hard time pass blocking, especially on a play in which linebacker Roquan Smith blew him up. Also, he has a lot more routes to run than he did at Iowa State so he’s leaning on Tarik Cohen and Davis, two guys who are experienced in that area.
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As training camp progresses and the preseason games begin, we’ll see Montgomery improve and be ready for the regular season. With his ability and mental strength, we can expect great things from him.