Chicago Bears: Rushing attack should be greatly improved in 2021

While many fans are giddy at the new Chicago Bears’ quarterback situation, we shouldn’t overlook how much better the running game will be as well.

Since the moment the Chicago Bears drafted quarterback Justin Fields the feeling around the team is so much more positive. Many people feel that they finally found the face of the franchise.

To make things even better, the Bears also made a concerted effort to improve the offensive line. What is the purpose of getting a talented quarterback prospect like Fields if you can’t also protect him?

The team agreed and drafted two linemen who will change the attitude on the line. Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom are nasty linemen who will add a lot of toughness to the line. Earlier in the offseason, the Bears also signed Elijah Williamson, another good pickup that adds toughness.

Now the fans are giddy thinking about how much more improved the passing attack will be in 2021. Even if FIelds doesn’t start right away, the Bears have Andy Dalton. After the team’s rookie minicamp, head coach Matt Nagy reiterated that Dalton would receive the number one reps at the team’s Organized Team Activities, or OTAs. Having Dalton as the starter is still a step up from having Mitchell Trubisky.

The Chicago Bears rushing attack should also be improved in 2021

While it’s great to see a much-improved passing attack coming from the Chicago Bears, let’s not overlook the running game. The running back unit will also be improved.

The Bears lost Tarik Cohen early last year to a knee injury. He’s back this season to help starter David Montgomery. In addition, the Bears also drafted Khalil Herbert to be in the mix. He could be a very nice pickup that the Bears got in the sixth round.

The Bears also signed Damien Williams as a free agent.

Let’s not also forget about Artavis Pierce. He’s also trying to make the roster. He runs with explosiveness and could play on some snaps as a change of back.

The Bears have a good mixture of tough and speedy runners. Montgomery uses his shiftiness and elusiveness to gain big yards. With an improved offensive line, he’ll be able to see better holes to run through.

Despite the offensive line struggles last season, Montgomery finished the season fifth in rushing yards with 1,070. Additionally, he averaged 4.3 yards per run, a great average considering that it seemed like every time he touched the ball he got hit behind the line of scrimmage. It’ll be exciting to see him run with more space.

While Cohen’s return makes many feel that Montgomery will have a better backup, he’ll continue to be the gadget back. He’ll run some but he’ll be there to catch passes out of the backfield and be another slot receiver.

If things work out well, Williams should be the main backup running back. He should do well, coming from Kansas City where current Chicago Bears head coach was the offensive coordinator before coming to Chicago. He understands Nagy’s offensive system and would fit in well.

Herbert could make an impact on the team but as a returner. At Virginia Tech, he averaged 26.9 yards per return. If he does that with the Bears he’ll be a great addition. He is explosive and makes quick decisions in the open field to make big plays. He could also make those big plays in the backfield.

Will Nagy utilize the rushing attack properly?

A big concern for many is whether Nagy could utilize the running game properly. People feel that he abandoned the running game in too many games. Is that perception correct, however?

The perception is that Montgomery didn’t get enough touches during the 2020 season. However, he had 247 carries. That ranked him fourth in the league, and that’s with him missing a game because of a concussion.

The main trouble with the running game surrounds the offensive line again. There were times early in the season when the line dominated and Montgomery looked great. Then the injuries and COVID hit and the line was a hot mess. Unsurprisingly, Montgomery and the running game struggled.

We’ll see a better rushing attack with better personnel on the field. Montgomery will show all the assets the Chicago Bears saw in him when they drafted him. He’ll also have a very good supporting cast behind him. A better running game will help the passing game even more and hopefully, that ends up with more wins.