Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for 2021 NFL season

4. David Montgomery has a great season

Okay, so this one might make many readers incredulous. Claiming that a Chicago Bears running back will have a big season with Nagy as his head coach is unbelievable. Nagy has a tendency of putting most of his focus on the passing game, thus ignoring the running game.

Before last season started, Nagy claimed that he knew the running game should be better. After rushing for over 100 yards the first three games, Nagy went away from the running game. The Bears went seven straight games rushing for less than 100 yards.

After their bye week, the Bears then went six straight games eclipsing 100 yards. That corresponded with Nagy giving up play-calling. It also corresponded with the offensive line performing better.

Despite the fans’ feelings, the offensive line will perform better than last season. The interior of the line is strong. The Bears just need to solidify the left tackle spot. Germain Ifedi did well at right tackle last season so he’ll be good there again.

With an improved line playing all season, Mongtomery will play better. Despite some really bad games last season, he still ended up running for 1,070 yards, finishing fifth in the NFL in rushing. With a full season of improved offensive line play, Montgomery will have a larger number of yards run.

Additionally, Montgomery worked hard in the offseason to improve his speed. Coming out of college, he clocked a 4.63 40-yard dash. After working with his speed trainer this offseason, his speed is apparently up to 4.44.

We’ll see once the season begins how different his speed is. If he is indeed faster, combined with his shiftiness and ability to bounce off tacklers, Montgomery will make some big plays. As a result, he’ll have a big season.

Prediction: 1,423 yards on 305 carries (4.67 yards per carry), 10 touchdowns; 67 receptions for 557 yards (8.3 yards per catch), 5 touchdowns.