Chicago Bears: 4 players who earned midseason awards
By Ryan Heckman
Offensive Swiss Army Knife: Tarik Cohen
Before the season started, we all knew that Tarik Cohen was going to be used in a variety of ways. We knew he would be lined up at wide receiver as well as in the back field. So far, he’s come through with some big-time plays and continues to prove Ryan Pace right on snagging him in the fourth round of last year’s draft.
On the season, Cohen has gained 229 yards on 49 carries while catching 31 passes for 406 yards. He has scored four total touchdowns. As the team’s secondary running back (technically), Cohen is on pace for 1,270 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.
For good measure, Jordan Howard is also on pace for over 1,000 total yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground — just in case anyone still wants to offer their criticism on the matter.
Back to Cohen.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1059165052467474432
This is an offensive award, but just a side note: He can play a little special teams, too.
He is getting it done mostly through the air, which is where defenses have had a hard time keeping up with him. Cohen ranks first in the NFL in yards per route run by running backs, per PFF. He is also one of the most elusive backs in the league, coming in at eighth among eligible backs at the position.
Cohen has also been fantastic in pass protection, ranking as the eighth-best running back among eligible players (again, via PFF).
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There really isn’t anything Cohen can’t do. If he’s asked to do it, he does it. It’s the reason why he is clearly the most dispensable player on the offense. Nagy can use him in so many creative ways, and he’ll continue to move the chains. He’s been fun to watch, and he’s only growing.
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