Chicago Bears: Why David Montgomery is crucial vs. Lions

Why is Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery the most crucial player on offense against the Detroit Lions?

When the Chicago Bears traded up 14 spots in the 2019 NFL Draft to select running back David Montgomery, the idea was simple: Have Montgomery be the ideal fit in Head coach Matt Nagy’s offense.

Montgomery’s first season in Chicago was filled with ups and downs. Behind a paltry offensive line, he managed to average just 3.7 yards per carry. Heading into year two, the hope is that Montgomery takes the next step that will allow for the Bears to have a skill position player other than Allen Robinson move the chains.

When the Bears play the Lions on Sunday, the most crucial player isn’t quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, it’s Montgomery. From the time that the Bears were allowed to return to Halas Hall in mid-July, only good things have been said about how much Montgomery has improved this offseason.

The reality for the Bears offense is that they’re heading into another year where the quarterback, Trubisky is the same. However, he still cannot carry the team and takeover games. That’s where Montgomery comes into the equation.

Whether or not Trubisky has really improved compared to last season, the Bears still need a gameplan that’s going to make Montgomery one of the focal points of the offense. By giving him his fair share of carries, Nagy won’t have to rely on Trubisky to make every play. In other words, get back to old school Bears football and rely on your elite defense and running game to carry the load to hide any potential deficiencies that the quarterback may have.

Many seem to forget that the Bears also hired an offensive line coach this offseason in Juan Castillo, who’s made it a point of emphasis to fix the running game. With four of five offensive starters returning, there is a high level of continuity that should allow Montgomery to flourish.

A year ago, the Lions defense allowed 4.1 yards per carry. In both games against Detroit, Montgomery averaged a total of 4.11 yards per carry, proving that he can be an asset against the Lions.

Overall, while the spotlight will be on guys like Robinson and Trubisky, keep an eye on Montgomery as well, who’s ability to be a threat on any play as a receiver and runner as someone who could make or break the Bears chances of winning in week one.