Chicago Bears: 5 staggering statistics through Week 2
By Ryan Heckman
5. Matt Nagy kept his word regarding the run game
Through two games, the Bears are averaging 142.0 rushing yards per game
We heard it all offseason. The Bears were going to commit to the run. Yet, Ryan Pace didn’t make any huge moves up front to bolster the offensive line, nor did he bring in any running back depth. Still, Matt Nagy continued to preach that this offense would make a concerted effort to run the ball more often.
He was saying all of the right things. After all, last season, Chicago averaged a measly 91.1 yards per game on the ground. It was a pretty pitiful year for the ground game.
The first two games of 2020 have seen a noticeable difference in offensive mentality. Again, with the Bears using much more 12 personnel, it’s going to allow them to run the ball with more success. Having some semblance of a threat at tight end makes that feasible.
David Montgomery is taking full advantage, too, On 29 attempts, he’s averaging a healthy 5.0 yards per carry — way up from his 3.7 yards per carry last season.
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Not to put the spotlight on PFF, but they graded Montgomery as the second-best running back of Week 2. That’s pretty telling of an offensive line that’s improved immensely. The offensive line has been much more physical in both run blocking and pass blocking, but it’s been especially noticeable in the former.