Chicago Bears: 5 players who could earn NFL honors, awards in 2021
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery could earn the NFL rushing title
Some people may either forget or not realize that David Montgomery ended last year on a tear. Over the final six games of the season, Montgomery rushed for 598 yards — nearly 100 yards per game. Over a 17-game pace, that would be 1,694 yards. Montgomery is, indeed, a top running back in this league.
With the Bears’ offensive line being even better this coming year than it was in 2020, there’s no reason why Montgomery couldn’t pick up where he left off.
Even last season, Montgomery ended the year as the league’s fifth-leading rusher — and the majority of his yardage came in those final six games. Only the league-leading Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook, Jonathan Taylor and Aaron Jones out-rushed Montgomery.
Like a lot of other variables this season, Montgomery’s production can depend heavily on quarterback play. If Fields is given the starting job sooner rather than later, Montgomery instantly takes a step forward. His production will only be amplified by a dynamic, athletic quarterback like Fields.
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This season, if Montgomery continues where he left off and breaks out even further, why not him for the NFL’s leading rusher?