Chicago Bears: 5 players most crucial to Justin Fields’ success

Tarik Cohen will play a meaningful role in Justin Fields’ 2021 season

The Bears missed Tarik Cohen dearly in 2020, whether or not people realize it. Not having that true second back to David Montgomery put a lot of pressure on the second-year back. Although Montgomery came on over the second half of the season, he could have used Cohen to help spell him here and there.

More from Da Windy City

• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
• Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
• The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
• Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
• Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal

The problem with the backs that got work in place of Cohen is simply this: they weren’t any good. So, when Montgomery did come back on the field, usually he had some ground to make up.

Cohen returning is going to add that gadget, speedy element to the offense once again. Now looking at a quarterback like Fields, he hardly used his running backs in the passing game last year. Between Trey Sermon and Master Teague, the two Buckeyes running backs combined for 17 receptions in 2020.

For Fields to have success at the NFL level, he’ll have to learn to depend on his running backs in the passing game at times, and that’s why Cohen is here. Though the Bears signed Damien Williams, Cohen is still their passing downs back. He’s still the best option for those types of situations, and Fields will have to learn to use him. If he does, it opens up the offense a lot and Fields will see more widespread success.