Detroit Lions, NFC North positional previews: Running Backs
Chicago Bears
Key returning players: Tarik Cohen
New additions: Mike Davis, David Montgomery (R), Kerrith Whyte Jr. (R)
Key losses: Jordan Howard
So much went right for the Chicago Bears in 2018 en route to a division title, particularly on defense, that it’s easy to forget what a solid running game they fielded. That didn’t mean that significant changes weren’t in order, and the Bears’ backfield will have a much different look when training camp rolls around.
Jordan Howard, who averaged over 1,100 yards on the ground in three seasons for Chicago, was deemed an odd scheme fit for head coach Matt Nagy’s offense, and was shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles in March. In his place, the Bears signed Mike Davis, previously of the Seattle Seahawks.
Davis is an excellent short yardage back, averaging a stout 4.6 yards per carry with 1-3 yards to go, according to our friends at Pro Football Reference. Considering the imposing defensive fronts that populate the NFC North, that skill could be critical for the Bears in 2019.
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Satellite back Tarik Cohen remains one of the most unique offensive talents in the entire division, and he figures to play a big role for Chicago again this season. At just 5-6 and 181 pounds, Cohen simply isn’t built to carry the load as a traditional number one running back; he has yet to eclipse 100 carries or average more than 30 yards on the ground per game in a season.
Cohen is a dangerous, sure-handed receiver however, as he racked up 725 yards and five scores through the air last year. He stops on a dime and is incredibly slippery in the open field. He is also a premier punt returner, leading the NFL in that category with 411 total yards in 2018. His nickname of “the Human Joystick” is certainly warranted.
A pair of rookies will be looking to contribute as well, as the Bears spent two of their five draft picks in April on running backs. Iowa State’s David Montgomery is a solid, versatile runner, who rushed for 2,362 yards in his last two seasons for the Cyclones. Kerrith Whyte Jr. is a legitimate burner, whose speed could land him a special teams role in year one.
The Bears’ offense is still developing under Nagy’s vision and third-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s progression. This diverse group of running backs will certainly be an important part of that growth this season, as the Bears set their sights on Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in February.
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Which NFC North team do you think has the best group of running backs? Let us know in the comments section below.