David Montgomery

After a breakthrough 2020 season, Montgomery came roaring out of the gate in 2021 with three touchdowns and two 100-yard rushing performances in the first four weeks. Unfortunately, a sprained knee cost him the next four weeks, and in his absence Khalil Herbert proved nearly as productive as the Bears' lead back. Montgomery regained his lead role upon his return, but not his mojo, as he ran for only four more touchdowns the rest of the way and didn't have another 100-yard rushing game. The knee injury may have played a factor in that downturn, as Montgomery's broken tackle numbers and yards after contact both regressed significantly from the season before, and he doesn't have the kind of elite athleticism that would allow him to be effective at less than 100 percent. Where he does excel is with his vision and patience, which often leaves him at the mercy of a middling Chicago offensive line. With the Matt Nagy era now over, new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is expected to bring a Packers-style scheme to another NFC North squad. That might mean Herbert getting more touches, but the bigger concern is Montgomery's shaky team context after the Bears’ six-win 2021 season was followed by an offseason marked by significant losses (WR Allen Robinson, G James Daniels, DE/OLB Khalil Mack) without comparable veteran replacements. Read Past Outlooks