One defining storyline for the Chicago Bears throughout training camp has been the state of the offensive line. An overhauled unit, the Bears projected starting five has yet to practice together, with tackles Germain Ifedi and Teven Jenkins being held out of practice due to injuries. With Chicago featuring a new offensive line combination nearly everyday in practice, many wonder if this constant reshuffling will impact how the Bears offense performs in the regular season.
One aspect of the Bears offense that many felt underperformed due to a bad offensive line last season was the Bears running game. Heading into 2021, running back has been labeled by many as being the best positional group on the roster. Workhorse running back David Montgomery is complemented by pieces such as Damien Williams, Khalil Herbert, and Ryan Nall, giving Chicago versatility.
“You never want anybody to be out there hurt but as far as with me, I just go out there, whatever opportunity to do whatever I can, when I get the opportunity to,” said Montgomery via the Bears official YouTube Channel. “So I’m just hoping that the guys that are battling injuries, they can get back on top of it so they can get back to themselves.”
Montgomery has established that he’s a never-say-die attitude running back who will continue to fight for every yard, despite how the offensive line in front of him is performing.
“Whatever’s in front of me, we’re going to rock out with,” said Montgomery regarding his mentality about the Bears’ offensive line.
Entering year three, a way to increase production for Montgomery will simply include making the former Iowa State standout a major part of the offense. That means being able to use his dual-threat skillset as both a running back and a receiver in order to allow for the Bears to take another step forward on offense.
The Bears’ first test with the offensive line will come on Saturday at home against the Miami Dolphins where we’ll have an opportunity to see both starters and backups in an actual NFL game, providing an opportunity to evaluate where the entire unit is really at.