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Training Camp Battle: Jeremy Langford vs Ka’Deem Carey vs Benny Cunningham

By Bill Zimmerman

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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In our Training Camp Battles Series we look at running back where Jeremy Langford, Ka’Deem Carey and Benny Cunningham will fight for two spots.

Ryan Pace has spent the last three offseasons completely overhauling the Chicago Bears roster. If a player is still on the roster from the Phil Emery era, they either know they are highly skilled, or incredibly lucky. Because the roster has had such a makeover, the depth on this team has not been good the first two seasons under Pace, however, this season is, without question, the deepest of Pace’s three rosters. That will make for some compelling battles in training camp. As we look at training camp battles over the next month, we start with running back.

Jun 13, 2017; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears Ka’Deem Carey (25) and Jordan Howard (24) during mini camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears Ka’Deem Carey (25) and Jordan Howard (24) during mini camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Jordan Howard is the starting running back on this roster and everyone should expect him to be the workhorse, but it’s what is behind him that is interesting. Rookie Tarik Cohen will be Howard’s change-of-pace back. The Bears expect Cohen to be an explosive part of the offense. Ideally, Cohen will spell Howard, and when Cohen gets his opportunities, big things will happen.

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Keep in mind, Cohen can’t be a true RB2 because of his size. Only 5’6 and 170 lbs, Cohen has no ability to be Howard’s true backup. He will only be used as a role player. He may be an incredible one, but if Howard ever needs extended rest or misses time due to injury, the Bears are still going to need a true RB2.

The Bears will most likely keep four running backs on the roster which means after Howard and Cohen, two spots remain. Jeremy Langford, Ka’Deem Carey and Benny Cunningham will battle it out for the final two spots.

Carey has the most work cut out for him of the group. He was originally brought in from the previous regime and hasn’t shown enough on offense to be truly considered for that RB2 role. That means Carey will be looking to grab the RB4 spot and he hopes to do that with his special teams ability. Carey is a better special teams player than Langford and that might be the difference for him.

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) catches a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of Langford, my how his outlook with this team has changed. Langford flashed some big play ability his rookie season subbing for Matt Forte and was the team’s starting running back at the beginning of the season. But Langford struggled and within a few weeks, Howard was clearly the team’s feature back. Langford had some limited opportunities the rest of the season but never really looked like the explosive player from 2015 and is now in danger of losing his roster spot completely.

That leaves the fresh face of the group, Cunningham. Cunningham comes over from the LA Rams where he handled the RB2 duties behind Todd Gurley. Cunningham isn’t flashy, but he’s a reliable back that can certainly find his role in an offense both on the ground and through the air. Cunningham can also help in the return game. The Bears are hopeful that Cohen can become a special kick returner, but Cunningham was a reliable one for LA and could do the role competently, although rather unspectacular.

How will it shake out? That’s what training camp and preseason games are for. The smart money should be on Cunningham earning the RB2 job and the secondary kickoff returner leaving Langford and Carey fighting for the RB4.

If the Bears are convinced they need Carey on special teams, he should earn the final spot, but the Bears have brought in several players that they see as special teams contributors and if they feel they have a capable unit, odds are Langford will get another year on the roster.

Related Story: Chicago Bears Minicamp Wrap Up- What You Need to Know

Langford is one of Pace’s guys from his first ever draft class and the Bears will hope he can earn the final running back roster spot and put himself in a position to contribute to this team. Langford needs to put his sophomore slump behind him and work on improving from a solid rookie campaign, rather than continue his regression. If Langford continues to go backward in July and August, the Bears would be foolish to keep him on the roster.

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