Is David Montgomery Carbon Copy of Matt Forte?
This past Thursday, the Chicago Bears took the field for their first preseason game of 2019. Unfortunately, the Bears were on the losing end of a 23-13 contest against the Carolina Panthers. However, in this defeat, all was not negative.
All eyes were on rookie running back David Montgomery once he set foot on the field. In limited action, the third-round draft pick didn’t disappoint. Montgomery showed exactly why general manager Ryan Pace moved up in the draft to select him 73rd overall. On the evening, the Iowa State product gained 16 rushing yards on three carries, which included an impressive shifty seven-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. In addition, Montgomery caught all three targets thrown his way for 30 yards.
After this performance, former Bears running back Matt Forte expressed his approval regarding Montgomery’s preseason debut.
I really like the vision, balance and elusiveness of young @MontgomerDavid
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) August 9, 2019
Can’t coach vision. You can have all the measurables but it’s more important to set up blocks and create plays at RB ! And that’s what it seems like @MontgomerDavid can do. I like it. #Bears100 #bears #nfl
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) August 9, 2019
As we all know, Forte was one of the greatest running backs to ever don a Bears uniform. Although he finished his career with the New York Jets, Forte left the Windy City as the franchise’s second all-time leading rusher with 8,602 yards. It may be a surprise to some that the two-time Pro Bowler is also second all-time in receptions (487) and ranks seventh all-time in receiving yards (4,116).
It’s one thing for the average Joe to say that Montgomery’s play on the field is impressive. However, if someone of the caliber of Forte has good things to say, then it should definitely carry some relevant weight. Well, I guess we can say “it takes one to know one.”
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With all of this being said, is it fair to say that Montgomery can be the next Matt Forte? Well, just like Forte, Montgomery can run the ball, is shifty, and is a good receiver out of the backfield. And seeing the offense that head coach Matt Nagy has implemented, it may be safe to say that Montgomery can flourish in this system. Furthermore, Forte could have been just as productive in this offense—if not more productive.
After just one small showing in one preseason game, comparing Montgomery to Forte may be jumping the gun just a bit. With fellow running backs Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis sharing the load, it’s uncertain whether or not Montgomery will have inflated stats for the season. However, that one glimpse that was given to Bears fans has many excited for what’s potentially to come in 2019 for the rookie running back.