Bill Lazor can increase David Montgomery passing usage

The Chicago Bears have been looking to get David Montgomery more involved in the passing game. Bill Lazor being hired may help with that

One of the biggest questions from this offseason was why David Montgomery was not used in the passing game more. Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace were adamant that his passing game value was a huge upgrade over Jordan Howard, but it hardly showed in year one.

For as much as the Mark Helfrich firing was chalked up to lack of running game, the lack of creativity for Montgomery in the passing game could have been equally as questionable.

While the hiring of Bill Lazor could come with a backfield by committee, it also could come with more passes to their running backs.

When Lazor took over as a play-caller for the first time at Virginia, his running back’s passing usage saw a slight tick up.

However, in his second year as offensive coordinator his running back hauled in 48 passes for 506 yards, which was second on the team in receiving. His last year at Virginia saw his running back lead the team in receiving.

In his stint in Miami Lamar Miller was targeted 52 and 58 times. Then, with the Bengals, Joe Mixon only was targeted 34 times, but Gio Bernard was targeted 60 times. The duo combined for 72 receptions 512 yards.

The following year Bernard missed four games but was targeted 48 times. However, Mixon was targeted 55 times. They combined for 88 receptions for 514 yards.

We know that Tarik Cohen can be used as a pseudo-receiver. However, it is comforting to see that lead backs were able to get involved in the passing game under Lazor. The Bears have been looking to get both backs on the field and have them be weapons in the passing game. This is something that Lazor has worked on in other situations and should be able to give first-hand help on.

Look for Montgomery to see a decline in carries but an uptick in targets next year.