Chicago Bears: Projecting 2021 offensive stats for the running backs

The Chicago Bears offense will hopefully see an injection this season now that Justin Fields is in town. Honestly, even if though I do not have him starting right away, I think his presence will add some inspiration to certain players. How long can Andy Dalton keep Fields off the field — only time will tell. However, I have Dalton starting only four games this year.

Even if Dalton does play the full season, the offensive stats should still see an increase over what the team has seen in the last two years. Dalton is not a great quarterback, but he’s at least been fairly consistent throughout his career. With a threat of an actual passing attack, the Chicago Bears run game should see an uptick as well. Not to mention, the return of Tarik Cohen will add a dynamic missing last season.

When it comes to the 2021 season for the Chicago Bears, there are plenty of questions still unanswered. Not to mention, with the vast uncertainty at so many positions, things could go horribly bad or surprisingly well. The hope is a change at quarterback plus some key additions at left tackle (Teven Jenkins) and wide receiver (Dazz Newsome) can add more firepower to this offense.

Last season, the Chicago Bears ranked 24th in total touchdowns with 40. I have them besting that slightly in 2021 with 48. That would have put them at 14th overall in 2020. In comparison, the team scored only 30 touchdowns in 2019 but came away with 50 in 2018. The up and down in scoring is equivalent to the ups and downs of the Chicago Bears record over the last three years. Imagine that – the ability to score touchdowns equates to success – shocking.

Let’s take a look at how I think the stats shake out for the running back group in 2021 (assuming no major injuries take place).