Chicago Bears: Projecting 2021 offensive stats for the running backs

Projecting 2021 stats for Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen

As much as fans don’t want to admit it, the Chicago Bears’ offense missed Tarik Cohen last season. Attempting to substitute Cohen’s abilities by using Cordarrelle Patterson as a gimmick running back is just not the same.

Cohen is not likely to help much as a true running back, but he has the ability to take a few carries while also catching balls out of the backfield (or the slot). Many fans will say that Cohen does not know how to run north and south any longer. Instead, they think all he does is run side-to-side and then out of bounds — that’s a little harsh.

Although Cohen was not as productive in 2019 as he was in 2018, that does not mean he cannot get back to that level. Cohen saw over 100 targets (104) in 2019 and just under 100 targets (91) in 2018. I expect that number to see a big dip in 2021, but I do think he’s more efficient this season than he was in 2019. 2018 is likely an anomaly for Cohen, but he will find the ability to be productive in 2021.

Rushing Attempts: 62
Rushing Yards: 236
Rushing TDs: 1
Yards Per Carry (YPC): 3.8
Targets: 75
Receptions: 57
Receiving Yards: 410
Receiving TDs: 4

As you can see, Cohen is not going to impact the running game this season, but he will find his place in the passing game once again.