Chicago Bears: 5 Players who will break out in 2021
By Joseph Herff
Chicago Bears Breakout Candidate: David Montgomery, Running Back
Many think David Montgomery broke out last season. While Montgomery had an outstanding season despite the bad situation around him, I wouldn’t say he broke out. I believe he’s got a lot more in him and he works incredibly hard to be the best running back in the league. I believe he cements himself as a top running back this season.
Montgomery struggled as a rookie due to many things. Yes, the offensive line was horrid, but his vision was poor and he struggled to gain yards after contact like he was so good at in college. Montgomery then dedicated the offseason to becoming faster, smarter, and meaner. That translated as he was elite in yards after contact and still averaged over four yards per carry despite the bad offensive line play.
With improved offensive line play, Montgomery could easily rush for 1,300 yards this season. He ran for just over 1,000 last season in 15 games, but with 17 games now, 1,300 yards is very realistic. Once he got going at the end of last season, he was impossible to stop as he averaged 99.7 yards per game in the final six games. He additionally scored seven of his eight touchdowns down that stretch as well.
Next. Bears may want to extend Roquan Smith sooner than later. dark
He’s been working again this offseason. His work ethic is unquestioned and he will do whatever it takes to be the best he can be. He has the best chance of any player on this list to break out next season.