When the Chicago Bears put David Montgomery on, the IR fans were not sure what to expect. On the one hand, we had been taught that running production can be replicated in recent years, and the difference between excellent and backup levels is minimal. On the other, Montgomery was performing like one of the top backs in the NFL. Can he be that easily replaced?
The Bears went with a mix of Damien Williams and Khalil Herbert in the first game, but the last two have been the Herbert show. Herbert has done a fantastic job and has all but proved that if you have the proper backup running back, then your starter is not all that valuable.
Below you can see how Herbert and Montgomery compare against each other this season.
| Rushing | Receiving | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rk | Player | From | To | AV | G | Att | Yds | TD | Y/A | Lng | Rec | Yds | TD | Y/R | Lng |
| 1 | Khalil Herbert | 2021 | 2021 | 7 | 58 | 279 | 1 | 4.8 | 29 | 7 | 48 | 0 | 6.9 | 20 | |
| 2 | David Montgomery | 2021 | 2021 | 4 | 69 | 309 | 3 | 4.5 | 41 | 6 | 49 | 0 | 8.2 | 11 |
So, Herbert has 11 fewer carries but only 30 fewer yards. Considering he is averaging 4.8 yards per attempt, Herbert would be outperforming Montgomery on the same number of touches. Beyond that, the difference between Monty in the first four weeks and Herbert in the next three is minimal.
Even in the passing game, where Herbert has no experience, he found a way to match Montgomery, albeit on worse yards per reception. Still, he is more involved in the passing game overall.
This is a harsh reality for David Montgomery, who will be due a contract extension at the end of this year. Before the injury, it was a no-brainer that Montgomery would be extended.
Now, the Bears have to wonder if letting him enter his last year on contract without a new deal may be the wise decision. Herbert is younger, cheaper, and signed longer. Why pay Montgomery a massive extension when they have similar production in Herbert? Beyond that, will Montgomery hold up after this injury and into next year?
All of a sudden, it seems clear that Montgomery will not be getting any extension offers this offseason.