Mike Clay of ESPN did his full-season projections for 2022. Most may complain, but he historically is one of the best at full-season projections. So, when looking at expectations for the 2022 Chicago Bears, we can look at his statistical projections.
This gives us five over/under that we can look at for David Montgomery. Will Montgomery over or underperform his expectations?
5. Over/Under 246 carries for David Montgomery
ESPN has Montgomery with one below his career-high in rushing attempts. In 2020, he had 247 attempts, but the other two seasons were below this projection. Over his three NFL seasons, Montgomery has 238 rushes per season, so 246 is fair and leans toward him being more active.
On one hand, it could just be projecting health. On a per-game average, David Montgomery is on pace for 275 carries per season, but he has missed six games due to injury and did not start the first few games as a rookie.
If you expect a fully healthy Montgomery you could see him easily getting over 246 carries, Still, the life of a running back means getting banged up, and last season was the most injured we saw him. Beyond that, last season was our glimpse at Khalil Herbert.
If Herbert cuts into Montgomery at all, it could end up seeing him being lower than this. The Bears have said the right things about Montgomery this offseason, but he is a free agent after this year. Jordan Howard had 1,110 yards on a bad Bears team, then saw his carries drop by 26 due to a. new regime, There are enough questions around his workload that the safer bet is under 246 carries.