Thoughts on the Chicago Bears and Ryan Poles from camp to preseason

Thoughts on the Chicago Bears scheme and some of the veterans

The Chicago Bears is Ryan Poles’ team, but he does need to figure out which players he wants to keep from the Ryan Pace era. Justin Fields is a given for now. Wait, hang on. Let’s talk about George Pickens first because I don’t want you all thinking I didn’t know he is talented. That was more or less David Bell. I never thought the Bears should waste a pick on him on Day 2. Pickens has always been talented. It’s the attitude and off-field concerns I have had. Pickens reminds me too much of Martavis Bryant. Okay, moving on again.

Who is staying? Matt Eberflus said he planned to play the starters a fair amount. Some players didn’t play at all, though. I didn’t expect Robert Quinn to play, but where were Angelo Blackson, Mario Edwards, Dane Cruikshank, and Dieter Eiselen? I know some players are resting due to age and injury, but I had expected some playing time from them if possible.

Changing topics, David Montgomery seems to become a player in question regarding the scheme, but Khalil Herbert did not do himself any favors this game. I don’t think he is remotely close to getting cut, but Monty can do some things Herbert can’t.

I believe the stress on the scheme is a bit overblown. The lack of long-end speed Montgomery lacks should not be a concern. He is still explosive with the utilization of his jump cuts and lunges. During a couple of outside-zone runs, I thought Herbert needed to explode more outside or jump inside and gain more yards. Outside zone doesn’t mean that the running back needs 4.3 speed and needs to get to the edge as fast as humanly possible.

The Chicago Bears is still a zone-based action offense. The difference is how it’s blocked up front and what the offense is threatening. Inside-zone, option one is to bang it up the middle of the hole opens or bounce it to the outside for option two. Wide zone, option one is outside run or cutback to the middle of the opposite side of the field.

David Montgomery is getting slept on and could thrive in this offense. I believe we forget that he is a better receiving option than Herbert. I still very much like Herbert. However, this is a passing league. Running backs need to be able to do multiple things. Run with vision with and without the ball, block, and catch the ball. Monty can do all of that.

With Herbert and Ebner on the roster, Monty doesn’t need to become a bell cow running back that will get worn down like Todd Gurly and Ezekiel Elliot. Wear Montgomery down like Matt Forte. About 220 carries a season instead of 250 and get him 50 passing targets a season. Unlike Draft Dr.Phi, I never wanted to see Montgomery get 25 carries a game. That’s way too much. I wanted to see the Chicago Bears run more a game (i.e., Tarik Cohen), and now they can make it happen.