This Chicago Bears player emerges as RB2 despite loss
The Chicago Bears’ loss to the New York Jets was tough, and there are not many big positives to take away from the game. However, one small note is that the team may have something with running back Darrynton Evans.
After losing Khalil Herbert, who is on IR, the Chicago Bears went to their rookie Trestan Ebner to get a shot behind David Montgomery. Ebner was a huge disappointment. He ran into blockers, and could not set up screens, and by the end of the game, the team had to go back to relying on Montgomery as a workhorse, rather than splitting the work.
Chicago Bears turn to Darrynton Evans as RB2
After one week, the team had seen enough. They called up Darrynton Evans and gave him the nod as the RB2 over Ebner. The decision was an obvious success. Evans ran the ball nine times for 34 yards and added 33 yards via a screen.
Ebner had six rushes for eight yards against a worse rushing offense, and could not even get involved in the passing game.
Still, this is less about Ebner and more about Evans. Evans was a third-round pick who got cut from Tennessee because he could not stay healthy. The talent has always been there. It makes sense that the team would give their rookie draft pick the first shot over Evans, but now that Evans got his shot, it is clear who is better.
If Evans can stay involved like this, it would add a huge dimension to the team. Herbert brings the speed that Evans has, but Evans is much better in the passing game. Montgomery is fine in the passing game, but having a speed threat as a receiving back is a different dimension. If they can get that from Evans, it could be far more impactful than some fans realize.
This is a bit optimistic for a third-year player getting some of his first work in the NFL. Still, he is just 24, injuries have been the real issue, and now that he is getting the chance, we see why so many scouts liked him at Appalachian State.
Next. 4 major injuries from Jets game. dark
Herbert will miss two more games, so Evans will at least get two more big-time auditions to prove himself. If the team can see enough, they should feel great about their running back depth heading into the offseason.